Biodegradable, Compostable or Recyclable - What's The Difference?

Eco Friendly FAQ's

Biodegradable, Compostable or Recyclable - What's The Difference?

Over the past 10 to 20 years the marketing industry has successfully made the general public conscious of the need to make informed choices when it comes to disposable paper products.  Most people have heard all the terminology such as biodegradable, compostable and recyclable and have seen the symbols on the bottom of plastic containers but what do them mean?

We have included a list of the most frequently asked questions for easy reference to help you to make the best decisions when it comes to buying your paper products.

What does compostable mean?

Compostable means that a product is capable of disintegrating into natural soil.  This typically must occur in about 90 days.

What do the 3 arrows in the recycle symbol mean?
* Collection
* Manufacturing
* Purchase of recycled content products.

What do the terms pre/post consumer mean?

Post:  materials that have been returned, recycled and reborn into a second life.
Pre:  materials that were discarded or leftover when used to make something else, such as factory trimmings, damaged or obsolete products and overruns.

Is plastic compostable?

A plastic may be degradable but not biodegradable or it may be biodegradable but not compostable (that is, it breaks down too slowly to be called compostable or leaves toxic residue).

How can I reduce my paper waste by changing my margins?

Open a new Microsoft Word Document.  Click File.Page Setup.  From the Margins tab, change the Left, Right, Top and Bottom margins to 0.75".  At the bottom of that screen select "Default".  This one change will reduce paper consumption by about 4.75%.  If it spread nationally, that would result in 380,000 tons less paper consumed.

*This idea has been formalized by Tamara Krinksy.  (www.changethemargins.com)

How can I tell that my product is compostable?

In North America, the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) is the 3rd party agency that determines if products are commercially compostable according to ASTM standards.

*BPI's certification logo can be displayed on the actual product and packaging materials.

Why can't I recycle everything?

In short, not everything has a market.  Recycling is a business driven by supply and demand.  By buying products containing recycled materials, we "close the loop" and markets are developed so recycling those materials makes more economic sense.

Be part of the solution.  BUY RECYCLED!

Is cardboard biodegradable?

When not wet or contaminated with food or oil, cardboard is recyclable.  It is also naturally biodegradable but it's always a good idea to put it in a recycling bin instead of leaving it as litter.

What are the benefits of recycling?

* Keeping material out of the landfill.
* Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
* Creates jobs.

Are compostable products better even if they just end up in a landfill?

Maybe a little, but not much.  In the regular trash, they are still part of the general waste stream.  The best choice is to use reusable items whenever you can.  The 2nd best is to use compostable products and then actually compost them.

Find a community composting facility near you at www.findacomposter.com.

What are some waste minimization practices that I could use in my office, building, or business?

1.  Establish a dinnerware composting systems.
2.  Create & promote a system to report wasteful practices.
3.  Recognize waste reduction/materials management roles in relevant staff job descriptions including administrative assistants, purchasing and building proctors.

Which plastics are recyclable?

Look for symbols 1, 2, 4 & 5 as these plastics are considered to be the safest.  They are recycled into a variety of goods like tote bags, pens, recycling containers, detergent bottles, pallets, brooms, signal lights, ice scrapers and bicycle racks.