Cedar Grove
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” biodegradables while maintaining high standards for compost quality. As a result, Cedar Grove Composting offers a program of technical review and testing of compostable products for 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 approval you must be the manufacturer of these items and follow these guidelines:
- Include three (3) to five (5) samples for each item submitted with an Identification Number written on at least one of the items
- Fill out the attached profile for all groups of items submitted. Please print out profile and sign. Profiles can be faxed back to 206-832-3161 or email cgtesting@emeraldnw.com.
- A minimum fee of $1500.00 will be charged for up to ten (10) food service items submitted for review.
- A minimum fee of $250.00 will be charged for up to 3 (3) compostable bag liner(s) submitted for review.
- All items submitted must have BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) www.bpiworld.org certification OR meet ASTM D6400 (bioplastics) or ASTM 6868 (film coated papers,fibers, boards) requirements for biodegradability (where applicable).
- Please submit BPI certification for each item or grouping submitted.
ASTM results must include:
- Degradation results
- Heavy Metals Data
- Phytotoxicity results
- CO2 conversion rate
- Spectral Analysis
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
7343 E. Marginal Way So.
Seattle, WA 98108
ATTN: Compostables Testing Department
7343 E. Marginal Way So.
Seattle, WA 98108
Testing trials will begin the first week of every month. All required items and documentation must be received by the first business day of the month. Protocols and requirements may change at our discretion.
We strive to answer all questions in a timely and professional manner.
© 2008 Cedar Grove Composting