Products not certified compostable would be prohibited from using labeling, images, or words that could be reasonably anticipated to mislead consumers into believing that the product is compostable. (Credit: Brian Yurasits / Unsplash)
In order to advance the composting industry and to reduce confusion among consumers as well as composters, the state of Colorado introduced SB23-253, a new bill that creates new standards for products that are represented, marketed, or advertised as being capable of undergoing decomposition in a controlled composting system. According to The Organics Recycling Authority BioCycle, the bill is designed to align with Washington State by requiring products presenting as compostable to be certified by a recognized, independent, third-party verification body. Products not certified compostable would be prohibited from marketing or advertising the item using tinting, color schemes, labeling, images, or words that are required for products that are certified compostable — or using labeling, images, or words that could be reasonably anticipated to mislead consumers into believing that the product is compostable. Washington State has gone even further, requiring compostable products to use green, beige, or brown color and/or striping to distinguish themselves from non-compostables. Additionally, non-compostable film bags are prohibited from using such color schemes to reduce confusion.
