Compostable Products

Use this page to help you determine if an item will be accepted by compost sites in Minnesota.

​Note: the information on this page reflects proposed Minnesota bill language for compostable products (HF 1165 / SF 2243). See our Advocacy web page for more information.

Search for the item on BPI's website

BPI, the Biodegradable Products Institute, is a third-party non-profit organization who tests products for compostability. Use their online tool to search by manufacturer or product. 

Search a product or manufacturer
Bags and films:
  • Must meet ASTM D-6400 standard for compostability
  • Must be verified by a third party
Food-service and other items:
  • Made only of wood without any coatings or additives
  • Made only of paper without any coatings or additives
If it has coatings or additives it must meet ASTM D-6868 standard for compostability. Use BPI's search tool to verify if an item is certified compostable.

Questions? Contact the MNCC and we'll be happy to help answer any questions you have.

What about other 'earth-friendly' sounding labels?

Other 'envornmentally friendly' terms on their own do not mean an item is compostable. Items with these terms are not accepted by compost facilities in the State unless they are also certified compostable:
  • biodegradable
  • compostable in an industrial facility
  • marine biodegradable
  • soil biodegradable
  • oxo-degradable
  • industrially compostable
  • earth-friendly
  • made from plants​
  • ​made from plant starch