How to Compost Plastic

Plastic items generally do not decompose well in a home compost bin. This is because of their chemical structure, which is most often derived from petroleum products and is designed specifically to resist natural decay processes. However, with the advent of environmentally friendly technology in the development of plastics, there are certain plastic products which may now be useful in professional composting operations. Some of these plastics may also be used in home composting projects -- with a level of caution.

Build a Simple Compost Pile

• 1

  Clear a patch of ground away from trees or fast-growing vines. Ground that is slightly elevated and has excellent drainage is the best choice.

• 2

  Place organic composting materials on the open area, in a pile approximately 3 feet square. Place both "brown" elements -- dead leaves, dry hay, wood shavings -- and "green" elements -- green grass clippings, leaves, twigs -- into the pile. Alternate 5 to 7 inches of brown material with 2 to 4 inches of green material in layers.

• 3

  Add water to the pile so that it is moist, but not soaked. If you can extract water by pressing or squeezing the compost in your fingers, it is too wet. You may add food scraps to the pile, but should place them at least 10 inches beneath the surface to avoid attracting pests.

Adding Biodegradable Plastic

• 1
  Some plastic bags are now made with biodegradable materials. Altkleider image by Marem from Fotolia.com

  Verify that the plastic you will be adding is certified as "biodegradable" and "compostable." Products bearing the ASTM D6400 and/or ASTM D6868 labels have been certified as compostable in commercial operations. A label bearing a stylized leaf and tree logo, provided by the Biodegradable Products Institute, may also be visible.

• 2

  Shred or tear any plastic material to be composted into small pieces before adding to the pile. The smaller the pieces can be made, the more quickly they will degrade properly.

• 3

  Turn the pile over with a shovel or hay fork every two to three weeks. Keep the pile moist by adding water as needed.

• 4

  Use a mesh screen to separate any nondegraded pieces of material, whether organic or plastic, and reintroduce them to the compost pile. Compost may be used when the materials have broken down and the mixture smells like rich soil -- not sour or like ammonia.