Which bin liner is the most sustainable?

Choosing the Right Bin Liner for Your Recycling Program

Picking the right bin liner is crucial for a successful recycling initiative. The options can be confusing, with terms like biodegradable, degradable, and compostable often used interchangeably. Understanding the differences is key to making an eco-conscious choice.

Misleading Marketing

Be aware of misleading marketing. In 2013, a disposable bag company received a $60,000 (NZD) fine for misleading customers about the eco-friendliness of their plastic products. This highlights the need to understand the true meanings behind these terms.

Types of Bin Liners

• Classic Plastic Liners: These are the most common, durable, and cost-effective. However, they are made from non-renewable resources (petroleum or natural gas) and take anywhere from fifteen to a thousand years to degrade. There is no specified timeframe for liners labeled "degradable," as all plastics eventually break down. Additives in some plastics accelerate this breakdown, but only into smaller microplastics. These microplastics are harmful to marine life and enter the food chain.

• Plant-Based Plastic Liners: These liners use biomass like sugarcane and corn instead of petroleum. They fall into two categories:

  • Non-biodegradable: These mimic traditional plastics in their durability and longevity, making them recyclable but not compostable.

  • Biodegradable: These can be broken down by living organisms. Certification standards, such as Australian Standard AS 4736 or European Standard EN 13432, ensure they biodegrade within a specific timeframe.

• Commercially Compostable Liners: These require specific conditions (oxygen, 60-degree temperatures, and a precise heat/moisture ratio) for decomposition, typically found only in commercial composting facilities. Using these liners in landfills is ineffective. Their use simplifies sorting for office cleaners and collectors, preventing them from ending up in landfills where they are unlikely to degrade.

Sustainable Choices

Plant-based, non-biodegradable liners are a less toxic alternative, even though they are still plastic. They utilize renewable resources in their production. Thorough research into certifications, along with discussions with waste removal contractors and cleaners, will ensure you align your choices with your sustainability goals.