Are compostable plastics or food soiled paper allowed in the program?

City of Eugene’s Love Food Not Waste commercial food waste collection program began excluding any non-food materials from collection as of April 15, 2019. When the program began, food soiled paper and certified compostable service ware were accepted along with food scraps in order to reduce waste and enhance the convenience of the program.

The facility that processes a significant portion of Eugene’s food waste into a high-quality compost product, no longer accepts compostable service ware products and food soiled paper due to ongoing challenges presented by contamination from non-compostable products that end up in the food waste system, and because of emerging concerns about persistent perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) which are found on some types of grease resistant food service packaging and can persist in the environment. 

An exception to the food-only rule will be allowances for compostable bags and liners, because we know that using them is critical for some businesses to be able to participate. Accepted bags and liners must be certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). 


Show All Answers

1. How does the program work?
2. What’s the cost?
3. Can my business or commercial property put food waste in our yard debris container?
4. Are compostable plastics or food soiled paper allowed in the program?
5. Why aren't items like compostable service ware and food soiled paper allowed?
6. Why compost?
7. What is the City’s role?
8. Who else is doing it?
9. How can I learn more about Love Food Not Waste?
10. Are the Love Food Not Waste resources available digitally?
11. Which businesses and organizations compost in Eugene?
12. If fats, oils, and grease are not allowed in food waste collection program, how can my business properly handle this material?
13. Are there soil tests done on the compost to ensure that it is safe for planting?
14. What happens with the finished compost?
15. Which haulers are involved in food waste diversion?