Home composting and industrial (commercial) composting are two fundamentally different organic waste processing systems.
They differ in temperature control, processing capacity, accepted materials, and suitability for compostable packaging. Understanding these differences is essential when evaluating whether compostable bags, food waste, or organic materials can be safely and effectively processed in a given composting system.
For a clear explanation of material definitions, see our guide on the difference between biodegradable and compostable materials.
What Is Composting?
Composting is a biological process in which microorganisms break down organic materials into nutrient-rich humus under controlled conditions.
Depending on scale, infrastructure, and operating conditions, composting systems can be broadly divided into home composting systems and industrial (commercial) composting facilities. Each system has different capabilities and limitations, especially when it comes to compostable packaging and compostable plastics.
What Is Home Composting?
Home composting refers to small-scale composting carried out in backyards, gardens, balconies, or household composting bins.
Typical home composting systems rely on naturally occurring microorganisms and moderate temperatures to break down organic waste such as vegetable scraps, fruit peels, coffee grounds, and garden waste. Common methods include aerobic composting and vermicomposting.
However, home composting systems are limited in both temperature and processing consistency, which directly affects the types of materials they can safely handle.
What Is Industrial (Commercial) Composting?
Industrial composting, also known as commercial composting, is conducted in centralized, professionally managed composting facilities.
These facilities are designed to process large volumes of organic waste from households, restaurants, supermarkets, food processors, and municipal collection programs. Industrial composting facilities use controlled systems such as in-vessel composting, windrow composting, or aerated static piles to ensure consistent decomposition.
Crucially, industrial composting systems can maintain sustained high temperatures, allowing them to process a much wider range of materials, including certified compostable packaging.
Home Composting vs Industrial Composting
| Feature | Home Composting | Commercial Composting |
|---|---|---|
| Space Requirement | Smaller, adaptable to backyards, balconies, and even composting for apartments/small spaces | Larger, typically requiring specialized industrial facilities |
| Compostable Waste Types | Usually limited to plant-based kitchen scraps and yard waste; meat, dairy, pet waste, and compostable plastics are generally not recommended or difficult to process | Can handle almost all food scraps, including meat, bones, dairy, and pet waste, as well as certified compostable plastics |
| Composting Time/Speed | Slower, ranging from several weeks to months or longer (depending on composting skills and management) | Faster, usually completed within weeks due to maintained high temperatures and optimized conditions |
| Effort Required | Higher, requiring regular turning, monitoring of moisture and temperature, balancing carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and occasional troubleshooting | Lower, as you only need to sort and collect waste before handing it over to service providers |
| Odor and Pests | May produce compost odor and attract compost pests if improperly managed | Odor and pests are usually effectively controlled through professional technologies and enclosed environments |
| End Product | High-quality organic matter that can be directly used in home gardens | High-quality compost, typically sold to farms, garden centers, or used in regenerative agriculture |
| Environmental Impact | Helps reduce personal carbon footprint and landfill waste, but on a limited scale | Makes a greater contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieves large-scale food waste diversion |
From a packaging and certification perspective, most compostable bags and packaging materials are designed for controlled industrial composting facilities unless they are explicitly certified for home composting.
In practice, certified compostable packaging is generally accepted in industrial composting systems, while most home composting systems are not suitable for compostable plastics unless the product is clearly labeled as home compostable.
Temperature Requirements: Why Industrial Composting Is the Default
Industrial composting facilities typically operate at sustained temperatures of 55–70°C, which are required to break down certified compostable materials such as PLA-based packaging and compostable bags.
Home composting systems rarely reach or maintain these temperatures for extended periods. As a result, most industrial compostable packaging will degrade very slowly—or not at all—in home composting environments.
This temperature difference is the primary reason why industrial composting is considered the default disposal pathway for compostable packaging.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Industrial Composting
Advantages:
- Wide Range of Processing: It can process meat, dairy products, compostable plastics, pet waste, etc., which cannot be processed by household composting, solving the processing problems of many specific waste types.
- High Efficiency: Through specialized equipment and technology, the decomposition speed is faster, ensuring a stable and efficient composting process.
- Convenient and Hassle-Free: You only need to do the sorting; subsequent compost management is handled by professional organizations.
- Significant Environmental Reduction: It makes a significant contribution to large-scale waste management and landfill reduction, effectively reducing the carbon footprint.
Disadvantages:
- Depends on Service Availability: Not all areas have municipal composting programs or private commercial composting services.
- Potential Costs: Some services may require recurring fees.
- “Disconnection”: Compared to home composting, you may not be able to directly participate in and witness the entire process, and you lack direct control over the source and use of compost products.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Composting
Advantages:
- Easy to Get Started: Requires only basic equipment and knowledge, making it easy for beginners to get started.
- Low Cost: Subsequent operating costs are virtually zero.
- Direct Benefits: You can create high-quality garden fertilizer directly to improve your garden soil.
- Educational Value: An excellent opportunity to learn about natural cycles and educate children about sustainable living.
- Zero Carbon Footprint: Waste can be processed without transportation, minimizing the carbon footprint.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Scope of Processing: Cannot process all types of kitchen waste, such as meat, bones, and dairy products, which can cause unpleasant odors and attract composting pests.
- Space and Management Required: Requires space and time for management; otherwise, slow composting and foul odors may occur.
- Limited scale: Home composting may not be sufficient for households that generate large amounts of organic waste.
Packaging Perspective: Why Most Compostable Bags Are Industrial Compostable
From a packaging and certification perspective, most compostable bags and compostable packaging materials are engineered specifically for controlled industrial composting facilities.
Industrial composting provides the stable temperature, moisture, and microbial activity required to ensure complete biodegradation, disintegration, and non-toxicity—conditions that home composting systems cannot consistently achieve.
How to Choose: Which Composting Method is Right for You?
When to Choose Home Composting?
- If you have some backyard space or are willing to try small-space composting solutions like vermicomposting.
- You primarily generate plant-based food scraps and yard waste.
- You enjoy hands-on work and are willing to invest time and effort in managing the compost.
- You want to directly use the compost you create to improve your garden.
- You want to be deeply involved in Zero Waste practices and enjoy the process.
If you are attracted by the many advantages of home composting and want to try it yourself, we have prepared a detailed Beginner’s Guide How to Compost at Home.
When to Choose Commercial Composting?
- You live in an apartment or do not have backyard space.
- Your area has available municipal composting programs or private commercial composting services.
- You want to handle all your food scraps, including meat, bones, dairy products, pet waste, etc.
- You have limited time and want to efficiently divert organic waste from landfills.
- You aim to minimize your carbon footprint and support large-scale environmental infrastructure.
For disposal guidance, see our practical guide on How to Dispose of Compostable and Biodegradable Bags.
Conclusion:
Home composting and industrial composting serve different roles in organic waste management.
When evaluating compostable bags or packaging, industrial composting should be considered the default disposal pathway unless home compostability is clearly certified. Understanding these boundaries helps prevent contamination of composting systems and ensures compostable materials deliver their intended environmental benefits.
