Welcome to the BPI resource library! As part of the Education pillar, BPI is committed to helping Members and other audiences understand the key issues related to organics diversion and compostable products. The pages here today are just a start, so check back periodically as we’ll continue to add content when and where we can. If you have suggestions for specific topics you would like to see addressed in this section of the site, please let us know.

Composting is a process for creating a valuable soil amendment from yard waste, food scraps, and other organic materials. Learn  how composting works, the different methods in practice today, acceptable and unacceptable feedstocks, and the environmental benefits of composting.

Compostable products and packaging were developed, in large part, as tools for diverting food scraps to composting, and to address the issue of non-compostable materials contaminating organics streams. Review the common materials and applications that make up the category, and look at BPI’s role in compostability standards for the industry. 

The United States sends more food waste to landfills every year than any other material. This creates several significant problems for the planet which could be remedied, in part, through increased access to residential and commercial organics collection. 

Commercial and residential collection and processing infrastructure for organics is growing, but has a long way to go. Find current statistics on commercial and residential compost infrastructure, info on  success stories, and primary barriers to future growth. 

The waste management hierarchy is commonly referred to as the “3 Rs” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle/Compost). All 3 Rs are required to solve our global waste problem, and compostable products are in support of, not in opposition to, this hierarchy.