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.

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