It won't benefit the compost in any way and could be detrimental to the pH so for that reason I wouldn't. But it is your compost so as long as it doesn't overwhelm the compost (small pile vs. wheelbarrow full of ash) I suppose you could. Your choice. ;)

Some are concerned about the inks used but my research shows that most used now are soy based so I would have had a tearing up party and added the magazines rather than the ash - would have been of more benefit to the compost pile.

JMO

Dave

For my 2 cents - I would ask about the lumber: painted? (latex? oil-based?) preserved? pressure treated? was it 'real' wood or chipboard/particle board? I found out that burning doesn't always get rid of chemicals and glue...
Kris

As a general rule ash of any kind is not a good addition to either compost or soil, although in small amounts it can be added to soil sparingly.