Keeping Compost Clean: Tools to Help Reduce Contamination in the Food Waste Stream and Increase Compostable Packaging Recovery 

Eco-Products®, a Novolex® brand and certified B Corp, is a provider of foodservice packaging made from renewable, recycled and reusable materials. In 2023, the company launched CIRC (Controls Intended to Remove Contamination), an easy-to-use set of customizable tools and frameworks to help generators––such as restaurants and stadiums––packaging manufacturers, distributors, haulers and composters control and manage contamination from non-compostable products and get rid of contamination before it makes its way to the composter.  

Composting Consortium: We know that contamination is a systemic challenge and one of the greatest barriers to the recovery of compostable packaging. As a brand who sells and manufactures these compostable materials, tell us how you’re combating the pervasive challenge of contamination in food waste streams.

Eco-Products: Contamination in compost streams is the defining challenge for composters, often leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. We’ve experienced this reality firsthand in Colorado, where Eco-Products is headquartered. Contamination from non-compostable materials has wreaked havoc on the local composting ecosystem in Colorado. We believe that food-contact compostable packaging—in addition to recyclable and reusable materials—has a key role to play in diverting food waste from landfill. We want to see compostable packaging succeed as a solution, but we know that contamination must first be solved to achieve that reality. We know this challenge isn’t exclusive to Colorado, and we knew we had to do something about it, so we developed a program called CIRC (Controls Intended to Remove Contamination).

Composting Consortium: How exactly does the CIRC program work and who is it for? 

Eco-Products: Unlike third-party certifications, CIRC is a customizable tool that is designed to build trust, transparency and accountability between generators—such as restaurants, stadiums or event venues—packaging manufacturers, distributors, haulers and composters. The CIRC Toolkit offers a menu of recommended contamination controls spanning Procurement, Operations, Communication, and Composter & Hauler Engagement that we call “the scorecard.” Each section has a list of controls that are practical and useful for mitigating contamination in the compost stream. The program verifies that foodservice operators have taken key steps to avoid sending non-compostable items to composters, ensuring that everyone involved in the composting process is aware of their role in preventing contamination. With CIRC, composters can have greater confidence in the organics streams they receive.

Composting Consortium: Can you give us an example of how a stakeholder can use the tool?

Eco-Products: Yes! For example, a restaurant can reference the ‘Procurement’ section of the scorecard for a list of best practices and guidance when ordering and stocking certified compostable packaging. By following these order requirements, the restaurant can feel confident that the products they’re ordering have been approved by the certifier, the operator and the composter.

Composting Consortium: What makes CIRC different from other solutions?

Eco-Products: One of the standout features of the CIRC program is its open-source nature. This means that anyone, regardless of whether they are an Eco-Products customer, can access and benefit from the program’s resources.

For composters, the primary benefit of CIRC is the reduction in contamination, which leads to more efficient composting processes. With fewer non-compostable materials to sort out, composters can focus on their primary duty: producing high-quality compost.

For haulers and distributors, reducing contamination can lower the costs associated with handling and transporting contaminated loads.

For businesses and organizations committed to food waste reduction, adopting the CIRC program can contribute to a more sustainable waste management system. Restaurants, stadiums, and other venues that implement CIRC can enhance their reputation among environmentally conscious customers. Demonstrating a commitment to reducing waste and supporting composting efforts can attract and retain customers who value sustainability.

Composting Consortium: What advice would you give to brands, generators, haulers or composters who are struggling with contamination?

Eco-Products: Try using CIRC! To date, our program has been piloted at two locations: Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and the University of Colorado, Boulder. In both instances, we’ve seen great results and dramatically reduced levels of contamination. We are calling on more stakeholders to utilize this free resource and are happy to support any organizations or businesses with the use and implementation of this tool.

Composting Consortium: What are your future plans for the CIRC program and how do you envision supporting the expansion of composting infrastructure?

Eco-Products:  We plan to expand our CIRC program this year by creating supplemental resources, including a check list for assessing operational contamination risk factors. By helping reduce contamination issues through CIRC, we aim to help create a pathway for compostable packaging to succeed as a solution for food scrap recovery.

Composting Consortium: What inspired you to join the Composting Consortium as a Material Innovation Partner?

Eco-Products: When we learned that the Composting Consortium launched a Material Innovation Platform last year, we knew we had to get involved. The Composting Consortium’s groundbreaking research and in-market testing over the last three years has paved the way for dialogues in this industry that are helping to move the needle for compostable packaging. In particular, the Disintegration Study was a game-changer for the industry—offering data and proof points on how certified compostable materials break down in compost piles. We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Composting Consortium because we believe that this initiative is uniquely positioned to scale food waste composting infrastructure, help solve for contamination and drive positive, lasting change for the industry.