With the world pivoting towards a more sustainably conscious mindset, buzzwords like ‘compostable’ and ‘commercially compostable’ are thrown around to endorse eco-friendly practices. But ‘buyer beware’! It is critical to distinguish between these terms and be vigilant about the actual compostability of the products you purchase.

Dissecting ‘Commercially Compostable’

The term ‘commercially compostable’ is attributed to products that can only decompose fully at commercial or industrial compost facilities. Unlike traditional composting, which can be performed at home or in communal gardens, these items require specialized biological treatment under controlled conditions. A controlled environment, precise temperature ranges, and high-tech equipment are essential for their proper decomposition at commercial composting sites.

Decoding the Composting Process

Commercial composting incorporates the decomposition of organic materials under controlled conditions, eventually producing nutrient-dense compost. The process involves the collection, decontamination, and shredding of commercially compostable items, piling the organic waste, routinely rotating it for even decomposition, curing, quality verification, and finally distribution of the finished compost to a range of industries.

A Green Thumbs-Up to Commercially Compostable Materials

The adoption of commercially compostable materials is advantageous in several ways:

• Diminishing Landfill Waste: By composting, we can divert waste from landfills, thereby significantly reducing the amount of waste dumped in these sites.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Compared to landfilling, composting generates lower greenhouse gas emissions thereby helping combat climate change.
• Richest of The Rich: The compost produced from commercially compostable materials works wonders in enriching the soil, enhancing water retention, soil fertility, and overall plant health.
• Circular Economy Advocacy: Commercially compostable products contribute to resource efficiency, pollution reduction, and the promotion of a circular economy model.

Hurdles in The Path of Commercial Composting

Despite its benefits, commercial composting encounters some challenges:

• Infrastructure Scarcity: Sparse composting facilities with adequate capacity to handle large volumes of organic waste are a concern.
• Contamination Concerns and Sorting Struggles: Correct identification and separation of compostable materials is crucial to prevent contamination.
• Consumer Conundrum: Many consumers are yet to distinguish between compostable and  non-compostable products, resulting in incorrect waste disposal.
• Cost Caveat: Commercial composting can be costlier compared to other waste management alternatives.

Homemakers for Composting

Home-compostable products are designed to break down in a home composting system. These items can be composted in your backyard, countertop electric composters, or at community composting systems. Always keep an eye out for product labels for composting instructions.

Regulatory Role-Play

Governmental support in the form of financial incentives such as tax breaks, grants and constructive policies advocating composting and organic waste separation can foster composting practices.

The Gold Standard: Home-Compostable Products:

In contrast, home-compostable products offer multiple advantages- convenience, reduced environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and encouraging sustainable practices.

The debate between “commercially compostable” and “compostable” products boils down to accessibility and environmental impact, with home compostable products emerging as clear winners. By composting at home, individuals can make a tangible impact by reducing waste, enhancing soil health, and bolstering a circular economy. As consumers, let’s make informed choices and harness the power of home composting to drive towards a greener future.

Be The Change

Choosing compostable items and recognizing their compostability is paramount in encouraging sustainable waste management practices. By distinguishing ‘commercially compostable’ from ‘compostable,’ we can all minimize our environmental footprint, back composting infrastructure, and aid a circular economy.

Let’s pledge to opt for truly compostable goods and champion a compost-friendly culture for a greener tomorrow.