Compostable Packaging: What Can and Cannot Go In
Not everything labeled compostable actually belongs in your compost. Put the wrong item in and you end up with a bin full of plastic fragments.
Knowing what breaks down and where is the difference between great compost and a contaminated mess.
Usually compostable
- Plain cardboard and paper
- Certified compostable mailers
- Food-soiled paper and napkins
- Compostable cutlery with the BPI mark
Keep it out
- Glossy or plastic-coated paper
- Biodegradable plastic bags without certification
- Stickers and tape
- Anything with a plastic lining
When in doubt, leave it out. A small amount of contamination can ruin an entire batch of otherwise perfect compost.
Reading the labels
The certification mark is the only reliable shortcut, since the words on the front of the package rarely mean much.
- Look for BPI or TUV logos
- Check for a specific breakdown timeline
- Contact the brand if you are unsure
Read the mark, not the marketing, and your compost will stay clean and full of the good stuff.
When in doubt, leave it out, and your compost will thank you with clean, crumbly soil.