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Are staples bad for compost? I've had some teabags that used staples, they worked fine for the purpose
by NietTim 7y ago
Are staples bad for compost? I've had some teabags that used staples, they worked fine for the purpose
- srbby 7y agoStaples can't be microwaved. Yes I know, you can microwave the cup and then put the bags in, but some people make that mistake and (rightly) freak out when they see the fireworks.
- windsurfer 7y agoWould there not only be a buzzing sound and lots of bubbles? I doubt there would be any sparks if the metal is submerged in water.
- okcando 7y agoSurprisingly, you can microwave a stapled tea bag that's submerged in water. You can also get away with microwaving metal spoons but _not forks_.
- markrages 7y agoStaples microwave OK. A microwave's wavelength is about 12 cm. A staple is a small fraction of that and won't couple much energy.
- vonmoltke 7y agoNot to mention the water it is submerged in absorbs the actual radiation, so it generally doesn't even make it to the staple to begin with (at least, if you push the bad down to flood it before heating).
- vzidex 7y agoAnecdotally, the "Waste Wizard" app in Toronto specifies that normal tea bags should be composted, nylon and silk tea bags go in the garbage. I've always assumed they know what they're talking about, so I expect the recycling/compost system here can handle the staples.