Thorntons Recycling

Know the difference - Biodegradable and Compostable 07/01/2022

Compostable Packaging is BROWN BIN-COMPLIANT


Did you know that it does not matter if compostable packaging is covered with ketchup or even has half a sandwich left in it – it can all go into the brown bin. As they are all completely compostable, it means they all share the same recycling stream.


The term ‘Biodegradable,’ means it will biodegrade, but the length of time it will take for this item to fully break down is not specified – It could take 1000 years for something that is ‘biodegradable’ to fully decompose.

If an item is labelled ‘Compostable,’ it means that this item will biodegrade into nutrient-rich soil within a 180-day timeline. Our facility in Kilmainhamwood, County Meath, collects kerbside household and commercial food and garden waste and transforms it into Department of Agriculture approved compost in 6 weeks. 


Find out more by visiting the Department of Ireland's waste directory https://www.mywaste.ie/



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