With the increase in people's environmental awareness, composting has now become a more popular thing for people, but composting is not just done in the home garden or backyard. Larger scale requires industrialization.
What is industrial composting? How does it work? And why is it so important for compostable materials such as PLA or kitchen waste? This article will answer your questions and hope it will be helpful to you.
industrial composting
What Is Industrial Composting?
Industrial composting, also known as commercial composting or large-scale composting, is a system that breaks down organic waste (such as food scraps, garden waste, and compostable plastics) under specific conditions in special composting equipment.
Industrial composting machines use heat, moisture, and oxygen to convert waste into compost faster and more efficiently.
How Does Industrial Composting Work
- Collect organic matter, such as vegetable peels, coffee grounds, or certified compostable products, such as PLA (polylactic acid) cups.
- Organic matter is sorted to remove non-compostable items
- Chop and mix in large piles or containers. Composting facilities maintain high temperatures (about 60 degrees Celsius), humidity, and oxygen levels to help microorganisms break down the waste quickly.
- Industrial composting equipment regularly turns the compost to ensure it decomposes evenly. After about 3-6 months, it is fertile soil for farming or gardening.
working principle of industrial composting
What Materials Are Accepted in Industrial Composting?
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Waste | Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, meat and dairy | Meat and dairy are accepted in some systems; check local guidelines. |
| Garden Waste | Leaves, grass clippings, branches, wood chips | Ensure no treated wood or invasive plants are included. |
| Certified Compostable Plastics | PLA (Polylactic Acid) bags, containers, utensils; PBAT films and liners; compostable mailers and trash bags | Must be certified (e.g., BPI, TÜV AUSTRIA); non-certified plastics contaminate. |
| Paper Products | Paper towels, napkins, uncoated paper plates and cups | Avoid coated or plastic-lined paper products. |
Important Note: Only certified compostable items should be used in industrial composting systems. Regular plastics or non-certified “biodegradable” products can contaminate and ruin the composting process.
Industrial Composting vs Home Composting
| Feature | Industrial Composting | Home Composting |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 55–70°C | 20–40°C |
| Time Needed | 2–6 months | 6–12+ months |
| Materials Accepted | Food, paper, yard waste, PLA, PBAT, compostable packaging | Mostly food and yard waste |
| Supervision | Professionally managed | User managed |
| Output | Certified compost, ready for sale | Homemade compost, for personal use |
industrial composting
Why Is Industrial Composting Important?
Reduce landfill waste
Food and organic waste is mostly placed in landfills, accounting for more than 30% of landfill waste. The production of methane contributes to global warming, but composting can reduce the amount of waste entering landfills, which can reduce the production of methane gas, thereby reducing the production of methane and reducing the rate of global warming.
Support the circular economy
Composting is the conversion of waste into something useful: fertile soil, which is recycled and sustainable.
Promote the use of compostable packaging
Many environmentally friendly products (such as PLA cups, bags or cutlery) can only be decomposed under industrial conditions. Without these facilities, these products cannot be effectively composted.
Limitations of Industrial Composting
High Cost
Industrial composting machines are expensive. Specialized equipment, compost turners, and monitoring systems are required, as well as trained personnel to manage the entire process. Building and maintaining these facilities requires significant investments, and in many regions, the use of industrial composting is restricted.
Material Restrictions
Not all materials can be used for industrial composting. Only certified compostable materials, such as those that meet ASTM D6400 or BPI standards, are suitable. Ordinary plastics or products that are not certified "biodegradable" can contaminate the compost and ruin the batch. This requires careful sorting, which adds time and cost.
Regional Availability
Industrial composting is not available everywhere. For example, in the United States, there are only about 200 industrial composting facilities, mainly in urban areas. These facilities are often difficult to access in rural areas or countries with poor waste management infrastructure.
Energy Use
While composting is more environmentally friendly than landfilling, the composting process still consumes energy—for crushing, turning, and transporting materials. If a composting facility relies on fossil fuels, its carbon footprint increases.
types of waste that can be processed by industrial composting
Composting Certifications You Should Know
To make sure a product can be composted in an industrial facility, look for these certifications:
| Certification | Region | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| BPI Certified | USA | Meets ASTM D6400 compostability standard |
| EN13432 | Europe | Passes lab tests for industrial composting |
| TÜV OK Compost Industrial | EU | Safe to compost in industrial plants |
| AS4736 | Australia | Industrial compost standard for bioplastics |
Where Can You Find Industrial Composting?
Industrial composting is not available in every city or country. It depends on local waste systems. In some places like:
- Germany
- The Netherlands
- Some U.S. states (like California)
- Australia
But in other areas, compostable items still end up in landfills because there’s no infrastructure.
Before you buy compostable packaging or products, check:
- Does your city accept compostable items?
- Is there a local composting facility?
trash bag composting vs. traditional compost bins
Industrial Composting and Your Business
If you sell compostable products (bags, mailers, packaging), industrial composting is your best end-of-life option.
Here’s what you should do:
- Make sure your products are certified
- Educate customers on proper disposal
- Add clear labeling: “Compostable in industrial facilities only”
- Work with regions that have compost systems
This helps reduce waste and supports genuine sustainability, not greenwashing.
FAQ:
Can I compost PLA at home?
No. PLA needs high heat (above 55°C), which only industrial systems can provide.
How long does industrial composting take?
Typically 3-6 months, depending on the material and facility conditions. Certified compostable products like PLA break down faster than woody materials.
Is industrial composting better than recycling?
For organic or compostable waste, yes. But for plastics like PET or HDPE, recycling is still preferred.
What happens if I throw compostable plastic in the trash?
It likely ends up in landfill, where it won’t break down properly.
Is industrial composting environmentally friendly?
Yes, it reduces landfill waste, methane emissions, and the need for chemical fertilizers. However, it requires energy and infrastructure, which can limit its impact if not managed efficiently.
Are compostable and biodegradable the same?
No. Biodegradable means it will break down someday. Compostable means it breaks down into safe, useful compost in a specific environment.
Conclusion
Industrial composting can reduce landfill waste, support biodegradable materials like PLA, lower carbon emissions, and provide valuable compost for agricultural production. But it also has challenges - high costs, limited access, and strict material requirements mean it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
