Compostable Packaging Disposal

Compostable products cannot be recycled through standard recycling systems. They are designed to break down into organic matter, not to be reprocessed into new materials like plastics or metals. If placed in Mixed Recycling bins, compostable waste can contaminate recyclable materials. 

Instead, compostables should be collected separately and sent to an industrial composting facility through a dedicated Compostable waste collection. Recorra recommends checking packaging for certification, such as BS EN 13432, BS EN 14995, or ASTM 6400 and ensuring it goes into the correct composting stream for proper processing.

Vegware makes 100% compostable, plant-based food packaging designed to break down in industrial composting facilities. Recorra offers a Vegware recycling collection service, ensuring used Vegware packaging is collected separately and sent for proper composting, helping businesses reduce waste and meet their sustainability goals. 

Compostable products are designed to break down into non-toxic, organic matter under controlled conditions, typically in composting facilities, and must meet standards like BS EN 13432, BS EN 14995, or ASTM 6400. Biodegradable products also break down naturally through microbial activity, but the process is less predictable and may leave behind residues or microplastics. The key difference is that compostable items are guaranteed to break down safely and completely in the right environment, while biodegradable items may not.

No, you should not use a plastic bag in your compostable bin. Regular sacks do not break down like compostable materials and will contaminate the composting process, preventing proper decomposition. Only certified compostable bags or packaging (e.g. BS EN 13432) should go in a compostable collection. We recommend keeping compostable materials separate from regular plastics to ensure they break down correctly and return valuable nutrients to the soil. 

Compostable packaging should be placed in a designated compostable waste bin for collection and processing by Recorra and our composting service partners. If the packaging is labelled as suitable for home composting, it can be added to a garden compost heap. Please note that decomposition times may vary depending on the material and environmental conditions. To avoid contamination, compostable packaging must not be placed in Mixed Recycling or General Waste. This can disrupt the recycling process and compromise material quality. 

If you’re unsure about disposal, please contact our team for guidance.

A waste management company is responsible for collecting, transporting, processing, recycling, and disposing of waste materials in a safe and environmentally responsible way. At Recorra, we go beyond waste collection. We deliver innovative recycling solutions, transparent reporting, and expert guidance to help businesses reduce their environmental impact and achieve their sustainability goals. Our reliable, forward-thinking approach makes us the smart choice for organisations that care about their future and the planet.