Q&A Burning soiled paper plates/napkins/cups

Question:

Is it all right to burn soiled paper plates, napkins and cups in my wood-burning stove during an EMERGENCY when water & garbage pick-up is not available? I'd only be doing this while having a hot fire going. I have a screen around the top of the chimney. If it is all right, do you recommend any specific brands?



Answer:

I don't see a problem with limited paper trash burning in times of emergency. It does create a lot of ash in the stove and chimney...and the screen is also a good idea.

Doing this often would probably poison the catalytic converter on cat stoves, so non-cats would be a better choice for this.