I've been adding shredded newspaper to my compost pile while recycling the remaining paper I get through a community service project where I teach. Unfortunately our new administrator is not as commited to the project as the previous one. I would like to know what other papers I can safely add to my compost pile. Do the inks pose a problem or the chemicals used to bleach paper white?

Any kind of paper or cardboard products will compost eventually, but the white paper products are definitely the best and safest. Almost all inks used today are biodegradable, many are soy based inks like in newspapers. Even the waxy papers are a biodegradable petro-wax (high carbon material), or clay based ink and paper product. This is still sustainably-friendly.

Since all paper browns are "browns" or carbon sources, make sure to add plenty of extra nitrogen and moisture to the compost pile, in order to speed up decomposition of the paper. Any old non-aerated animal manure or compost teas are perfect because they add extra nitrogen, water, and microbes to the pile for better microbial growth and faster decomposition.

I shred all my junk mail that is not glossy. The glossy gets thrown in the trash. Each time I turn the compost pile. I add two handfulls to each layer along with dried molasses. I also water each layer. After about 2 - 3 weeks, when I turn it again, the paper has completely decomposed. It beats adding it to the landfills and it makes a good ingredient in the compost fertilizer. I currently have a 50 gallon plastic barrel full waiting to be added the next time the compost gets turned. I add approx half of it with each turning.