Can I compost hand warmer packs?

19 years ago

I used some instant hand warmer packs recently and I wondered if the used packs can be composted.

The literature claims non-toxic, environmentally friendly, etc. and the ingredients are listed as on the package as:

iron

water

cellulose

vermiculite

activated carbon

salt

The cover seems to be some sort of a fabric, not a plastic although it may be coated. I was thinking of cutting the packages open and sprinkling the contents in the compost pile. I'd cut the cover in small pieces.

What do you think?

Thanks,

Claire

Grabber Warmers

Featured Answer

claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
Original Author

19 years ago

I called Grabber Warmer and spoke to someone in Customer Service. She didn't think the cover/liner was compostable, but said the contents aren't toxic.

I asked about ripping the pack open and dumping the contents in the compost pile. The only problem she had with that was that the charcoal makes a real mess. We agreed that ripping it open should only be done outside and not in the kitchen.

The message basically was that nothing concerning the pack is toxic, but the cover (I should have asked, but didn't, what the material was) probably wouldn't break down.

I'll probably try it anyway. I only have 6 used ones to dispose of so the effect on the pile should be minimal. Now if they made really big ones, maybe I could finally get a warm compost pile....

Claire

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Comments (7)

mommyandme
19 years ago
I have fibromyalgia & frequently use Thermacare Heat Wraps http://www.thermacare.com/about.jsp on my neck & back & have wondered the same thing. Are those iron tablets of any use to our soil ?
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
Original Author
19 years ago
I checked the Thermacare FAQ's and found the following:

"Question
Is ThermaCare compostable?

Answer
No, ThermaCare isnÂt compostable and should be disposed of in your regular trash"

Another section said it should be kept away from children and animals. Didn't say why though, so it might be just legalese.

Claire
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claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
Original Author
19 years ago
The Grabber Warmer website has a phone number - I may try calling them tomorrow.

Claire
Linda Yee
6 years ago
Thank you for caring about the planet and for sharing this information
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA thanked Linda Yee
harebelle
6 years ago
I’ve been cutting them open and throwing the contents on sheet compost and onto the lawn for 20 years. The amount of salt seems low enough to not harm the plants. The plastic in the sleeves is photodegradable if you’re willing to pin them onto a flat area to catch the sun for a while. It can take up to a year to photodegrade the sleeves.
Beverly Norville
5 years ago
Thanks..l will use these little paks to fill in the flower