How to check if something's really compostable in Washington state
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State officials are looking for the public's help to identify "greenwashed" takeout boxes, bags and other items that look like they might be compostable but actually aren't.
Why it matters: A new state law took effect in January requiring that compostable products be clearly labeled as such, while also banning vague labels like like "biodegradable," "degradable" and "decomposable."
The big picture: Incompatible items contaminate loads of compost, creating plastic pollution that costs time and money to remove, per Washington state's Department of Ecology.
How it works: Under the new law, all compostable items sold and distributed in Washington must bear a certification logo from a third party that has tested them and confirmed the products are truly compostable.
- The packaging should be green, beige or brown (or at least have a green, beige or brown stripe).
- It also will be labeled "compostable" and no other similar sounding word.
- Plastic film bags that are not compostable cannot use green, beige or brown color schemes.
The latest: Enforcement of the law began this month. The Department of Ecology has created a public form where people can report violations.
Between the lines: In Seattle, paper plates and containers with a shiny coating can often go in the recycling (as long as they're clean and dry), while uncoated paper plates, bowls and containers are typically compostable, Seattle Public Utilities advises.
- Compostable certification marks may include the letters BPI, TUV or CMA, referring to third-party testing companies.
- Containers that are compostable should not be put in curbside recycling bins.
What's next: State officials are studying how to make the stickers that go on fruits and vegetables compostable, and will report back to the Legislature by September 2025.