Can Compostable Packaging Go in Food Waste?
Posted:
In: Food packaging , Eco-Friendly
By:
Joe Sizeland
Posted:
Compostable packaging is now a hugely popular choice across cafés, takeaways and event catering. It’s natural to assume these renewable materials can be thrown out with leftover food, but disposal isn’t always that straightforward. The rules around composting, food waste bins and certified materials vary widely, and in many cases, compostable packaging unfortunately ends up in the wrong place.
Many food businesses and customers assume that compostable means composted; that it can be recycled at home, thrown out with leftovers or left to break down naturally in garden waste. In practice, most compostable packaging needs very specific conditions to decompose properly - and these conditions aren’t available everywhere.
In this article, we explain the differences between compostable, biodegradable and recyclable packaging, why compostable materials require more than just a bin label, and how to make the right call for your business and your waste provider.
Compostable packaging is made from natural materials such as potato starch, PLA (a plant-based polymer), bagasse or uncoated cardboard. These are designed to break down into carbon dioxide, water and organic matter with the help of micro-organisms - contributing to compost when processed in the right conditions.
The main thing to understand is that compostable packaging is designed to break down into compost - but only under the right conditions. That means a consistent balance of heat, moisture, oxygen and microbial activity - the kind typically found in an industrial composting facility. Most home compost bins can’t create that kind of environment.
Even if compostable packaging has a certification like EN 13432 - a standard that confirms it will break down under industrial composting conditions - that doesn’t mean it’s suitable for general waste, landfill or garden bins. It’s designed for commercial facilities with controlled composting, and won’t decompose in the same way or on the same timescale as food.
It’s also important to distinguish compostable from biodegradable. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Biodegradable packaging may break down eventually, but it doesn’t always decompose fully or at a predictable rate, and it can still leave behind fragments or residues. Compostable materials, by contrast, are designed to break down cleanly and safely - but only in the right conditions.
In most cases, the answer is no - compostable packaging shouldn't go in the food waste bin unless your waste provider clearly states they can accept it.
Most local food waste collections in the UK are sent to anaerobic digestion facilities. These are built to process soft organic materials. Even when packaging is made from plant-based materials, it won’t break down the same way as food. Certified compostable items aren’t compatible with this type of system and are typically removed during processing, then sent to landfill or incineration.
That’s where confusion often sets in. Items like compostable cutlery, trays or cups might look like a better option than plastic, but if they’re put in a standard food waste bin, they can interfere with the system. They slow down sorting, reduce the quality of the recovered material and are often treated as contamination.
Some private waste collectors do accept compostable packaging with food waste, but this depends on the disposal route they use. If your business has access to a commercial composting arrangement - especially in a closed-loop setting like an event site or on-site catering facility - compostables can be part of the solution. Otherwise, they’re best kept out of the food bin.
Compostable packaging shouldn’t be placed in a recycling bin. While items like compostable cups, trays or wraps may look similar to cardboard or plastic, they’re made from different materials and aren’t suitable for standard recycling processes.
If compostable packaging enters the recycling stream, it may be identified as the wrong material and removed. In mixed collections, this can affect how much material is successfully recycled and may result in more waste being diverted elsewhere.
It’s helpful to remember that recyclable and compostable aren’t interchangeable terms. Recyclable materials - like certain plastics, metals and clean cardboard - are reprocessed into new products. Compostable packaging is designed to break down into natural components under specific conditions. Because these systems work in different ways, separating materials at disposal is the best way to support effective waste management.
In the absence of a certified composting route, compostable packaging should be disposed of in the general waste bin.
While this may seem counterintuitive, it’s the best option when industrial composting isn’t available. Placing compostables in food waste or recycling bins causes more damage than simply routing them through general waste, where they are typically incinerated or landfilled.
The ideal solution is a dedicated compostables collection that feeds into an industrial facility - but this is not yet widely available in the UK. Some areas offer pilot schemes or private collection services, so if your business has access to one, compostable packaging can be an effective option. If not, it’s worth reconsidering how you label and handle compostables on-site.
When used within a dedicated composting setup - for example, at temporary events or in closed-loop catering environments - compostables can support a more streamlined disposal process. In these cases, clear labelling and guidance are useful for helping customers and staff dispose of items correctly.
For businesses without access to a commercial composting route, or where customers will take away the packaging and dispose of it themselves, using compostable packaging may introduce challenges. These can include confusion around disposal, higher material costs, and packaging that ultimately ends up in landfill or incineration if not sorted correctly.
Many food businesses looking to reduce waste and environmental impact choose recyclable packaging materials instead, supported by clear bin systems and simple disposal guidance. Ultimately, the most effective solution for your needs will depend on your setup, the waste services available to you, and how your packaging will be used and discarded by customers.
At iKrafts, we offer a broad range of packaging designed to perform in busy food service environments - from cafés and street food vendors to large-scale caterers. We know that the best packaging choice depends not just on the material itself, but on how it fits your disposal setup, service model and customer expectations. If you're rethinking your current approach to packaging, feel free to get in touch - our expert team is always happy to offer guidance.
Explore our full biodegradable packaging range today - with plenty of options for food businesses across the UK and Europe.
