The commercial sector (restaurants, offices, and retail stores) generates a large amount of organic waste every day. Landfill is a huge undertaking and traditionally has a significant impact on the environment.
Commercial composting offers an effective solution that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich compost while reducing reliance on landfills.
This guide explores how commercial composting works, its benefits to businesses, and how compostable trash bags can simplify sustainable waste management options.
What Does Commercially Compostable Mean
Commercially compostable means a product is certified to break down into safe, organic matter—but only under the high-heat, moisture-controlled conditions found in industrial composting facilities. These items typically require specific conditions (55–70°C, regulated moisture and airflow) and are not suitable for home composting systems.
Certifications to look for:
- TÜV Austria OK Compost Industrial
- ASTM D6400 (U.S. standard for compostable plastics)
- EN13432 (EU standard)
- BPI Certification (Biodegradable Products Institute)
Common Commercially Compostable Materials
Products labeled “commercially compostable” include:
- PLA or PBAT-based compostable bags (e.g., shopping bags, food waste liners)
- Takeout containers and cups with bioplastic lining
- Compostable mailers and packaging film
- Cutlery and plates made from corn starch or sugarcane
- Compostable labels and adhesives
These products must carry certification logos such as BPI, TÜV OK Compost, or EN13432 to ensure they are truly compostable in industrial settings.
How Does Compostable in Industrial Systems Work
- Collection: Organic waste, such as food scraps or yard trimmings, is collected in compostable bin liners certified for industrial facilities.
- Sorting: Facilities remove non-compostable contaminants (e.g., plastics) to ensure a clean compost stream.
- Decomposition: Waste is processed in controlled environments with optimal heat (120–160°F), moisture, and oxygen, breaking down materials in 4–12 weeks.
- Output: The result is nutrient-rich compost used for agriculture, landscaping, or soil remediation.
Compostable bin liners certified to standards like ASTM D6400 or EN13432 ensure compatibility with this process, breaking down fully without leaving toxic residues. Factors like temperature, material type, and facility conditions influence decomposition speed.
Benefits for Businesses
- Cost Efficiency: Composting often costs less than landfill disposal, especially in cities with high landfill fees.
- Sustainability Goals: Using compostable waste management aligns with corporate sustainability targets, boosting brand credibility.
- Regulatory Alignment: Complies with local green waste regulations, avoiding fines in cities with mandatory composting laws.
- Employee Engagement: Involving staff in green business practices fosters a culture of environmental responsibility.
Restaurants, offices, and retailers can use compostable bin liners to simplify organic waste collection, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Commercially Compostable vs Biodegradable vs Home Compostable
| Feature | Commercially Compostable | Biodegradable | Home Compostable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composting Facility Needed | Yes | No (but unreliable) | No |
| Breakdown Time | 4–8 weeks | Varies; can take years | 3–6 months |
| Required Conditions | High heat, moisture, aeration | Natural environment | Ambient conditions |
| Certification Needed | Yes | No (often unregulated) | Yes (OK Compost HOME) |
| Leaves No Residue? | Yes (certified) | Not guaranteed | Yes |
How to Implement Industrially Compostable
- Assess Waste Streams: Identify organic waste (e.g., food scraps, coffee grounds) and estimate volumes.
- Partner with a Facility: Contact local industrial composting facilities to understand their requirements and services.
- Use Certified Liners: Choose compostable bin liners with certifications like BPI or ASTM D6400 for seamless integration.
- Train Employees: Educate staff on proper waste sorting and the use of compostable trash bags.
- Monitor and Optimize: Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance and improve efficiency.
Why Certification Is Important
Claims like “eco-friendly” or “biodegradable” are often misleading. True commercial compostability is verified by third-party certifications.
Authoritative Sources:
Only certified products can:
- Enter commercial composting streams legally
- Break down completely without microplastic residues
- Be accepted by composting facilities
Can Commercially Compostable Items Go in the Trash or Home Compost?
No. Most commercial compostable items:
- Will not break down in landfills due to lack of heat and oxygen
- May leave residues or attract pests in backyard compost bins
Check local composting options. Many municipalities offer curbside or drop-off programs for certified compostable materials.
How to Identify Commercially Compostable Products
Look for these logos and phrases:
- ✅ BPI Certified Compostable
- ✅ TÜV Austria OK Compost (Industrial)
- ✅ ASTM D6400 / EN13432 compliance statement
- ❌ Avoid vague terms like “eco,” “green,” or “degradable” without certifications
You can also scan QR codes on some packaging to verify compostability.
FAQ
What does it mean when a product is labeled commercially compostable?
It means the product will break down fully in an industrial composting facility, not at home.
Are commercially compostable products better than biodegradable ones?
Yes—if certified, they leave no toxic residues and meet strict standards. Biodegradable products often lack regulation.
What happens if I throw a compostable bag in the trash?
It won’t compost in a landfill and will behave like plastic, defeating its purpose.
Can PLA plastic be home composted?
No. PLA (polylactic acid) needs high heat and airflow—available only in commercial composting systems.
How can businesses or consumers access commercial composting?
- Contact local municipal composting services
- Partner with industrial composters
- Use drop-off points in participating cities
Conclusion
Commercial composting is a cornerstone of sustainable waste solutions that can reduce landfill waste, lower costs, and promote green business practices. By using certified compostable trash bags that meet standards such as ASTM D6400 or EN13432, companies can simplify organic waste management and comply with green waste regulations. With growing consumer demand for sustainability and increasingly stringent regulations, adopting industrial composting is a smart move. Partner with your local mill today to choose certified compostable trash bags for a greener future.
