Is there a way to speed up the decomposition of paper plates?

Hi, mimi42117!

I would think that if they were buried in soil and exposed to moiture, that the decomposition of them would be accelerated.

Is that the kind of answer for which you were looking, or were you looking for a different kind of answer, please?

Thanks!

Moisture plus injection of bacteria that feed on the paper plates.

Hi, Perito!

So, what type or types of bacteria would feed on the paper plates, please?

Thanks!

Good question. Unfortunately, it's a tough answer. Wastewater treatment plants grow bacteria specifically to handle the material in their loads. I'd talk with an engineer in one of those plants about how to get the bacteria started.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Clough

Hi, mimi42117!

I would think that if they were buried in soil and exposed to moiture, that the decomposition of them would be accelerated.

Is that the kind of answer for which you were looking, or were you looking for a different kind of answer, please?

Thanks!

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As far as I understand it, this is only due to increase in contact with micro-organisms. They are the primary decomposing agents. Soil and water alone won't do much to the plate.

Decomposition is a biological activity.

Thank you, Capuchin for further elaboration on what might happen with the conditions that I put forth. I'm no science person, but you did fill in the gaps!

Thanks!