In an effort to support composters and address barriers to accepting certified compostable products, BPI offers testing of “overs” screened out of the finished compost that haven't broken down to determine if they are compostable or not. Studies like this one from Portland, Oregon show that often the plastic in overs piles is conventional plastic (PET, PP, etc) and not certified compostable.
This free service is available to composters who are located in the United States and Canada. (Testing for facilities located outside of the US or Canada may be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
To get started, please fill out the form below and hold on to the sample(s) you've collected. Once you have submitted the form, BPI will contact you with any questions and to coordinate mailing the samples to a testing lab.
The test results will be shared with the composter. If the sample turns out to be non-compostable, BPI will help identify the possible sources of contamination and talk with the local/regional government about ordinances that could help. If the sample is compostable, BPI will discuss field testing options, with possible funding support.
