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Biodegradable, Compostable, Recyclable - What's It All Really About?

Date: 12-09-2023

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Biodegradable, Compostable, Recyclable - What's It All Really About?

Quick Guide - Compostable vs Biodegradable vs Recyclable

Have you ever wondered what all the environmentally friendly terminology actually means?

We did too – here’s the DEJ’s Quick Guide to Compostable, Biodegradable and Recyclable.

Biodegradable

This means that the product will break down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass within a timeframe whilst within a natural environment.

Recyclable

This is defined as products which can be recovered from the waste stream and converted into new raw materials to be used in the creation of new products.

Made from Recycled Materials

Products made from industrial or post-consumer recycled materials which were recovered from the waste stream.

Home Compostable

These are biodegradable but with the added benefit of breaking down to release valuable nutrients into the soil, aiding the growth of trees, plants and plant-life. Home Compostable means they can naturally breaks down as organic matter through the use of fungi, bacteria, insects, worms and other organisms in the dirt to create a nutrient-dense ‘compost’. This compost can then be used as a powerful fertiliser and soil conditioner.

Industrial or Commercially Compostable

Unlike Home Compostable, products that are Industrial or Commercially Compostable must degrade over several months in an industrial composting facility whilst producing no toxic residues. This term of composting can deal with a broader range of compostable products and operates in a highly controlled setting with specific temperatures and conditions. Industrial composting is able to apply a far higher temperature to the already pre-processed packaging material. The high heat breaks the packaging down even further, hastening the decomposition.

Composting in Australia

There are around 150 industrial composting sites and Organic Recycling Facilities in Australia. Some councils provide composting facilities through their kerbside waste collections sometimes through green organics and garden waste bin or through a specific dedicated organic recycling service.

So whats the best solution? We believe Home Compostable simply becuase you can effectively use your waste to fertilise your garden!