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Paper backing from vinyl..is it biodegradable?

custom sign center

custom sign center

New Member
I was wondering if anyone knew if the paper backing from vinyl and digital media is biodegradable? I ask because I usually shred all mine and I wanted to put it in my garden compost pile but I wasn't sure if the "waxy" coating on the paper would hurt anything.
I recycle it and use it for packing sometimes but if I could get more use out of it, that would be great. I have a large back yard that I'm turning into a "mini farm" so it would be cool to use it to help make the garden grow.
Thanks
 
coyote

coyote

New Member
Old Paint is right. Shredding and using as package padding is a great reuse idea. better than those damned peanuts. I hate those things.
C
 
B

Bill Modzel

New Member
I dump all those peanuts in a clean garbage bag. Your local UPS store will happily take them off you hand and re-use or resell them.
 
animenick65

animenick65

New Member
This is a good question. When I sit down and realize how much backing paper we throw out, its sickening. I guess reusing some of it like others have said is better than nothing though.
 
Pat Whatley

Pat Whatley

New Member
animenick65 said:
When I sit down and realize how much backing paper we throw out, its sickening.
Click to expand...

We got too busy to take out the garbage last week, it was just one giant pile taking up one wall of the shop. Ended up packing 4 refrigerator boxes with the backing paper, weeded vinyl, and coro scraps. Four giant boxes in one week.

I was thinking the same thing. I'd really love to be able to recycle the stuff before the government steps in a starts charging for it's disposal.
 
TheSnowman

TheSnowman

New Member
If they start charging for it's disposal, I'll burn it. However, if they charge you when you buy it, I guess not a lot you can do about it.
 
Graphics2u

Graphics2u

New Member
custom sign center said:
I was wondering if anyone knew if the paper backing from vinyl and digital media is biodegradable? I ask because I usually shred all mine and I wanted to put it in my garden compost pile but I wasn't sure if the "waxy" coating on the paper would hurt anything.
I recycle it and use it for packing sometimes but if I could get more use out of it, that would be great. I have a large back yard that I'm turning into a "mini farm" so it would be cool to use it to help make the garden grow.
Thanks
Click to expand...
What kind of a shredder do use? Must be huge!
 
animenick65

animenick65

New Member
bob said:
Everything is 'biodegradable' [whatever that might mean], some things merely take longer than others.
Click to expand...

This is true. Looking at quite some time for backing paper.

They are now making some soy plastics that biodegrade after a couple of years. I'm using some trash bags like that right now. I'm sure the various vinyl film companies could produce the rolls on a soy based backing paper, but you wouldn't like the end cost.....
 
Checkers

Checkers

New Member
I shred what I can and put it in the compost pile that I use for ornamental plants.
I would be a little concerned about using it in the vegetable garden though. I believe it's coated with silicone and I would be a little concerned about the potential health effects.

Checkers
 
Border

Border

New Member
bob said:
Everything is 'biodegradable' [whatever that might mean], some things merely take longer than others.
Click to expand...

Case in point:
Here's a biodegradable chevy (I think?) van I saw down in Belize on a dive trip.
Couple more years and this baby will be GONE!
 

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Jeff South Florida

New Member
Recyclable liner

For what it is worth. I have a print vinyl from Hexis that has a recyclable liner. It is a kraft paper. It does have a little issue with wrinkling but it is not that bad. I am in South Florida and humidity is a killer. Not all of there vinyls have this liner. I am not soliciting orders, just informing everyone what is out there.
 
custom sign center

custom sign center

New Member
Graphics2u said:
What kind of a shredder do use? Must be huge!
Click to expand...
Actually it's not that big. I bought it a Costco. It stands about 20" tall and holds about 5 gallons of shredded paper. It's pretty ammazing how it munches the stuff right up. It takes a little bit more time to put it through the shredder but it really bugs me to wad it up and put it in the garbage.
I can't imagine how big of a paper mountain we (sign makers) must create in just one week nationwide!
Since I started shredding it about 2 years ago I went from having to empty my garbage 2-3 times a day to 1-2 times a week! I guess I'm a bit anal about it, I dont throw any thing in the garbage larger than 1sqft.
I either give it to the schools and church organizations for kids projects or I cut it all down before I throw it away.
I wonder if any of the liner manufactures have entertained using a plant based "wax" liner.
It's cool to hear how other re-use. I have a friend that makes tote bags out of recycled burlap bags from her coffee roasting company. She uses the coroplast and other waterproof, rigid materials in the bottom of the bags to keep the bottom stiff and sturdier.
Thanks for all your imput!
 
D

darkdan

New Member
My recycling place denied it and premask. I sent them samples and they said no. =(

Yes, someday it will break down. The paper, shortly, the rest of it, I'm sure a few thousand years.
 
S

SqueeGee

New Member
I'm interested in recycling backing paper also and did some googling. Here are some links to the info that I found. I'm going to call Harmony Recycling tomorrow to get some information since they are only about 4 hours away from me. I'd love to hear if anyone else has found a way to get their backing paper recycled.

http://www.australiasigns.com.au/recycling_system.html

http://www.australiasigns.com.au/ideas/7_38_0.html

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q...&gl=us&sig=AHIEtbQaahhcaJ3Gvh6Xh61O4R0EiQHFcQ

http://www.harmonyrecycling.com/silicone rubber/silicone.htm
 
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