Compostable plastic labeling requirements
Submit an observation form
Submit an observation form to report products you see in person or online that violate the compostable labeling standards. Our staff will reach out to the product's producer to discuss Plastic Product Degradability (Chapter 70A.455 RCW).
Our Plastic Product Degradability Law sets marketing claim standards for compostable products in the state. It aims to reduce both misleading labeling practices (“greenwashing”) and contamination at compost facilities. As of Jan. 1, 2024, compostable products need to be labeled according to the law. Producers must also list their compostable products in our database.
The labeling requirements apply to anything claiming to be compostable that is sold, offered for sale, or distributed in Washington. There are specific rules for film bags, other film products, and food service products. Compostable products must be certified by a third party to ensure they perform as advertised.
Exempt products: Products made from wood, or more than 98% fiber are exempt. Fiber products labeled compostable cannot contain any plastic additives, polymers, or waxes.
Not allowed: No product can be labeled biodegradable, oxo-degradable, degradable, or any other similar term. Non-compostable film bags cannot be colored or tinted green, beige, or brown.
Compostable product labeling requirements
Products labeled “compostable” that are sold, offered for sale, or distributed in Washington must have the logo of a third-party certifier. This logo tells you the product meets scientific standards for composting in industrial settings (ex. ASTM D6400, D6868, D8410, ISO 17088, EN 13432).
A certifier logo is a sign of trust. Certifiers test the product to make sure it breaks down in the average compost facility without adding harmful or toxic substances to the compost. Products must be certified for industrial compost settings, while home composting certification is optional.
Compostable products must use a color signal (green, beige, or brown) and have the written word "compostable" to make them stand out.
Items made from wood or more than 98% fiber are exempt. Fiber-based products cannot contain any plastic additives, waxes, coatings, etc. to be labeled "compostable."
Use the tabs below to see the specific requirements for each product group (film bags, other film products, food service products, and others).
- Meet scientific standard ASTM D6400 for composting in industrial settings.
- Have a logo from third-party certifier.
- Have a green, beige, or brown color signal and the written word “compostable” (three options)
- Option 1: Colored or tinted completely and has the word “compostable” in 1-inch text on one side.
- Option 2: Labeled with the word “compostable” on both sides in at least 1-inch text, written in green, beige, or brown.
- Option 3: Labeled with a green, beige, or brown band on both sides at least 1-inch in height with the word “compostable” written within the band in a contrasting color at least 0.5-inch text.
- Film bags smaller than 14-inches by 14-inches may have smaller text and color bands, if they are in proportion to the bag’s size.
- No use of the chasing arrow or other recycling symbols.
- Listed on a producer’s declaration of compliance.
- Meet scientific standard ASTM D6400 or D6868 for composting in industrial settings.
- Have a logo from third-party certifier.
- Food contact films:
- Be completely or partially tinted green, beige, or brown. At minimum, must have a green, beige, or brown stripe at least 0.25-inch wide.
- Labeled with the word “compostable,” where possible.
- Non-food contact films:
- Be completely or partially tinted green. At a minimum, must have a green stripe at least 0.25-inch wide.
- Labeled with the word “compostable.”
- Listed on a producer’s declaration of compliance.
- Meet scientific standard ASTM D6400 or D6868 for composting in industrial settings.
- Have a logo from third-party certifier.
- Labeled with the word “compostable,” where possible.
- Be completely or partially tinted green, beige, or brown. At minimum, must have a green, beige, or brown stripe at least 0.25-inch wide.
- Listed on a producer’s declaration of compliance.
- Meet scientific standard ASTM D6400, D6868, D8410, ISO17088, EN13432 or another similar standard for composting in industrial settings.
- Have a logo from third-party certifier.
- Labeled with the word “compostable,” where possible.
- Uses green, beige, or brown labeling, color striping, symbols, tinting, marks, or other design patterns.
- Listed on a producer’s declaration of compliance.
Non-compostable products and "greenwashing"
Greenwashing refers to misleading or deceptive practices about a product’s environmental impact, including marketing claims. Chapter 70A.455 RCW, Plastic Product Degradability, protects consumers from greenwashing and helps reduce contamination at compost facilities.
- No product – including compostable ones – can be labeled as “biodegradable,” “degradable,” “decomposable,” or any other similar term. The only acceptable term is “compostable.”
- The only exception is “biodegradable” agricultural mulch films.
- Products that are not certified to meet scientific standards for composting in industrial facilities cannot be labeled compostable.
- Non-compostable film bags cannot use green, beige, or brown as color schemes, including botanical motifs like vines and leaves in these colors. Non-compostable film bags can only use green, brown, and beige for:
- Stripes smaller than 0.25-inch wide and used as visual aids.
- Lettering and logos used solely for brand identity purposes.
Many haulers and compost facilities do not accept compostable products. Be sure to check local lists of accepted materials before putting these materials in an organic collections bin.
Frequently asked questions
Resources
- Producer Focus Sheet (Pub 23-07-022)
- Washington Waste & Toxics Reduction Laws Quick Guide for Food Service Organizations and Businesses (Pub 24-04-013)
- Producer Declaration Walkthrough (Pub 23-07-059)
- Producer Declaration Demonstration (YouTube)
- Response to Incidents of Non-Compliance (Pub 24-07-027)
- Sign up for Organics Management email updates: Enter your email, choose Solid Waste Management, then Organics Management.
- Cascadia Consulting's Compostable Products Management in Washington - Report to the Legislature (Sept. 2024, Pub 24-07-028)
Contact information
Organics Management Team
509-960-1290
organics@ecy.wa.gov
Patrick Merscher
Organics/Food Center Specialist
patrick.merscher@ecy.wa.gov
564-233-1065