Compostable classification
The term "compostable" refers to a product or material that can biodegrade under specific, human-driven circumstances. Unlike a completely natural biodegradation process, composting requires human intervention.
During composting, microorganisms break down organic matter with the help of humans, who provide the water, oxygen, and organic matter needed to optimize conditions. The composting process usually takes a few months or 1-3 years. Time is affected by variables such as oxygen, water, light, and type of composting environment. There are two main types of compost:
Residential composting: Residential composting involves collecting food scraps into a bin or heap, mixing it with yard waste, and regularly breaking it down into more basic organic matter. For this reason, you can't break down things like meat, cheese, and fish in a residential trash can because enough heat isn't produced at all.
Commercial composting: Commercial composting involves screening and sorting organic and inorganic materials, breaking them down with chippers and grinders, and creating optimal humidity, temperature, and oxygen conditions. As a result, commercial composters are capable of breaking down more complex products than home composters.
Compostable items are a great option if you want to reduce your environmental impact. Composting an item means it doesn't end up in a landfill, and if you compost at home, you can use the organic matter to help your garden's plants grow. Plus, labels on compostable items are often more straightforward, so you can be sure you're choosing a more environmentally friendly product.
That said, compostable products require certain conditions to decompose, so it's important to commit to actually composting these products rather than sending them to landfill.
If an item is determined to be commercially compostable, make sure you have a facility that can dispose of the waste. Bioplastics are an improvement over conventional plastics in some ways, but they can still negatively impact the environment if not handled properly.
