Recyclable, Compostable, or Biodegradable — What’s the Difference?

If you’re trying to reduce waste — whether in your small business, your home, or your gift wrap drawer — you’ve probably seen the words recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable everywhere.

But what do they actually mean?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same — and understanding the difference helps you make better choices (and avoid greenwashing).

At Tissue & Tape, we’re obsessed with getting this right — so here’s a simple breakdown to help clear things up.

Recyclable

What it means:
The product can be collected, processed, and turned into something new — usually by your local recycling facility.

The catch:
Just because something can be recycled doesn’t mean it will be — it depends on local recycling systems and how the item is disposed of.

Common recyclable materials:

• Paper & card

• Some plastics (though not all)

• Metals like aluminium

At Tissue & Tape:
Almost all of our products are recyclable — including:

• Paper tapes

• Tissue paper

• Paper mailing bags

• Recyclable stickers (yes, even with adhesive!)

Tip: For best results, remove any plastic labels, avoid heavy contamination (e.g. grease), and flatten packaging before popping it in your recycling bin.

Compostable

What it means:
The item breaks down into natural elements in a composting environment, leaving behind no toxic residue.

Two types:

• Home compostable: Breaks down in your garden compost bin over weeks/months

• Industrial compostable: Needs higher heat and specific conditions, usually via a council food waste collection or industrial facility

Important:
Compostable is not the same as recyclable. Compostable materials can actually disrupt recycling streams, so don’t mix them up.

At Tissue & Tape:
We don't label most of our products as compostable — because they’re better off being recycled. 

Biodegradable

What it means:
The product will eventually break down via natural processes — bacteria, fungi, or other living organisms.

Sounds great, right?
Unfortunately, biodegradable is the most misused term in eco-packaging.

Why?

• Almost everything biodegrades eventually — even plastic, if you wait 500 years

• The term doesn’t specify how long it takes

• Some items break down into microplastics, which are harmful and still count as “biodegradable” by loose definitions

What to watch out for:
Avoid vague claims like “biodegradable plastic” without context. It’s often marketing spin, not real sustainability.

At Tissue & Tape, we prioritise:

• Recyclable materials

• Plastic-free packaging

• Clear info about where your packaging ends up

Our belief? If it’s hard to dispose of properly, it’s not really eco-friendly.

Got Questions?

If you’re unsure whether a product is truly recyclable or how to dispose of it — ask us! We’re always happy to chat about materials, processes, and the small changes that make a big difference.