A Free Public Service

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California.

June 21, 2023

GARDEN COMPOSTABLE SCAMS

Attribution: scambusters.org

Garden composting is the process in which organic matter such as leaves and food scraps breaks down into soil. It is an excellent method to recycle waste from your yard and kitchen while also enriching the soil in your garden, enhancing its ability to retain water, and preventing erosion.

When you buy something that’s labeled “compostable” or “biodegradable,” you likely think you’re playing your part in today’s eco-conscious world. But sometimes the claims are untrue.

For most of us, “compostable” means the item will rot down to harmless organic material – the stuff you can use as compost on your veggie patch.

But that can be a far cry from the truth. Product manufacturers sometimes use the term freely, without telling you what they mean, in hopes of misleading eco-minded shoppers to buy. When these terms are used to make something seem more environmentally friendly than it really is, it’s a scam. Not only that, but sometimes, product makers use the terms to jack up their prices, knowing that some consumers are prepared to pay more for “green” products.

THE PLASTIC PROBLEM

You can compost a lot of fruit and vegetable waste from your kitchen, though even that can fail to break down if it’s not done properly. But what about plastic? Or bioplastic as “greenies” like to call it. Often, it’s not compostable at all, at least in your backyard.

One of the biggest issues is that many labeled compostable plastics, chiefly packaging material made from vegetable matter, can only be recycled in large industrial incinerators, not in your home or even your local garbage dump. But the makers don’t always tell you that. Nor do they tell you how long it’ll take to decompose.

Pretending that a product can easily be recycled is called greenwashing. Just because something presents itself as an earth-friendly alternative doesn’t mean it actually is one.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

First, it’s important to be aware of the current limitations of plastics recycling. Second, it’s wise to adopt a healthy touch of skepticism about packaging claims.

 If the wording on your “compostable” product doesn’t explain what it means or how long it’ll take to decompose, it’s possibly just greenwashing, with no real benefit.

It’s worth noting that “compostable” and “biodegradable” have different meanings, but are sometimes used interchangeably by some manufacturers.

Another useful check is with your state’s rules on labeling. For instance, some US states have actually banned the term “biodegradable” on packaging.

We’re not saying that “composting” is a dirty word. It is a scientifically proven way to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich material to add to your soil. The problem lies with the firms that use it fraudulently or at least in a misleading way. Violations can be reported to the US Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov.

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