Switching to compostable foodware: a plain English checklist

1. Know what your city actually requires

Bay Area rules are set city by city and county by county, and they change. San Jose, San Francisco, Berkeley, Palo Alto and Alameda County each have their own foodware rules, and most of them focus on three things: no polystyrene foam, accessories like straws and cutlery only on request, and in some cities a requirement that single use foodware be compostable or recyclable. Before you touch your order, write down which of those apply to your address. If you are not sure, call us with your city and we will tell you what other operators there are using.

2. Swap in this order

1. Anything that can get you fined. Foam clamshells, foam cups and plastic straws handed out automatically. These go first.
2. High volume items with a cheap compostable twin. Bagasse clamshells, bagasse plates and PLA lined paper hot cups are mature products. Pricing is close to plastic and the sizes match what you already use.
3. Cold cups and lids. PLA cold cups cost more than PET and need a matching PLA lid. Switch these once the first two groups are settled.
4. Cutlery. Wooden or CPLA cutlery works well in kits with a napkin. Keep it on request to cut usage in half.
5. Bags. Paper bags are already compliant almost everywhere. Upgrade to printed kraft when you are ready to brand them.

3. Read the certification, not the color

Brown or green packaging is not automatically compostable. Look for a BPI certification mark or a stated ASTM D6400 or D6868 rating on the case. Bagasse (sugarcane fiber) products are compostable by nature; PLA lined paper needs the certification to be accepted at a commercial compost facility. Your hauler may also publish a list of accepted items, which matters more than the label if you are paying for a compost bin.

4. What it costs per order

Ranges above are what we see across our price list and move with resin and pulp markets. On a typical takeout order with one clamshell, one cup and one kit, the switch adds about a dime. Most operators cover it by making accessories available on request only, which cuts cutlery and straw usage dramatically.

5. Questions to ask before you commit

• Does the lid fit? Bagasse clamshells are hinged, but bowls and cups need matching lids from the same line.
• Will it hold up for delivery? Bagasse handles hot, wet food well; thin molded fiber can soften under sauce. Ask for samples and test them with your actual menu.
• Is the size the same? A "9 inch" clamshell from two makers can differ by a quarter inch. Measure your shelf space.
• Can I reorder it? Pick items we stock by the pallet so you are not waiting on a special order mid week.

Frequently asked questions

Is bagasse the same as compostable?

Bagasse is sugarcane fiber, and bagasse products are compostable by nature. Still check the case for a BPI mark or ASTM D6400 rating if your city requires certified compostables.

Do compostable products cost a lot more?

Usually a few cents per unit. A compostable clamshell, cup and cutlery kit together add roughly ten cents to a takeout order. Making accessories available only on request typically offsets it.

Can MDD Supply tell me what my city requires?

Yes. Tell us your city and we will tell you which of our products other operators there are using and which items the local ordinance covers.