Comparing Rates of Composting
Compostable Materials

Comparing Rates of Composting

Comparing Rates of Composting.

The rates of biodegradation for different compostable products depend on the composition and thickness of the materials used, as well as the conditions of composting. Commercial composting facilities grind the materials, turn over the piles, and produce high temperatures in the piles, thus reducing the amount of time it takes to compost the materials. Home composting rates are slower and vary widely, depending on how frequently the piles are turned over, and on the moisture, material content, and temperature of the piles. As a result, World Centric recommends commercial composting as the best method for disposing of our products.

Time Required for Composting Several World Centric Products

Product

Home Composting

Commercial Composting

Compostable (PLA) cold cups, deli containers, clamshells, straws, etc.

Not recommended

2-3 months

Compostable (PLA) utensils

Not recommended

2-4 months

Compostable (PLA) trash bags and kitchen bags

Up to 1 year

2-3 months

Fiber plates, take-out containers, bowls, cups and trays

Up to 6 months

2-3 months

Paper hot cups and bowls

Up to 1 year

2-3 months


Page Notes

  1. Composting times based on ASTM standards and in-house testing.

 

Written by

World Centric

 

Read time

2 minutes

 

Published on

May 15, 2020

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