Nonrecyclable Bioplastics
Have you heard of bioplastics? With increased consumer awareness of environmental issues, many companies are creating innovative solutions to reduce waste. One of these inventions is “bioplastic,” or plastic alternatives made from renewable resources. These products often have labels saying “100% compostable,” “100% biodegradable,” or even “Reduce, reuse, recycle”. These items may be compostable in some circumstances, but they are NOT recyclable. If you see common bioplastics, like “compostable” cups, plates, to-go containers, and utensils, remember these are industrial compost only. These items are often made from sugarcane, oil waste, or waste pulp and are not able to be recycled into new plastic products. These items may have deceptive recycling labels, such as saying “Reduce, reuse, recycle,” but are not recyclable at the WWRA. For information on deceptive recycling labels, see our recent post.
Interesting articles on bioplastics: