Washington Compostable Labeling Law Practical Guide for Shopping & Trash Bags
Table of Contents
This page explains how Washington State compostable labeling law applies to shopping bags and trash bags. I wrote it for importers, brands, and distributors who need clear rules, real documents, and a safe path to request samples or pricing. This page is part of our USA compostable packaging laws overview.
What Washington State Regulates (And Why It Matters)
Washington State controls how products can be labeled as “compostable” to reduce confusion and stop greenwashing. The goal is simple: if a bag says compostable, it must break down in real composting systems and be easy to identify.
The law most buyers hear about is part of the Plastic Product Degradability Act, written into RCW 70A.455. It applies to compostable plastic products, including film bags, shopping bags, and trash bags sold in Washington.
If labeling is wrong, the product can be rejected by retailers, flagged by regulators, or removed from sale.
What “compostable” Means Under Washington Law
In Washington, you cannot freely choose compostable wording.
What is allowed
A bag can be labeled “compostable” only if it meets one of the accepted standards, such as:
- ASTM D6400 (plastic compostable products)
- ASTM D6868 (plastic-coated paper or fiber products)
- EN 13432 or equivalent international standards accepted by the state
The bag must also be verified by an independent third-party certifier, and the certification logo must appear on the product.
What is not allowed
Washington clearly restricts other claims. For compostable bags:
“Biodegradable”
“Degradable”
“Decomposable”
Any similar wording that suggests breakdown without composting
These terms are not allowed for labeling in Washington, even if the material eventually breaks down.
Special Rules for Compostable Film Bags
Most shopping bags and trash bags fall into the category of film products. Washington has extra identification rules for film bags so compost facilities can quickly sort them.
For compostable film bags, the law requires:
- A third-party certification logo
- Clear compostable wording
- Green, beige, or brown visual identification, such as:
A green tint
Green stripes or bands
No recycling arrows or resin codes that could cause confusion
These rules apply whether the bag is used for retail shopping, organics collection, or general waste.
From a buyer’s view, this is where many products fail—not because of material, but because of printing and artwork mistakes.
Home Compostable Claims: Higher Risk, Higher Proof
Washington allows “home compostable” wording only with strong evidence.
If a bag is marketed as home compostable, it must:
- Still meet compostable standards (ASTM D6400 or equivalent)
- Be supported by recognized home composting certification, such as OK compost HOME
- Avoid language that suggests it is not suitable for industrial composting
This is an area where brands often get stuck in reviews. If the proof is not clear, retailers usually reject the claim.
Compostable Labeling Vs Local Acceptance (Important Difference)
One common misunderstanding comes from mixing two different systems:
- Washington labeling law decides whether a product can legally be sold and labeled as compostable.
- Local compost facilities decide what they actually accept in their bins.
A bag can fully comply with Washington law and still not be accepted by every local compost program. This does not make the label illegal—it means buyers should check local facility lists when planning use.
Understanding this difference avoids unnecessary disputes and unrealistic expectations.
Who Must Submit Compliance Declarations
Washington requires a producer declaration of compliance.
If the state cannot enforce directly against a manufacturer outside the U.S., the responsibility may fall on:
- The importer
- The brand owner
- The distributor
For buyers, this means documentation from the factory matters. A supplier should be able to support declaration filing with:
- Certification copies
- Test summaries
- Material descriptions
- Label artwork confirmation
Without this, many importers cannot move forward.
How We Support Buyers in the Washington Market
I work from a factory perspective. Buyers usually want fewer emails, fewer risks, and clear files.
For Washington-compliant shopping bags and trash bags, we support customers with:
- ASTM D6400 certification (BPI)
- EN 13432 and OK compost HOME where applicable
- Artwork checks for film bag labeling (color, stripes, wording)
- Sample production for review
- Compliance document packages for importer or brand declarations
This approach helps buyers pass internal compliance review before placing volume orders.
How to Move Forward Safely
If you are sourcing compostable bags for Washington State, a practical path is:
- Confirm the standard (ASTM D6400 / D6868)
- Review label layout (logo, wording, color identification)
- Request samples to check material and printing
- Request a quote with clear specifications
- Prepare declaration documents before market entry
Skipping steps usually costs more time later.
Request Samples or Pricing
If you need shopping bags or trash bags that meet Washington compostable labeling requirements, you can:
- Request samples to review material, size, and printing
- Request a quote for pricing, MOQ, lead time, and shipping
I prefer to start with samples and documents, then move to pricing once everything is clear. That keeps decisions simple and reduces risk for both sides.
FAQ
Yes. ASTM D6400 is one of the accepted standards for compostable plastic bags, including shopping and trash bags.
No. Washington restricts those terms for compostable products.
For film bags, yes. Washington requires visual identification such as green tint or striping.
Yes, but only with strong proof, such as OK compost HOME certification.
Conclusion
Washington’s compostable labeling law is strict but workable. Most problems come from unclear labels, missing documents, or assumptions made too early. When standards, printing, and certification are aligned from the start, sourcing compostable bags becomes straightforward.
