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Degradation of Starch–Calcium Carbonate Disposable Packaging in a Solid Waste Composting Facility

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Abstract

The compostability of starch–CaCO3 disposable packaging was examined in a source-separated municipal solid waste (MSW) composting facility located in East Hampton, NY. Source-separated MSW:starch–CaCO3 container mixtures of 0 (control), 5, and 20% (by volume) were prepared as feedstock for composting. Compost samples were collected weekly or biweekly during the composting process and examined for fragments of the starch–CaCO3 containers. Changes in compost quality due to the presence of starch–CaCO3 containers were assessed by measuring the nutrient and metal content of the three resultant MSW:starch–CaCO3 composts. Finally, plant growth studies were conducted to examine the composts for possible plant growth inhibition due to the deterioration of the starch–CaCO3 containers. Results showed that portions of the starch–CaCO3 containers were not identified in any of the 5 and 20% sieved and characterized compost fractions > 1.3 cm following 1–3 weeks of composting. Mechanical agitation of the waste along with optimum composting conditions were sufficient to initiate the rapid degradation of the starch–CaCO3 composites. Degradation of starch–CaCO3 containers did not affect compost nutrient and trace element content. Grass biomass measurements were performed once weekly over 28 days for grass grown in control (0%), 5%, and 20% starch–CaCO3-containing compost:soil mixtures. Significant differences in grass biomass for these compost:soil mixtures were measured only for the 0 and 20% starch–CaCO3-containing compost:soil mixtures at 28 days (9.07 vs 11.05 g, respectively; P = 0.046).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Waste Reduction and Management Institute, Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, 11794-5000

    Vincent T. Breslin

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  1. Vincent T. Breslin
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Breslin, V.T. Degradation of Starch–Calcium Carbonate Disposable Packaging in a Solid Waste Composting Facility. Journal of Polymers and the Environment 6, 9–21 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022822427764

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