Composting Contamination in Corporate Settings

Abstract

The following is a comprehensive overview compiled for Hennepin County’s Environment and Energy Division to address compost contamination in corporate settings. Contamination consists of non-compostable materials in the compostable collection. Contamination may include items such as plastics bottles, cups, plastic flatware, coated paper, or plastic bags. This contamination leads to higher costs to the county, corporate participants, and others in the compost processing chain. Costs are incurred when deliveries of recyclable organics are rejected due to contamination above the allowable threshold. Research will be aimed at finding reasons for contamination, understanding alternative practices, and behavior modification strategies to improving organics sorting among participants. The results consist of a series of recommended actions and considerations to best facilitate behavior change and reduce contamination to compost in corporate settings.