Can composted food-contact paper add PFAS to soil amendments?
caution
What the concern is
PFAS are persistent chemicals. Some food-contact paper products use coatings that resist grease and water.
When coated paper products enter compost streams, PFAS can stay in the material instead of breaking down.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Science of the Total Environment tested commercial composts, soil amendments, biosolid fertilizers, and food-contact paper products.
The study found PFAS across product categories. Biosolid-based fertilizers had the highest total PFAS in this sample set, followed by compost and soil amendments. Food-service paper products also contained PFAS, with PFHxA, PFBA, and PFHxS among the higher findings.
This does not mean every compostable container contains PFAS. It does mean coated food-contact paper can be a PFAS source unless it is tested or clearly PFAS-free.
What to do at home
Keep grease-resistant takeout containers out of home compost unless the product is clearly PFAS-free. Compost food scraps and yard waste. Use reusable glass containers when you can.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS in commercially available organic amendments and food-contact paper products. | Sci Total Environ | 2026 |