Composting Made Easy: Your Guide to Recognising and Disposing of Compostable Products

Have you ever come across these logos and found yourself scratching your head, wondering what they mean? We were in the same boat a few years ago, but fear not - we did the research so you don't have to!

So how can you recognise commercially compostable products? Easy! Just look for the certification labels on the product packaging. The most common certifications are the TÜV AUSTRIA and the Australian Bioplastics Association (ABA). These certifications ensure that the product meets the industry standards for compostability and is safe for the environment.

Home compostable is the best way to ensure you dispose of these products in the right way. Look out for these logos to identify a home compostable product.

European Bioplastics authorises TÜV AUSTRIA (previously known as Vinçotte) as a certification body. Their OK COMPOST HOME program offers a certification for home compostable products, ensuring their complete biodegradability, even in your backyard compost.

According to the TUV website, “The OK compost HOME defined in 2003, has never been questioned since then and have served as the basis for the drafting of several standards, including:

• Australia: AS 5810 (2010) 
• Europe: prEN 17427 (2020)
• France: NF T 51800 (2015) 

But don't be fooled by vague or misleading labels, like "biodegradable" or "green" - they don't necessarily mean the product is home compostable. Stick to products with the clear and trusted certifications for compostability.

Now, let's talk about where to dispose of your commercially compostable products. The best option is to find a commercial composting facility in your area. These facilities have the necessary conditions (like temperature, oxygen, and moisture) to break down the products into nutrient-rich soil. Your local government or waste management company should be able to direct you to a nearby commercial composting facility.

If you can't find a commercial composting facility, the next best option is to dispose of the product in the regular trash. While it's not the most eco-friendly option, compostable products will still break down faster than traditional plastic products in a landfill.