BPI Petitions USDA to Update Compost Definition

The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) has submitted a petition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging an update to the National Organic Program's (NOP) decades-old compost definition. BPI, representing commercial composters, municipalities, and compostable product manufacturers, seeks alignment between federal and state definitions of compost feedstock. The proposed change supports climate-smart agriculture goals, waste diversion initiatives, and emissions reduction. As food scraps are a major landfill contributor, states like California and Washington aim to divert them through composting. BPI emphasizes the need for USDA recognition of global compostability standards, specifically ASTM, to harmonize with state efforts and facilitate the transition to a circular economy.

Read more here:

• BPI’s Statement

• BPI’s Petition 

• USDA’s National Organic Standards Board’s Response