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What is a “biodegradable” plastic? A biodegradable plastic can degrade by naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae to yield water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and/or methane (CH₄), biomass, and inorganic compounds. However, the environment and timeframe must be specified in which biodegradation is expected to occur, otherwise the claim is meaningless. For example, a yard waste collection bag may be biodegradable in a composting environment; agricultural mulch film may be soil biodegradable. Without these qualifications, the term “biodegradable” can be problematic, since it may lack clearly definable information about recycling or composting facility process requirements and timeframe for biodegradation. To limit this confusion and the potential for misleading consumers with “green” claims, the State of California banned use of the term “biodegradable” for any plastic sold in the state. “Biodegradable” does not mean a material is compostable or recyclable. California does allow plastic to be labeled as certified compostable, if it meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. What is a “compostable”plastic? A compostable plastic is biodegradable in a composting environment, yielding H₂O, CO₂, biomass, and inorganic compounds. The biodegradation during composting should be at a rate similar to other known compostable materials, and should not leave visual or toxic residue. In order for a plastic to be labeled compostable, it must meet scientific standards, such as the ASTM specification D6400-127: 1.Disintegration: No more than 10 percent of the original dry weight of a product must remain after 84 days in a controlled composting test. 2.Biodegradation: 90 percent of the organic carbon in the test materials must be converted to carbon dioxide within 180 days. 3.Nontoxic to plants: The product must have less than 50 percent of the maximum allowable concentrations of certain heavy metals regulated by biosolids (U.S. EPA 503). Compost must also be able to support germination of two different plant species at a rate at least 90 percent of that in a “control” sample.