Compostable labeling outreach materials
Here you can find graphics and handouts to support outreach for Washington's compostable product labeling requirements. Local governments, environmental groups, and others are welcome to use these materials or modify them to reflect what is accepted in local organics collection bins. Any use of images or tools on this site must be used according to our copyright policy. Images can only be used for non-commercial purposes only provided:
- Users maintain all copyright notices and related documents,
- Users credit the “Washington State Department of Ecology,” and
- Any published or distributed copies of the material or works derived from the material must be offered freely and openly to others.
Banner images
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Illustrated graphics
Use these graphics to make your own signs, labels, or flyers. Use a visual design software to edit graphics, if you need, like crossing out items that are not accepted in local collection bins.
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Social media posts
Help your community learn about the labeling rules for compostable products.
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Making sure your compostables are labeled correctly is easy once you know what you’re looking for! Some compostable products have more specific rules, but, in general, you can look for these three things. Find more details on the law: Compostable product labeling requirements - Washington State Department of Ecology |
Labeled compostable products help consumers and compost facilities
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Check, check and check! ✅ Accurately labeling compostable products keeps away the guesswork for customers. Even better, they help compost facilities reduce contamination. Always check locally before you put compostable products in your green bin! Label your compostables right and learn more: Compostable product labeling requirements - Washington State Department of Ecology |
Encourage your community to report plastic film bags that may violate the law
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PSA - Green, beige, or brown non-compostable film bags are not okay! Botanical motifs like vines and leaves in those colors are not allowed either. 📢 The only exceptions are: ✅ Stripes smaller than 0.25-inch wide and used as visual aids. ✅ Lettering and logos used solely for brand identity purposes. Report noncompliant film bags here and Ecology will talk to the manufacturer: Compostable Product Labeling - WasteReduction |
Ask your community to report mis-labeled products, so Ecology can check
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Have you seen confusing labels on your service ware? Maybe it says “biodegradable” instead of “compostable?” 🤔 If you see a label that looks incorrect, let Ecology know so they can check! Incorrect labeling can lead to plastic pollution at compost facilities, so it's important we keep these products out of Washington. Submit an observation form: Compostable Product Labeling - WasteReduction |
Using compostable products correctly can help compost facilities, workers, and the environment
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What a big, beautiful pile of compost. 😍 Compost sites work hard to remove contaminants. Before putting compostable products in your green bin, make sure they are accepted. Otherwise, workers pick them out! We can all help reduce contamination by checking local lists and using compostable products correctly. Compostable products must have: 🌱 Green, beige, or brown colors 🌱 A logo of a third-party certifier 🌱 The word “compostable” Learn more: Compostable product labeling requirements - Washington State Department of Ecology |
Point your community to put their compostable materials in the correct bin
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Let’s work together to keep our compost facilities free of plastic pollution! How? Keep incorrectly labeled, non-compostable products out of your green bin, and check what materials you can put in your compost bin. Get familiar with labeling requirements to reduce contamination here: Compostable product labeling requirements - Washington State Department of Ecology |
Check local lists of accepted materials to prevent contamination
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Dispose of compostable products right for contaminant-free compost sites! 👍 Even if a product is labeled compostable and follows the labeling rules, some pickup services don’t accept these items in your green bin. Do your part by checking what’s allowed near you and learn about compostable product labeling laws: Compostable product labeling requirements - Washington State Department of Ecology |
The term "biodegradeable" is not allowed in our state
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Did you know that calling something “compostable” is NOT the same as calling it “biodegradable?” Using these terms interchangeably is greenwashing, AKA making misleading claims about a product’s environmental impact. In Washington, compostable products need to be labeled as “compostable,” and nothing else. This claim must also be verified by a third-party certifier. Learn more about the requirements and report greenwashing: Compostable product labeling requirements - Washington State Department of Ecology |
Flyers
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