The Truth About Compostable Utensils

The Truth About Compostable Utensils

Appearances can be Deceiving: The Truth About Compostable Utensils

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By Paula Gonzalez Alvarez, Bethesda Green Environmental Leader

Compostable flatware alternatives to plastic are gaining traction, especially as cities across the United States, like Seattle and Berkeley, implement measures to combat plastic pollution. Seattle mandates that all food service businesses switch to recyclable or compostable options. Berkeley has gone a step further by imposing a 25-cent surcharge on disposable cups and ensuring that all such items are certified compostable. These efforts are mirrored by major food chains like Starbucks and McDonald's, which are striving to create a fully recyclable, compostable paper cup. Locally, places such as Sweetgreen and Cava Mezze Grill are also getting on board. Such initiatives are pivotal in moving towards a zero-waste society.

The advancement in sustainability is commendable, yet there are nuances to consider. Compostable utensils, though not as detrimental as traditional plastics, require specific conditions to decompose. Bioplastics, made from natural materials like cornstarch or potato starch, don't typically break down in backyard compost heaps due to insufficient conditions. Moreover, these utensils usually aren't marine degradable, so they persist in oceans and waterways if not properly disposed of. Landfills, lacking the necessary oxygen and microorganisms, also fail to break down these materials. Hence, for complete disintegration, proper disposal in dedicated compost heaps is essential.

Many people who patronize restaurants offering compostable flatware end up disposing of them improperly—often in regular trash bins at home, particularly due to increased takeouts during COVID-19. Without home composting or scheduled pickups, the well-intentioned efforts by companies to reduce pollution are diminished. Effective environmental impact of compostable materials hinges on proper disposal at composting sites.

Fortunately, companies like the sontex are offering practical composting services for businesses, organizations, and residential customers. The Compost Crew, operational throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., provides weekly curbside food scrap collection, even during the pandemic. Their pricing model benefits communities, lowering costs as more locals participate.

Getting Started with Composting at Home

The community's role is crucial. Nearly half of household waste is compostable. Composting transforms waste into "black gold," minimizing landfill pollutants that harm soil, air, and water, exacerbating climate change and posing health risks. Thus, registered composting services not only manage bioplastics but also contribute significantly to environmental well-being.

Starting to compost isn't as laborious as it might seem. Residents and businesses in Bethesda can obtain free composting bins from Montgomery County's Department of Environmental Protection. Locations like Davis Library and Whole Foods Market on River Road offer these bins. Then, registering for weekly compost pickups via the Compost Crew's website streamlines the process. By following these straightforward steps—collecting food scraps, yard waste, and organics in the compost bin for scheduled pickups—participation can drive collection costs down to below $6 monthly, encouraging widespread adoption.

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Committing to compostable utensils offers environmental benefits but demands community cooperation to ensure these utensils are properly composted. Start your composting journey today!

About the author:

Paula Gonzalez Alvarez, Bethesda Green Environmental Leader

Paula Gonzalez Alvarez is a Senior at Walt Whitman High School and an aspiring engineer. She believes learning about green living and environmental conservation will help her create more sustainable projects in the future.

Compostable Cups, Plates, and Utensils

Not all biodegradable items are necessarily compostable.

Understanding Labeling and Regulations

The Federal Trade Commission Green Guides establish specific labeling criteria for products marketed as "biodegradable" or "compostable" to prevent misleading claims. Moreover, California's Senate Bill 567 bans labeling of plastic or bioplastic products as biodegradable, oxo-degradable, oxo-biodegradable, or photodegradable.

Interested in learning more about compostable knife wholesalers? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!