Omar Khalid
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with 6.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste ending up in landfills and the environment since the 1950s. This has led to a growing demand for green products, including biodegradable and compostable plastics. While all plastic is technically degradable, traditional plastics like PET (polyethylene terephthalate) cannot readily decompose due to their chemical composition, which bacteria cannot consume. Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, can break down into substances found in nature, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, within a reasonable timeframe. Compostable plastics are a type of biodegradable plastic that can be processed in industrial composting facilities or home compost piles, depending on their specific design. However, it's important to note that not all biodegradable plastics are compostable, and improper management of these materials can lead to the same environmental issues as their non-biodegradable counterparts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic degradation in compost piles | Plastic is degradable, but it may not return to nature even when broken down into tiny fragments or powder. |
| Biodegradable plastic | Plastic that can be broken down completely into substances found in nature in a reasonable timeframe. This process is dependent on bacteria that consume and break down waste into simple matter. |
| Compostable plastic | Plastic that biodegrades and is broken down by microorganisms, heat, and humidity into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass. |
| Commercially compostable plastic | To be labelled commercially compostable, plastic must be able to be broken down by biological treatment at a commercial or industrial composting facility. It must decompose within 6 months and leave no toxic residue. |
| Home compostable plastic | Plastic that is certified as "home compostable" can be put in a home compost pile. It should be made of natural materials like untreated wood. |
| Degradable claims | Claims that plastic can degrade in landfills, incinerators, and recycling facilities are deceptive as these locations do not provide conditions for complete decomposition within a year. |
| Plastic contamination | Plastic contamination in compost impacts those who work with it, including haulers, gardeners, farmers, and landscapers. It also makes it harder for facilities to sell the finished compost. |
| Biodegradable limitations | Biodegradable plastic does not have defined conditions for breaking down, and it may not break down as intended if not managed properly. It may also leave behind toxic residue and microplastics. |
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What You'll Learn
- Compostable plastic must be certified as home compostable to be added to a home compost pile
- Compostable plastic is designed to be processed in industrial composting facilities
- Biodegradable plastic does not have defined conditions for breaking down
- Plastic contamination in compost turns people away from buying and using it
- Compostable plastic is made by chemically manipulating plant sugars
Compostable plastic must be certified as home compostable to be added to a home compost pile
Plastic is derived from organic products such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil. The production of plastic involves a distillation process in an oil refinery that separates heavy crude oil into lighter groups called fractions. Each fraction is a mixture of hydrocarbon chains, which differ in terms of the size and structure of their molecules. These molecules influence the properties of the plastic, such as its moldability and rigidity.
Most petroleum-based plastics are not readily biodegradable. This means that they are not consumed by microorganisms and returned to compounds found in nature. While some additives can make traditional plastics degrade more quickly (for example, photodegradable plastic breaks down more readily in sunlight), unless specifically designed to biodegrade, plastic may last in the environment for tens to hundreds of years.
Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to break down completely into substances found in nature within a reasonable timeframe. Compostable plastic is a type of biodegradable plastic that is specifically designed and tested to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities. These facilities enable specific conditions, such as temperature and moisture, to turn the plastic into usable soil conditioners.
When looking to add plastic to a home compost pile, it is important to ensure that the plastic is certified as home compostable. This is because compostable materials must be managed properly once they become waste, or they will not break down as intended. Home compostable tests are based mainly on an Australian standard called AS 5810, which requires disintegration in 6 months and biodegradation and compost formation in a year. The marking that signifies this certification is called OK compost HOME.
It is important to note that biodegradable and compostable plastic alone will not solve the plastic pollution crisis. All plastic, including biodegradable and compostable types, must be collected and paired with the right recovery systems to keep them out of nature. Additionally, compostable and biodegradable plastic can contaminate the recycling stream, so it is important to check local recycling guidelines before disposal.
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Compostable plastic is designed to be processed in industrial composting facilities
However, it is important to note that not all compostable plastics are designed to be processed in industrial composting facilities. Some are meant for home composting, so it is important to check the label before disposing of compostable plastic. Many commercial composters do not accept compostable plastic items, even if they are certified as compostable. Additionally, compostable plastic can contaminate the recycling stream, so it is important to check local recycling guidelines.
The demand for biodegradable and compostable plastic is increasing as consumers seek more sustainable options. While compostable plastic can play a helpful role in reducing waste, it alone will not solve the plastic pollution crisis. It is important to have the right recovery systems in place to collect and properly process compostable plastic, ensuring it stays out of nature.
Furthermore, unqualified degradable claims on products that are disposed of in landfills, incinerators, or recycling facilities can be deceptive. These locations do not provide conditions for complete decomposition within a year. As a result, it is crucial to understand how compostable plastic can help or hinder the environment and to pair it with the appropriate recovery systems.
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Biodegradable plastic does not have defined conditions for breaking down
Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to break down into natural substances within a reasonable timeframe. However, it is important to note that not all biodegradable plastics are compostable. While compostable plastic is specifically designed and tested for processing in composting facilities, be it at home or industrial sites, the same cannot be said for all biodegradable plastics.
