Although often confused, “biodegradable” is distinct in meaning from “compostable”. While “biodegradable” simply means that a material (of any kind) can be disintegrated by microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.), WHAT DOES IT MEAN? WHERE DO I PUT IT ? “compostable” only refers to the degradation of organic matter under composting conditions generating (or humus).

REMEMBER: what is compostable is always biodegradable, not viceversa! TIDYMAN ! ORGANIC CONTAINER! Composting is usually an aerobic process (taking place in presence of oxygen). In lack of oxygen it is defined as (which Don’t your in the environment! code reduces the emission of gas into the atmosphere). Be a responsible citizen! Composting can be done at home, or at an industrial scale under

material controlled conditions and through different procedures (see link). abbreviation

The Resin Identification Codes (above) are the combination of the Universal Recycling Symbol with different recycling codes and materials’ abbreviations. These are found on packaging and products and allow to identify the material of which they are made of, thus to understand where the products has to be thrown away to be recycled. (Plastics recycling numbers range from #01 to #19 depending on the specific type of resin. Numbers from #07 to #19 are classified as “OTHERS” and cannot be compostable at home industrial recycled). under non-controlled compost: special UNIVERSAL RECYCLING SYMBOL → Different variants of all these symbols exist, depending on the Universal Recycling Symbol used, conditions conditions needed however they all mean the same. e.g. PET BIODEGRADABLE: or or CHECK THE MATERIAL! ?!? THE CASE OF Almost all materials are potentially biodegradable, each one requiring a different time of degradation depending on the material. However, TETRA PAK only takes place under very specific conditions (specific This symbol was first designed by Gary Anderson in 1970 when he took part to a light, temperature, oxygen level, etc.). This implies that a biodegradable recycling design competition, which he eventually won. It has then become the material will not necessarily biodegrade! Universal Recycling Symbol (here in all its variants). The same rules as for plastics, and , Although being a mixed material – made of also apply to . Its recycling numbers range , plastics and – Tetra Pak is from #40 to #49 depending on the specific type highly recyclable thanks to the fact that it can of metal. easily be disassembled (with special machines). Vinçotte is an Accredited THE GREEN DOT CHECK YOUR MUNICIPALITY’S WEBSITE: CHECK YOUR MUNICIPALITY’S WEBSITE: where it Inspection and Certification METALS EITHER GOES WITH PLASTICS OR IT EITHER GOES WITH PLASTICS OR WITH biodegrades Organization which ensures WITH GLASS! PAPER! packaging safety or GLASS CONTAINER! PAPER CONTAINER! BIO-BASED:

The Green Dot was a system thought up by Klaus Töpfer, Germany's environment CHECK THE MATERIAL! minister in the early 1990s. It indicates to consumers that the manufacturer of the product contributes to the cost of its recovery and recycling. The system is financed ...... by the Green Dot licence fee paid by products’ manufacturers. Fees vary by country and depend on the material used in packaging (e.g. paper, plastic, metal, ,

cardboard). In simple terms, the system encourages manufacturers to cut down on The same rules as for plastics, paper and The same rules as for plastics, metals and or packaging as this saves them the cost of licence fees. metals, also apply to glass. Its recycling glass, also apply to paper. Its recycling

numbers range from #70 to #79 according to the numbers range from #20 to #39 depending on

specific type of glass. the specific type of paper.

“Bio-based” means “made of organic matter”. Thus, it only relates to the management within the EU is regulated by the directive 94/62/CE on packaging and packaging waste material of which the product is made of and NOT related to its waste of 20 December 1994. However, each municipality has its own rules, according to the different recycling facilities in place. management. If a product is bio-based it does not necessarily mean that it can biodegrade (e.g. Bio-PET must be thrown away with plastics, not organic!). REMEMBER: ALWAYS CHECK THE WEBSITE OF YOUR MUNICIPALITY IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT! REMEMBER: always look for a recycling symbol when trashing your packaging!