E157 - Why is compostable plastic not compostable in California?

Why do some products say "Compostable... except in California"? It's not because California has different compost—it's because the state has stricter anti-greenwashing laws. California only allows compostable claims if the material is certified and actually accepted by local composting facilities. Most facilities said compostable plastics are contaminants, so companies can't market them as compostable there. The result is the bizarre label: "compostable except in California"—a reminder that the material often isn't practically compostable anywhere, only California requires companies to be honest about it.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 78 of Talk...