A gardening expert has shared important advice when it comes to the use of used tea bags in compost. Simon Akeroyd, who regularly shares his horticultural tips on TikTok, told his followers it’s always a good idea to put compostable waste to good use outdoors. « If you’re like me and drink lots of tea, it’s a good idea to save the tea bags, » he began in a video.
However, Simon went on to stress that’s important to not add them directly to your compost heap. He elaborated: « The material that most tea bags are made of does not decompose and they contain micro-plastics. »
Instead, the expert suggests breaking open the tea bag and allowing the tea leaves to dry first. « Once they’re dry, they can be sprinkled around the base of your plants, » Simon added.
This is beneficial due to the tanin in dry tea leaves, which is believed to help deter slugs and snails. « And the tea leaves contain nutrients to feed your plants, » Simon pointed out. « Dried tea leaves also work as a soil conditioner. »
Writing in response, one TikTok user queried: « Is this okay for indoor plants as well? » To which Simon clarified: « Yes, ideal for indoor/house plants too. »
A second person praised the tip, saying: « Oh amazing! I’ve been wanting to do something recycle worthy with my tea bags. Thank you! »
Simon’s advice is echoed by Christopher O’Donoghue of Gardens Revived. He told Ideal Home: « Many modern tea bags are made with synthetic materials like polypropylene to seal them, which doesn’t break down in compost and can leave microplastics in your soil.
« Some teabags, particularly the ones that maintain their shape during steeping, can be treated with bleach or other chemicals. These substances can leach into the compost, affecting the soil and plants you’re nurturing. It’s always worth checking the packaging of your teabags to see if they’re compostable. »
Christopher also notes that there are « exceptions » to the rule, however. He further notes: « Some tea bags can be used in the compost heap, so long as you’re confident the tea bags are natural and biodegradable, » he said.
