compostables
Bin-bound organic waste
Compostables are materials that can break down into compost—organic matter used to enrich soil.
The term typically appears in waste management contexts, distinguishing items that can decompose naturally from recyclables and trash: Put food scraps and compostables in the green bin.
Compostable packaging and utensils are marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic.
Discarded edible remnants
- vegetable peelsRemoved produce skins
- coffee groundsUsed brewing residue
- eggshellsOva's brittle casings
- tea bagsPouched leaves for steeping
leaves · sawdust · cardboard · nut shells · corn cobs · bread crusts · rice hulls · wood chips
Decayed organic soil matter
- mulchProtective plant bedding
- amendmentChange to official text
- topsoilNutrient-rich surface earth
- loamFertile soil mixture
nutrients · aeration · microbes · earthworms · fertility · mycorrhizae · soil structure · water retention
Able to decompose naturally
- zero-wasteNo garbage produced
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
- renewableCapable of restoration
- greenColor of vegetation
sustainable · low-impact · upcycling · regenerative · circular economy
food scraps
Discarded edible remnants
- vegetable peelsRemoved produce skins
- coffee groundsUsed brewing residue
- eggshellsOva's brittle casings
tea bags · leaves · sawdust · cardboard · nut shells · corn cobs · bread crusts · rice hulls · wood chips · cotton rags
humus
Decayed organic soil matter
loam · nutrients · aeration · microbes · earthworms · fertility · mycorrhizae · soil structure · water retention · microorganisms
biodegradable
Able to decompose naturally
- zero-wasteNo garbage produced
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
- renewableCapable of restoration
green · sustainable · low-impact · upcycling · regenerative · circular economy
vermicomposting
Decomposition using earthworms
heap · aerobic · anaerobic · turning · curing · browns · greens · maturation · windrow
compostableslandfill waste
Trash sent to dumps
trash · garbage · recyclables · hazardous waste · refuse
compostablesplastics
Moldable petroleum-based materials
synthetics · styrofoam · polystyrene · inorganics · microplastics
- compostable materialsSubstances that decompose naturally
- compostable bagsReceptacles designed to decompose
- compostable platesDinnerware that decomposes naturally
- compostable packagingMaterials that decompose naturally