Compostable plastics at Usdan

I used to be upset about Bon Appétit's frequent use of disposable plastic cups and containers, especially at Late Night. But, about a month ago, I looked at the bottom of my cup, and was surprised to find that it is compost-able!

Apparently there are "bioplastics" made mostly from corn starch and cellulose, that fully degrade into water, carbon dioxide and organic material when composted. Pretty cool.

So, while Bon Appétit's plastic cups and containers are not recyclable through Middletown's collection program, they are compost-able... so stick them in the compost buckets on your way out!

UPDATE: Oops! Apparently the plastics are compost-able, but not compost-able enough. Helpful comment, from Elisa:

We tested sticking them in the earth tub composters and boiling them and neither really did anything. We'd need a super, industrial shredder and a super, industrial compost facility to compost them! Sorry to bust the myth, but there it is. At least Bon Appetit is trying.

In other words, don't stick the containers in the composting bins!

Secrets of the Student Handbook: Secret #164

Quick Guide to Composting:

It is best to start the bin with a layer of "browns" that include dried leaves, shredded newspaper, or dried grass clippings. Put food waste ("greens"—with the exception of meat, dairy, and oil) in bin. If the compost is too wet or smells, add a layer of browns on top. You will get the best results from your compost if you aerate it once in a while with a stick or broom handle (just stick it down in the compost and make a hole in different places) and turn (stir) the compost occasionally as well. Other than that, let Mother Earth, heat, decomposition, chemical reactions, and, of course, worms, do the rest!

A friendly reminder from your Student Handbook.