Project publication

Pilot-scale Composting of Certified Compostable Poly-coated Fiber Food Packaging

An Analysis of the Effects of Poly-coated Compostable Materials on Compost Quality and Operations in the US and Canada

Description

A pilot study was conducted at two composting facilities to evaluate whether certified-compostable poly-coated fiber food packaging can be effectively processed by existing aerobic composting facilities without affecting compost quality. This study also examined how the two pilot facilities, each using a different composting method—covered aerated static pile (CASP) and turned windrow (TW)—managed and processed the compostable packaging materials, the additional costs incurred, the operational challenges associated with their inclusion and the disintegration of these materials in compost.

The aim of the work was to understand both the operational and compost quality impacts that result from using certified-compostable poly-coated fiber food packaging.

This report complements a set of six milestone studies prepared for the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) under the project Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in North America.