Comments on: Decatur Gets Two Solar-Powered Trash Compactors

By: Carl

Carl — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:50:00 +0000

The PLA-based serveware used at DG and other places is designed to be compostable, but the items do not degrade any differently in a standard landfill. No one wants them in compost they’ll actually be using, since the items are made with genetically-modified corn. Basically, it’s a bad concept all around, and businesses pay more for the privilege of having something “green” that’s quite the opposite. Please encourage businesses using these containers to instead offer ones that are actually recyclable (and to offer recycling, of course).

By: CSD Snowflake

CSD Snowflake — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:00:18 +0000

Mmm, hmm. I sure will. I save all those unnecessary shoeboxes that come with the shoes my kids outgrow every 4 months and recycle them as brownie holders!

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:53:52 +0000

Landfills, in theory, can be fine. Essentially just giant compost piles. The problem is the toxicity or permanence of certain things that end up there. But if something is going to break down organically, don’t feel guilty about tossing it in a landfill. Discard with pride! (Or, take it home and throw it in your own compost bin…)

By: Decatur Metro

Decatur Metro — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:32:11 +0000

This seems to go back to altmod’s original point about confusion about “compostable” vs. “recyclable” materials.

Another Rick, as I understand it, containers labeled “compostable” should go in the trash, not the recycling.

By: Another Rick

Another Rick — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:30:21 +0000

I guess what I was happy about was it is not a petroleum product. It may have said “compostable”. In my mind compostable would mean recyclable. Compostable in a landfill? Right, does that compost? I may have gotten excited based on nothing more significant than good marketing on their part. The more I think about it the more confused I get. My lesson to myself is that we all should become more educated about the impact of our purchases.

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:51:31 +0000

I thought the groovy factor of the cornstarch cups was that they were compostable / break down in landfills, not that they were recyclable. Anyone know the details?

By: Another Rick

Another Rick — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:46:41 +0000

I purchased a smoothie from Ben and Jerry’s recently. I noticed the label on the plastic looking container it came in says it was made of that cornstarch stuff, not a petroleum product, and completely recyclable. Hurray for Ben and Jerry.

By: Ridgelandistan

Ridgelandistan — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:22:20 +0000

Sympathetic owner/operators of national chain franchises might be restricted in what they can change about their packaging. Headquarters would have to allow exceptions to comply with a popular local ordinance.

In my household, styrofoam cups will nix a restaurant choice on family night out.
Did you get that Chik Fil-A?