But the Federal Trade Commission has ruled many products marketed as “biodegradable” aren’t biodegradable. Since many end up in incinerators and landfills where it’s impossible for them to biodegrade within a short time.

Three companies—Kmart, Tender Corp., and Dyna-E International—were blasted for making false claims about their products. The products in question were disposable plates, moist wipes and compressed dry towels. All three claim to be biodegradable.

In a statement, the FTC said, marketers have to carefully choose the testing method to substantiate their claim and take care that it replicates the real-world behavior of consumers”

This begs the question. Under these provisions—aside from discarded food—is anything biodegradable? Recycled cardboard seems harmless, but I’m sure that takes a while to rot. I suspect the FTC will have to develop a variety of timetables.

Via Green Inc.