Can You Compost Dryer Lint?

jennymisek · Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:41 pm

Short and simple, that is the question!

Thanks, Jenny

The Helpful Gardener · Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:09 am

If you wear all linen, cotton and the like, it will all break down...

I guess a little nylon and polyester fiber in the garden isn't a huge deal, but it's not exactly organic...

SO...

Your call...

HG

opabinia51 · Wed Jul 27, 2005 2:10 pm

Yes, you can. Polyester is just a chain of Carbon-Oxygen monomers. The Fungi and bacteria will break them down and add the C-O compounds to the soil.

Grey · Wed Jul 27, 2005 3:26 pm

What about the dyes tho? Would you have any concerns about those composting in the soil? I know it's a small amount but, maybe just compost the "lights" rather than the "darks." lol.

The Helpful Gardener · Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:02 pm

Yeah, dyes can be pretty toxic (at least they used to be). But my lint is grey, mostly, and there wouldn't be much really...

I dunno...I'm torn...

HG

opabinia51 · Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:05 pm

Coloured (Canadian spelling

) ink contain dioxins. Not sure if the same goes for dyes or not. I'll take
Scott's word for it. Though, from what I have read; lint is safe to compost.