Compostable Products and Waste Stream Contamination in Colorado

Effective April 1, the list of materials accepted in residential and commercial compost collection for the Front Range will be limited to:

1. Food scraps
2. Yard / plant trimmings
3. 3 gallon certified (CMA Approved) compostable bags used to collect food scraps

Eco-Products has been in close communication with A1 over the last few months as they have worked towards this change. Below are a few important things to know as you think about the implications for your business.

» This is not a permanent policy change.
A1 Organics makes quality compost and soil blends. Contamination from non-compostable items has created challenges to producing a finished product that meets A1’s quality standards. While the timing is uncertain, we have been given every assurance that A1’s plan is to accept select compostable products in the future when specified procurement, operational, and communications metrics are met. .

» Certified compostable products are not the problem.
A1 does not have an issue with the performance of certified compostable items from Eco-Products in their compost piles. Every compostable product Eco-Products makes is BPI-Certified and many are CMA Approved as well.

» Contamination from non-compostable products is by far the biggest challenge.
Contamination from non-compostable plastic and glass is extremely difficult for composters to remove. When composters decide to accept compostable products, their risk of receiving contamination from non-compostable products increases significantly when processes are not in place to mitigate contamination before it gets to the composter.

» Consumers generally don’t understand what is compostable and why contamination is such a problem.
While the collection of food and compostable products for composting has dramatically increased over the last decade, consumers remain largely uneducated on what to put in compost bins, and what the consequences are for composters when the material they receive is contaminated with non-compostable items.

» When A1 resumes acceptance of compostable products, they will do so only when certain conditions are met.
Operators will need to demonstrate that specific procurement, operational, and communications practices are in place before A1 will accept their material. Eco-Products is working with A1 on that verification program, and will provide the consulting and training necessary to help every Eco-Products customer meet the conditions necessary to continue with an organics diversion program that includes compostable products.