Expert: Greg - 12/31/2007

Question
Are shredded sales receipts, ie. from a grocery store in the USA, safe to use for composting if the end product is intended for growing food plants?

Answer
Hello Kurt

I always throw a Caution Flag out when Generalizing on these things.

If you are talking about the Receipts that tick out from the Register, then Yes they are fine. When Composting these, make sure you Shred them up as small as possible. This will Speed decomposition, and prevent Clumping and Air not getting into a Pile. If you have access to a Cross Cut Type Shredder, this works Ideal. Small amounts worked into the pile works well, along with Green Matter such as Grass Clippings. A hand written receipt, may contain some trace toxins, especially if it was written in Pencil. Avoid this.

Remember SMALL amounts mixed into the pile, not all at once, and you are good to go.

The Best of Luck
   Greg