Recyclable, compostable and biodegradable: what are they?

A staggering statistic reported in The Guardian reveals that standard single-use cutlery can take up to 200 years to decompose, so it’s no wonder that businesses, retailers, and households alike are becoming increasingly aware of their environmental impact.

Consumers are demanding change, pushing retailers toward more eco-friendly options such as recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable packaging. But what do these terms really mean? And more importantly, does improper disposal of these materials negate their environmental benefits?

In this post, we’ll break down RECYCLABLE, COMPOSTABLE, and BIODEGRADABLE materials, explaining what they mean and how to dispose of them correctly.

Recyclable

What Makes Something Recyclable?

Recycling is the process of converting used materials into new products. Materials such as plastics, glass, metal, and aluminum can be recycled almost endlessly.

For an item to be recyclable, there needs to be:

1. A method to collect the waste
2. An effective process to convert it into something new
3. A market for the recycled product

It’s crucial that all recyclable materials make it into the recycling stream. Discarding them as litter or general waste renders them just as harmful to the planet as single-use items.

Common Challenges

According to a study by Ecover, 37% of people aren’t sure if a product’s packaging is recyclable. This confusion often leads to contamination – incorrectly placed items can jeopardise entire batches of recyclable materials.

Simple Guide to Recycling

For easy identification, many businesses use OPRL’s recycling labels on packaging. If a label isn’t clear, check with your local council or use resources like Recycle Now to clarify how to recycle different materials. We’d also welcome any questions here at Coastal Recycling.

Compostable

What Makes Something Compostable?

Compostable items are made from organic matter that breaks down in under 12 weeks, improving soil quality. Examples include garden waste, certain food scraps, and some types of packaging.

Home Composting vs. Industrial Composting

While coffee cups lined with PLA (a bioplastic made from corn starch) are compostable, they require industrial composting facilities to break down properly. Most home compost setups aren’t suitable for these items, and many councils don’t accept them in garden waste or food waste bins. Always check with your local council first.

Compostable Plastics in Waste Bins

Only specific compostable items, like certain food caddy liners, can go into food waste bins if they bear the EN 13432/14955 logo and are allowed by your local council. Compostable plastics should not go in recycling bins; they need to be disposed of through organic waste bins or general waste, where they can generate renewable energy if processed at an energy-from-waste plant.

Biodegradable

Understanding Biodegradability

Biodegradable materials break down into smaller pieces by bacteria, fungi, or microbes. The key difference is that there’s no set time frame – biodegradable items can take weeks, years, or even decades to decompose, and they may release harmful oils and gases during the process.

For instance, biodegradable plastic bags can take over ten years to break down, releasing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. And, previously it was found that biodegradable coffee cup could take up to 30 years to fully decompose.

Should You Avoid Biodegradable Items?

While it’s unrealistic to avoid all biodegradable items, prioritising reusable and recyclable options is ideal. Biodegradable plastics can contaminate recycling and food waste bins, which can reduce recycling rates.

Biodegradable vs. Bio-based Plastics

Bio-based plastics are made from plants rather than petroleum, reducing the use of fossil fuels. However, biodegradable refers to how the material breaks down at the end of its life cycle. Proper disposal is crucial – bio-based plastics that end up as litter will not decompose quickly and are just as polluting as traditional plastics.

Get a waste review from Coastal Recycling

Understanding the differences between recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable materials is important for making environmentally conscious choices. Proper disposal is key to ensuring these materials fulfil their intended purpose and have a positive impact on our planet.

If you’re looking to improve your waste management practices, consider partnering with Coastal Recycling. We offer comprehensive waste reviews to help you manage waste more efficiently and sustainably. Contact us today to learn more about our services and take a step toward a greener and cleaner future.