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The right way to throw away a compostable cup, fork or bag depends on two things: what the item is certified for, and what your local program accepts. A product labeled compostable is only compostable in the conditions its certificate names, and those conditions are not available everywhere.

Step 1: Check what the item is certified for

Look for a third-party mark such as BPI or TÜV AUSTRIA OK compost on the item or its packaging, and check the listing. Each certificate covers specific items, not a whole brand.

• Commercial (industrial) compost: the item is certified for large composting facilities that run hotter and longer than a backyard pile. This is the most common certification for cups, cutlery, straws and bags.
• Home compost: a separate certification, such as TÜV AUSTRIA OK compost HOME, shows the item was tested in home composting conditions. Only items that carry it should go in a backyard bin.

Step 2: Find out what your local program accepts

Many cities collect food scraps but do not accept packaging, even when it is certified. Others accept only bags or only fiber products. Your hauler's website or your city's recycling page lists what goes in the green bin. Our compost facility map shows commercial composters near you and what they take.

Step 3: Sort it correctly

1. Accepted by your program: put the item in the organics or green bin with food scraps. Scrape off large amounts of food first if your program asks.
2. Home compost certified, and you compost at home: add it to an active pile, cut into smaller pieces if possible, and keep the pile moist and turned.
3. Not accepted and no home certification: put it in the trash. Do not put compostable items in the recycling bin; they are not designed for plastic recycling and can contaminate it.

Step 4: Never litter

A compostable item left on the ground or in water is still litter. Certification describes what happens in a managed composting process, not in the environment.

A note on labels in California

California law sets strict rules for how compostable products can be labeled and described, and other states are following. That is why responsible makers point to the certificate for each item instead of making broad claims. Read our guide to compostable claims for the details.

Need help for your business?

If you run a restaurant, venue or office and want to set up a compost program, our team can tell you which of our items are certified for your local program. Contact us or browse our certifications and scope.