Debate on Classifying Bioplastics as Compost

In 1996, Greg Pryor embarked on a mission to transform yard and kitchen waste into valuable compost in San Francisco. Currently, he heads the management of nine large-scale composting operations in California and Oregon, turning everyday organic waste items, like banana skins and coffee remnants, into coveted, nutrient-dense soil for agriculture.

Recology, Pryor’s enterprise, handles organic material across regions like the Bay Area, Central Valley, Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. This movement is part of a broader effort to cut down emissions by diverting food waste from landfills.

However, Pryor voices concern over potential disruptions from bioplastic and compostable packaging makers. He warns that their success in altering regulations could unravel the existing composting framework.

Impact of Regulations

In 2021, California enacted legislation mandating that items labeled as 'compostable' must genuinely decompose into compost and not leave toxic residues. Such items must also be easily distinguishable for both consumers and waste handlers.

The law further requires adherence to the USDA’s National Organic Program, which strictly limits compost inputs to natural plant and animal materials, effectively prohibiting plastics and most packaging, except for specific non-glossy, recycled papers.

The USDA is currently reevaluating these standards at the compostable industry’s behest. Any amendments could permit the inclusion of bioplastic products like cups and bags into organic composting systems.

Concerns from the Composting Community

Greg Pryor fears that approving bioplastics for composting could degrade his product’s quality, making it unacceptable for farmers and defeating the essential goal of enhancing soil health.

Plastic residues, specifically microplastics and associated chemicals, pose risks to the microorganisms crucial for compost vitality. Studies indicate that such contaminants can compromise plant health, leading farmers to reject compost with these additives.

Farmers, who utilize compost to enrich their soil, consistently resist the inclusion of any plastic elements, regardless of their purported compostability.

Bioplastic Industry's Perspective

Manufacturers of next-gen 'compostable' items view current federal standards as a threat, particularly with California’s upcoming waste policy requiring all single-use plastics to be recyclable or compostable by 2032.

Failing to access the Californian market, a massive consumer base, could jeopardize these companies, which argue their products offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics.

Proponents suggest that making packaging such as liners and bags easily compostable will enhance participation in waste programs, reducing conventional plastic waste.

The Biodegradable Product Institute, representing industry interests, advocates for policy changes. It emphasizes the potential of compostable bags to facilitate broader public engagement by mitigating the ‘yuck’ factor in waste collection.

Scientific Evaluations and Criticisms

Recent reports raise doubts about bioplastics’ ability to fully biodegrade, warning of possible residual microplastics and chemicals seeping into soils. These persistent chemicals, including PFAS, complicate the discourse around environmental safety.

Despite advances suggesting some plant-based plastics might not impact compost negatively, the extent of harm varies. This uncertainty, compounded by the discovery that bioplastics sometimes rely on synthetic additives, fuels ongoing debate.

Critics argue that turning composting into a waste strategy rather than a soil improvement method undermines its ecological value. The concern lies in industry motives potentially skewing regulations to allow convenient, cost-saving disposable solutions.

Future Directions and Stakes

With regulatory and environmental questions at play, stakeholders—including environmentalists and compost producers—seek to balance innovation with ecological integrity.

Greg Pryor and fellow industry insiders continue to scrutinize policy shifts, wary of bioplastics potentially complicating the fight against excess landfill waste and contributing to climate challenges.