Not exactly sure what it means when something says that it is compostable? How about when products say that they are commercially compostable?

There is a big difference between a product that is compostable and one that is commercially compostable. In this article, we will cover what commercially compostable products are, the process, and its benefits.

What Does Commercially Compostable Mean?

A commercially compostable product is one that can only be composted at a commercial or industrial composting facility.

Unlike regular composting, which can be done at home or in a community garden, these items require specialized biological treatment in order to break down properly. This typically involves controlled conditions, specific temperature ranges, and specialized equipment that are only available in commercial composting facilities.

Criteria for Commercially Compostable Products

In order for an item to qualify as "commercially compostable" it must meet these requirements.

• Meet a certain biodegradability and decomposition rate.
• Be free of harmful substances.
• Be compatible with industrial composting facilities.
• Pass testing and certification processes.

What Is The Process

Commercial composting is a process that involves the decomposition of organic materials in a controlled environment to produce nutrient-rich compost. Here is a brief overview of the commercial composting process:

1. Collect commercially compostable items.
2. Sorting and contamination removal.
3. The organic waste is usually shredded into smaller pieces to accelerate the decomposition process.
4. The shredded organic waste is piled up in long rows or windrows, which are carefully managed to provide the ideal conditions for decomposition.
5. The compost piles or windrows are regularly turned to ensure even decomposition and to prevent the growth of anaerobic bacteria.
6. After the initial decomposition, the compost is left to cure or mature for several weeks or months. During this stage, any remaining organic matter continues to break down.
7. Once the compost has cured, it is screened to remove any remaining large particles or contaminants.
8. The final product is then tested for quality, including factors like nutrient content and pH levels.
9. The finished compost is typically sold or distributed to various industries, where it can be used to improve soil fertility, water retention, and overall plant health.

Benefits of Using Commercially Compostable Materials

Commercially compostable products have benefits that extend beyond waste management and environmental impact. Commercially compostable products contribute to building a more sustainable future by promoting resource efficiency, reducing pollution, and supporting the growth of a circular economy.

Reduced Landfill Waste

Commercially compostable materials can be broken down and transformed into compost. This helps divert waste from landfills, reducing the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of in these facilities.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Composting produces less greenhouse gas emissions compared to when these materials end up in landfills. By using commercially compostable products, we can contribute to reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating climate change.

Nutrient-Rich Compost

The compost generated from commercially compostable materials is a valuable resource that can be used as a natural fertilizer in agriculture. It enriches the the ground to create a nutrient-rich soil. Compost also improves soil's structure and enhances its ability to retain water, leading to healthier and more productive plant growth.

Support for Circular Economy & Sustainable Practices

Commercially compostable products are part of a circular economy model, where materials are designed to be regenerative and reusable. By using these products, we promote sustainable practices by reducing waste, conserving resources, and closing the loop in the product life cycle.

Challenges & Limitations of Commercial Composting

While commercial composting is great in theory, it isn't without its challenges. It is important to address these challenges and issues to promote the adoption of commercially compostable products and support sustainable waste management practices.

Some of these challenges and issues include a lack of infrastructure, contamination issues, consumer awareness, and high costs.

Lack of Infrastructure

One of the main challenges is the limited availability of composting facilities with the capacity to handle large volumes of organic waste. This lack of infrastructure makes it difficult for businesses to find suitable composting facilities to process their compostable products.

Contamination Issues and Proper Sorting

Commercial composting relies on the proper sorting of compostable materials to ensure that non-compostable items do not contaminate the compost. However, there can be challenges in ensuring that all compostable products are correctly identified and separated from other waste materials.

Consumer Awareness

Many consumers are still not aware of the difference between compostable and non-compostable products. This lack of understanding can lead to contamination of composting streams with non-compostable items and hinder the successful composting of organic waste.

Cost Considerations

Commercial composting can be more expensive compared to other waste management options, such as landfilling or incineration. The costs of collection, transportation, and processing can be higher, especially for businesses operating in areas with limited composting infrastructure.

What Are Home-Compostable Products

Home-compostable products are items that are designed to break down and decompose in a home composting system. These products are typically made from organic materials such as plant fibers or starches that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms in a compost pile.

Unlike commercially compostable products, which require specific conditions and facilities to break down properly, home-compostable products can be composted in a backyard, countertop electric composter, or community composting system.

It is important to note that not all products labeled as "compostable" are home-compostable, so it's essential to check the packaging or product labeling for specific instructions on composting.

Regulatory and Policy Implications

The government can support composting in several ways. One common method is by providing financial incentives to businesses and individuals who engage in composting activities. These incentives can include tax breaks, grants, or subsidies to help offset the costs associated with composting.

Additionally, governments can implement policies and regulations that promote composting and require businesses and households to separate organic waste for composting purposes. This can help create a market for compostable materials and encourage more widespread adoption of composting practices.

Making a Change

Understanding the meaning of commercially compostable and home compostable is essential for promoting sustainable waste management practices. By choosing compostable products, we can reduce our environmental impact, support the growth of composting infrastructure, and contribute to a more circular economy.

It is important for individuals, businesses, and policymakers to work together to create a more compost-friendly society and protect our planet for future generations.