Sourcing Compostable Disposable Products

Blog
Written By Mary Beth Schaye
use reusable plates, cups, and utensils whenever possible

We highly encourage our zero-waste event customers to use reusable plates, cups, and utensils whenever possible. However, if you choose to purchase disposable products when using our services, we ask that you select compostable products. Following is a guide to help you find the compostable disposables that are right for your event.

The list of acceptable items is on the Compost Manufacturing Alliance's list for Windrow Technology (CMA-W), which you can find here on CMA's website. This list has links to the product websites and also product numbers to help you shop for them online.

If you want something less digital, they have sent us a rather large document-49 pages-that lists all of the products that they have certified. If you would like Customer Service to send you this document, it is called CMA-W Accepted Items. You can request the .pdf at customerservice@collectiveresource.coop. You can also send product information directly to CMA, at customerservice@composterapproved.com, and they'll let you know if it's okay to keep composting it. The folks at CMA have been great to work with.We've found that you'll have the most options if you order online. CMA recommends the website Green Paper Products which allows you to shop by certification. A number of the CMA-W products are also available on Amazon. If you choose to shop at Amazon, please make sure to search by the specific product numbers from the CMA-W list. Many products say they are 100% compostable and/or biodegradable, but only the CMA-W products are now accepted.The representatives at CMA are helping us compile a list of local stores where you will be able to purchase CMA-W certified products. If you see CMA-W products in a local store, please let us know so we can share that good news with our composting community.

Mary Beth Schaye

Mary Beth strongly believes that “It’s always better to be doing something rather than nothing.” If you’re thinking of composting at home, she can help you work out what your particular “something” can be. She’s confident a solution can be tailored to fit anyone’s needs and ambitions. “Anyone who eats can be a CRI customer, whether you are an individual or a large organization. I want you to understand the advantages of composting, and I can show you how CRI can make it easy.” Mary Beth has successfully designed waste diversion strategies for individuals, schools, houses of worship, and other communities. She’s received the governor’s Environmental Hero award for her work at her daughter’s school. Whether you’re starting with a backyard bin, a kitchen bucket, a worm farm, or a large-scale commercial collection, Mary Beth can be your good-natured guide.

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Composting at Condo, Co-op and Apartment Buildings