Biodegradable plastics in OHO system

Waste is the major problem of our times, and it is to be a burden for the next generations. In the civilized countries, the solution of the problem is sought in gradual development of integrated waste management systems interconnected with the integrated environmental management system. Depending on way and standard of living, the municipal waste may contain from 20% to as much as 70% of biowaste. The biowaste treatment method that is given the priority is composting, and it is an integral part of the waste management system. In Croatia, the OHO System (Croatian Recycling System) has started in 1992, and it envisaged the composting of biowaste and products made of biodegradable plastics. The process of deterioration of biodegradable plastics includes direct modification of the plastic material and the changes that increase rates of physical and chemical degradation. The speed at which these processes occur depends on a number of factors such as the polymer type, the concentration of active components in the polymer, as well as temperature, moisture content, biological activity and other environmental conditions.