Compostable Trash Bags
Compostable trash bags produced to a specified market standard.
AS 4736 and AS 5810: Australian compostable standards
Australia and New Zealand use two standards: AS 4736 for industrial composting and AS 5810 for home composting. The test conditions differ, and the certifications are not mutually recognised.
About this product
How the two standards differ
AS 4736 is tested under controlled high-temperature industrial conditions; AS 5810 is tested under ambient home composting conditions, over a longer period. A product that meets AS 4736 will not necessarily break down in a home compost bin.
- AS 4736 (industrial): around 55 to 60°C, at least 90% biodegradation within 180 days, and 90% disintegration below 2 mm within 12 weeks
- AS 5810 (home): ambient, around 20 to 30°C, with a test period of at least 12 months
- Both include heavy metal limits and plant toxicity testing; AS 4736 also includes an earthworm toxicity test
Certification status
We hold this certification
Certificates are available on request. We do not publish certificate numbers or expiry dates on the website.
Related
Related pages
EN 13432
The EU compostable standard: disintegration, biodegradation and heavy metal limits.
FAQ
Australian compostable standards: common questions
AS 4736 covers industrial composting, where material breaks down in a controlled high-temperature facility. AS 5810 covers home composting, where material has to break down in an ambient home compost bin, with a test period of at least 12 months. The test conditions differ, so the certifications are not mutually recognised.
AS 5810 (home composting) is generally considered the stricter of the two, because the material has to break down at lower temperatures and in a less controlled environment. A product that meets AS 5810 will generally also pass industrial composting, but not the other way round.
It depends on how the product is actually disposed of: use AS 4736 if it goes to industrial composting facilities or green bins, or AS 5810 if it is to be labelled as breaking down in a home compost bin. If the route is uncertain, AS 5810 is the safer specification.
Yes, AS 4736 and AS 5810. Certificates are available on request; we do not publish certificate numbers or expiry dates on the website. If your customer needs to verify them, tell us at enquiry stage.
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