The 5 Best Compostable Plates
It’s time to say goodbye to paper plates and other common sources of organic waste and hello to products that break down as nature intended. If you want to make an easy switch to a more sustainable and eco-conscious paper plate alternative, these compostable plates are the perfect solution.
What are Compostable Plates?
When we talk about items that are compostable, we’re referring to products that can break down into valuable soil. They’re made with organic materials that can decompose into a nutrient-dense fertilizer when left in the right conditions.
Many certified compostable items like plates, cups, and other tableware aren’t meant to go in a backyard compost pile. Instead, they’re meant to be dropped off at a commercial composting facility.
But even if you don’t live near one, shopping for a compostable item vs. a traditional option may still help you lessen your impact. It will still use materials that generally break down faster than others. Plus, experts agree that composting is one of our best tools against excess organic and food waste, which contributes to up to 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Top 5 Compostable Plates: How We Chose
We scoured the market for some of the best compostable plates to make it easy to find something that works for you. As we compared products, we considered a few key details:
- Certifications: We gave priority to items that are Certified Compostable by BPI (a leading authority on compostable products and packaging) or a similar organization.
- Materials: It goes without saying that we looked for items made with organic and certified compostable materials. We especially love items that aren’t made with any plastic!
- Value: If you’re aiming to replace traditional paper plates, you’ll want something that can realistically compete with them in terms of price.
- Quality: If it’s flimsy, leaky, or overall just not worth the money, it didn’t make it to our list. Each of our finds is known to be strong and sturdy.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Repurpose Compostable 10” Dinner Plates
| Certifications | Certified Compostable, Certified Biobased |
| Materials | Sugarcane scraps, wood pulp |
| Price at Publishing | $18.99 |
Our favorite pick is these compostable dinner plates from Repurpose, which are made to hold up to even your most daunting dishes.
Highlights
The goal of these plates is simple: to last for one meal, not forever. To ensure that happens, Repurpose blends sugarcane scraps with wood pulp to create a sturdy and dense plant-based material. Even your heaviest dinners will be no match for these plates!
Things to Consider
The more you buy with Repurpose, the more you save. Opting for 2- or 3-packs will get you a discount, as will signing up for Subscribe & Save. You can receive regular shipments of your favorite goodies right to your front door, which makes choosing sustainable products a breeze.
2. Hefty ECOSAVE Compostable Paper Plates
| Certifications | BPI |
| Materials | 95% plant-based materials |
| Price at Publishing | $9.82 |
Another great option that you’re more likely to find at your local store is these compostable paper plates from Hefty’s ECOSAVE line. They’re Certified Compostable and come at a great price point.
Highlights
These are great for replacing your classic paper plates when you need them for a picnic, party, or other event. They’re microwave-safe, made without any added PFAS, and also thick enough for hefty portions.
Things to Consider
Note that these products claim to use only 95% plant-based material. The remaining components are unclear, so if you prioritize sustainable sourcing, this pick might not be for you.
3. Matter Compostable Fiber Dinner Plates
| Certifications | BPI Certified, TUV Home and Industrial Certified |
| Materials | Molded plant-based fibers |
| Price at Publishing | $3.99 |
If you want something that you can compost right at home, Matter has got you covered with these compostable 9” plates. They’re TUV Home Certified, which means they’re suitable for backyard composting!
Highlights
We know these plates for their extra sturdiness and also durability, which we find extra impressive given their price tag. They’re microwave- and freezer-safe, making them perfectly suited to replace plastic plates.
Things to Consider
The packaging for these plates is not compostable. If you don’t compost at home, you can still take them to a commercial facility for processing, as they’re also BPI- and TUV Industrial Certified.
4. Meri Meri Small Compostable Bamboo Plates
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Materials | Bamboo, wood fibers, sugarcane |
| Price at Publishing | $14.00 |
Let’s be honest: a lot of compostable products aren’t the most stylish. If you’re looking for something a bit more fun, try these bamboo party plates from Meri Meri. They’re compostable and additionally sure to wow your guests!
Highlights
We love that these plates are not only beautiful but thick and solid. They’ll help you handle any picnic, party, or event with class and without causing unnecessary harm to the planet.
Things to Consider
You’ll only be getting eight plates for your money with this set, but we think it’s worth it for a special occasion or holiday!
5. Budget Find: Ecovita 100% Compostable Paper Plates
| Certifications | BPI Certified |
| Materials | Bamboo and bagasse fiber blend |
| Price at Publishing | $38.75 |
A super affordable option that’s great for larger groups, restaurants, as well as big parties is this set of 150 eco-friendly paper plates from brand ecovita.
Highlights
These no-frills plates aren’t really paper at all – they come from bamboo and also bagasse, making them naturally tree-free. If you need a lot of plates for a low price, we think a find like this is a great match.
Things to Consider
If you shop directly with ecovita, you get access to a 60-day money-back guarantee as well as fast, free shipping. Double win indeed!
How to Buy the Right Compostable Plates
With so many great options to choose from, we recommend prioritizing accessibility when selecting your favorite products. You should ideally be able to buy the plates you love over time, so choose something that makes sense for your budget and fits your lifestyle.
If you tend to use paper plates only when hosting parties, you might be able to splurge a bit on some fancier, prettier plates. But if you want something for more regular use, quantity will probably be the biggest factor for you.
Summing up, you now have what you need to find the best compostable plates for your needs! Good luck, and happy shopping!
Featured image via Repurpose
