AU/NZ
UK
Composting: A Crucial Solution to Combat Food Waste and Climate Change
About one third of the world’s food goes to waste.
Worse yet, letting food waste rot in landfill produces around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Composting is an essential practice to help mitigate climate change, enrich soil health, and build a more resilient future for our planet.
Closing the Loop on Organic Waste
Compost Connect is a not-for-proft platform committed to education, lifting composting rates, and connecting foodservice businesses to commercial composters.
We keep our finger on the compost pulse, continuously reviewing research, updates and literature as it comes to light. This ensures we’re backed by the right tools and evidence to continue with our relentless goal: to divert food waste and compostable packaging from landfill, one compost bin at a time.
Compost Connect Objectives
Increase Composting Rates
We connect businesses to organic waste pick-up services. We also make it easy for individuals to find and support businesses that compost.
Collaborate with Stakeholders
Collaboration is key to positive change. We have 25 compost partners servicing 2,200+ suburbs across Australia, New Zealand and the UK. We’re also backed by the Australian Government and partly funded by the National Product Stewardship Fund.
Lead by Example
We demonstrate what’s possible through composting – a practical, effective and viable solution to food and packaging waste. We share composting success stories in the hope of inspiring others to jump on board the movement.
Educate through Research
We conduct and analyse research regarding the benefits of composting and compostable packaging. We use this research to educate businesses and consumers and inspire them to take action.
Browse the Latest Compost Research and Updates – In One Place
On this page, we’ve brought together the most recent and essential compost research, information and updates, so you can always find the latest information in this everchanging landscape.
The State of Composting and Composting Infrastructure
Australian Organics Recycling Industry Capacity Assessment: 2022-23
The Research
Undertaken by Australian Economic Advocacy Solutions and commissioned by Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA), this research looked at the potential capacity and capability of the Australian Organics Recycling Industry.
The Findings
A key finding of this survey: the industry is capable of processing an additional 61.1 per cent of organic materials with the existing operations and infrastructure. Therefore, we have the capacity – right now – to significantly improve Australia’s organics recycling rate.
However, it’s not without its challenges. There will be a need to create more organics recycling capacity once the existing capacity is exhausted. There will also be a need to drive greater demand for the end product (compost) so we can fully realise the benefits of recycling organic materials.
Compostable Packaging Research – South Australia
The Research
Backed by BioPak, this research was a collaboration between Compost Connect and Edge Impact, with the primary objective to understand compostable packaging recovery outcomes and success factors.
The Findings
This research found that composting food waste and compostable packaging via council provided kerbside FOGO bins is a viable and effective waste management solution. Not only that, the system in South Australia is capable of handling increased volumes of compostable packaging.
In saying that, there are still challenges with compostable packaging identification, and as a result, contamination.
There were 7 key findings of the report – largely positive and pointing to the success of South Australia’s organics recovery system.
Compostable Products in the UK
The Data
In Febrauary 2024, REAL data looked at the number of composters in the UK accepting compostable packaging materials.
The Findings
The data showed that a total of 29 composters accepted compostable packaging materials into their processes – predominantly bin liners. That inludes 20 in England, 4 in Scotland, 3 in Northern Ireland, and 2 in Wales. Of these, Envar is the main composter with a capacity of 105,000 tonnes per annum. Other composters include Wastewise (processes 200,000 tonnes per annum) and Keenan (processes 100,000 tonnes per annum).
Environmental Benefits
Australian Organics Recycling Industry Capacity Assessment: 2022-23
The Research
Undertaken by Australian Economic Advocacy Solutions and commissioned by Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA), this research looked at the potential capacity and capability of the Australian Organics Recycling Industry.
The Findings
In terms of environmental benefits, this research found that if the current organics recycling rates were increased to 95%, an extra 3,186,401 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions would be saved. This is equivalent to planting 4,764,649 trees or taking 736,441 cars off the road each year.
Project Drawdown – Composting Solution (US)
The Research
Based in the US, Project Drawdown is the world’s leading resource for climate solutions.
Aiming to quantify the benefits of composting, this research by Project Drawdown showcases that in 2015 there was an estimated 38 per cent of food waste composted in the US and 57 per cent composted in the EU.
The Findings
Amongst many interesting findings was this stat: if all low-income countries reached the US rate and all middle income countries reached the EU rate, composting could avoid methane emissions associated with landfills equivalent to 1.13 – 1.40 gigatons of carbon dioxide by 2050.
Composting Reduces GHG Emissions Compared to Landfill (Australia)
The Research
In a meeting with Australian Government Mayors and CEOs, a claim was made that transporting organics to a compost facility 150km away would emit more greenhouse gases than if they were sent to a local landfill.
Mike (from MRA Consulting) checked the maths of the claim – and the results said quite the opposite.
