California is at an important moment for the future of composting. 

As the state works to reduce waste and expand organics diversion, proposed legislation could limit the use of certified compostable packaging before the programs built around it have had the chance to succeed. 

Certified compostable bags aren't the source of organics-stream contamination, uncertified "greenwashed" plastic bags mislabeled as compostable are, so banning the whole category punishes the products that actually work while doing nothing to stop the fakes. 

Some Background: AB 1201 

California's AB 1201, passed in 2021, requires that any product labeled "compostable" or "home compostable" be an allowable agricultural organic input under the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP).  
 
The catch: the federal NOP doesn't currently recognize compostable synthetic materials as an allowable input at all as it is a definition that hasn't been updated in decades. If that gap isn't resolved, it could mean that even certified compostable products that are proven, through rigorous BPI and/or CMA testing, to disintegrate, biodegrade, and leave safe compost behind, may no longer be allowed to carry the "compostable" label in California. CalRecycle has granted some compliance flexibility as this plays out, but the underlying conflict between state law and federal definitions remains unresolved. 

Now: AB 1812 

A newer bill, AB 1812, proposes going further restricting "compostable" and "home compostable" labeling for any product made wholly or partially of plastic. For certified compostable packaging built on BPI and CMA-tested materials, this could mean losing the ability to make an accurate, science-backed claim on products that have already cleared the industry's most rigorous testing standards. 

Why This Matters 

California has some of the most ambitious organics diversion goals in the country, including SB 1383's mandate to cut organic waste disposal significantly. Certified compostable bags, liners, and food service packaging are part of how businesses and institutions actually meet that mandate as they make food scrap separation easier, reduce contamination, and give haulers and composters a consistent, tested material to work with. 

Pulling proven, certified compostable products out of the market before the infrastructure and alternatives are ready to catch up doesn't reduce waste, it risks undermining the very diversion goals the state has set for itself. We believe policy should support that progress, not limit it. 

A Coordinated Response 

That's why BPI is launching a coordinated campaign to encourage science-based policy and stronger composting systems across California and beyond. As a company built on certified compostable products, we stand behind this effort and we're asking you to join us. 
Please take a few minutes to take action:
The smarter fix is enforcing certification and labeling standards (BPI, ASTM D6400), which cracks down on false compostables while preserving the bags that make people willing to participate in organics diversion in the first place. Together, we can help ensure decisions about composting are guided by science, proven standards, and real-world experience...not rules that outpace the systems they're meant to support.

Learn more about proven compostable research and our certifications here. 
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