Bioplastic products include items made from plant-based materials, such as some food containers, packaging, and bags. They offer new ways to make products that would otherwise rely on fossil-based materials. But the word bioplastic does not tell you what happens to a product after you use it: a plant-based plastic is not necessarily biodegradable.
Some products are labeled compostable, meaning they are designed to break down under specific conditions. Many need an industrial composting facility, and local facilities may not accept them. Check the label and your local collection rules before putting a product in a compost or recycling bin.
Bioplastics can be useful, but the best choice depends on how a product is made, used, and disposed of. Clear labeling helps people understand what a product is—and where it belongs when they are finished with it.