composting question

I am addressing my question to this group because I think of vegie gardeners as composters too.
I have the usual compost pile that works for the most part wo problems. I throw stuff on and mix it around.
Now I happen to have a ton a shredded paper (cleaning files). I have tried putting it in the compost in the past but it doesn't go away very fast and tends to blow around the yard.
So... any suggestions on how to get this stuff to decompose? Its seems as if if should be good in the garden if its broken down. I was thinking of a plastic barrel with holes in it, putting the shredded stuff in it and adding water and compost.
Thanks,
Helen

I think you are going to have to mix some organic material in with it- I have had layers of paper just sit there and do nothing- but that's the limit of my help! LOL

I have used shredded paper as mulch under a row of lady banks roses. If you wet it, it sticks together and will stay put. It *is* slow to decompose.

When your current pile is well rotted, try transferring it to a plastic garbage can that you have cut the bottom out of, then drill lots of holes around the bin. Alternate layers of the shredded paper with leaves, the rotted compost, coffee grounds (you can get large bags of used grounds from Starbucks if you live urban), etc. Good luck.

Composting materials are either "green" or "brown". Green materials include fresh grass clippings, melon rinds, apple cores, other kitchen scraps and fresh plant matter. Brown materials are straw, dry leaves and such. Shredded paper is dry or brown material. You need a balance of green and brown stuff for the composting process to work efficiently. If helenchild doesn't add the green it may take her shredded paper years to compost completely, depending on moisture and climate. I had a leaf pile that took two years to fully compost!

One other important thing to think about is whether the paper has any pollutants. I don't want to scare you all but older printed paper may contain lead, cadmium and other toxic substances. The compost made from it would have these toxins, too. Helenchild would be wise not to use it on her veggies. If the paper is less than ten years old it is probably fine.

I hope this helps.