The term "biodegradable" implies that decomposition occurs within weeks to months. However, the reality is that the timeframe for biodegradation depends on various factors, including the type of plastic, disposal environment, and specific conditions that facilitate the process. For example, photodegradable plastic breaks down more rapidly in sunlight, while oxo-biodegradable plastic disintegrates faster when exposed to heat and light.
The lack of defined conditions for the breakdown of biodegradable plastic creates challenges in ensuring proper disposal and preventing environmental contamination. It is essential to understand that not all biodegradable plastics will break down effectively in a compost pile. Proper disposal methods, such as sending them to industrial composting facilities, are crucial to ensuring complete biodegradation.
Additionally, the production of biodegradable plastics is not necessarily environmentally beneficial. While biodegradable and compostable plastics are marketed as eco-friendly alternatives, they can contribute to plastic pollution if they are not managed properly once they become waste. The assumption that these plastics are inherently sustainable can be misleading, and it is essential to recognize that a comprehensive solution to the plastic pollution crisis requires multiple approaches beyond just biodegradable and compostable options.
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Plastic contamination in compost turns people away from buying and using it
Plastic contamination in compost is a pressing issue that can turn people away from buying and using compost. Plastic packaging and wrappers are contaminants in compost that can render valuable organic waste useless. Composting is a process that converts yard debris and food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. However, when plastic contaminants are present, the resulting compost may be perceived as inferior or less effective, deterring potential buyers.
The presence of plastic in compost can create several challenges. Firstly, plastic does not readily biodegrade; it is not typically consumed by microorganisms and returned to natural compounds. While some plastics may partially degrade over time, they can persist in the environment for extended periods, depending on the disposal conditions. This means that plastic contaminants in compost can remain intact even after the composting process, affecting the quality of the final product.
Additionally, plastic contamination can clog and damage composting facility machinery, creating operational challenges and increasing costs for maintenance and disposal. The small particles of disintegrated plastic are particularly difficult to remove, and they may remain in the compost even after screening and processing. This contamination can make it harder for facilities to sell their compost, as buyers may be hesitant to purchase a product that contains plastic residues.
The issue of plastic contamination in compost is not limited to the composting facilities themselves but extends to the end-users as well. Residential gardeners, farmers, and landscapers who purchase compost may encounter plastic contaminants, impacting their work and potentially affecting plant growth. The presence of plastic in compost can also have environmental repercussions, as it can contribute to plastic pollution in agricultural fields and potentially transfer hazardous contaminants to the soil.
To address plastic contamination in compost, it is essential to properly manage waste streams and raise awareness about the proper disposal of plastics. Consumers should be educated about the differences between biodegradable, compostable, and non-compostable plastics, as well as the specific disposal methods for each type. By ensuring that plastics are recycled or disposed of correctly, we can reduce the risk of plastic contamination in compost and encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices.
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Compostable plastic is made by chemically manipulating plant sugars
Compostable plastic is a type of plastic that can be broken down by microorganisms into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass. This process occurs at the same rate as the decomposition of other organic materials in the compost pile, leaving no toxic residue. Compostable plastic is specifically designed to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities, with the latter being more common due to the specific conditions required for decomposition.
The production of compostable plastic involves chemically manipulating plant sugars to create a biodegradable material. One common type of compostable plastic is polylactic acid (PLA), which is made from the sugars in corn starch, cassava, or sugarcane. To transform these plant sugars into plastic, corn kernels are immersed in sulfur dioxide and hot water, causing them to break down into starch, protein, and fiber. This process results in a biodegradable, carbon-neutral, and even edible form of plastic.
Another method of creating compostable plastic involves using synthetic biology to increase the yield of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in certain plants, such as Arabidopsis. Additionally, bacteria can be used to convert methane gas from wastewater treatment plants or landfills into PHA, which can then be sold to plastic producers. This type of bioplastic is compostable, marine degradable, and non-toxic.
While compostable plastic offers a potential solution to the plastic pollution crisis, it is important to note that it is not without its drawbacks. For example, the production of compostable plastic may require significant resources, such as farmland and water, which could otherwise be used for food production. Additionally, the biodegradation process of compostable plastic often requires controlled conditions, such as specific temperatures and moisture levels, which are not always readily available.
Furthermore, the term "biodegradable" in marketing claims has a time component, with the Federal Trade Commission's "Green Guides" stating that it is deceptive to claim degradability if the item does not completely decompose within one year of customary disposal. This highlights the importance of proper waste management and the need for a well-managed waste system to ensure the full realization of the potential environmental benefits of compostable plastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to break down into substances found in nature within a reasonable timeframe. Compostable plastic is specifically designed and tested to be processed in either home or
If you have a home compost pile, only put certified "home compostable" materials in it. If you have compost pick-up from your home, check your local program's website to see what they accept.
Compostable plastic will biodegrade in a compost site. Microorganisms break it down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds and biomass at the same rate as other organic materials in the compost pile, leaving no toxic residue. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are compostable, and non-compostable plastic should not be placed in a compost pile.
