A bag that says “compostable” on the label looks like the right choice for a green bin. It is a common assumption. But in Metro Vancouver, most green bin programs do not accept those bags, and the City of Vancouver says so directly. This guide covers the rule, the reason and what to line your kitchen container with instead.
The short answer
No. The City of Vancouver's green bin page says not to use plastic bags, even those labelled "biodegradable" or "compostable," for food waste, and not to put plastic materials in the green bin. Its list of items that stay out includes plastic bags of any kind, including bags labelled compostable or biodegradable, and plastic cutlery, containers or packaging labelled compostable or biodegradable.
Metro Vancouver says the same across the region. Most municipal food scraps programs in Metro Vancouver do not accept plastic items labelled "biodegradable" or "compostable." Metro Vancouver advises leaving them out unless your municipality or service provider specifically says its processing facility accepts them.
Why a certified label does not settle it
Metro Vancouver explains that certification standards allow a plastic to be called compostable if it breaks down to a specified degree, over a minimum period of time, under certain conditions. Not all commercial composting and digestion facilities operate under those conditions. As a result, many "certified compostable" plastics may not break down enough in existing facilities.
The City of Vancouver adds that plastic of any type is a contamination risk and is not accepted by its processor for composting.
What happens if one gets in
Metro Vancouver says compostable plastics can cause processing problems and may leave plastic fragments in the finished compost. If the facility operator finds plastic bags or other non-compostable material in the green bin, the entire load may be rejected and sent to landfill. The City of Vancouver says plastic materials, and the contents in them, may result in your items or the entire truck's load being sent to landfill or incinerator.
What to use instead
The City of Vancouver suggests lining your kitchen container with:
- Newspaper
- Cardboard
- Paper towel
- Paper bags (it names Bag-to-Earth as an example)
- Cellulose-lined bags
Metro Vancouver adds that if you use a plastic bag to line your kitchen container, you can empty the contents into the green bin and put the bag in the garbage.
The City also suggests wrapping food scraps in newspaper, paper towel or a paper bag, draining extra liquid down the sink and freezing smelly scraps until collection day.
What about the large liners in apartment buildings?
Metro Vancouver notes that some buildings use large plastic liners in shared green bins. These are usually removed at the processing facility and put in the garbage. That process does not work for the smaller bags residents might use, which are harder to remove and can contaminate the finished compost. Keep all plastic and plastic-lined bags out of the green bin, even those labelled biodegradable or compostable.
Where do compostable bags go?
Metro Vancouver says that in most cases, "biodegradable" or "compostable" plastic items belong in the garbage, and they are not accepted in recycling in BC. Check your own city's rules, since Metro Vancouver notes that some municipalities or service providers may differ.
Other items that look compostable but are not
The City of Vancouver's list of items that stay out of the green bin also includes:
- Cat litter, pet waste and pet waste bags
- Diapers and hygiene products
- Tissue
- Vacuum or dryer lint
- Liquids of any kind
- Painted, stained or treated wood
- Plastic foam packaging
Metro Vancouver adds produce stickers (even those labelled compostable), wipes and coffee cups and lids to its list. If you are unsure, Metro Vancouver says to play it safe and put it in the garbage.
Quick reference
| Item | Green bin? | Whose rule |
|---|---|---|
| Newspaper, paper towel, paper bags | Yes | City of Vancouver |
| Cellulose-lined bag | Yes | City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver |
| Plastic bag labelled compostable | No | City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver |
| Plastic cutlery labelled compostable | No | City of Vancouver |
| Produce sticker | No | Metro Vancouver |
| Food scraps | Yes | City of Vancouver |
Other cities in Metro Vancouver run their own green bin programs and can differ, so check your own city's page.
FAQ
Can I use a compostable bag in the Vancouver green bin? Not a plastic one. The City says plastic bags of any kind, including those labelled compostable or biodegradable, are not accepted.
Are cellulose-lined bags allowed? The City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver both name cellulose-lined bags as an acceptable liner. Other cities can differ, so check your own city.
What happens to compostable plastic bags? They go in the garbage in most cases, according to Metro Vancouver.
Does my city follow the same rules? Metro Vancouver says most municipal programs do not accept them, and to check with your municipality.