End of Life Guidance
Whether you're setting up an organics collection service for your business, managing an existing collection system or attending an event with organics collections, minimising contamination starts with understanding packaging materials and recognising relevant compostability certifications.
Not all compostable packaging is accepted by every collection service or processing facility. Knowing what to look for, and confirming local acceptance requirements, can help ensure packaging enters the appropriate waste stream.
What packaging can go in your organics collection
That depends on the processing facility and what your contracted collection service can accept.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has one of New Zealand's more established commercial organics collection networks, with providers collecting food waste and, where accepted, certified compostable packaging, including some PLA-lined coffee cups.
Outside Auckland, collection infrastructure and processing capabilities vary. Similarly, event organisers may have different packaging requirements depending on the waste streams collected and their processing partners.
Some events specify packaging certified for home composting, making it important to understand certification requirements before ordering. Always confirm packaging acceptance with your collection provider or event waste management organiser.
What to look for: home versus industrial composting
Rather than relying on general marketing claims such as “compostable” or “biodegradable”, check whether the packaging has been certified to a recognised compostability standard. Certification information may be provided in product descriptions or supporting documentation. Not all certified products display a certification logo, as the use of these marks is subject to licensing requirements.
If certification information is not readily available, ask the supplier for supporting documentation. This should identify the applicable standard, the products covered and the certification status. Compostability certifications distinguish between two processing pathways: home composting and industrial composting.
Home compostability
Home compostability certification is available through schemes operated by:
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TÜV Austria
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DIN CERTCO
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Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA)
Industrial compostability
Industrial compostability certification is available through schemes operated by:
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TÜV Austria
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DIN CERTCO
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Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
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Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA)
The certification marks below can help you identify the compostability certification associated with a product. Where applicable, look for the corresponding certification or licence number.
Source: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Standards and Regulations to Help Promote Circular Economy Practices in the Single-Use Plastics and Packaging Industry in Egypt (2025), Figure 7.
Marketing claims to question
Packaging is often marketed using environmental claims that sound reassuring but provide little information about its materials, certifications or appropriate disposal.
When comparing products or suppliers, look beyond the marketing language and ask what evidence supports the claim.
“Sustainable”, “Eco-Friendly”, “Green” or “Environmentally Friendly”
These broad terms do not explain a product's environmental impacts or how it should be disposed of. Without supporting evidence or clear qualifications, they can create a misleading impression about a product's environmental credentials.
“Biodegradable”
Biodegradable does not necessarily mean compostable. The rate and extent of biodegradation depend on the material and the conditions in which it is processed.
Without information about the required conditions and timeframe, the term provides little practical guidance about whether packaging can be accepted in an organics collection.
“Plastic-Free”
Check what materials are actually used. Paper-based packaging may contain polymer coatings or linings that are not immediately apparent.
A plastic-free claim does not establish that packaging is compostable or recyclable. These characteristics need to be verified separately.
Need assistance understanding packaging certifications?
If you're reviewing packaging or comparing suppliers and would like help interpreting certifications or compostability standards, we're happy to help. Message us at hello@ecoware.co.nz.
How do I arrange an organics collection?
Our Collection Services page lists commercial organics collection providers across New Zealand. As availability and accepted materials vary by region and provider, we recommend confirming collection options and packaging acceptance directly with your chosen service.
Find a collection service provider
How do I ensure my packaging is accepted at an event?
Event organisers may have specific packaging requirements based on their waste collection and processing arrangements. If you're unsure whether your packaging meets these requirements, send us the guidance provided by the event organiser and what packaging you're using or wanting to purchase. We'll be happy to help you review the requirements and identify suitable packaging options. Get in touch at hello@ecoware.co.nz.
