Recyclable, Biodegradable, and Compostable Wastes

The terms ‘recyclable’, ‘biodegradable’, and ‘compostable’ are being widely used nowadays by numerous businesses in describing their products.

When we read that something is recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable, some of us immediately assume that this product would be good for the environment; some automatically choose items that fall into these categories over other products that do not give a hint that they are environmentally friendly.

But what does it mean when an item is labeled as compostable? Do the words ‘compostable’, ‘recyclable’, and ‘biodegradable’ have the same meaning? Are all compostable and recyclable items recyclable?

First and foremost, the terms ‘compostable waste’, ‘biodegradable waste’, and ‘recyclable waste’ do not have the same meaning. They should not be used interchangeably. Here are the meanings of each of the terms:

•         Compostable products – These are items that are expected to break down naturally into the soil after some time. When compostable wastes break down, they leave no harmful substances to the ground. In addition, once compostable wastes break down, they turn into natural fertilizers that are good for the soil.
•         Recyclable products – Recyclable products are made from materials that may be used again after undergoing recycling process.
•         Biodegradable products – Just like compostable wastes, biodegradable wastes are expected to break down in due course. However, unlike compostable wastes, biodegradable wastes don’t necessarily turn to substances that may enrich soils – sometimes, they just break down until they turn into smithereens.

What’s more, compostable and biodegradable wastes do not decompose on their own in the landfills. Certain factors are needed for these waste types to break down, such as oxygen, moisture, ideal temperature, and so on.

Also, recyclable wastes are not the same as biodegradable and compostable wastes since recyclable products need to be reprocessed to turn into something else. Also, if simply left on the landfill, recyclable items don’t always decompose naturally and would just occupy valuable space.

Most compostable and biodegradable items are not suitable for recycling as well. For an instance, recycling depots like North Shore Recycling Centre may not accept compostable wastes for recycling because these waste types may contain substances that aren’t supposed to be reprocessed.

Therefore, aside from proper segregation of wastes, proper waste handling can help save nature as well. Drop your recyclable wastes at government recycling centers such as North Shore Recycling Centre, and use compostable and biodegradable wastes to make your own compost at home for your garden.