Meaning & use
decompostable
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivenot comparabletechnical
Able to be broken down into compost through natural processes.
Grammar: Used mainly before a noun, e.g. 'decompostable packaging'. It is not usually compared.
Patterns
- decompostable material
- decompostable packaging
- decompostable waste
The company switched to decompostable packaging to reduce plastic waste.
These decompostable bags break down in a commercial composting facility.
Not all decompostable items break down quickly in a home compost bin.
Common combinations
- decompostable material
- The cups are made from decompostable material.
- decompostable packaging
- Decompostable packaging is becoming more common.
- decompostable waste
- Please put decompostable waste in the green bin.
Synonyms and how they differ
- compostable
- The standard term; 'decompostable' is a less common variant. Both mean able to turn into compost.
- biodegradable
- Broader: it means able to be broken down by living things, but not necessarily into compost.
Opposites
Word family
- decompost verb
- To break down into compost (rare).
- compost noun
- Decayed plant material used to improve soil.
Commonly confused: decompostable or compostable?
decompostable vs compostable
This is the more common word. 'Decompostable' is a less frequent variant, so learners should usually use 'compostable'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'decompostable' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Decompostable' means able to break down into compost, so breaking down into soil fits. The other options do not relate to composting.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “decompostable”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.