Composting Reduces Greenhouse Gases
Compostable packaging is receiving significant attention from brands and retailers*. As more communities look to divert food scraps (currently at least 21% of the waste stream) out of the landfill, composting (also referred to as organic recycling), will be a big part of their materials management strategy. Food waste in landfills is a large source of methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide at warming our planet. There is a huge environmental benefit in making sure food waste is diverted to composting. Food waste composting programs when combined with compostable packaging is an added value. There's no need for the consumer to wash out the package.
Cities across the U.S. are taking steps to reduce landfill waste. One such step is legislation requiring compostable packaging for foodservice vendors, retailers, and quick-service chains. Compostable packaging can be used in food service settings, where it's likely the plate, cup, or tray will have food residue or food scraps. Once a consumer is finished eating or storing the contents, both the packaging and the remaining leftovers can be composted together.
Compostable packaging represents an excellent alternative for those situations when recyclability is not an option, such as with Styrofoam. This material has now been banned for single use in many locations. Below are links to bans that are either in place now or pending. If you know of a ban we have missed, please reach out and let us know.
States
Cities/Counties
- Fayetteville AR
- Cities/Counties CA
- Westport CT
- Bay Harbor Islands FL
- Coral Gables FL
- Deerfield Beach FL
- Miami Beach FL
- Orlando FL
- Pinecrest FL
- Satellite Beach FL
- St. Augustine Beach FL
- Stuart FL
- Abington MA
- Amerherst MA
- Andover MA
- Arlington MA
- Buckland MA
- Cambridge MA
- Chelmsford MA
- Georgetown MA
- Hamiliton MA
- Ipswich MA
- Lee MA
- Marblehead MA
- Northampton MA
- Provincetown MA
- Somerville MA
- Sudbury MA
- Wayland MA
- Anne Arundel MD
- Annoplis MD
- Gaithersburg MD
- Montgomery County MD
- Prince George County MD
- Tacoma Park MD
- St Louis Park MN
- Portsmouth NH
- Berkely Heights NJ
- Ashland OR
- Eugene OR
- Milwaukie OR
- Portland OR
- Silverton OR
- Barrington RI
- Arcadia Lakes SC
- Charleston SC
- Edisto Beach SC
- Folly Beach SC
- Isle of Palms SC
- James Island SC
- Kiawah Island SC
- Lake Forest Park City WA
*2021 Sustainable Packaging Coalition' Understanding the Role of Compostable Packaging in North America
See OLIVER's Compostable Fiber Food Packaging Trays