Why isn't certified compostable packaging accepted in kerbside FOGO collections?
In 2024, the Ministry for the Environment commissioned research to better understand the use of Food and garden organics (FOGO) collections. One of the key findings of this study was that allowing compostable liners increased participation by making food scraps easier and more hygienic to collect.
PDF DOWNLOAD: FOGO bin use summary report
Why do some councils allow compostable bin liners?
One reason councils exercise discretion over compostable liners is the difficulty of distinguishing certified compostable liners from conventional, biodegradable or oxo-degradable plastic bags. Without clear regulation restricting misleading products, there is a risk that non-compostable liners enter the organics stream, reducing compost quality and increasing contamination.
A nationally consistent approach would require more than allowing compostable products into FOGO collections. It would also require clear product standards, restrictions on misleading look-alike products, consistent certification requirements and public education so that households can confidently identify materials that belong in the organics stream.
While councils can decide whether to accept certified compostable liners, packaging presents a broader regulatory challenge. Unlike bin liners, packaging encompasses thousands of products, materials and manufacturers. Without nationally consistent standards for what can be sold, how compostability claims are verified and which materials are accepted by composting facilities, councils face an increased risk of contamination and inconsistent outcomes.
In Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau, compostable bin liners certified to the Australian Standard AS 5810-2010 to verify claims of conformance to Biodegradable Plastics suitable for home composting are allowed in FOGO collections.
Compostability standards were developed to support food waste recovery
The European standard (EN 13432) for industrial compostability of packaging was developed in response to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) to establish a consistent framework for packaging that can be recovered through industrial composting alongside organic waste.
EN 13432 requires (besides a clear and detailed description of the product) 4 tests:
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biodegradation (chemical breakdown)
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disintegration (physical breakdown)
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ecotoxicity (assess negative effect on plants)
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heavy metal content
In Australia and New Zealand, AS 4736 builds on these requirements and includes an additional earthworm toxicity assessment.
Figure: A2A's compostables awareness campaign in Milan uses recognised compostability certification logos to help residents identify products accepted in organics collections.
Why councils exclude compostable packaging and what would need to change
Imagine if all those takeaway lunches and food delivery orders - the leftovers and packaging could be composted together. Certified compostable packaging has been independently tested to recognised standards, but certification alone does not create a collection pathway.
Kerbside organics collections must ensure that everything entering the composting system can be confidently identified, processed and transformed into high-quality compost. Without consistent regulation, nationally recognised standards and clear product identification, composters face contamination risks from look-alike packaging and products making unsubstantiated compostability claims.
Recovering certified compostable packaging alongside food waste has the potential to increase organics diversion and reduce food waste sent to landfill. However, achieving this would require coordinated changes across packaging regulation, product standards, collection systems and public education.
For certified compostable packaging to be accepted kerbside, the following would be required:
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Restricting chemicals of concern in packaging, including the introduction of mandatory PFAS restrictions and testing.
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Phasing out look-alike packaging that contaminates organics collections, such as conventional plastic cold cups, polyethylene-lined paper cups and polypropylene lids.
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Requiring recognised compostability certification for products marketed as compostable, supported by consistent enforcement of environmental claims.
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Developing nationally consistent organics standards, including universally agreed inputs accepted by composting facilities.
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Supporting nationally consistent education, signage and collection guidance that uses recognised compostability certification logos, helping households and businesses correctly identify certified compostable products accepted in organics collections.
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Phasing out non-compostable and oxo biodegradable (fragmentable) liners, ensuring only certified compostable liners are marketed for use with FOGO collections.
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Investing in public education, so households and businesses understand which materials belong in organics collections.
READ MORE: Compostable materials in the real world: Scion x WasteMINZ
Why certification still matters
If a company claims its packaging is compostable, that claim should be supported by recognised evidence. Compostability is a performance claim that predicts how a product will biodegrade under specific conditions and within defined timeframes.
Independent certification to recognised standards, such as EN 13432, AS 4736 or AS 5810, provides composters, procurement teams and consumers with confidence that a product has been assessed for biodegradation, disintegration, ecotoxicity and chemical safety under controlled testing conditions. Certification also applies to the complete product, including components such as inks, adhesives and labels.
While certification alone does not create a collection pathway, it provides the foundation for one. If certified compostable packaging is to play a greater role in diverting food waste from landfill, recognised standards and independent certification will remain essential to building confidence across the organics recovery system.
Looking for certified compostable bin liners?
Certified compostable liners can help businesses with FOGO collections manage food waste more hygienically by keeping bins cleaner, reducing odours and making waste handling easier for staff.
You can purchase certified compostable bin liners from our online store, or if you're purchasing for a larger organisation, please get in touch to discuss your requirements: hello@ecoware.co.nz.
