Are Paper Plates Compostable? How to Throw a Chic and Sustainable Gathering

Hosting can be one of life's greatest joy—and also create a lot of waste. Single-use utensils, empty bottles, and used cups often end up in bulging trash bags, doomed for decades in the landfill. One of the easiest ways to make your events more sustainable is to cut down on single-use products and dispose of everything properly at the end of the night. Take, for example, paper plates. Are paper plates compostable? Or are there more eco-friendly options to consider for low-effort hosting with minimal clean-up?

Here's what you need to know to make your next party more eco-friendly.

Know Which Plates Are Compostable

While most traditional disposable paper plates aren’t compostable thanks to plastic or wax coatings, newer versions of disposable dinnerware can be—including paper plates, forks, spoons, knives, and cups. Look for packages that are specifically marked as compostable and biodegradable, and you'll be able to chuck the entire plate, food scraps and all, into the compost bin at the end of the night.

Looking for options? Meri Meri makes compostable dinner plates that look as nice as some of the finest china patterns. Repurpose offers a complete line of compostable tableware in fun patterns and neutral colors, and Matter has natural-hued tableware for a chic, eco-friendly vibe.

Compostable options may be pricier than their traditional counterparts, so budget accordingly. And whether or not you go for compostable plates, there are still plenty more ways to incorporate sustainability into your next event:

Thrift Your Tablescape 

"Lean into thrift stores for sustainable and fun entertaining needs," encourages Jill Ettinger, founder of Ethos. "Whether you’re looking for glasses and stemware, dishes, décor, or even extra seating, secondhand stores are usually overflowing with options." Recycled cloth cocktail napkins can also be a lot more fun (and useful) than paper ones, and are easy to toss in the wash after.

"These will cost you a lot less than new and help keep these items from winding up in landfills where they release planet-warming glasses as they break down," Ettinger adds.

Mix and Match

Instead of purchasing all new plates or glasses to match for the crowd, embrace a more lighthearted vibe. “Mixing and matching tableware can bring such a fun look to a party or gathering,” Ettinger says. “Try sticking to a few matching colors or patterns for a really cute table setting. Thrift stores often sort home goods by color, so it’s often easy to find what you’re looking for.” 

Remember to Mark Your Drinkware

Instead of making your guests retrieve a new glass every time they set it down on the coffee table or counter, help them reacquaint themselves with their glass, whether it is recyclable, reusable, or destined for the landfill. Permanent markers, stickers, or glass charms can all help guests identify their glasses and track them down throughout an event. 

Cut Out Single-Use Plastic

Single-use plastic has become such a reliable part of our everyday lives that living without it can seem near impossible. Try cutting it out at least one aspect of your life—for instance, hosting.

Instead of stocking up on water bottles, have a glass drink dispenser full of water and sliced lemons ready for guests to hydrate. And skip the plastic straws and single-serve items that you can pre-portion yourself without the plastic wrappers, like small bags of chips or pre-cut fruit.

Have a Plan for Potential Food Waste 

Have containers ready to store leftover food, or ask guests to bring their own if you want them to take home leftovers. You can also purchase compostable take-out containers if you want to provide some for guests.

Have a compost bin ready for any scraps. And remember to put food in the fridge before it reaches an unsafe temperature (about two hours outside), so that leftovers can be enjoyed later on.

Craft a Sustainable Menu 

Perhaps consider getting creative and serving all plant-based options. Try to prioritize local produce and products, and opt not to serve beverages in non-eco-friendly packaging. Looking at various components of your menu and how they can be more sustainable is a good exercise and, not to mention, talking point once guests begin to roll in.