Businesses that offer "biodegradable" or "compostable" plastic items may have a program in place to ensure the correct disposal. Private waste haulers may also accept these items.
Most municipal food scraps recycling programs in Metro Vancouver currently do not accept plastic items labelled "biodegradable" or "compostable." Contact your municipality for more information.
Municipal Food Scraps Recycling Programs
What happens if plastics end up in the green bin?
When "biodegradable" or "compostable" plastics go in the green bin, they can cause operational problems, may not break down properly during processing, and may contaminate the finished compost. Leave them out to be safe, unless specifically allowed by your municipality or service provider.
If the operator identifies plastic bags or other non-compostable materials in the green bin, the entire load may be rejected and sent to landfill.
How to dispose of "biodegradable" or "compostable" plastic items
In most cases, dispose of "biodegradable" or "compostable" plastic items in the garbage. They are not accepted in recycling in BC. Read more on Recycle BC’s website.
Recycle BC - What about Compostable or Biodegradable Packaging?
Some private waste haulers may accept a specific type of plastic bag. To find out, contact your municipality or your waste hauler.
Municipal Food Scraps Recycling Programs
Do not litter plastic items labelled “biodegradable” or “compostable.” They require very specific processing conditions to biodegrade, and will not break down in the natural environment.
Read more about this issue in the National Zero Waste Council report: