The Effect Corrugated Fiberboard has on the Environment in terms of Compostability, Plant Growth, and Per-and-Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substance Contamination

The “Lasagna Method” is a popular and sustainably perceived technique that many gardeners use as a free and convenient method to dispose of cardboard (corrugated fiberboard) packaging while also improving their gardens. Many claim that this creates benefits for your garden, but many others have proposed their concerns, including the safety of the practice. This research analyzes the compostability of cardboard, the effect it has on plant growth and development of lettuce, and its contamination of a prominent chemical that has known negative effects on human health. The results of these studies showed that cardboard, as it is currently produced in Southeast USA from recycled content in 2023-2024, does not meet the requirements to be industrially compostable, has a negative effect on plant growth and development in lettuce, and doesn’t pose an immediate threat to human health in terms of contaminating plants. Based on these studies, the Lasagna Method is not recommended, and it was suggested that used cardboard is more valuable in recycled packaging than in the garden. 2