What’s the Difference Between “Compostable” and “Biodegradable”?

In our collective effort to tread more lightly on the Earth, many of us are eager to make choices that align with our environmental values. That includes paying close attention to how we dispose of our waste.

It's a commendable step towards becoming more climate-friendly, but it turns out there's a bit more to it than just throwing everything "eco-friendly" into the green bin.

Busting the biodegradable myths

The terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" are often tossed around like they're one and the same. However, knowing the difference between the two is crucial for making truly eco-conscious decisions.

Biodegradable materials can break down and return to nature with the help of microorganisms, but this process could take anywhere from a few days to several centuries! Furthermore, just because something is biodegradable doesn’t mean it’s a beneficial addition to your compost.

On the flip side, compostable items decompose into nutrient-rich soil with a little human intervention, transforming waste into gold for gardeners in a more predictable timeframe.

The compostable conundrum

Here's where it gets tricky: not everything labeled "compostable" is suited for your green bin, especially when it comes to plastics. Yes, you read that right. Even if a product promises compostability, it doesn't always mean it can be processed with your regular yard or food waste.

For instance, compostable plastics, a popular solution among eco-conscious consumers and brands, require specific conditions to break down. Most of the time, these conditions are only found in industrial composting facilities. Therefore, tossing these plastics into your green bin with hopes they’ll transform into beneficial compost could actually do more harm than good.

Making informed choices

The key takeaway? When aiming for sustainability, knowledge is crucial. Knowing what goes into your compost bin ensures our good intentions don't accidentally harm the environment. For example, paper is fine for the green bin, but with compostable plastics, it's smart to check if your local facility can handle them (spoiler alert: in LA, they cannot). This simple step helps our planet and boosts our contributions to climate action.

Understanding labels is part of being an informed consumer, and helps you make choices in what to buy and how to dispose of waste that is truly eco-friendly. Our collective actions and daily choices can significantly impact the planet.

For those looking to improve their composting practices and understand more about biodegrading versus composting, learn more here.