The effect of biodegradation/degradation of degradable plastic material on compost quality

Abstract

The objective of this study was to find out whether the quality of compost would change during the process of composting carrier bags claimed by manufacturers as compostable or biodegradable in terms of parameters stipulated in the standard ČSN 46 5735 Industrial composts. Eight samples were subjected to the composting process in laboratory conditions. The compost samples were analyzed in the accredited laboratory. All samples met parameters stipulated for Class II. Seven samples of the eight met parameters stipulated in the standard ČSN 46 5735 for Class I. The samples had no influence on compost characteristics: strength, content of water and salt, pH value, content of nutrients or proportion of organic substances; other components of the compost remained unchanged. Optical changes of the compost did not occur either.