Break it Down
Tea bags are made up of various parts. You can compost the paper if it is 100% fiber, as well as the string used in standard tea bags. Remove the staple that secures the paper tag to the string and cut off the adhesive used to heat-seal the edge of the paper tea bag and place both in garbage.
Plastic Tea Bags and/or Packaging Are Garbage
Some tea bags are made of plastic or are individually wrapped in plastic sleeves to preserve the flavor and potency of the tea leaves. After cutting open the tea bag and emptying the tea leaves into the compost, place the plastic tea bags and sleeves in the garbage.
Opt for Unbleached Paper
If buying tea bags, choose varieties that come in unbleached paper bags instead of bleached paper bags or plastic bags.
Do Not Compost Pyramid Tea Bags
Pyramid tea bags are made from plastic and aren’t compostable.
Ways to Reduce
Switch to Bulk Tea
Instead of buying tea in disposable bags, opt for loose leaf tea in bulk that you can steep with a reusable infuser or strainer.
