Are egg cartons compostable? (Read This First)

Egg cartons are a common household item that many of us use regularly. But when it comes time to dispose of them, you may be wondering: Can these cartons go in the compost bin? Or are they destined for the landfill?

The answer isn’t straightforward, as not all egg cartons are created equal when it comes to compostability. There are a few factors that determine whether an egg carton can be composted or not. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of egg cartons, their materials, and compostability to help you figure out the best way to dispose of egg cartons sustainably.

What are egg cartons made of?

Egg cartons can be made from a variety of materials, including:

Paper/Cardboard

The most common type of egg carton is made from molded paper pulp or cardboard. This material is biodegradable and compostable. Plain brown paper or cardboard egg cartons are the most eco-friendly choices.

Polystyrene Foam

Some egg cartons are made from polystyrene foam, commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam. This petroleum-based plastic is not biodegradable or compostable. Styrofoam egg cartons should be avoided if possible.

Plastic

There are newer plastic egg cartons made from PET, PP, HDPE, LDPE, or PLA. The compostability of these plastic cartons varies depending on the type of plastic. Some may be certified commercially compostable, while others are not.

Molded Fiber

Newer on the market are molded-fiber egg cartons made from recycled paper or cardboard and bound together with natural binders. These tend to be compostable.

Are paper egg cartons compostable?

Plain paper or cardboard egg cartons are widely considered to be compostable. Here’s a closer look at how these paper cartons break down:

Will they break down in a compost pile?

Paper egg cartons will breakdown well in a backyard compost pile. The paper materials are biodegradable, meaning they can be broken down by microorganisms and decompose into organic matter.

In a properly managed backyard compost bin, a paper egg carton should decompose within 2–5 months. The warmer and more active the compost pile, the faster it will break down.

Shredding or tearing the cartons into smaller pieces first will help them compost more quickly. Moisture and oxygen circulation in the compost will also help speed up the paper breakdown process.

Are they accepted by industrial composting facilities?

Most industrial and municipal composting facilities accept plain paper egg cartons. The ASTM D6400 standard for compostability requires that products biodegrade at a rate comparable to known compostable materials like paper.

However, some facilities may specify that cartons need to be emptied and rinsed out first before being placed in the compost bin. Egg residue could attract unwanted pests. Check with your local composting requirements.

What About Dyed or Glossy Cartons?

While plain brown paper cartons can be composted, some modern paper egg cartons use dye or glossy coatings. These added chemicals can potentially contain toxins or take longer to break down.

When possible, choose unbleached, uncoated paper egg cartons. If using dyed or glossy cartons, check that they are certified compostable and approved by your municipal composting facility first before placing them in the compost bin.

Can plastic egg cartons be composted?

Plastic egg cartons require a closer look to determine if they can be composted or not. Here are some tips:

Avoid Petroleum-Based Plastic Cartons

Conventional plastic egg cartons made from PS, HDPE, LDPE, PP, or PET are derived from petroleum. These plastics are not compostable and should not go in the compost bin. Common plastic cartons labeled #6 PS or #1 PET are not compostable.

Look for Plant-Based PLA Cartons

Some newer plastic egg cartons are made from plant-based PLA (polylactic acid) plastic derived from renewable materials like corn starch or sugarcane.

PLA egg cartons may be certified commercially compostable and biodegraded in industrial facilities. However, backyard compost conditions are often not ideal for breaking down PLA.

Check Compostability Certifications

When in doubt, check the packaging symbols and labels. PLA or other plastic cartons designed for composting should be labeled with a trusted third-party certification like “BPI Compostable” or “Compostable per ASTM D6400/D6868”.

This ensures the cartons meet standards for biodegradation and disintegration. Look for the certification before placing plastic egg cartons in any compost bin.

Can Styrofoam Egg Cartons Be Composted?

Polystyrene foam egg cartons, commonly referred to by the brand name Styrofoam, cannot be composted. Here’s why:

Made from Non-Compostable Materials

Styrofoam is made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), a petroleum-based plastic. It does not biodegrade or break down naturally.

EPS contains a cocktail of toxic substances like benzene, styrene, and formaldehyde that persist indefinitely in the environment. When littered, polystyrene egg cartons pollute landscapes and poison wildlife.

Do Not Meet Compostable Standards

No Styrofoam products carry legitimate compostable certifications. EPS does not meet the standards for biodegradation, disintegration, or eco-safety required for compostability.

Contaminate Compost Feedstocks

If accidentally included in the compost stream, Styrofoam egg cartons will directly contaminate compost feedstocks. Polystyrene takes centuries to decompose and introduces toxic chemicals into the compost.

Most commercial composting facilities strictly prohibit Styrofoam and will remove it from feedstocks. Styrofoam should never knowingly be added to any compost system.

Non-Recyclable Material

In addition, Styrofoam cannot be recycled along with other plastics. EPS must be taken to special facilities accepting Styrofoam packaging, but these are scarce.

The majority of polystyrene egg cartons will end up in the landfill. Avoid using Styrofoam cartons whenever possible.

Can molded-fiber egg cartons be composted?

Newer on the market are molded-fiber egg cartons constructed from recycled paper or cardboard and natural binders. This sustainable material is generally compostable.

Made from Compostable Ingredients

Unlike Styrofoam, molded fiber cartons contain no plastic polymers. They are crafted using natural materials.

• Recycled cardboard and paper materials
• Agricultural crop byproducts like rice hulls or wheat chaff as fiber
• Biodegradable binders like lignin or starch

These raw ingredients can all break down through biological decomposition.

Designed for Commercial Composting

Reputable molded fiber manufacturers design the cartons to be commercially compostable. The materials, inks, and coatings used meet standards for biodegradation under industrial conditions.

