PLA (polylactic acid) is a plant-based material designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Unlike petroleum-based plastics made through destructive drilling, PLA is derived from sustainable, renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane.
It’s often used in straws, compostable cups, lids and containers because it looks and feels like conventional plastic, yet behaves differently when it comes to disposal. To unlock its eco benefits, PLA needs the right conditions to break down properly.
Let’s look at how to dispose of it responsibly, and why that matters.
1. Understand What PLA Is (and Isn’t)
PLA is a bioplastic, not a traditional petroleum-based plastic. It can biodegrade under specific industrial composting conditions at temperatures of around 60°C, with high humidity, airflow and pressure for 90 to 180 days, but it won’t break down quickly in a landfill, marine environment or your home compost.
This means that while PLA is compostable, it isn’t always home compostable. The right environment makes all the difference.
2. Industrial Composting isThe Ideal Option
The best way to dispose of PLA is through an industrial composting facility that can maintain the necessary conditions for it to decompose properly.
If your area offers a commercial composting collection or drop-off point, this is the most responsible route. Businesses can also look into partnering with a commercial composter to close the loop, especially if they use PLA packaging at scale.
In South Africa, YWaste offers industrial composting and collection services for food waste and compostable packaging. Other regional composters and waste management providers are also expanding their services, so it’s worth checking what’s available near you.
3. Avoid Landfill Disposal Where Possible
PLA that ends up in landfill won’t compost effectively. It lacks the heat and oxygen needed to break down, so it behaves much like conventional plastic in these conditions, taking a very long time to decompose.
That said, sending PLA to landfill is still a healthier, albeit imperfect, alternative to petroleum-based plastic. It does not leach microplastics or toxins in the same way fossil fuel-based plastics do.
However, PLA should not be recycled. It can contaminate recycling streams and disrupt the process for materials like PET, unless a facility specifically accepts it.
4. Explore Collection Programmes and Take-Back Systems
In some neighbourhoods, specialised PLA collection programmes are available for cafés, restaurants and hospitality groups. These systems collect compostable packaging separately and deliver it to the correct processing facilities.
If your business uses PLA packaging, consider joining or initiating a take-back programme with your packaging supplier or a local composting partner such as YWaste.
5. Educate Staff and Customers
One of the biggest challenges with compostable packaging is miscommunication at disposal. Make sure bins are clearly labelled and that staff understand the difference between recyclable, compostable and landfill waste.
Simple, clear signage helps customers make the right choice and ensures your sustainability efforts achieve their intended impact.
6. Keep an Eye on New Solutions
The composting landscape in South Africa and globally is evolving. Many municipalities and private companies are expanding their composting infrastructure, and innovations like marine-degradable and home-compostable materials are emerging.
At CapeCup, we continue to explore better ways to help businesses dispose of packaging responsibly, from clearer labelling to potential future partnerships with composting networks.
In Short
• The best option for PLA disposal is industrial composting
• Avoid recycling bins and landfills wherever possible
• Ask about composting collection in your area
• PLA is an imperfect alternative to plastic, but with the right education and awareness, we can work towards a more sustainable solution
Responsible disposal starts with awareness. By understanding how PLA behaves and making informed choices, we can help move one step closer to a truly circular packaging system.