Compostable vs. Biodegradable: What’s the Difference? 

As you walk down the aisles at the supermarket, browsing bags of rice and cereal boxes, you may notice packages labeled as compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable. But what does it all mean?

Recyclable products mean just that: they can be recycled and should go in the recycling bin. Glass, metals, and paper, and most plastics are generally recyclable.

"Biodegradable" and "compostable" are often used interchangeably. But the fact is, these terms mean very different things. Today we're going to dive into those differences and get to the bottom of what is and isn't a smart, sustainable purchase.

What Does Compostable Mean?

The term "compostable" describes a product that will break down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass in about 90 days without any toxic residue. Compostable materials will decompose into tiny pieces. They will be completely unrecognizable from the original form and with zero negative impact on the environment.

This 3-month process is the work of millions and millions of tiny microbes that eat the compostable waste and transform your trash into natural, organic compost. This resulting compost is super nutrient-rich and makes for a fantastic organic fertilizer for indoor and outdoor plants. It can also be mixed in with soil to improve overall soil quality and grow nutrient-packed fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Compost, when done correctly, does not stink and is naturally organic.

If you are composting your organics at your own home, those microbes require a little extra help to change trash into black gold. 

How to Properly Care for Compost

• Water. Your compost pile or bin will need regular watering to decompose waste. Compost should be kept damp, not moist, and should be watered similarly to drought-tolerant plants. 
• Oxygen. Those microbes need oxygen to break down compostable materials. Turn your compost pile once a month to assist the process. Compost tumblers make turning a cinch! 
• Heat. Temperature plays a BIG part in composting. Those waste-eating microbes like their compost pile to be between 120 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat level will rise naturally with proper composting. Learn how to compost here.

What Does Biodegradable Mean?

The term "biodegradable" describes a product that will break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass without exposure to oxygen in a reasonable time frame. Fully biodegradable products will completely decompose in a landfill and help decrease your carbon footprint. This definition may sound the same as compostable. However, the key difference is that even though biodegradable products will break down, they will not do so in your home compost bin. Home compost rarely gets hot enough to break down biodegradable materials successfully.

Let's Talk Plastics

While all things eventually break down, plastics generally take about 1,000 years to become one with the soil again. "Biodegradable" plastics, such as corn-based plastic, do exist. Still, these plastics will not fully decompose when buried deep in a landfill. The concept of biodegradable water bottles, credit cards, and shopping bags is dreamy, but it's not quite that simple. Even those that do successfully return to the soil can emit toxins, like methane. Biodegradable plastics are also unsuitable for traditional recycling, as the plastics are not of the same reusable quality as their non-biodegradable shelf mates.

Some municipalities offer programs to collect and properly dispose of biodegradable plastics. These plastics are collected similarly to traditional recyclables and can be broken entirely down using industrial equipment and careful monitoring. Contact your local waste department to inquire about biodegradable plastic processing in your city.

There is a correlation between companies that put in the effort to create biodegradable products and more efficient and environmentally conscious manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and on-site recycling. So even if your biodegradable products take a little longer to break down, you could decrease your carbon footprint by buying products from ethical organizations.

But remember, not all companies are ethical, and some do practice greenwashing. These companies realize consumers want to buy products that do less harm to the environment. They may use words like "green" and "eco-friendly" without actually putting in the work to be more sustainable.

What Are Oxo-Biodegradable Plastics?

Oxo-biodegradable plastics are fused with metal salts in manufacturing that accelerate the decomposition process. Oxo-biodegradable plastics have been observed to break down, but only into smaller fragments of the larger plastic product. The result is certainly less visibly polluting, but it is still pollution. These plastics can decompose further with the help of living organisms and bacteria, but that may be impossible if the plastic is underground in a landfill. Moreover, oxo-biodegradable plastics often contain cobalt, a magnetic metal that can contribute to more pollution than traditional, non-biodegradable plastic.

So What's a Homeowner to Do?

Choose Compostable Products and Packaging, When Possible

The range of biodegradable and compostable products is ever-expanding. This increase in availability is thanks to more businesses adopting environmentally-conscious practices. The compostable category is primarily focused on food containers and single-use items such as cutlery, paper plates, cups, and coffee filters.

As you browse the store shelves, you may find biodegradable straws, trash bags, and even shoes. These products are preferable to their non-biodegradable counterparts (and may not be available as compostable due to the product's composition).

You may also notice non-biodegradable and non-compostable products packaged in compostable packaging. These are certainly more desirable than their non-compostable packaged competitors. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certifies compostable products and packaging in North America, so look for that label.

Better Yet, Avoid Packaging Altogether

You could also choose to live lighter on the Earth by being more conscious of your decisions. Many cities have stopped offering plastic bags for free. Instead, they charge a small fee to encourage reusable shopping bags. Some jurisdictions, like Vancouver, are even implementing full bans on single-use straws and plastic bags! Get yourself a couple of sturdy reusable bags and keep them in your car for regular grocery shopping and impromptu stops. And - don't forget to wash them regularly to keep them free of dirt and germs.

Another way to cut back on waste is to bring takeout containers from home when you dine out. We often know ahead of time that we probably won't be able to finish a large meal. So, bring a storage container and skip the wasteful boxes and bags provided by the restaurant. Though a little more challenging, the same can be done when you order food to go.

For packaging, it may get simpler. This recently released story from Fast Company describes how big consumer brands partnered with Loop. These collaborations are transforming the packaged goods market by taking containers back and having the manufacturers reuse them.

Larger purchases like furniture, electronics, and home improvement materials can often be bought without packaging if you take a moment to ask. Some stores can deliver your items in reusable crates that are returned right to the store. Others may have a better recycling system for packaging materials so, it never hurts to ask!

Compostable and Biodegradable May Seem Similar, but They Are Oh So Different

It can be confusing to distinguish between compostable and biodegradable products and understand what is preferable. The key to getting it right is paying a little closer attention as you shop and choose compostable where you can.

Remember that recyclable products are not necessarily biodegradable or compostable, so read those labels before you sort your garbage. Any waste that is not properly recycled, composted, or biodegradable in a landfill may not completely decompose for 1,000 years or more!

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The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.

”

- Robert Swan, Author of Destination Antarctica.