Compostable Containers

Do Compostable Containers Still Help If You Can’t Compost?

Compostable containers are often considered an easy win when it comes to eco-friendly choices. But what if you do not have access to a composting facility or a backyard compost pile? Are you just adding more trash to the landfill by choosing compostable? While these containers may seem to lose their purpose when they aren't composted, there is still much to be said for them.

How Are You Supposed to Handle Compostable Containers When Tossing Them Out?

Compostable containers are designed to break down into natural materials, but they need the right conditions to do their job. If you have access to a composting facility, great; just toss compostable plates in with your food scraps or yard waste. Many cities have curbside compost programs that make this easy.

When there aren't any composting options in your area; it's not the ideal situation, but you can still throw the compostable food container in the trash. In a landfill, they may not break down as quickly as they would if they were in a compost pile, but they're made from renewable materials.

Before you toss, check for labels like “compostable” or “biodegradable,” and make sure there’s no plastic coating. Clean out any leftover food to avoid contamination; especially if you’re recycling other items. A compostable soup bowl is a better choice, even if the perfect disposal method isn’t always available.

What Sets Compostable Containers Upstream Apart From Downstream? 

Upstream means what happens prior to when a product has been used by a consumer. On the other hand, downstream refers to the scenario at the end of its life cycle after having been used.

For example, compostable packaging will benefit upstream from how its containers are made using renewable materials and how those are produced. Downstream will refer to what will happen after the containers have been used to carry food or drinks.

What’s the Upstream Value of Compostable Containers? 

When we discuss compostable containers, the emphasis is often on the end of their life; how they break down and return to the earth. But what about their journey before a compostable cutlery even gets to you? Compostable containers bring big environmental benefits even before they reach the compost bin or garbage can.

  • Made from renewable resources: One of the largest upstream benefits of biodegradable plates is that they are made from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, bamboo, or even agricultural waste. These materials are not dependent on fossil fuels like plastic but are derived from plants that can be replenished yearly. 
  • Lower carbon footprint: Producing compostable food containers with lids generally uses less energy compared to manufacturing traditional plastics. This translates to fewer greenhouse gas emissions during production. By using compostable containers, you’re indirectly contributing to cleaner air and a smaller carbon footprint; long before your takeout order is packed up. 
  • Supporting circular systems: Compostable containers fall under the circular economy idea of products designed to have a life cycle that is beneficial to the planet. Even if compostable plates are not composted every time, their production encourages a move away from linear systems that generate waste. 
  • A step in the right direction: While composting is ideal, the upstream value of compostable containers should not be ignored. Every small switch to a compostable soup bowl adds up to a bigger impact upstream in the supply chain.

Can You Just Throw Compostable Containers in the Trash?

You can send compostable containers to the dumpster, but it's certainly not the best-case scenario. Compostable products are made to decompose under certain conditions. There is the heat, and there are microbes associated with a compost pile or an industrial facility. 

Often in a landfill, they may break down extremely slowly, or they won't break down at all because of the lack of oxygen and proper decomposition. If composting cannot be done, then it is not the end of the world, because even little steps contribute.

Compostable Containers for Food Industries

  • Eco-friendly disposable cutlery: Made of renewable materials such as cornstarch, bamboo, or polypropylene, these utensils are stiff enough to hold your favorite dishes without breaking in two. Unlike traditional plastic which will take centuries to degrade, eco-friendly compostable cutlery is designed to degrade much faster, especially when subjected to composting. 
  • Compostable takeout containers: Takeout just got a lot greener with compostable containers. These eco-friendly alternatives to styrofoam and plastic are made from renewable materials like sugarcane fiber (also known as bagasse), bamboo, or PLA (a plant-based plastic alternative). Whether you’re packing hot soup or a fresh salad, the compostable food container is up for the task. 
  • Compostable bowls: Most of them are made from plant-based materials like bagasse or bamboo, which are renewable and biodegradable. Compostable bowls are backyard composting-friendly in some cases, but they break down most efficiently in industrial composting facilities. In any case, even though it will end up in the trash, their renewable origins make it a better choice. 
  • Heavy duty compostable plates: Hosting a barbecue or wedding reception and worried about plate cleaning after the party? Heavy-duty biodegradable plates are your best bet for a hassle-free cleanup that doesn't hurt the planet. Unlike thin paper plates that sag under the weight of a hearty meal, these plates are designed to handle it all; steak, pasta, or even saucy ribs.
  • Recyclable plastic lids: Sometimes, the compostable options don't cut it; like the lids for your coffee cup or takeout container. Not compostable, but a step in the right direction: compostable food containers with lids cut down waste considerably. Just be sure to clean off any food residue before sending the lid off to the recycling bin to avoid contamination.

Is Recyclable Plastic the Way to Go?

It often gets scrapped and sometimes is even incinerated for energy rather than becoming another plastic bottle many people imagine it to be. Besides, food residue makes paper and plastic non-recyclable because it contaminates them. Even if commercial composting is not available in your area, switching to zero-waste products like Plant Plate provides many reasons to embrace more sustainable practices.

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