Compostable plastic labeling requirements

Washington’s Plastic Product Degradability Law sets marketing claim standards for compostable products sold in the state. The law sets labeling requirements and declarations for compostable products. These requirements will reduce misleading, confusing, and deceptive labeling practices.

This law applies to these compostable products sold in Washington:

Film bags and film products
Food and non-food packaging
Food service products

By Jan. 1, 2024, producers of compostable plastic products must submit a one-time declaration through an Ecology portal. The producer must declare, under penalty of perjury, that the product meets the standards established for that product.

Products made only from wood or another fiber-based material are not subject to the new labeling rules.

I want to...

Important upcoming dates

Drop-in “office hours” for producers. Bring your questions!

Nov. 16, 2023
Nov. 30, 2023
Dec. 7, 2023
Dec. 14, 2023

All “office hours” meetings are at 9 a.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) via Microsoft Teams.

Jan. 1, 2024

Producers must meet labeling requirements.
Producers must submit declarations.

July 1, 2024

Ecology’s public complaint form available online.
Ecology begins enforcement in consultation with local jurisdictions.

Compostable products declaration

By Jan. 1, 2024, producers covered by labeling requirements must submit a one-time declaration via an Ecology portal. The producer must declare, under penalty of perjury, that the product meets the standards established for that product.

A new declaration is required after Jan. 1, 2024:

Before a compostable product is newly sold or distributed into Washington, OR
Before a compostable product that’s materials have been changed is sold or distributed into Washington

Access and submit declarations

Requirements for products labeled compostable

Plastic products labeled as “compostable” that are sold, offered for sale, or distributed in Washington must now:

Meet ASTM D6400 or D6868 specifications, or be made of wood
- Meeting these standards means that products: Disintegrate sufficiently during composting, undergo some level of biodegradation, and do not impair the compost's fertility or introduce toxic substances.
Meet specific labeling requirements based on the type of product (see chart below).
Be included in a declaration of compliance listing each compostable product sold or distributed in Washington.

Must be readily and easily identifiable.
Meet ASTM Standards D6400
Be labeled with third party certification logo
Entire item can be green, beige, or brown
Be labeled with word “compostable” on both sides, and
- In 1-inch green, beige, or brown lettering on both sides, OR
- In a 1-inch band that is green, beige, or brown with one-half-inch color contrasting lettering
No use of the chasing arrow
No use of recycling symbol
Submit producer declaration via Ecology database

Must be readily and easily identifiable
Meet an ASTM standards D6400 and D6868
Be labeled with third party certification logo
Labeled with the word compostable
Partially colored/tinted green, beige or brown or have a green, beige or brown stripe or band 0.25 inch wide
Submit producer declaration via Ecology database

Must be readily and easily identifiable
Meet an ASTM standards D6400 and D6868
Be labeled with third party certification logo
Labeled with the word compostable
Partially colored/tinted green, beige or brown or have a green, beige or brown stripe or band 0.25 inch wide
Submit producer declaration via Ecology database

What about non-compostable products?

Manufacturers or suppliers of products that do not meet ASTM standards are:

Prohibited from using labeling and terms that are required for products that meet the ASTM standards. Producers of non-compostable film bags are also prohibited from using the color schemes and tinting required of compostable products.
Discouraged from using tinting, coloration, or images that confuse consumers into believing that non-compostable items are compostable.
Encouraged to use coloration, labeling, images, and terms that help consumers identify non-compostable items as recyclable or waste.

Frequently asked questions

The producer of the compostable product is responsible for compliance, including the declaration.

If the product is sold under the manufacturer's own brand or lacks identification of a brand, the producer is the manufacturer of the product.
If the compostable product is manufactured by a person other than the brand owner, the producer is the licensee of a brand or trademark under which a product is used in a commercial enterprise, sold, offered for sale, or distributed in or into this state.
- This is true whether or not the trademark is registered in this state, unless the manufacturer or brand owner of the product has agreed to accept responsibility.

It is likely that laws like this will stimulate innovation in the packaging industries – for both food and non-food items. Declarations can be updated, new products can be added, and obsolete products can be deleted in the producer portal.

Before a new or upgraded product is launched in Washington, the declaration should be updated. The instruction document on this webpage also covers these actions.

It is the producer’s responsibility to label their products and submit a declaration to Ecology. Enforcement begins July 1, 2024, and the public can report observations of non-compliant products.

While we may reach out to a business about a product they sell or distribute, it will only be in efforts to reach the plastic producer. Enforcement actions - including fines - can only be levied against the producer of the non-compliant product, not the business or retailer using it.

Food businesses, retailers, and others that use or distribute compostable plastics should check to make sure their supplies meet the new labeling rules.

After Jan. 1, 2024 they should ask vendors:

“Does this product comply with Washington’s new labeling rules for compostable plastics?”
“Did this producer submit a declaration to the Ecology database for this product?”
“Does this product have a certification logo that it meets ASTM standards? The word ‘compostable’? Green, brown, or beige coloration, tinting or striping?”

The law's intent is for compostable products to be distinguishable upon quick inspection.

To achieve this, compostable plastic products must:

Have a third-party certification logo to show they meet ASTM standards.
Be labeled with the word “compostable” (where possible).
Be at least partially tinted green, beige, brown, or have a stripe/band at least 1/4-inch wide that is green, beige, or brown.

While most composting facilities do not currently accept these materials, having a standard labeling system may encourage more places to take them in the future and keep them out of the landfill. The law also provides a mechanism to address “greenwashing” of compostable plastics.

Producers of compostable products should seek out appropriate certification from a third-party verification body, like the Biodegradable Product Institute (BPI) or Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA). We do not endorse any third-party certifier.

Producers should make sure their products are being tested and certified to the relevant ASTM standards (D6400 or D6868).

This law is leading to many producers revisiting their designs. We are aware that manufacturing limitations and market acceptance are two challenges facing producers.

The law also establishes new prohibitions for non-compostable plastics, like not using similar labeling or terms. There are additional restrictions for film bags. Going forward, non-compostable film bags may not have similar striping or color schemes as those required for compostable products. This includes the green stripes associated with plastic sandwich bags.

We are committed to supporting producers and downstream supply chain partners as they meet the requirements of this law. We’ve produced several resources, including a Focus Sheet and “How to” Guides, to support navigation through the declaration process.

Send questions to us at organics@ecy.wa.gov.

See our important upcoming dates for webinars and office hours that will provide opportunities for further questions and support.

Contact information

Organics management team
509-960-1290
organics@ecy.wa.gov