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White Paper: Microplastics in Compost Summary of Findings

FOCUS AREAS: Community Education, Plastics Pollution
KEYWORDS: Composting, Contamination, Disposables, Educational Materials, Plastic, Policies, Pollution, Reports, Schools, Single-Use, Zero Waste Community Planning, Zero Waste Events, Zero Waste Policies

Updated in 2012.

Research from Eco-Cycle and Woods End Laboratories demonstrates that microplastics are shed from all plastic-coated paper products during composting. These microplastics may pose a significant risk to soils, freshwater and marine environments, wildlife, and ultimately, human populations. This potential threat justifies a ban on non-biodegradable plastic-coated paper products in compost. PLEASE NOTE: As of April 2023, compost guidelines for Colorado Front Range communities have changed to accept food scraps and yard & plant trimmings ONLY. Certified compostable service ware and non-plastic-coated papers are no longer accepted in curbside compost in this region.