According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2018, about 14.7% of textile waste in the United States was recycled, totaling 2.5 million tons, according to the EPA. However, over 11 million tons, nearly 8% of all waste sent to landfills that year, comprised textile waste.

This tells us that there is a lot of textile waste, but what if there was something you could do with all that waste?

I’m a gardener who enjoys finding ways to reduce waste and make soil better. I’ve been composting for years and always search for new things to add to my compost pile.

I wondered just like you if I could compost the lint that accumulates in my dryer after every load of laundry.

This blog post will tell you if you can compost dryer lint and describe the composting process.

Can Dryer Lint be Composted?

Yes, you can compost dryer lint, but only if it is made of natural fibers, such as cotton or wool.

Dryer lint is good for your compost. It adds carbon and fiber, balancing nitrogen-rich stuff and giving compost structure.

However, don’t compost synthetic fiber lint like polyester or nylon; it won’t break down and might release harmful chemicals into the soil.

Recommended: Can corn cobs be composted?

Is Dryer Lint Biodegradable?

Yes, dryer lint can be biodegradable. However, the key to this lies in the source of the lint itself. If something comes from things like cotton and wool clothes, it can break down naturally.

This happens because organic stuff has a built-in ability to break down.

When lint from fabrics like cotton and wool is collected, it keeps the natural ability of its original materials to break down.

This quality is why it fits well in composting.

Learn more: Are bones compostable?

How To Use Compost Dryer Lint In Compost Pile

For you to compost dryer lint, you need to gather handfuls from your lint trap, fill a container, sprinkle over the compost pile, moisten, and mix.

Below are detailed explanations of each step:

Step 1: Collect the Lint

After completing a laundry cycle, take a moment to collect the lint from your dryer’s lint trap.

This fluffy material, consisting of fibers from your clothes, is a valuable addition to your compost bin.

It’s a good idea to ensure that the lint is completely dry before moving on to the next step. Damp lint could create a clump in your compost pile and hinder decomposition.

Step 2: Store in a Dry Container

Find a jar or container to store the collected lint. Over time, as you continue with your laundry, the lint will keep accumulating.

The beauty of composting dryer lint is its long shelf life, so you don’t need to rush to compost it immediately.

The lint won’t spoil if stored properly for weeks or even months.

Step 3: Fill the Jar and Dump in Compost

As your storage container fills up, it’s time to transfer the lint to your compost bin. When the jar is full, empty its contents into your compost pile.

Remember, composting works best when there’s a balance between “brown” and “green” materials. Due to its carbon-rich nature, dryer lint falls into the category of “brown” materials.

This means it gives the carbon part that goes well with nitrogen-rich “green” stuff, such as kitchen scraps.

Speaking of kitchen scraps, we have articles that talk about composting cheese and cooked vegetables.

Step 4: Mix and Monitor

After adding the lint to your compost bin, gently mix it to ensure proper aeration and distribution.

This encourages the activity of microorganisms, which break down the organic matter.

During composting, check moisture and turn the pile sometimes for better breakdown.

Step 5: Use the Compost

Over time, your compost pile turns into nutrient-rich soil. This soil can make your garden beds better or feed your potted plants.

The decomposed lint adds to this fertile soil. It helps your plants grow well, so you don’t need artificial fertilizers.

Read more: Why do compost piles get warmer?

FAQs

Is dryer lint good for the garden?

Dryer lint is useful for your garden. It works as mulch, helping plants keep water and stay warm in the cold.

You can use it for indoor and outdoor plants. Over time, the lint breaks down and makes the soil better.

Is dryer lint green or brown compost?

Lint from the dryer is considered a “brown” compost material because it’s rich in carbon. It adds carbon to compost, balancing it with “green” materials such as kitchen scraps.

Conclusion

Composting dryer lint has some benefits for your garden and the environment. It can help you improve your soil quality and reduce your waste.