I use all food boxes. The only real warning is to watch out for boxes that have metal colors on them such as gold, silver, chrome, brass, etc. Alot of times these inks have heavy metals in them. In a closed environment the metals build up and could become harmful.

However, if the food comes in a box it should be safe enough to use as the cardboard could leach this stuff into your food.

Bryan

Thank you Bryan! I thought I had read that they could be used, but wanted to make sure. Couldn't find it in a search. Thanks again!

I use all my boxes in the garden because we have to haul our own. You get creative when you have to. I use them around plants as mulch (cover them with straw or grass clippings). Also use them as walkways in the garden. They last a season. Worms LOVE them!!

mid tu mama: Thanks for the answer. I had never thought of using them around my plants!! Will start that this season. Have trash pick up, but anything I can keep from going to a dump will make me feel good knowing I'm saving just an inch of space.
Thanks again!

I like this idea. I presume that the boxes are shredded before using them as mulch, etc. How are you folks shredding them?

For me the shredding depends on the thickness of the cardboard. Cardboard like cereal boxes is shredded in a cheap 6 page shredder (I prefer ones that are used outside to be longer and thicker than a crosscut shredder.) For thicker corrugated cardboard i use a cross cut shredder designed to shred credit cards and cds. I also try to use only the corrugated in my inside bins. Probably more of a personal preference.

Bryan

Hmm, interesting. I just posted a question about using cereal boxes in the worm bin in another thread. Ignore that question, cause it is anwered here. Now, which would be better for moisture retention around plants? Shredding the boxes and arranging it around the plants and then covering with a thin layer of regular mulch or arranging the flattened boxes out around the plant and covering with mulch? - Robin in Charlotte

IMO flattened boxes will be more of a weed preventitive. Shredded has more surface area and would be able to retain the moisture better. If the choice is there corrugated will hold moisture better than cereal box cardboard. Also the shredded will break down faster adding to your OM content sooner.

Bryan

I am using a chipper shredder to shred my boxes, its working very well for me.

I was also going to say use them as weed shields. I used to use newspaper but the cardboard is easier and last longer for me.

I use cardboard unshredded at the beginning of spring along with what ever newspaper I have. I lay the newspaper down then cardboard on top. I always wet the cardboard..speeds up the break down process. Then I add a 2-4 in layer of mulch...shredded bark..on top of the cardboard. Weeds keep out,retains moisture,worms love it. Lasts all year.

Mary