Businesses that offer "biodegradable" or "compostable" plastic items may have a program in place to ensure the correct disposal. Private waste haulers may also accept these items.
Most municipal food scraps recycling programs in Metro Vancouver currently do not accept plastic items labelled "biodegradable" or "compostable." Contact your municipality for more information.
Municipal Food Scraps Recycling Programs
What happens if plastics end up in the green bin?
When "biodegradable" or "compostable" plastics go in the green bin, they can cause processing problems and may not break down properly leaving plastic fragments in the finished compost and impacting soil.
If the facility operator identifies plastic bags or other non-compostable materials in the green bin, the entire load may be rejected and sent to landfill.
What about the large plastic liners in my building’s green bins?
Some buildings use liners in their shared green bins. These are usually removed at the processing facility and put in the garbage. This process is not practical if residents put smaller plastic or plastic-lined bags in the green bins — they are harder to remove and can contaminate the finished compost.
Keep all plastic and plastic-lined bags out of the green bin — even those labelled “biodegradable” or “compostable.”
How can I help prevent contamination?
Keep all “biodegradable” or “compostable” plastics out of the green bin, unless specifically allowed by your municipality or service provider.
If you use a plastic bag to line your kitchen catcher, empty the contents of the bag into the green bin, and then throw the bag in the garbage. You can also line your green bin with a cellulose-lined compostable bag, paper towel, or newsprint instead. These items are accepted in the green bin.
Find tips to make using your green bin clean and easy
How to dispose of "biodegradable" or "compostable" plastic items
In most cases, dispose of "biodegradable" or "compostable" plastic items in the garbage. They are not accepted in recycling in BC. Read more on Recycle BC’s website.
Recycle BC - What about Compostable or Biodegradable Packaging?
Some private waste haulers may accept a specific type of plastic bag. To find out, contact your municipality or your waste hauler.
Municipal Food Scraps Recycling Programs
Do not litter plastic items labelled “biodegradable” or “compostable.” They require very specific processing conditions to break down and will not do so in the natural environment.