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ASTM D8618-25
Standard Test Method for Determination of the Degree of Disintegration of Items Under Defined In-Field Composting Conditions Using Article Dosing
Standard Test Method for Determination of the Degree of Disintegration of Items Under Defined In-Field Composting Conditions Using Article Dosing
D8618-25
ASTM|D8618-25|en-US
Standard Test Method for Determination of the Degree of Disintegration of Items Under Defined In-Field Composting Conditions Using Article Dosing
Standard
D8618 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Degree of Disintegration of Items Under Defined In-Field Composting Conditions Using Article Dosing>
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BOS Vol. 11.04 Committee D34
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80.00
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ASTM International
Significance and Use
5.1 This field test method is intended to measure the level of disintegration of compostable items that have been shown to meet Specification D6400, or equivalent specifications in aerobic composting facilities which are operating under the defined in-field composting conditions. The test method assesses disintegration only, which is one of several requirements for determining compostability. This method does not assess biodegradability in compost, plant toxicity, or presence of heavy metals, and other restricted substances (e.g., PFAS).
5.2 Methods of test item introduction can also vary in field testing, with the most environmentally relevant approach, featuring the greatest rates of disintegration being the dose method. In this approach, no containment is used for the materials being tested; these materials are directly in contact with the material being composted throughout the entire test, which is closest to the real-world conditions.
5.3 The dose method is appropriate for all facilities and provides the most environmentally relevant methodology for assessing the disintegration of compostable items.
Scope
1.1 This standardized test method will determine the percentage disintegration of a compostable item under in-field composting conditions.
1.2 This test method is intended to be used on materials which meet the criteria of internationally recognized compostability standard specifications (e.g., Specifications D6400, D6868, and D8410, ISO 17088, etc.).
1.3 This test method produces a result of percent disintegration by weight and by surface area, and defines the boundaries for validity of a disintegration test. This standardized test method is appropriate for facilities operating within in-field operating conditions (e.g., C:N, moisture, pH, bulk density, oxygen, residence time, temperature, available oxygen, etc.), which are relevant regardless of composting facility type and size, based on best practices established in The Composting Handbook.2 See Section 7, Sampling and Test Conditions.
1.4 The field test period is intended to represent the full duration of a composting process at a given facility, from receipt of raw feedstocks through transformation to mature and stable compost.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Other units used for information or calculation shall be converted to SI.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.