Home Compostable vs Industrial Compostable: What's the Difference?

The Quick Answer

Industrial compostable products (like most PLA straws) need commercial composting facilities with sustained high heat (140-160°F) and break down in about 180 days.

Home compostable products (like PHA straws and some paper items) can break down in backyard compost bins at ambient temperatures over 12-24 months.

Home composting

Industrial Composting Explained

What It Requires

• Temperature. 140-160°F sustained for weeks.
• Moisture. 50-60% humidity, carefully controlled.
• Oxygen. Regular turning or aeration of compost piles.
• Microbial activity. Specific bacteria and fungi populations.
• Time. 90-180 days for complete breakdown.

Materials That Need Industrial Composting

• PLA straws, cups, utensils
• CPLA (crystallized PLA) cutlery
• Most molded fiber containers with coatings
• Many "compostable" to-go containers

Certifications to Look For

• ASTM D6400 (US standard)
• EN 13432 (European standard)
• BPI Certified Compostable

Home Composting Explained

What It Provides

• Temperature. 80-120°F (varies with weather).
• Moisture. Natural rainfall plus watering.
• Oxygen. Occasional turning by the homeowner.
• Microbial activity. Native bacteria and decomposers.
• Time. 12-24 months for complete breakdown.

Materials That Work in Home Composting

• PHA straws and utensils
• Uncoated paper products
• Food scraps and yard waste
• Natural fiber materials (bamboo, wood)

Certifications to Look For

• TÜV Austria OK compost HOME
• DIN CERTCO Home Compostable
• Specific "home compostable" claims backed by testing

Composting field

Comparison Chart

When to Choose Industrial Compostable

• You're in an area with commercial composting access
• Cost is a primary concern
• You need proven, widely available products
• You run high-volume operations
• Your waste hauler accepts certified compostables

When to Choose Home Compostable

• Your customers have home compost systems
• Limited commercial composting in your area
• You want premium sustainability positioning
• You need better heat resistance (PHA)
• You appeal to a DIY or environmentally engaged audience

Can You Mix Both Types?

Yes. Many businesses use industrial compostable for most items (cost-effective) and home compostable for:

• Premium menu items
• Customer requests
• Markets without commercial composting
• Special events or catering

Setting Customer Expectations

For Industrial Compostable Products

What to tell customers:

• "These straws are certified compostable at commercial facilities."
• "Check with your local waste management for composting options."
• "Not suitable for backyard composting."

For Home Compostable Products

What to tell customers:

• "You can compost these straws in your backyard bin."
• "Allow 12-24 months for complete breakdown."
• "Also accepted at commercial composting facilities."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put industrial compostable straws in my home compost?

Not recommended. PLA needs sustained high heat (140°F+) that backyard bins rarely reach. The straws will sit unchanged for years.

Will home compostable products work faster at industrial facilities?

Yes. PHA and other home compostable materials break down even faster (90-120 days) in commercial composting conditions.

What if my area has no commercial composting?

Consider home compostable options like PHA. Or use industrial compostable knowing it'll at least biodegrade faster in landfills than traditional plastic.

Are home compostable products more expensive?

Usually yes. PHA costs 20-40% more than PLA. The customer appeal and flexibility may justify the difference, depending on your business.