Serviceware: What is Compostable?

Understanding Compostable Serviceware
Compostable serviceware is designed to break down in a composting environment and turn into simple substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. It decomposes at a rate similar to other organic materials, unlike traditional plastics, which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

It's important to note that "compostable" differs from "biodegradable." While biodegradable items break down eventually, the term doesn't specify how long the process takes or under what conditions. Compostable items, on the other hand, adhere to strict standards and must fully decompose in a composting facility within a specific timeframe.

Where can I get compostable serviceware and other products?

Below is some information we’ve gathered to try to make it easier to source fiber-based and BPI-certified (plant-based) plastic-based products that are compatible with our composting broad-spectrum service.

Please make sure to check the specific products you're looking at.  Items labeled something like "biodegradable" is not the same as compostable.  If in doubt, send us a link to support@gozero.org, and we'll double-check for you!

Please send us ideas, pain points, feedback, product/vendor reviews/recommendations, and other thoughts on how we can help make the admittedly arduous and usually pricy task of sourcing compostable products easier.

When contacting the vendors below let them know you got their information from GoZERO, and thanks as always for using GoZERO to sustainably dispose of your food waste!

 Food Waste-Based Compost: Benefits and Uses

A recent study by the University of Florida showed that compost made from food waste contains up to 3.5 times more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (macro nutrients NPK) than compost made from yard waste alone, making it a much more nutrient-rich source of soil amendment.

Composting food waste also helps to reduce nutrient runoff into nearby waterways, making it an important part of any sustainable food system. What should you do with nutrient-rich food waste-based compost? Food waste-based compost is not ideal for use as a ground cover. Think of it more as a sustainably produced peat moss or as a "non-fertilizer" fertilizer alternative. Technically, it's a soil amendment that fosters plant and soil health by aiding nutrient and moisture retention.

If mixing a potting or bed mix
Mix 1 part food waste-based compost to 5 parts soil (i.e., 15%-20% compost) as a good baseline. Increase the ratio as desired. However, planting plants in a mix that is greater than 80%-85% compost to soil is not advisable because plants require elements from actual silicate dirt/soil beyond those that are available from compost. For this reason, retailers typically sell pre-blended soil mixes rather than pure compost.

If planting plants from the garden store
For smaller plants, using a one-pint plug or smaller, and adding 1/2 cup of food waste-based compost to the bottom of the planting hole typically yields the best results. When planting larger garden plants like trees or shrubs, a volume of compost equal to 30%-50% of the volume of the root ball should suffice. Add the compost to the bottom of the hole before planting, or work the compost into the top 2" of soil to simulate natural leaf litter.

If feeding an existing garden or bed
Topdress food waste-based compost directly around (but not directly on) the base of the plant stems you want to nourish. If mulching, add mulch between plants as ground cover after installing compost.

If preparing a new garden or bed
Apply either 0.25-0.5 pounds per square foot before tillage, or, for richer soil, add up to 4 gallons (~2.5 pounds) per square foot by volume.

If feeding a yard or agricultural land
The general rule of thumb is to apply a minimum of 5 tons per acre (0.25 pounds per square foot) when land applying food waste-based compost, and double that to establish an every-other-year regimen. Residual benefits occur the following year after a 5t/acer application or the third year following a 10t/acer application. However, establishing an annual or biennial routine will create the best results.

 6 Tips to Keep Nature at Bay When Composting With GoZERO

As temperatures rise and warmer months approach, it's essential to take extra care in managing food waste composting. Whether it's in your garage or at a commercial composting site, keeping your compost containers free from insects, odors, and wildlife is crucial. Here are six tips to keep your GoZERO composting containers clean, hygienic, and pest-free all year long.

#1: Always Keep Container Lids Fully Closed

The lid is your first and best defense against pests and odors. Whether you're using a bucket or a GoZERO cart, ensuring that the lid is fully closed helps to lock in smells and keep critters out. GoZERO cart lids are designed to minimize both odors and pest access when kept tightly shut.

#2: Keep Your Compost Carts 2 to 5 Feet Off the Beaten Path

A simple human factor here—keeping your compost carts away from high-traffic areas reduces the chance of contamination. When carts are too close to pathways, people are more likely to treat them like regular trash bins. Placing them 2 to 5 feet away from these areas reduces the chance of non-compostable material, such as plastic or trash, being thrown in.

#3: Keep Your Compost Carts 2 Feet or More Away from Bushes, Trees, or Half Walls

Creatures like squirrels, raccoons, and opossums are opportunistic and easily access compost containers if placed too close to structures like bushes, trees, or half-walls. Ensuring a clear space of at least 2 feet around your compost cart prevents these pests from gaining easy access and helps maintain the integrity of the container.

#4: Whenever Possible, Have Your Containers Serviced Weekly

Regular servicing is one of the most effective ways to prevent insect infestations. The gestation period of a household fly is just one week, so by having your containers serviced weekly—emptied, washed, lined, and reset—you prevent flies and maggots from setting up shop. This practice also deters yellow jackets, especially in warmer months when food waste can attract them. Regular servicing is a simple way to ensure your composting system remains clean and pest-free.

#5: Use Compostable Bags and Tie Them Off Before Placing Them in Your GoZERO Cart

Pre-bagging your organic waste in compostable bags can virtually eliminate the chances of pests tampering with your compost. By tying off the bags before placing them in the cart, you prevent odors from escaping and make it harder for pests like rodents to detect the material. This should be standard practice for customers who have bi-weekly pickups. Compostable bags provide an additional layer of protection, keeping the cart cleaner for longer and enhancing overall hygiene.

#6: Spray Vinegar Around the Rim of Your Containers and Lids

During the warmer months, vinegar can be a powerful ally in keeping insects at bay. After your GoZERO cart has been emptied, washed, and reset, spray vinegar around the rim and underside of the lid. This simple, inexpensive solution is highly effective at deterring pests. It can be a great natural alternative to chemical insect repellents. A quick spritz around the container will help maintain a pest-free environment, and you can easily do this yourself with items you likely already have on hand.

Conclusion

By implementing these six simple tips, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of pests, odors, and contamination in your composting containers. Whether you are composting at home or managing a commercial setup, these practices ensure that your composting process stays efficient, hygienic, and friendly to the environment. With a bit of care, nature won't get the best of your composting efforts.

Can I purchase compost, what's in it, and where does it come from?

GoZERO offers compost produced by its family farm partner, Andre Farms Compost. We're selling finished 5/8" grade compost in bulk quantities from 1 to 30 cubic yards per truck load. Delivery inside our current service area is $230 for the first yard, with each additional yard only $70 more. There are also limited pickup appointment slots available at our facility outside Zanesfield, starting at $150 for the first yard and $70 for each additional yard.

Contact us online or at 888-467-0874 to arrange delivery or pickup. If you'd rather order online or for smaller bagged quantities, go to gozero.org/marketplace to make your selection.

This season's product has been EPA- and STA-tested and approved, with excellent nutrient content (see below), for your flower garden and veggie patch.