1. Introduction: The Confusion Around Biodegradable Plastics
You bought a “compostable” coffee cup or a “biodegradable” phone case, thinking you’re doing the planet a favor. But when you toss it in the recycling bin, you might actually be contaminating the waste stream.
Why? Because most biodegradable plastics (like PLA) don’t break down in home compost or regular recycling plants—they need special industrial facilities, which are rare. Even worse, many U.S. cities have no clear guidelines on how to handle them.
This guide will answer:
✔ Can you recycle biodegradable plastic?
✔ Where to compost PLA (polylactic acid) near you?
✔ What to do if your city doesn’t accept bioplastics?
Let’s clear up the confusion—city by city.
2. Can You Actually Recycle Biodegradable Plastic?
Short answer: Usually, no.
Most curbside recycling programs do not accept biodegradable or compostable plastics because:
- They contaminate traditional plastic recycling (PET, HDPE).
- They require high-heat industrial composting (not your backyard bin).
- Many are mislabeled—some “biodegradable” plastics just break into microplastics.
♻️ Which Bioplastics Can Be Recycled?
| Type | Recyclable? | Compostable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA (Polylactic Acid) | ❌ No (usually) | ✅ Yes (industrial only) | Common in food packaging |
| PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (industrial) | Rare, used in medical products |
| Starch-Based Plastics | ❌ No | ✅ Sometimes (check labels) | Often mixed with regular plastic |
| “Oxo-Degradable” Plastics | ❌ No (greenwashing!) | ❌ No | Just breaks into microplastics |
➡️ Bottom line: Unless your city has a dedicated bioplastic recycling program, these usually belong in the trash (sadly).
3. The Problem with “Compostable” Plastics
Many products labeled “compostable” only break down in:
✔ Industrial composters (130°F+ for weeks)
❌ Not in home compost (too cold)
❌ Not in landfills (no oxygen = methane gas)
Example: A “compostable” PLA coffee lid thrown in home compost will sit there for years.
4. Where to Recycle or Compost PLA & Other Bioplastics (City-by-City Guide)
📍 New York
- Industrial Composting: BK Rot (Brooklyn) accepts food scraps + certified compostable packaging.
- Drop-Off: GrowNYC locations take compostable plastics (check labels).
- Recycling? No—NYC sanitation does not accept bioplastics in recycling bins.
📍 Los Angeles
- Composting: LA Compost (select locations take PLA).
- Recycling? No—LA’s blue bins reject biodegradable plastics.
📍 Chicago
- Composting: The Urban Canopy (industrial composting for PLA).
- Recycling? No—Chicago’s recycling program excludes bioplastics.
📍 Austin
- Composting: Austin Resource Recovery (city-wide compost accepts some PLA).
- Recycling? No—Keep out of blue bins.
📍 Seattle
- Composting: Cedar Grove (accepts certified compostable plastics).
- Recycling? No—Seattle Public Utilities bans bioplastics in recycling.
🔍 Don’t see your city? Check BioCycle’s Directory for local composters.
5. What to Do If Your City Doesn’t Accept Bioplastics
Since most U.S. cities don’t recycle or compost biodegradable plastics, here’s what you can do:
- Throw them in the trash (better than contaminating recycling).
- Switch to reusable alternatives (silicone, glass, stainless steel).
- Pressure local lawmakers to invest in industrial composting.
6. FAQs About Biodegradable Plastic Recycling
❓ Can I put biodegradable plastic in my home compost?
➡ No, unless specified as “home compostable” (most need industrial facilities).
❓ Why do “compostable” plastics end up in landfills?
➡ Because <5% of U.S. cities have industrial composters that process them.
❓ Are biodegradable plastics better than regular plastic?
➡ Only if properly composted—otherwise, they’re just plastic waste.
❓ Where can I buy truly compostable products?
➡ Look for BPI-Certified labels (verified for industrial composting).
7. Conclusion: The Future of Bioplastic Recycling
Right now, most “eco-friendly” plastics are not actually recycled or composted in the U.S. The best solution?
✔ Avoid bioplastics unless you have industrial composting nearby.
✔ Push for better infrastructure (like San Francisco’s city-wide composting).
✔ Choose reusables first (the only true zero-waste option).
Got a city you want us to research next? Drop it in the comments!
🔗 Share this guide to help others recycle right! ♻️
