Compostable Product is a product which is “capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site as part of an available program, such that the product is not visually distinguishable and breaks down to carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass, at a rate consistent with known compostable materials and leaves no toxic residue.” American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM).
In order for a product to be called compostable, three (3) criteria must be met:
1. Biodegrade – break down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass at the same rate as cellulose (paper).
2. Disintegrate – the material is indistinguishable in the compost, that it is not visible and needs to be screened out.
3. No Eco-toxicity – the biodegradation does not produce any toxic material and the compost can support plant growth.