How to check if something's really compostable in Washington state

State officials are looking for the public's help to identify "greenwashed" takeout boxes, bags and other items that look like they might be compostable but actually aren't. Why it matters: A new state law took effect in January requiring that compostable products be clearly labeled as such, while also banning vague labels like like "biodegradable," "degradable" and "decomposable."

The big picture: Incompatible items contaminate loads of compost, creating plastic pollution that costs time and money to remove, per Washington state's Department of Ecology .

How it works: Under the new law , all compostable items sold and distributed in Washington must bear a certification logo from a third party that has tested them and confirmed the products are truly compostable.

• The packaging should be green, beige or brown (or at least have a green, beige or brown stripe).
• It also will be labeled "compostable" and no other similar sounding word.
• Plastic film bags that are not compostable cannot use green, beige or brown color schemes.

The latest: Enforcement of the law began this month. The Department of Ecology has created a public form where people can report violations .

Between the lines: In Seattle, paper plates and containers with a shiny coating can often go in the recycling (as long as they're clean and dry), while uncoated paper plates, bowls and containers are typically compostable, Seattle Public Utilities advises.

• Compostable certification marks may include the letters BPI, TUV or CMA, referring to third-party testing companies.
• Containers that are compostable should not be put in curbside recycling bins.

What's next: State officials are studying how to make the stickers that go on fruits and vegetables compostable, and will report back to the Legislature by September 2025.