Tips on Disposing Bio-based, Degradable and Compostable Plastics

Because some bio-based plastics, such as PLA, are relatively new to the mass marketplace, some recyclers are still figuring out the best ways to recycle them. So, always check the container before deciding where to dispose of it.

If a bio-based plastic has been engineered to become one of the currently used resins, like PET or HDPE, recycle it as you normally would for a fossil-fuel resin plastic. For instance, the Coca-Cola Company PlantBottle is partly made from renewable plants, labeled PET and can be recycled with other PET plastic.

Degradable plastics, which include compostable and biodegradable types, shouldn’t just be buried in your backyard or left on the side of the road. To properly be disposed, these have to be dropped off at facilities specifically designed to accept compostable plastics. According to Sustainablepackaging.org, there are over 250 sites across the US, of which approximately 36 facilities accept packaging.

The best tip is: when in doubt, leave it out. It’s best to keep items that could potentially contaminate the recycling stream out of the bin.