Bioplastics: The Good, The Bad - The Not Recyclable
At Recycle Right New York, we believe that education about recycling begins with growing an understanding of materials. This includes knowing where they come from, what they are made of, and how they move through the material management system. Known as material literacy, this approach helps us all make informed choices and become better stewards of the valuable resources we use every day. Read on for the 411 on bioplastics.
Think that plastic belongs in the recycling bin? Think again.
Bioplastics are popping up everywhere, from takeout containers to coffee pods. They promise eco-friendly convenience in a single-use world. But beneath the green labels and compostable claims lies a confusing reality. Bioplastics can’t be recycled, and only some can be composted under very specific conditions. So what are we supposed to actually do with them? Let’s break it down.
Plastic recycling is struggling. Among the many materials we successfully recover, plastic has one of the lowest recycling rates. This doesn’t mean that plastic is not being recycled, but it does mean that our current materials management system cannot keep up with the overwhelming volume and diversity of plastic in our world.
One of the biggest challenges in plastic recycling is the material's constant evolution. Unlike materials such as aluminum and paper, which have remained relatively consistent over time, plastics are continually being developed into new types and formulations, causing a challenge for infrastructure, technology, and public understanding to keep pace.
Enter Bioplastics
In New York State, where recycling programs already face challenges with contamination and infrastructure limitations, bioplastics add another layer of complexity. Because they look and feel like conventional plastic, they sometimes end up in the recycling bin, which can mess with downstream recycling efforts such as sorting and processing. This disrupts recycling streams and adds to consumer confusion about proper disposal.
This article is not here solely to criticize bioplastics. Instead, we want to explore their potential benefits, uncover their limitations, and dig deeper into the systemic changes needed to address the waste crisis more effectively.
What Exactly Are Bioplastics?
Did you know? 💡 All compostable plastics are a type of bioplastic, but not all bioplastics are compostable! And neither type is recyclable. 🙅♂️
Bioplastics are a category of plastics made from biological sources, instead of fossil fuels, that may or may not be biodegradable or compostable. On the surface, they offer a promising alternative to conventional plastics made from fossil fuels.
Key characteristics of bioplastics include:
Plant-Based: Bioplastics are at least partly made from renewable plant resources, such as corn starch, sugarcane, and even algae.
Biodegradability: Some (not all!) bioplastics are designed to break down under specific conditions into water, carbon dioxide, and other constituent parts, which can also reduce their lifespan in landfills. Some bioplastics are compostable but not necessarily in any type of compost system.
These features are part of what makes bioplastics so appealing. The idea of maintaining the convenience of single-use products while minimizing reliance on fossil fuels and shortening how long the material lingers around in the environment sounds like a win-win, but the reality is a bit more complicated.
Unfortunately, bioplastics are far from a perfect solution. There are many challenges that counter their perceived benefits, especially when examined through the lens of sustainable materials management, environmental impact, and consumer confusion.
Complications to Existing Management Systems
Bioplastics DO NOT belong in the recycling bin and can only be composted at industrial composting facilities, which are not always widely accessible.
Many bioplastics labeled as “compostable” require industrial composting facilities that aren’t currently widely available. This means that they require specific conditions, such as temperature, in order to break down properly, often making them unsuitable for a backyard compost situation.
Sneaky Contaminators
Bioplastics are not designed to be recycled like traditional plastics. But since they often look and feel like regular plastic (clear and flexible), bioplastics can easily contaminate the recycling stream.
Bioplastics are NOT designed to be recycled like conventional plastics. However, since they often look like regular plastic (clear and flexible), they can easily contaminate the recycling stream, especially polyethylene (PET, the plastic used for water bottles). If too many bioplastics get mixed with regular PET plastics at a recycling facility, the entire batch of PET plastic can be rejected and sent to the landfill instead of being recycled. In New York State, where contamination in the recycling stream is already a struggle, this is an additional burden on the recycling system.
Greenwashing
Bioplastics are often marketed as eco-friendly, but this can mislead and confuse consumers. Terms like “biodegradable” or “sustainable” can create a false sense of environmental responsibility, encouraging continued reliance on single-use items rather than reusable alternatives or avoiding an item altogether.
Little-to-No Impact on Behavior
While bioplastics offer a renewable option, they don’t change the fundamental problem of a culture rooted in disposability. As a society, we need to rethink how we view materials and prioritize systems that reduce our waste altogether. Bioplastics don’t encourage reuse or long-term solutions; instead, they provide the illusion of a solution.
“As a society, we need to rethink how we view materials and prioritize systems that reduce our waste altogether. Bioplastics don’t encourage reuse or long-term solutions; instead, they provide the illusion of a solution. ”
Zooming Out
There is something undeniably innovative about bioplastics. They demonstrate the power of science and technology to create alternatives that reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. However, they’re not a panacea for the waste and climate crisis.
To truly address these issues, we need to shift our focus from “what can we throw away?” to “what can we reuse?”. This means embracing systemic changes such as:
Supporting reusable packaging and products
Investing in infrastructure for improved sorting and processing
Educating consumers (and your friends and family) to make informed decisions about the materials we use daily
We also need to ask ourselves: When we throw something away, where does it really go? The reality is that there is no “away” and there have only ever been recycling facilities, landfills, and incinerators.
Bioplastics represent a step forward in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and exploring innovative material solutions. However, if we’re serious about tackling the waste crisis, we need to go beyond the convenience of a single-use item, even the ones labeled as "green”, and work toward a culture that prioritizes reuse, reduction, and recycling right.
And most importantly, remember: Bioplastics DO NOT belong in the recycling bin and only certain types can be composted at industrial facilities.
Stay informed to Recycle Right:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook where we share posts on bioplastics and other recycling issues affecting NYS residents. 👇♻️