What happens to plastic-coated paper in compost?
The Issue
The plastic-coated paper products currently being collected by many composting programs produce both macro- and micro-fragments of non-biodegradable plastic which contaminate the finished compost. Once these plastics are dispersed into the environment, they have not been shown to biodegrade and are suspected of causing detrimental effects to organisms in a variety of ecosystems. We can expect these fragments to persist indefinitely and to be so widely dispersed that it will be impossible to clean them up. Compost collection programs and compost facilities must exclude plastic-coated paper products from their guidelines to prevent future harm.
Compost Collection Program Coordinators, Processors and Haulers: Take the Pledge
Eco-Cycle is asking you to join us by creating guidelines that exclude plastic-containing products from all compost collection programs across the U.S. We believe it’s critical to take action NOW. Collection programs like yours that are at the vanguard of the coming movement to compost municipal organics must set the right example for others to follow. Will you join us?
Join us and take the pledge to keep plastic-coated paper products out of compost guidelines and bins. Click here to view the pledge.
How to Send in Your Pledge:
To sign the pledge digitally, click here to open the form. First, save it to your computer. Then, fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Under "signature," please type your name. After filling out the form, save it again and then This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as an attachment.
Other ways to send in your signed pledge:
Print the pledge and mail it to: Attn: Cyndra Dietz, Eco-Cycle, P.O. Box 19006, Boulder CO, 80308
Print the pledge and fax it to: 303-444-6647, Attn: Cyndra Dietz
Companies that Have Taken the Pledge to Keep Plastic-Coated Paper Products Out of Compost Guidelines and Bins
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| Keep Magnolia Clean |
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View a list of U.S. Municipal Compost Programs that Prohibit Plastic-Coated Paper Products.
Resources
Documents
PowerPoint presentations
Micro-plastics in Compost: PPT(11 MB) or PDF
Concerns around Oxo-biodegradable Products: PDF
Compostable Food Serviceware: What to know before purchasing: PPT or PDF
Links
List of BPI certified compostable products
Compostable products for food services: making sense of what's available
Help us spread the news around this important issue. These written and presentation materials are meant for educational purposes and to be shared with interested parties. Feel free to use these materials when talking with decision-makers but please give credit to Eco-Cycle and Woods End Laboratories. Like to see another educational resource? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
FAQs
> What are plastic-coated paper products?
> What’s the difference between macro- and micro-plastics?
> Why aren’t plastics removed from compost during the screening process?
> Should I stop using compost?
> How can I tell if a paper product is coated with a petroleum-based plastic?
> Can I compost pizza boxes and paper towels?
> Can I recycle plastic-coated paper products?
> What are oxo-biodegradable products and are they safe?
> What is the difference between degradable and biodegradable products?
> Isn’t it okay to put biodegradable materials in a landfill?
> Should I stop eating seafood because it’s contaminated by plastic?
Learn more
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Articles from Our Educators
Zero Waste: A Realistic Sustainability Program for Schools
School Compost Programs: Pathways to Success
Links to more resources
Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative
Compostable Organics out of Landfills
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
Compostable Plastics 101: an excellent overview of the terminology and challenges surrounding compostable plastics, from the California Organics Recycling Council
Algalita Marine Research Foundation: the leading organization studying plastic debris in our oceans and its impacts on marine life
