Marianne Martinez
In Portland, residents are encouraged to compost their food waste to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which in turn reduces the amount of methane gas that is produced and worsens the climate crisis. While waxed paper is not compostable in Portland, there are waxed paper products that are commercially compostable, such as waxed deli sheets. These products are often used in restaurants and cafes and are compostable in industrial composting facilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Waxed paper compostable in Portland | No, waxed paper is not compostable in Portland |
| Compostable waxed paper in other locations | Yes, waxed paper is compostable in some locations in industrial composting facilities |
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What You'll Learn
Waxed paper is not compostable in Portland
The issue with waxed paper lies in the wax coating. The wax makes it challenging to separate the paper from the coating during the recycling process, which is why it is not accepted in Portland's composting program. The wax component is difficult to remove, and it contaminates the paper recycling process.
Portland has specific guidelines for its composting program to ensure the production of clean and nutrient-rich compost. Items labelled "compostable", "biodegradable", or "made from plants" are generally not accepted, with the exception of BPI-certified compostable bags. These labels are often misleading, and such items can create issues for local compost facilities.
Waxed paper, including items like paper cups, pizza boxes, and food wrappers, should be disposed of in the garbage. To properly dispose of waxed paper products, it is recommended to place them in the trash rather than attempting to compost them.
It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the City of Portland to ensure proper waste management and contribute to a more sustainable environment. While waxed paper may be marketed as eco-friendly, it is crucial to understand the specific requirements of your local composting system to avoid contamination and ensure effective recycling practices.
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BPI-certified compostable bags are allowed in Portland
In Portland, BPI-certified compostable bags are allowed for composting food scraps and yard trimmings. BPI-certified compostable bags are tested and certified to break down in under 180 days in commercial compost facilities. They meet the requirements of ASTM D6400 or D6868 and are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).
It is important to note that not all "compostable" items are accepted in Portland. Items labelled as "compostable", "biodegradable", or "made from plants" are not allowed for composting. This includes waxed paper, parchment paper, facial tissue, and paper plates.
The reason for this distinction is that waxed or plastic-coated paper products are difficult to separate during the recycling process. The wax or plastic coating prevents the paper from being recycled or composted.
However, BPI-certified compostable bags are an exception and are allowed for composting in Portland. These bags are specifically designed to be compostable and are widely accepted across North America. They are a great way to divert food scraps and yard waste from landfills and contribute to a more sustainable future.
It is always important to check with local guidelines and regulations to ensure proper disposal methods, but BPI-certified compostable bags offer a convenient and eco-friendly option for composting in Portland.
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Portland compost bins do not accept waxed paper cups
Portland's compost bins do not accept waxed paper cups. This is because the wax or plastic coating on the paper cups is difficult to separate from the paper during the recycling process. The coating helps keep drinks warm and prevents leakage and sogginess, but it also makes the cups non-recyclable and non-compostable.
In Portland, compost bins are for food waste and yard waste. For homes, this includes food and yard waste, while businesses can only put food waste in their compost bins.
The city's website provides a detailed list of what can and cannot go into the compost bin. It specifically mentions that waxed paper is not allowed, along with parchment paper, facial tissue, beverage stir sticks, plastic bags, plastic wrap, metal, glass, liquids, grease, and cooking oil.
It's important to note that some cities in Oregon, like Forest Grove, Lake Oswego, and Portland, allow cardboard takeout pizza boxes in the food scraps bin, but boxes for frozen pizza should always be thrown in the garbage. This is because the contents of frozen pizza boxes, such as grease, can contaminate the paper recycling process.
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Compostable waxed deli sheets are available for purchase online
In Portland, waxed paper is not accepted in compost bins. However, if you are looking for waxed paper that is compostable, there are several options available for purchase online.
Vegware offers compostable waxed deli sheets that are made from sustainably sourced, unbleached paper. These sheets are 15" x 11" or 12" x 12" and are coated with soy wax for grease resistance. They are BPI-certified compostable and can be composted in a commercial composting facility within 180 days. The sheets come packaged in recyclable paperboard and polyolefin plastic wrap.
Another option is the Waxed Deli Sheets sold by Janitor Supply Depot and Foodservice Disposables on Amazon. These sheets are also compostable and greaseproof, made from sustainably sourced, unbleached paper. They are 12" x 12" and come in a pack of 1000. These sheets are perfect for burgers, pastries, and other greasy foods, and can be thrown in the food waste bin with all the food scraps.
Both of these products offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional waxed paper, which is not compostable and can be difficult to recycle. By choosing compostable products, you can help promote zero waste and reduce your environmental impact.
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Portland residents should use paper or compostable bags to line compost containers
Portland residents can line their compost containers with paper or compostable bags. The official guidance from the City of Portland is to use BPI-certified compostable bags or paper to line compost containers. BPI-certified compostable bags are available at local and online retailers and can be used to bag up food scraps before putting them in the compost bin.
Paper bags, particularly those that are food-contaminated, can also be used to line compost containers. However, it is important to note that not all types of paper are compostable. Waxed paper, for example, is not compostable and should be removed from items like pizza boxes before they are placed in the compost bin. Other non-compostable paper products include paper cups, which are often coated with plastic or wax, and parchment paper.
To reduce mess and odours, Portland residents should regularly empty and rinse their compost containers. Food scraps should be transferred from kitchen containers to outside bins throughout the week, and containers should be washed weekly with soap and water. To further prevent odours, containers should be stored in the shade during warm weather, and dirty water should be poured onto gravel or grass rather than down the storm drain.
Overall, by using BPI-certified compostable bags or paper to line their compost containers, Portland residents can effectively manage their food waste while adhering to the City of Portland's guidelines for proper composting.
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Frequently asked questions
No, waxed paper is not compostable in Portland.
You can line your compost bin with paper or a BPI-certified compostable bag.
You can compost all types of food scraps, including peels, pits, bones, shells, plate scrapings, and leftovers.
