PDF, Last Updated Apr 2018
Over the past two decades, the class of chemical compounds known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has come under increasing scrutiny from toxicologists, ecologists, and regulators given their persistence and connection to serious potential health effects, including kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disruption, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), delayed puberty and obesity. Based on the growing evidence of fluorinated compounds in foodware products and current efforts by leading manufacturers to find alternatives, we expect the market to shift to better alternatives and believe institutional purchasers can play a critical role in expediting the market change we need. In that vein, this report is aimed at institutional purchasers of foodware. It focuses on the use of fluorinated compounds in disposable food serviceware; offers recommendations and resources to help purchasers procure safer foodware products; and equips purchasers with tools to push manufacturers away from these harmful compounds and towards safer products.
PDF, Last Updated Jan 2017
In 2016, the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Paper Recovery Alliance/Plastics Recovery Group commissioned a study to review the existing literature regarding the impacts of compostable foodservice packaging (FSP) at different points in the composting value chain.
Key Finding: there is a growing body of evidence that shows the use of compostable foodservice packaging can lead to an increase of food scrap diversion and a reduction in contamination. Available data suggest that compostable FSP use, in conjunction with a suite of programs that include outreach, education, new infrastructure, and models of the desired behavior, can increase food scrap diversion rates and reduce observed contamination rates.
Webinar, Last Updated Nov 2015
This audio webinar discusses how diverting and collecting food scraps is a top priority from local jurisdictions up to the U.S. EPA. Compostable plastics have been shown to increase participation rates in food scraps collection programs, though can also bring significant challenges. This webinar is designed to help you understand the role of Compostable Plastics and provide you with some resources to assist planning or expanding your diversion program. To do that we will first set the stage with some real world examples, and then dive into the details
PDF, Last Updated Oct 2015
A list of questions to discuss with a composter considering taking food scraps that will include compostable plastics.
Webpage, Last Updated Jul 2015
In preparation to roll-out or citywide organics recycling program, we have added a significant amount of information to our website regarding acceptable and not acceptable materials, home setup tips for organics collection, etc.
Webpage, Last Updated May 2015
San Francisco residents and businesses are required to properly separate recyclables and compostables and keep them out of the landfill. Recycling and composting is one way to help San Francisco achieve its goal of zero waste by 2020.
Website, Last Updated May 2015
CalRecycle's website to provide accurate and useful information about the environmental impact of compostable, degradable, and biodegradable plastics and any environmental marketing claims
Webpage, Last Updated May 2015
The City of Houston requires compostable bags for the collection of yard debris. This site explains why, what's accepted and where to get them
Webpage, Last Updated May 2015
What's included and what isn't in the City of Minneapolis' Pilot Residential Curbside Compost Collection Program
PDF, Last Updated Apr 2015
The compostable food service ware quick guide was designed as a tool (distributed by the USCC) for the composter and hauler community. Its purpose is to help composters/haulers determine if a product is, by standards of science and direct product testing in facilities, compostable. This document also provides information on differences in terminology. This is intended to minimize confusion related to items that may be perceived as compostable (as in “made from plants” or “biodegradable”), and to make composters aware that these items may not meet compostability standards.
Webpage, Last Updated Apr 2015
The Biodegradable Products Institute's catalog of certified compostable products lists products that have been certified as meeting the compostability standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) as being compostable in a commercial or industrial compost facility.
Webpage, Last Updated Apr 2015
A list of products that have been approved for their compostability by the commercial compost facility, Cedar Grove, of the Seattle, Washington area. The generic product list includes links to specific brand-name products.
PDF, Last Updated Jan 2015
City of Seattle's list of items accepted in Seattle’s residential food and yard waste cart. Includes images of sample material that goes in to food and yard waste cart, recycling cart, and garbage cart.
PDF, Last Updated Nov 2014
This is model legislation that states can use to help prevent products that don’t meet the criteria for compostability being labeled in correctly. This bill was patterned after successful legislation in California, SB567, that has enable the attorney general to remove mislabeled or misleading products from the marketplace. Owner, US Composting Council
Written Article, Last Updated May 2014