Compostable Products
Effective January 1, 2025, compostable product labeling law in Minnesota went into effect (Minn. Stat. § 325E.046). Use this page to help you determine if an item will be accepted by compost sites in Minnesota.
The goal of the law is to reduce confusion of residents, businesses, and retailers - not to fine businesses, retailers or distributors. MNCC and MPCA staff are here to help you identify if your products are compliant and find compliant products.
Learn more about the law and report non-compliant products on MPCA's web site
To be labeled compostable and distributed in Minnesota, all products labeled 'compostable' must meet the following requirements.
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Bags and films
Food-service and other packaging
Use BPI's search tool to verify if an item is certified compostable. |
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Search for the item on BPI's websiteBPI, the Biodegradable Products Institute, is a third-party non-profit organization who tests products for compostability. Composters in Minnesota will only accept food-service and other packaging that is BPI certified.
Use their online tool to search by manufacturer or product. |
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Questions? Contact us and we'll be happy to help answer any questions you have and connect you with manufacturers who distribute BPI certified products.
What about other 'earth-friendly' sounding labels?
Other 'environmentally friendly' terms on their own do not mean an item is compostable and are not accepted by composters in Minnesota unless they are BPI certified compostable.
Products with these terms are not allowed to be distributed in Minnesota, unless they are also certified compostable.
Products with these terms are not allowed to be distributed in Minnesota, 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
