How To Spot a BioPlastic

To dispose of single-use items correctly, whether composting, recycling, or trashing, we first need to identify them. 

Bioplastics can be tricky to spot because they are often clear and flexible, just like conventional plastic made from fossil fuels. However, there are some important differences.

Here are some clues to look out for: 

• Compostable labels: Look for a compostability certification such as “BPI Compostable.” 

• Number seven in the recycling symbol: Many bioplastics are categorized as polylactic acid, PLA, a bioplastic made from corn starch or sugarcane. Number seven just means "other" plastics. Not all number seven plastics are PLA. 

• Biodegradable labels: Be cautious. Just because something says "biodegradable" does not mean it breaks down quickly or completely. 

Look for these clues as you may have an item that does not belong in the recycling bin. Bioplastics belong in the garbage unless you have access to an industrial composting facility that explicitly accepts them. 

Learn More

Click Here to take a deep dive into bioplastics: what they’re made of, why they are so complex to manage, and why they aren’t a quick fix to plastic pollution.