In the pursuit of sustainable living today, we often pay attention to the environmental attributes of daily necessities, such as toilet bags. However, in California, a region at the forefront of environmental regulations, there are clear and detailed regulations on the definition of “compostable” and the use of plastic bags. This article will deeply interpret California's standards for compostable products and related regulations on plastic bags to help you make a smarter “green” choice.
The Rigorous Standards behind California's “Compostable” Label
Contrary to what many people imagine, in California, not all products labeled “compostable” can be simply put into the compost bin. California has strict standards for the regulation of compostable products, the core of which is to refer to the US ASTM standard, rather than directly adopting the European EN 13432 standard to evaluate industrial compostability.
Industrial compostability: ASTM compliance is key
According to California regulations, specifically AB 1201 and guidance from the California Department of Resource Recycling and Reduction (CalRecycle):
Plastic products: Plastic products labeled “compostable” must comply with ASTM D6400-19.
Plastic coated fiber products: Plastic coated fiber products labeled “compostable” must comply with ASTM D6868-19.
More importantly, starting January 1, 2024, if CalRecycle approves a third-party certification body, in addition to meeting the applicable ASTM standards, the relevant products must also be certified by these agencies to ensure that their compostability meets California requirements.
Home compostable: OK compost HOME certification is the pass
For consumers who wish to compost at home, California regulations also provide clear guidance:
Products labeled “home compostable” must be certified OK compost HOME.
It is worth noting that the OK compost HOME certification is issued by the well-known certification body TÜV Austria (formerly Vincotte). Although the certification is based on the EN 13432 standard, it is adjusted for the lower temperature home composting environment to ensure that the product can also effectively decompose under home composting conditions.
En 13432 Certification ≠ California Industrial Compostability Certification
While TÜV Austria is a well-recognized certification body and its OK compost HOME certification is accepted in California for home compostable products, TÜV's EN 13432 certification itself (for industrial composting) is not directly listed by California regulations as a standard to meet its industrial compostability requirements.
Modiwell Follows Amazon's California Regulations
Amazon has established regulations for products sold in California, and Modiwell needs to comply with Amazon's requirements based on California regulations.
Important Notice
- Modiwell dry flush refill packs comply with the European Union EN 13432 industrial compostability standard.
- Please note that California has specific regulations for “compostable” products based on ASTM standards, and does not directly recognize EN 13432. In California, please do not directly treat these bags as compliant with local “compostable” standards.
- Important: Please follow your local waste disposal and composting guidelines. For more information on compostability in California, please visit: CalRecycle
Conclusion
In California, industrial compostable products must comply with ASTM, and home compostable products must comply with OK compost HOME.
By gaining a deeper understanding of these environmental regulations in California, we can choose products more wisely, support companies that are truly environmentally conscious, and work together to reduce plastic pollution and build a more sustainable future. I hope this article can provide you with clear guidance on the road to “green” choices.
