List of Acceptable & Unacceptable Compostable Serviceware
There are many compostable serviceware products available on the market, however, some of these products never fully break down in a reasonable timeframe for our composting partner farms. When these products fail to break down, they compromise the quality of the compost. For this reason, we have compiled a list of acceptable and unacceptable materials.
Please keep in mind, we accept most BPI certified serviceware with some exceptions:
Bioplastic products that resemble plastic (clear PLA cups are an example)
Wax coated products
NOT ACCEPTABLE
Bioplastic products
Wax coated Products
Acceptable Products
Wooden & bamboo utensils
Uncoated paper products
Palm Leaf plates
Sugarcane/Bagasse
Paper/pasta/sugarcane straws
There aren't good options for compostable glassware at this time. The “compostable” glassware on the market is made of PLA bioplastic, and we are not able to compost it. If possible, reusable glassware is the best option.
LINKS:
Here are some links with a list of compostable products that we can accept and have seen work well at multiple events:
We can accept either bamboo or wooden utensils. We have seen these at many events and they work well.
We have used these at several events and they are sturdy, yet easily compostable. Palm leaf bowls are also available.
These are the only cups that meet our criteria, and have proven to break down in a reasonable amount of time. The fiber lids, and wooden stirrers are compostable as well.
SOURCES:
Please see the following links for more information on why PLA bioplastics are not accepted by most composters.
https://cswd.net/community-announcements/why-we-will-no-longer-accept-compostable-foodware/
https://www.ecoenclose.com/blog/composters-dont-want-your-packaging-especially-your-bioplastic-/
https://bioplasticsnews.com/2020/06/22/compostable-plastics-industrial-composting-site/
https://upstreamsolutions.org/why-compostables-and-bioplastics-arent-the-answer