Is Greenware Compostable? (And Is It Sustainable?)

Typical greenware discards like plates, cups, utensils, and more are compostable. Greenware refers to disposable tableware and cutlery made from eco-friendly materials.

The most common greenware items are manufactured from PLA (polylactic acid) or bagasse. PLA is a plant-based bioplastic, while bagasse is the fiber left after extracting juice from sugarcane.

Both PLA and bagasse can be broken down in commercial composting facilities. So greenware discards can be composted and do not end up in landfills.

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With names like “biodegradable” or “compostable,” it seems like an eco-friendly choice. However, whether or not greenware will successfully compost depends on the material.

Understanding Greenware

Greenware discards like plates, cups, utensils, and more are typically made from one of two materials: PLA or bagasse.

PLA, or polylactic acid, is a bioplastic made from plant starches like corn or sugarcane. PLA can take several months to fully decompose in a commercial composting facility. In home compost piles, though, PLA breaks down very slowly and may not fully decompose.

Bagasse greenware is made from the fibers left over from processing sugarcane or other crops. Bagasse contains lignin and cellulose, which enable it to break down more successfully than PLA. Still, bagasse products may contain chemical binders or coatings that inhibit decomposition.

When considering whether a greenware product is compostable, take a close look at the label. Search for the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification logo or check if the item is certified compostable according to ASTM D6400 or D6868 standards. This indicates the product has passed tests for safe biodegradation in commercial composting facilities.

Composting PLA Greenware

Compost needs nitrogen- and carbon-rich materials, moisture, and plenty of oxygen. Since PLA does not contain organic matter, it does not contribute nutrition to help feed the microorganisms that break down waste.

Here are some tips for composting PLA greenware:

• Shred or break PLA items into small pieces before adding them to your compost pile. This gives microbes more surface area to work on.
• Make sure to include adequate nitrogen sources like green plant waste, coffee grounds or composted manure. Microbes need nitrogen for the energy to decompose PLA.
• Maintain aerobic conditions by frequently turning and mixing the pile. PLA may not decompose fully in anaerobic conditions.
• Consider adding a compost accelerator or inoculant with microorganisms specially formulated to break down PLA.
• Be prepared for very slow decomposition, potentially taking over a year in home composting conditions. Do not expect PLA to fully decompose.

Even with ideal conditions, PLA will likely break down only partially in your home compost pile. If you want to dispose of PLA greenware responsibly, commercial composting is best. Check if your local waste utility offers a commercial composting program.

Composting Bagasse Greenware

Compared to PLA, bagasse greenware has a better chance of successful decomposition in backyard compost piles.

Follow these tips for composting bagasse products:

• Check labels and opt for uncoated, chemical-free bagasse greenware whenever possible.
• Shred or crush items to provide more surface area.
• Provide a balanced diet of carbon and nitrogen materials.
• Turn and aerate the pile regularly.
• Consider adding a compost inoculant to speed up breakdown.

With optimized conditions, plain bagasse items like plates, napkins, and cups can decompose fully in home systems within several months. However, the timeline depends on the formulation of the product. Heavily processed or treated bagasse may resist decomposition.

Composting bagasse helps reduce waste volume, recycles nutrients back into your garden, and eliminates methane that would be generated if the items went to the landfill. Just be wary of bagasse products with chemical binders and coatings that can disrupt the composting process.

Alternatives to Composting Greenware

While composting is one disposal method, what are some other sustainable options for dealing with green waste? Here are a few ideas:

Refuse Single-Use Completely

This zero-waste approach avoids disposable greenware entirely. For events and meals, choose washable and reusable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils instead. Carry a travel set with you to avoid single-use items when eating on-the-go. Investing in reusables is the most eco-friendly option.

Seek Industrial Composting

In some areas, green waste can be collected alongside food scraps for large-scale composting programs. If available locally, this service allows greenware to decompose fully in a controlled, optimized environment. Check with your waste hauler to see if they accept greenware labeled BPI-certified compostable.

Recycle Using Terracycle

Greenware cannot be recycled alongside plastics, glass, and metals in standard municipal recycling systems. However, Terracycle offers a free national recycling program for compostable foodware and dishes. You can collect acceptable items and ship them to Terracycle using a free shipping label.

Trash Uncertified Items

When in doubt about the composition of a greenware product, the safest option is to send it to the landfill instead of risking contamination with your carefully crafted compost. While not zero-waste, modern landfills have robust methane capture systems to reduce emissions.

No option is perfectly eco-friendly, so strive to make the most sustainable choice within reason. For one-time events, trashing uncertified greenware may be unavoidable. But for regular events and meals, invest in reusables or seek industrial composting programs when available.

Is greenware more sustainable overall?

With the mixed ability of greenware to break down through backyard composting, is it truly more eco-friendly than conventional plastic? Consider these pros and cons:

Pros:

• Made from plant materials instead of fossil fuels
• Produced with less energy and emissions compared to plastic
• Partially decomposes over time, unlike petroleum-based plastic, which persists
• Reduces volume in landfills since items shrink as they biodegrade
• Can be composted fully through industrial systems

Cons:

• Minimal decomposition and nutrient contribution in home compost piles
• Contains few organic materials to feed soil microbes
• Additives and coatings may disrupt composting
• Must be kept separate from recyclable plastics
• More expensive upfront than conventional plasticware

Overall, greenware is likely a slightly more sustainable choice compared to traditional disposable dishware due to its basis in renewable materials. But it is far from a perfect solution. As gardeners seeking to live sustainably and nourish the soil, we must be cautious with claims of compostability or biodegradability without certification.

Choosing reusable tableware is ideal when possible. For one-time events, certified compostable greenware collected in municipal composting programs offers the most eco-friendly option. If composting at home, select uncoated bagasse products and be prepared for slow decomposition. Avoid anything labeled only “biodegradable” without proof of passing ASTM standards.

With care in researching and understanding options, gardeners can continue making earth-friendly choices, even when sustainable perfection is out of reach.