Cold Hard Composting Facts

Is it compostable? Is it not? In my backyard? Or only at a commercial facility? Composting is a wonderful, but tricky thing—and it is certainly a moving target when it comes to rules and regulations that vary from place to place and moment to moment.

At the Co-op, sustainability is part of our mission, and so, we try to compost what we can, when we can, as best as we can. Try as we might, the information is sometimes as contaminated as the waste stream, and it’s difficult to share information that will stick. And it’s nearly impossible to compost perfectly.

Compostable Produce Bags

As of this writing, you’ll be pleased to know that we have switched entirely to compostable and paper bags in our Produce Department. NO MORE PLASTIC! Made from vegetable starch, the “Pull’n’Pak” compostable green bags are compostable at home or commercially! They’re also BPI Certified and FDA-approved food safe. Do be aware that leafy greens and other wetter veg may start the breakdown process, so you’ll want to transfer your produce into your own containers at home.

Speaking of produce bags and containers: a fresh reminder! It isn’t necessary to put most produce items in bags at all—skip this step if you can for a greener grocery shop. If you prefer to bag your produce, you can find several reusable options in and around Produce and in our Upstairs Mercantile.

Compostable Deli Packages

More cold hard composting facts! We have new compostable packaging in the Deli! Have you seen the green containers? We switched many of our containers back in January, which was an important step in the right direction as we move forward toward a more circular future with less single-use plastic and better composting options for everyone. The tricky fact here is: the green containers can only be commercially composted. Please don’t add them to your yard waste bin or backyard compost pile. You can either compost them in a Deli compost bin when you’re here, or bring them back to compost next time you’re in.

Last tricky fact: the Co-op was originally told that our Deli labels, while not technically compostable, would still be accepted at the composting facility. We have since been informed that simply isn’t true. 

FACT: You must remove the labels from the green containers before putting them in the bin. (They can be tough to remove, so a little residual is kinda okay.)

Why not use a compostable label sticker, you ask us? We asked the same thing. Sadly, at this moment in time, they do not exist. But rest assured, we’ll have our eyes peeled.  In the meantime, please keep composting carefully and know that we appreciate your mindfulness to reduce waste whenever possible.