UK sites that collect garden waste have been permitted to process some compostable packaging materials, including coffee cups and lids. Vegware, which manufactures compostable foodservice packaging and has led the initiative, called the move a “game-changer”, given that it “dramatically increases the number of facilities allowed to process compostable drinks waste”.
Indeed, 53 in-vessel composting (IVC) facilities are licensed to process food waste, but this will mean the packaging can also be accepted at 100 open windrow composting facilities. “We expect that soon, UK householders and businesses in many regions will be able to put our compostable cups and lids in their garden waste bins,” said the Vegware group recycling consultant, Eilidh Brunton.