Biodegradable vs. Compostable

Before jumping into this topic, it is important to understand the difference between biodegradable and compostable. These two terms are not interchangeable. What may be compostable may not biodegrade naturally and vice versa.

Biodegradable: A biodegradable product will naturally break down over a certain period of time and return to some form of natural element, such as biomass, water and carbon dioxide. The break down process occurs when the product is “eaten” by microorganisms, and this process happens naturally. Examples of biodegradable elements are plants, trees, fruit and vegetables.

Compostable: A compostable product, like bioplastic (plastic made out of renewable resources such as sugarcane, soybeans, and used cooking oil) will only become biodegradable when composted in a very specific and controlled environment (with the proper input of heat, moisture and air), also called commercial/industrial composting facility. When the right conditions are met, microorganisms such as bacteria will start the breaking down process of the product. The advantage of compostable plastic is that the process is generally fast.

The industry of bioplastic is booming as companies realize that its uses go beyond packaging and water bottles. Bioplastic can be used to make toothbrushes, toys, mattresses, chairs, sunglasses and more!

CHALLENGES: The progress to eliminate plastic made from fossil fuel is extremely inspiring. However some challenges arise as to the disposal and labeling of bioplastics.

  1. Bioplastic generally cannot break down into your home compost. It needs to be sent to a commercial composting facility.
  2. The #7 PLA label doesn’t mean you can throw the bioplastic in the recycling bin. Check with your waste management service if they offer commercial composting services. Otherwise DO NOT throw the bioplastic in the recycling bin. You need to throw it in the regular trash.
  3. Considering point #2, it is more sustainable to use a P.E.T plastic product that you can recycle than to use a similar product made of #7 PLA that you cannot recycle or compost.
  4. Similarly, if you have a compost bin for bioplastics, then DO NOT throw an item labeled #7 Other in that bin.
  5. Always look for the “Compostable” certification label of the U.S. Composting Council and Biodegradable Products Institute.

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