The Findings
Mike found that a truck filled with 25 tonnes of Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) can be driven 15,444km to a composting facility before it emits the same amount of greenhouse gases as that same truckload put in a landfill with 50 per cent gas capture. Alternatively, it could be driven twice as long if sent to a landfill with no gas capture.
Modelling GHG Emissions From Source Separated Organics (US)
The Research
A new study in New York City assessed the greenhouse gas emissions from five different management options for ‘Source Separated Organics’ collected from residential, commercial, and institutional sources. Researchers looked at factors like how waste is collected, transported, and turned into compost or biogas.
The Findings
The findings showed that managing organic waste separately can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to sending it all to landfills. The management options with the lowest carbon footprint involved anaerobic digestion, followed by either land application or composting. Sending the organic waste material directly to compost was also a net carbon-negative management option. This is exciting research as it shows that how we handle organic waste can be an effective tool in lowering GHG emissions and fighting climate change.
Hydrolysis Prevents the Formation of Persistent PLA Microplastics in the Environment
The Research
HYDRA Marine Sciences conducted a systemic review of scientific literature, looking at the bioplastic polylactic acid (PLA). The review scanned over 30,000 reports, of which 500 were determined to be relevant and used for deeper review.
The Findings
The research review concluded that under a hydrolysis process (using water and humidity) PLA does not produce persistent microplastics. This is unlike non-biodegradable polymers (like traditional plastics) which persist and accumulate in the environment. This research review is a positive step for bioplastics, suggesting that they’re a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, as under the right conditions, PLA can fully biodegrade.
The Impact of Management Choices on Landfill Methane Emissions
The Research
The report by the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) delves into the impact of various waste management strategies on methane emissions from landfills. It assesses how different landfill management practices in Europe, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, such as methane capture technologies and improved waste handling, can significantly reduce emissions on a global scale.
The Findings
The report concludes that optimised landfill gas collection systems, even simple technologies, can reduce methane emissions by millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) annually, contributing massively to the fight against climate change. It also highlights that the effectiveness of strategies depends on local conditions, waste composition, and regulatory frameworks in each country or region.
Economic Benefits
Australian Organics Recycling Industry Capacity Assessment: 2022-23
The Research
Undertaken by Australian Economic Advocacy Solutions and commissioned by Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA), this research looked at the potential capacity and capability of the Australian Organics Recycling Industry.
The Findings
In terms of economic benefits, the Australian Organics Recycling Industry already makes a considerable contribution to our economy – providing over 5,032 jobs, $386 million in wages and salaries, and contributing $781 million in industry direct value add to the Australian economy.
Excitingly, this research found that if the current organics recycling rates increased to 95%, we would contribute an extra $636 million in industry value add towards the Australian economy and provide an extra 4,101 jobs, paying around $314 million to everyday Australians.
Impacts and Benefits of Kerbside Collection Systems: Perth and Peel Report (Australia)
The Research
The Waste Authority engaged MRA consulting Group (MRA) to report on the impacts and benefits of kerbside systems in a West Australian metropolitan context – specifically in the Perth and Peel regions.
The research assessed the current standard two-bin (general waste and recycling) kerbside collection systems against the three-bin (general waste, recycling and garden organics GO) systems, and three-bin FOGO (general waste, recycling and Food Organics & Garden Organics FOGO) systems.
The Findings
Amongst many interesting findings, the results revealed that the introduction of a new kerbside bin service will add to the total cost for local governments (between $22 and $35 per household per year for a GO option). However, the cost of material recovery per tonne is reduced by about 50%.
Compost for Carbon: Webinars for Farmers To Cash In on Compost (Australia)
The Initiative
MRA Consulting Group have developed webinars on pastures and cropping to help farmers use compost and realise the benefits. The project has been funded by the NSW government’s Waste Less Recycle More fund.
Applying compost in an agricultural environment is a win for the environment and farmers – benefitting both soil health and productivity.
Excitingly, the new ‘Measurement of soil carbon sequestration in agricultural systems’ method (soil carbon method) means farmers using compost to improve soil fertility can earn Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) – which they can then sell for cash.
Composting & Consumer Behaviour
Consumer Perceptions of Compostable Packaging (US)
The Research
Based in the US, The Composting Consortium is an initiative of Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy. They teamed up with the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and Bellomy Research to survey 2,765 US residents to better understand how different approaches to design and labelling affect how consumers identify, understand and dispose of compostable packaging. The research tested 156 design combinations across a range of products.
The Findings
The survey highlighted several key challenges. For example, they found residents had a limited understanding of certified compostable packaging, which can then lead to incorrectly placing the packaging in a backyard bin or contamination risks in the conventional recycling stream. The survey followed up with key solutions – like consistent labelling and educating the US population.
