compostability testing
Biodegradable packaging alternatives have been increasing in popularity across the country. Our goal, as part of a sustainable recycling loop, is to support the increasing use of “compostable” food service ware while maintaining our high standard of compost quality. As a result, Cedar Grove Composting offers a program of technical review and testing for compostable products to determine their feasibility in a commercial composting process.
Items submitted for Cedar Grove approval range from can liners to foodservice ware items like utensils, plates, bowls, clamshells and wrap. As new products are developed to fill the need for more options, Cedar Grove provides the know how to determine how well the products will break down in its state-of-the art composting system.
To submit items for Cedar Grove acceptance you must be the manufacturer of these items and follow these guidelines:
Items that meet requirements for
(EX. Bio-Plastics, Co-polymers)
Items that meet requirements for
(EX. Plastics used as coatings on compostable substrates, fibrous materials)
Items that do not require
All documentation from these test results must accompany samples and/or be tied by Identification Number and submitted electronically.
Send samples and all documentation to the following address:
Cedar Grove Composting
ATTN: Compostables Testing Department
Testing trials will begin the first week of every month. (Cedar Grove reserves the right to exclude April and/or May if processing priorities warrant it.) All required items and documentation must be received by the first business day of the month. Protocols and requirements may change at our discretion.
Please e-mail any questions or comments you may have to: cgtesting@emeraldnw.com
We strive to answer all questions in a timely and professional manner.
Link to current accepted compostable products:
http://www.cedar-grove.com/acceptable/Accepted%20List.asp
*1 – After technical review, items may need to be tested, and the fee of $1,500 dollars will apply. You will be contacted for authorization prior to testing.
*2 – Some exceptions may apply. Contact cgtesting@emeraldnw.com.