As we all work to prevent food waste and compost what isn’t prevented, it will be increasingly important to eliminate confusing and look-alike packaging that is not compostable, but appears to be.

Earlier this week, Seattle City Council passed first-in-the-nation legislation to address the growing problem of non-compostable bags being mistaken for compostable bags. The legislation passed unanimously and does the following:

•       Non-compostable plastic bags provided to customers must not be tinted green or brown

•       Such as produce bags

•       Compostable bags provided to customers must be tinted green or brown and must be labeled compostable

•       Bags provided to customers cannot be labeled biodegradable, degradable, decomposable    or similar terms

•       Establishes definition for compostable

•       Makes a mandatory minimum charge of $.05 for large paper carryout bags permanent

The legislation and the presentation to Council can be viewed at ordinance. Click the Text tab for the legislation. Supporting documents include a summary and fiscal note, the presentation and an adopted amendment regarding reporting.

Press release is attached.