Enabling Desired Disposal of Compostable Plastic Packaging: An Evaluation of Disposal Instruction Labels (UK)
The Research
Based in the UK, this study set out to evaluate different compostable disposal instruction labels and their effectiveness in achieving the desired disposal outcome. To gather information, an online experiment and survey of 1,008 UK citizens was used, asking participants to complete a task that involved sorting packaging labelled with various disposal options into either general waste, food waste or recycling.
The Findings
Qualitative findings suggest that participants prefer clarity and directness in disposal instructions. For example, the “compost with food waste” label had the highest rate of correct disposal when compared to the control group, which just had the “compost” disposal instruction. “Put with food waste” and “recycle with food waste” had a similar success rate. This survey can be used to guide future labelling policy – a valuable tool in the transition to compostable packaging.
Unearthed: Digging Into Compostable Packaging and Consumer Behaviour (UK)
The Research
Conducted in 2022 by Hubbub together with the Compostable Coalition UK and funded by UK Research and Innovation, the project explored how compostable packaging can be effectively collected and composted in the UK. It conducted several trials in offices and communities in London in using compostable packaging in food packages and fresh produce.
The Findings
The three key findings show that people have difficulty identifying compostable packaging, unclear bin signage confuses them on correct disposal, and they lack awareness about the composting process.
It recommends clearly communicating that packaging is ‘compostable’, such as in its design, labels, and colours, improving the public’s understanding with clear disposal instructions, and avoiding ‘misleading’ and greenwashing statements.
A Review of the Benefits and Risks of Including Certified Compostable Packaging in Food Organics Recovery Systems
The Research
Commissioned by the Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA), this report examines the environmental benefits and potential risks of compostable plastic packaging. The study focuses on how compostable plastics perform in waste management systems, particularly within organic waste streams and industrial composting facilities.
The Findings
The findings indicate that compostable packaging items certified to Australian Standards AS4736 and AS5810, and meeting additional ABA certification requirements, pose little risk in commercial composting systems.
These certified items are likely to increase the quantities of food organics recovered through Food Organics / Food Organics & Garden Organics (FO/FOGO) services, contributing to greater organic waste diversion from landfills. The report also highlights the importance of proper waste management practices to fully leverage these benefits.
Compostable Packaging
The Compostable Conundrum (UK & EU)
The Paper
Created by A Plastic Planet, this paper answers the question: when should compostable materials be used and why? Its purpose is to advise packaging designers, brand managers and industry on the use of compostable materials. While the paper focuses on the UK and EU, the information can also apply to Australia and beyond.
The Findings
The document outlines scenarios where it’s responsible to use compostable materials – and where it makes sense to use another material. Ultimately, the document focuses on the health of soils.
This serves as a valuable resource for a range of companies. The red & green list shows products that should (green list) and should not (red list) be using compostable materials.
Compostable Packaging Research – South Australia
The Research
Backed by BioPak, this research was a collaboration between Compost Connect and Edge Impact, with the primary objective to understand compostable packaging recovery outcomes and success factors.
The Findings
This research found that composting food waste and compostable packaging via council provided kerbside FOGO bins is a viable and effective waste management solution.
It’s believed enforcement and industry collaboration drives this success – compliance with Australian Standards (AS4736 and AS5810) are rigorously enforced. In saying that, there are still challenges with compostable packaging identification, and as a result, contamination.
There were 7 key findings of the report – largely positive and pointing to the success of South Australia’s organics recovery system.
Italy’s Compostable Packaging EPR Scheme
The Challenge
Italy began to separate food waste collection in the 1990s. But as food waste collection grew, so did contamination (source). Italy’s Compostable Packaging EPR Scheme (CONAI) began as a response. However, the EPR scheme initially taxed all plastic types (including compostable) and the funds raised were only reinvested in mechanical recycling programs.
The Solution
In December 2018 (after years of study and negotiation) we saw the creation of a subcategory known as BIOREPACK, which will see the tax money from bioplastics invested into composting programs and infrastructure.
The BIOREPACK consortium will sit within the body governing Italian packaging waste EPR known as CONAI.
Thanks to this cooperation, updated data from BIOREPACK for 2023 show that about 83% of all compostable plastics packaging collected jointly with food waste are effectively included into the biological recycling process (i.e. anaerobic digestion, composting or both).
Breaking It Down: The Realities of Compostable Packaging Disintegration in Composting Systems
(US)
The Research
Based in the US, this study is a collaboration between several organizations – including the Composting Consortium, Center for the Circular Economy, Closed Loop Partners, and several participating compost facilities. It analyses the compatibility of certified compostable packaging with the diverse composting systems across the US – highlighting the nuanced approach we need to recover compostable packaging.
The Findings
More than 23,000 units of packaging were tested, made up of 31 types of individual fibre and compostable plastic packaging and products, across 10 diverse composting facilities.
There were 10 top takeaways from the study – including data that shows certified food-contact compostable packaging successfully disintegrates at commercial compost facilities that meet the required operating standards.
