Compostable Cups, Plates & Utensils Put in Garbage Cart/Bin Plastic items labeled “compostable” or “biodegradable” must go in the garbage. Don't Compost Them at Home Bioplastic doesn’t belong in your home compost pile, regardless of whether it’s biodegradable or compostable. Utensils made from bioplastic can withstand heat and liquids, so they won’t break down fully — they need to be processed by an industrial facility. BPI Logo? Compost Industrially If you see the plastic item is marked with the BPI logo, that means it’s compostable in an industrial facility. Find a composter here. Ways to Reduce Choose Reusable for Parties Provide guests with reusable utensils when entertaining. Dishes only need to be washed once — single-use plastic will be around long after we’re gone. Pack Reusable Utensils Reduce plastic waste by packing a pair of to-go utensils for on-the-go meals. Metal or bamboo utensils, such as To-Go Ware, are best. Visit To-Go Ware’s online shop. Did You Know? Compostable Utensils: Not the Most Eco-Friendly of Them All? Out of all types of utensils — compostable, plastic and reusable — compostables are advertised as being the most eco-friendly. However, reusable utensils are still the front-runner because they are easily recycled and not single-use. There’s a good chance that compostable items will end up in a landfill due to the absence of compost collection services in many places. California Says No to Misleading Labeling In 2008, California’s laws set out to help consumers feel more confident about bioplastics. State law prohibited the sale of food and beverage containers that were only biodegradable, degradable or decomposable, because those types of bioplastics are not always compostable. Now, if an item with any of those labels is distributed in California, it is also compostable.