How to Properly Dispose of Disposable Bamboo Plates?

Purchased disposable bamboo plates for an event? Here’s what to know about disposing of disposable bamboo plates properly and why it’s important!

 

Did you know that approximately 40 billion plastic spoons, forks, and knives are thrown away every year in the US? A big chunk of these utensils make their way into oceans and landfills, harming the environment and wildlife in the process. This explains why more people are looking for affordable yet eco-friendly alternatives. Enter: disposable bamboo plates!

Today, companies like Ancheng are developing innovative solutions to help keep plastic cutlery and plates out of our environment. But how do you dispose of disposable bamboo plates once you’ve used them? It’s important to know the right way to dispose of disposable bamboo plates. In this blog, we’ll cover these methods, along with commonly faced challenges when disposing of them.

 

Why It’s Important to Dispose of Disposable Bamboo Plates Correctly?

Because disposable bamboo plates decompose faster, many people wonder why there’s a ‘proper’ way to dispose of them. They decompose anyway, so why does it matter how you dispose of them?

Despite its status as a natural and biodegradable material, improper disposal such as landfill disposal slows down the decomposition process. It negates the environmental benefits of choosing bamboo and contributes to pollution instead. In the long run, proper disposal of bamboo plates also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Some other reasons include: 
1. Proper disposal supports sustainability and contributes to a circular economy. 
2. Avoiding incorrect disposable methods prevents contamination of recycling streams and compost piles.
3. Proper disposal techniques also reduce the overall amount of waste ending up in landfills.
4. Proper disposal of bamboo plates and cutlery encourages us to think about how we consume products and their impact on the environment.

So, let’s look at some of the main ways to dispose of disposable bamboo plates.

 

1. Composting 

The most commonly recommended method for composting, especially if they’re labeled compostable. In composting, organic materials break down in a controlled environment, eventually becoming nutrient-rich soil.

You can add them to your backyard compost pile or take them to a commercial composting facility. Once added to the pile, they break down naturally and enrich the soil with nutrients. We recommend breaking the plates into smaller pieces to speed up the process.

The difference between industrial composting and home composting can be understood here.

2. Recycling

In some cases, you can recycle disposable bamboo products, but it depends on nearby recycling programs. Some programs may not have the facilities to recycle disposable bamboo dishes.

 

Even if they do, it’s possible that your plates have a non-recyclable coating or contain non-recyclable materials. But since it’s a natural material, bamboo can be processed in a similar way as wood.

We recommend checking the packaging to see if they’re recyclable before buying disposable bamboo products. If they’re labeled as ‘recyclable,’ remember to clean off any food residue before putting them in the appropriate bin. 

We also have a guide to recyclables and compostables for you.

3. Upcycling

Before throwing away your disposable bamboo dishes, try upcycling them! This means using them for non-food purposes. Since bamboo is far more durable than styrofoam and paper, you can repurpose disposable plates for craft projects.

Some ideas include using disposable bamboo plates to make containers for organizing items, seed starters, and even plat labels. You can also use them from craft projects, like plant coasters.

 

4. Biodegradation 

 

Another way to dispose of bamboo plates is to bury them in the soil. Since they’re biodegradable products, burying them in an outdoor space, such as a yard or a garden, is also an option.

However, we recommend this idea for smaller quantities of disposable bamboo products. Just like in composting, breaking the plates into smaller pieces encourages them to break down faster. It’s a simple process that doesn’t need any special equipment, but it could end up taking several months depending on the soil conditions and climate.

If you want to make a detailed distinction between compostable and biodegradable, we also have corresponding articles.

 

Common Challenges When Disposing of Disposable Bamboo Products 

Despite the availability of different methods to dispose of disposable bamboo products, there are a few challenges we face:

1. Confusion While Composting 

To kick things off, the biggest concern is that you can’t add all bamboo products to the compost pit. This is especially the case if they’re treated with certain chemicals or have non-compostable coatings. Consumers could end up contaminating compost piles by trying to add non-compostable bamboo products.

 

2. Limitations on Recycling 

Sure, bamboo is a natural material and can be processed in a similar way as wood. But chances are that your local recycling program doesn’t accept bamboo products. Consumers could get confused about whether to throw away or recycle disposable bamboo dishes, leading to improper disposal.

 

3. Limited Facilities 

Even if the disposable bamboo products you purchased are labeled as ‘compostable,’ your area may not have appropriate facilities. Not every composting facility accepts bamboo products. This restricts your ability to dispose of bamboo products in an environmentally-friendly way.

 

4. Decomposes Slowly

Yes, bamboo plates are biodegradable products, but they takes a fairly long time to decompose. This is especially the case if you dispose of them in a landfill, which lacks the conditions needed to break down bamboo. If your disposable bamboo dishes are taking super long to decompose, are they really an environmentally-friendly alternative? 

5. Contamination Issues 

Let’s not forget that using disposable bamboo plates contaminates them with grease and food waste. Because of this, recycling or composting facilities may reject your disposable bamboo plates, so you end up having to send them to a landfill.

FAQs

 

1. Can I compost disposable bamboo plates in my backyard? 
Yes, you can add disposable bamboo plates to your backyard compost as long as they’re free of chemical additives or coatings. Just keep in mind they take a longer time to break down than your average food craps. Try cutting them into smaller pieces to speed up the process.

2. Can I reuse disposable bamboo plates? 
No, disposable bamboo plates are designed for single use only, so it’s not recommended to reuse them. Exposure to sauces and grease can contaminate the plates, making them unsuitable for reusing.

3. Can I dispose of bamboo plates through garbage disposal? 
No, you shouldn’t place disposable bamboo plates in the garbage disposal system. These plates are much harder than styrofoam or paper plates, so they end up damaging the disposal unit.

4. Do disposable bamboo plates biodegrade in water? 
No, disposable bamboo plates don’t biodegrade any more quickly in water than they do in soil, so they should not be disposed of in marine environments. Disposing them in waterways can lead to pollution.

 

Conclusion

 
To sum up everything we’ve discussed so far, disposable bamboo plates are eco-friendly alternatives to their plastic counterparts.

Alt Text: Disposable bamboo spoon and fork placed next to bowl, berries, and decorative flowers.

But you should still dispose of them correctly! This includes composting, recycling, and repurposing bamboo disposables. It’s important because without proper practices, you’re just contributing to pollution. Nevertheless, there are a few challenges like confusion surrounding composting, lack of compost and recycling centers, and risk of contamination that need to be addressed.  

 

Get High-Quality Disposable Bamboo Plates By Ancheng! 

Ancheng is the top-ranked provider of disposable bamboo products, such as plates and cutlery, in the global market. Our disposable bamboo cutlery isn’t just an environmentally friendly alternative to the plastic ones polluting our planet! They meet high standards of quality and come at competitive prices. We also provide a range of options to meet your specific needs.  

Have a look at our available business services to know what option’s right for you. Have questions? Our team can walk you through your available options.

We can be your disposable tableware partner for your upcoming event. From weddings to festivals, we can do it all! Contact us today.