Strategies for Success with Compostable Products: Education, Technology and Training
Despite the value compostable products can contribute to keep food scraps out of the landfill and as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics, compostable products are not always readily accepted by composters in the United States. Reasons vary from concerns about contamination, greenwashing, processing operation limitations, and more.
This VORS 2024 session covers key strategies for successfully managing compostable products. Presenters share best practices to safeguard against unintended contamination from procurement to piles. This panel includes a composter who successfully manages compostables while using technology as a vital part of the process; a compostable products manufacturer sharing a program to prevent contamination in composting facilities; and an industry professional who has created labeling guidelines to identify products that will work in compost systems. Covering savvy procurement practices to fostering strong alliances with haulers to utilizing labeling and technology, these experienced professionals share their successful strategies for managing compostable products.
Moderator: Elly Ventura, World Centric
Panel presentations:
“Research results of compostable packaging piles using remote monitoring devices and digital data” from David Velez Alexander, TAWA Compost Food Rescue, and Sashti Balasundaram, WeRadiate
“CIRC: Controls Intended to Reduce Contamination” from Toby Alves, Eco-Products
“The need for effective compostable labeling laws” from Linda Norris-Waldt, US Composting Council
Video time stamps:
03:08-06:12 Session introduction by moderator Elly Ventura, World Centric
06:12-36:56 David Velez Alexander, TAWA Compost Food Rescue, and Sashti Balasundaram, WeRadiate
36:56-01:01:50 Toby Alves, Eco-Products
Download the slide deck (pdf)
01:01:50-01:19:44 Linda Norris-Waldt, US Composting Council
Download the slide deck (pdf)
Resources shared:
