Use of MATER-BI ZF03U Biodegradable Bags in Source-separated Collection and Composting of Organic Waste

The 5/29/91 Italian Law by Decree foresees the source-separated collection and composting of MSW organic fraction. This implies the distribution of containers for the collection of the wet matter. The direct use of bins is not well accepted by the public because of aesthetic and hygienic problems. A specific composting bag i.e. waterproof, weight and tear resistant, easily tied after use to contain bad odours, and biodegradable is preferable. Paper bags show a poor resistance to wetting and tearing, are bulky and not easily tied. The normal polyethylene bags are not biodegradable. When torn by the bags-breakers before composting they form not sievable fragments which end up into the compost as not biodegradable inerts. Biodegradable plastic composting bags are supposed to be a solution because they combine the biodegradability of paper with the physical properties of plastics. Mater-Bi ZF03U film was specifically developed for the production of composting bags and its biodegradability well studied at laboratory scale. Biodegradation measured by the ASTM D 5338-92 test was 78% while cellulose (reference) was 85% (J.Boelens, 1992). Terrestrial toxicity tests and physical-chemical characterization of the compost showed the absence of negative effects due to Mater-Bi degradation (De Wilde and Boelens 1992). Biodegradation determined with a test described in the 12/7/1990 Italian Decree was higher than food-contact paper, in compliance with the prescriptions of the decree (Molinari, 1994).