Compostable Cups, Plates and 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 won’t break down fully unless 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. Ways to Reduce Choose Reusable for Parties Provide guests with reusable utensils when entertaining. Dishes only need to be washed to be reused time and time again. 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. In addition, many compost facilities do not accept compostable utensils because many are made of bioplastic. What's the Difference Between "Biodegradable" and "Compostable"? Biodegradable does not always mean compostable. The Federal Trade Commission Green Guides has very specific labeling requirements for items that are marketed as “biodegradable” or “compostable,” as a means to avoid deception. Just because something is labeled as “compostable,” does not mean that your local compost facility will process it. In California, Senate Bill 567 prohibits labeling of any plastic or bioplastic product as biodegradable, oxo-degradable, oxo-biodegradable, or photodegradable. PLA Plastic vs. PET Plastic PET plastic is a petroleum-based plastic while PLA plastic is a bioplastic typically made from fermented plant starch. While PET plastic can be easily recycled, PLA is more difficult to recycle and requires a special facility in order to be composted. Before disposing, avoid contaminating your recycling by double-checking whether your item is PET or PLA and the current disposal instructions for that material.
