Plan paper recycling for mulch, compost, and bedding. Estimate weights fast using simple field inputs. Turn waste paper into cleaner, lighter garden resources daily.
Choose an input method, then refine with moisture, contamination, and recovery settings for realistic garden planning.
Sample inputs and outputs for quick validation.
| Scenario | Inputs | Usable dry weight |
|---|---|---|
| Office sheets | 500 sheets, A4, 80 gsm, 5% moisture, 2% contamination | ~3.54 kg |
| Shredded bin | 35 L, 90 kg/m³, 0% moisture, 3% contamination | ~2.90 kg |
| Measured bundle | Scale 4.0 kg wet, 10% moisture, 1% contamination | ~3.35 kg |
Paper behaves like a carbon source in compost, a bedding material in worm bins, and a temporary mulch. Weight matters because most garden recipes are mixed by mass, not by “how full the bin looks”. The calculator converts common measurements into a comparable dry weight, so you can plan consistent batches. Dry paper is carbon rich, so pairing it with wet greens by weight helps compost stay active.
Sheet counting works well for office paper and newspaper sections, especially when gsm is known. Volume estimates suit shredded paper, where a 35 L container can vary widely with packing. Scale input is best when you already have a bundle, but moisture still needs adjustment for accuracy.
Wet paper can be 5–20% heavier than dry paper after rain or storage in humid sheds. The moisture setting converts measured weight into a dry baseline. Contamination removes non‑paper mass such as tape, glossy coatings, food residue, and soil. Recovery models realistic losses during sorting, shredding, and handling. A common starting mix is about 2 parts fresh greens to 1 part dry paper by weight, then adjust by temperature.
Mulch planning is volume and depth based. The tool converts usable dry kilograms into cubic meters using your selected mulch density, then estimates coverage area at your chosen depth. For seedlings, thinner layers reduce crusting; for pathways, deeper layers extend service life.
Store paper dry to avoid clumping and mold. Shred for faster compost breakdown and more predictable density. Balance paper with nitrogen‑rich inputs like grass clippings or kitchen scraps to keep compost active. Lightly soak shredded paper before mulching to reduce wind loss outdoors quickly. Avoid heavily inked, waxed, or plastic‑laminated paper in edible beds. Recheck results when paper type changes, because density and gsm can shift significantly.
Dry weight removes moisture variability, so planning stays consistent across seasons and storage conditions. Compost and mulch performance depends on fiber mass, not temporary water content.
Start with 10% for shaded storage and 15–20% after rain exposure. If the paper feels cool, limp, or clumps when squeezed, increase the moisture setting.
Use 1–3% for clean office paper. Use 5–10% for mixed household paper with tape, staples, labels, or food contact. Removing contaminants before shredding improves usable totals and compost quality.
Lightly fluffed shredding often falls near 60–90 kg/m³. Tightly packed bins can exceed 120 kg/m³. If volume results seem off, adjust density until one measured sample matches.
Use thin layers and keep mulch slightly away from stems to reduce rot risk. Avoid glossy, laminated, or heavily coated paper. If unsure, compost first and apply finished compost instead.
Emissions factors vary by region, collection method, and recycling facility. This field is useful for internal planning comparisons, not for formal reporting. Change the factor to match your preferred reference value.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.