Non-wet waste marked as compostable often leaves us perplexed about the right disposal. The doubt is legitimate and makes us wonder about those materials, such as bioplastics and other similar packaging, that crowd kitchens and pantries. In fact, compostable packaging does nothing but fuel uncertainties about separate waste collection and where to throw it.
The refusal compostable We don’t always know where it is thrown away, as the composition of the materials often makes us wonder which is the correct bin to dispose of it in. In fact, if we throw food leftovers without thinking about it in the organic waste bag, with this type of garbage, there is no shortage of doubts.
But let’s proceed in order, what are we referring to when we talk about compostable and what are the wastes in this category? The recall usually concerns packaging and composite materials that bear the wording compostable, with bioplastics being an example of this type.
Bioplastic bags, but also packaging marked “compostable” or even paper tableware that bears this writing, are part of this group. In fact, doubts about the correct disposal of waste are legitimate, as we would instinctively throw them by affinity respectively in the plastic and paper bins.
Mistakes are around the corner, as we can imagine, but the answers to our questions about where to throw compostable are simpler than you think. Which means that there is no need to panic when dealing with this waste, but to understand what it is made of and sort it in the correct way.
Where to throw compostable waste
A parenthesis must be opened before answering the question of where to throw compostable waste and that is to understand the difference between compostable and biodegradable waste. We sometimes use these words as if they were synonyms. But there are important nuances in the definitions and, needless to say, also on the correct disposal of these materials.
The term degrade defines a broad category of things that are capable of breaking down and disintegrating. There is no standard for how they break down, how long it takes, or what byproducts will result. If something is biodegradable, it means it can be broken down by naturally occurring microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, but the process could take days or years.
Products labelled as compostable, on the other hand, must be tested to meet certain composting criteria industrial, according to UNI EN 13432 standards. The standards require that compostable products biodegrade and disintegrate within 90 days and do not leave harmful residues in the environment.
Testing includes a seed germination test, which ensures that the resulting compost is not harmful to plant life. Compostable products add value to the soil by breaking down into material that adds nutrients to the soil. Compostable waste is always biodegradable, but the reverse is not always true.
The bin for the collection of compostable waste
Hence the answer to the question of where to throw compostable waste: the most correct bin for collection is the organic one. And this is because, like the waste we are used to throw in the wet bineven compostable waste meets the characteristics required by municipalities for this disposal:
- They decompose in the time required by the composting environment
- They do not release harmful toxins when decomposing
- They create a healthy compost that enriches the soil
But the rule changes if the waste is affected by oil residues or other waste: in this case the correct bin is the one for unsorted waste, or dry waste. And, as mentioned, let’s avoid paper or plastic containers, even if the materials can deceive us.
If we throw away compostable waste in the wrong way, we run the risk of altering landfill recycling processes, with damage to the environment that we could otherwise avoid.
Sources
Source: www.greenstyle.it
