Inorganic materials like plastic cannot be composted, but what about plastic items labelled "biodegradable" or "compostable," like bags, produce stickers, cups, utensils, and wipes? These may not be accepted in your green bin program. Read on for more information.
Plastic items labelled "biodegradable" or "compostable" don't belong in the green bin
Certification standards currently allow a plastic to be called "biodegradable" or "compostable" if it breaks down to a specified degree, over a minimum period of time, when exposed to a certain minimum temperature and other physical conditions. However, not all commercial composting and digestion facilities operate under those conditions.
The result is that many "certified biodegradable" plastics may not sufficiently biodegrade in existing commercial composting or digestion facilities. To be safe, leave them out of your green bin unless your municipality or your service provider specifically says their processing facility accepts them.
Read more about this issue in the National Zero Waste Council report:
Regulatory Approaches for Priority Plastic Wastes
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 Contacts
