The Environmental Impact of Compostable Take-Out Containers | Eater

"This Eugene-based recycling and composting facility stopped accepting compostable food serviceware after finding persistent contamination and prohibitive sorting costs. It initially accepted certified, food-related compostables that were clearly identifiable, but constant look-alike non-compostable items and many small pieces made manual sorting impractical, increasing water, energy, and labor use. The facility also could not sell resulting compost to organic farmers because the National Organic Program treats many compostable service items as synthetic, and staff cited concerns about PFAS in some packaging transferring into finished compost and contaminating soils and waterways. Those operational and market risks drove the company to reject compostables alongside other Oregon composters." - Gosia Wozniacka