Colorado’s comprehensive compost labeling law kicks in Monday

DENVER – Starting July 1, Colorado will have the most comprehensive “truth-in-labeling” law in the nation when it comes to single-use compostable products, requiring clear labels for any product that is certified compostable. Currently, many local composting facilities in the state do not accept compostable products such as containers, cups and cutlery because people (sometimes unwittingly) contaminate their curbside compost bins with non-compostable products. 

As Coloradans wait to see if the new labeling law is enough to allow industrial compost facilities to accept single-use compostable products, zero waste advocates are advising consumers that, as they prepare for 4th of July barbeques, the best way to reduce waste is to choose reusable cups, containers and cutlery. 

“Using reusable products instead of single use ones is always the best choice,” said Kelly Leviker, CoPIRG Beyond Plastic advocate. “But if you have to use single-use items, it’s critical to choose items that can be recycled or composted. Colorado’s nation-leading labeling law should help make it easier for consumers to know what’s compostable, and hopefully lead to curbside compost programs accepting those items in the future without fear of contaminating the compost stream.”

Curbside compost programs differ from a simple backyard compost bin because they can turn a greater range of items into nutrient-rich soil that can be used on farms, gardens and parks. While backyard composting can only handle simple organics, such as apple cores and grass clippings, curbside composting uses an industrial process that can handle more complex organics including bones and larger branches. Some can even accept paper products such as napkins and paper towels or specifically designed compostable containers, cups and cutlery. 

A number of Colorado cities offer curbside compost programs. Denver’s curbside compost program currently accepts food scraps and yard debris. CoPIRG reminds people to check with their local compost collector to confirm what they currently accept. 

According to BPI, an organization that certifies compostable products, Colorado is the fourth state to require third-party certification and prohibit misleading terminology, the second to require color identification for compostable products, and the first to prohibit non-compostable items from using misleading colors like green on their labels. All together, Colorado now has the most comprehensive composting labeling law in the country. 

The State of Colorado has put together a complaint form. So, if you see a product that is mislabeled, you can let the State know. 

The new law is one more tool to try to tackle Colorado’s poor waste diversion rate of 16%.   

For more info on what is recyclable or compostable, check out CoPIRG’s blog.