Plastic bags contaminating compost: a recurring problem despite proven solutions

The issue of compost contamination by plastic bags regularly comes to the forefront. Recently, press articles[1][2] revealed that most Swiss retailers continue to distribute "fruit and vegetable" bags, which too often end up in the compost, creating major problems for organic waste management.

An alarming observation: plastic contaminates compost

When a non-compostable plastic bag ends up in the composting cycle, it is not bio-assimilated, and ends up releasing microplastics into the soil. Result:

• The final compost contains plastic residues and loses quality.

• Composting facilities must devote more time and resources to filtering out plastic intruders.

• Agricultural soils and gardens, which are supposed to benefit from quality organic amendment, are exposed to microplastic pollution.

• These contaminate the fauna, flora and the food chain.

These disruptions harm both the environment and local economies, as “dirty” compost no longer has the same value and sometimes has to be disposed of as waste.

Solutions exist: compostable bags

Faced with this problem, there are, however, concrete alternatives. compostable bags decompose in the industrial composting process and leave no polluting residue. Among these solutions, BioApply has been offering certified compostable bags suitable for the collection of organic waste for almost 20 years.

Benefits of compostable bags:

1. Suitable for fruit and vegetable sections : Compostable bags are perfectly suited for this use in stores and for storing fruits and vegetables at home.

1. Suitable for sorting organic waste : For a second use, consumers can throw their peelings and food scraps directly into it, without having to transfer everything afterwards.

2. No plastic contamination : Unlike conventional bags, quality compostable bags degrade completely in professional composting facilities, guaranteeing purified compost.

3. Reduction of processing costs : Composting facilities no longer have to mechanically sort plastic bags.

4. Compost recovery : Good quality compost can be easily reused in agriculture or gardening.

A positive impact for municipalities and traders

Communities that implement the distribution or sale of compostable bags note:

• An increase in the volume of organic waste collected : Sorting is made easier for residents.

• A significant improvement in the quality of compost : Fewer contaminants, better recovery.

• A reduction in management costs : Less waste ending up in incineration or landfill, and less sorting work at the end of the chain.

Brands that offer these compostable bags on their shelves also reinforce their eco-responsible image, while encouraging better sorting among their customers.

Conclusion

While plastic pollution represents a major environmental challenge, compost contamination is a concrete example of how our consumption habits can harm ecosystems. Solutions such as compostable bags, available for many years, demonstrate that responsible organic waste management is entirely possible and compatible with the fight against plastic pollution.

Sources

[1] 24heures.ch : “Coop and Migros urged to ban plastic bags from the produce section”

[2] Watson.ch : “Coop and Migros accused of polluting the compost of 9 municipalities”