May Require Pre-Processing

The downside is that molded-fiber egg cartons may not readily breakdown in backyard compost bins. Pre-processing by cutting or grinding cartons into smaller pieces can help them compost faster at home.

Check for Certifications

When purchasing molded fiber cartons, look for trusted labels like “BPI Compostable” or “Compostable per TUV OK Compost” to ensure they meet compostability standards.

Composting Egg Cartons: Step-by-Step

Composting your egg cartons properly is important for keeping compost contaminant-free. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify Carton Materials

• Examine cartons and identify the materials used. Avoid non-compostable plastics like PS, PET, HDPE, and LDPE.
• Opt for paper pulp, molded fiber, or plant-based PLA plastic when possible.

2. Check for Certifications

• Look for “Compostable” certifications from BPI, TUV, Cedar Grove, etc. This ensures the cartons meet compostable standards.

3. Empty and Rinse

• Empty any stuck-on eggs, yolks, or residue. Food scraps could attract pests.
• Rinse briefly with water if needed to remove lingering organic matter.

4. Tear or Cut into Pieces

• Tear or cut cartons into smaller pieces to increase surface area for microbes.
• Try shredding if you have a yard waste shredder.

5. Incorporate into Compost

• Mix shredded or cut-up cartons into your compost pile, bin, or tumbler.
• Bury pieces under 10–12 inches of compost.

6. Maintain Proper Conditions

• Monitor oxygen, moisture, and temperatures. This helps paper and fiber cartons decompose.
• Turn and mix the compost pile weekly for aeration.
• Add water or nitrogen-rich materials like fresh grass clippings if needed.

Following these steps will help your compostable egg cartons fully break down!

Troubleshooting Egg Carton Composting

Composting egg cartons doesn’t always go smoothly. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Cartons Aren’t Breaking Down

Issue: Your paper, fiber, or PLA cartons seem intact after several months in the compost.

Solution: Shred or grind cartons into smaller pieces before adding. Turn compost more often and monitor moisture levels. May need more heat or nitrogen.

Mold Growing on Cartons

Issue: You notice fuzzy mold growing on the egg cartons in your compost.

Solution: Turn the pile to increase oxygen circulation. Add carbon-rich browns like sawdust or straw to balance excess moisture.

Animals Scavenging the Compost

Issue: Raccoons, rats, or other critters won’t stop raiding your compost for egg cartons.

Solution: Ensure you are thoroughly rinsing all egg residue before adding cartons. Cover the pile with soil, leaves, or yard waste to deter pests. Use enclosed compost bins.

Contaminants in Finished Compost

Issue: Your finished compost still has bits of plastic, foam, or dyed paper from egg cartons.

Solution: Go back and check the materials being added. Make sure only certified compostable cartons are going into the compost bin. screen-finished compost to remove contaminants.

Getting egg carton composting right just takes some patience and trial-and-error. Don’t get discouraged! With time, you’ll have healthy, contaminant-free compost.

What to Do With Non-Compostable Cartons

While paper pulp and some bioplastics can be composted, plastic #6 PS and #1 PET cartons cannot go in the compost bin. Here are some options for these non-compostables:

Recycle #1 and #6 Plastics

Some communities accept PS and PET egg cartons in the plastic recycling stream. Make sure to check the local recycling guidelines in your area.

Thoroughly clean and dry plastic cartons before placing them in the recycling bin. Never put dirty or wet cartons in recycling.

Upcycle for Arts and Crafts

Get creative with non-compostable cartons! Plastic egg cartons can be reused for seed starters, arts and crafts, DIY makeup holders, jewelry organizers, and more.

Search online for tons of egg carton upcycling ideas to inspire art projects and repurposing.

Use for Package Cushioning

Both plastic and Styrofoam egg cartons work great as package cushioning materials. Reuse clean cartons when mailing gifts or other fragile items.

Plastic cartons can also be used for paint trays or small planters. Look for ways to give cartons another life before landfilling.

Dispose Responsibly

As a last resort, dispose of non-recyclable, non-compostable cartons in the regular trash. Make sure the cartons are clean and dry first.

Aim to purchase more eco-friendly paper or certified compostable cartons in the future to reduce waste.

Are there more sustainable alternatives?

The most sustainable option is to buy eggs from suppliers using reusable egg baskets or returnable or refillable egg cartons.

But when you need single-use cartons, look for these eco-friendly alternatives:

Plain Paper Pulp Cartons

Unbleached, uncoated paper cartons are widely recyclable and compostable. Choose paper over plastic or Styrofoam.

Post-Consumer Recycled Cartons

Opt for paper cartons made with high percentages of post-consumer recycled fiber. This reduces waste.

Molded Fiber Cartons

Tree-free molded fiber cartons made from agricultural residues offer sustainability benefits. Look for compostable models.

PLA Plastic Cartons

While not as eco-friendly as paper-based options, plant-based compostable PLA plastic is better than conventional plastic cartons.

Reusable Plastic Containers

For maximum durability, consider switching to reusable plastic egg containers. These eliminate disposable waste.

With some thought, we can all find small ways to reduce our egg carton usage. Every sustainable switch makes a difference!

The Bottom Line

So, can egg cartons go in the compost? Here’s a quick summary:

• Paper pulp: Yes, paper egg cartons are compostable if they are made of plain, uncoated cardboard.
• Plastic: only if it is certified compostable bioplastic like PLA. Avoid conventional plastic.
• Polystyrene foam: No, Styrofoam egg cartons are never compostable.
• Molded fiber: usually compostable, but check certification labels to confirm.

While it may take some extra effort, disposing of egg cartons sustainably is achievable. Follow composting best practices and make eco-conscious purchasing decisions for minimal waste. With the right know-how, we can keep egg cartons out of landfills and our compost contaminant-free.