Compostable Material Handling and Segregation Inspection Log

Inspection template for verifying receipt, storage, labeling, and line segregation of compostable resin and film to prevent cross-contamination with conventional materials.

Inspection Scope and Material Identification

• Inspection area and material lot identified
  Record the receiving area, storage location, production line, and lot or batch identifiers covered by this inspection.
• Compostable material type clearly identified
  Confirm the material type being inspected.
• Material specification or SOP referenced
  Reference the applicable specification, work instruction, or SOP used to verify handling and segregation requirements.
• Inspector confirms inspection covers receipt, storage, and line segregation
  Verify the inspection scope includes all three control points for compostable material integrity.

Receiving and Incoming Material Controls

• Incoming compostable material matches purchase order and label
  Verify the received material description, grade, and quantity match the shipping documents and container labels.
• Packaging is intact with no visible contamination or damage
  Check for torn bags, punctured film rolls, wet packaging, debris, or any visible contamination on receipt.
• Incoming material is labeled as compostable and traceable by lot
  Verify each pallet, tote, or roll is labeled with compostable status and a traceable lot or batch identifier.
• Receiving area prevents mix-up with conventional materials
  Confirm the receiving zone has physical or procedural controls that prevent commingling with conventional resin, film, or scrap.

Storage Conditions and Physical Segregation

• Compostable materials stored in designated, clearly marked location
  Verify compostable resin and film are stored in a designated area marked to prevent accidental use with conventional stock.
• Physical segregation maintained from conventional materials
  Confirm separation by rack, bay, cage, floor marking, barrier, or equivalent control is maintained at all times.
• Storage conditions protect material integrity
  Check that storage conditions prevent moisture exposure, crushing, UV damage, excessive heat, or other conditions that could degrade compostable material.
• FIFO or lot control is followed
  Verify first-in-first-out or approved lot control is used to manage material age and traceability.

Line Staging and Production Segregation

• Only approved compostable material staged at the line
  Verify the line-side staging area contains only the approved compostable resin or film for the current run.
• Conventional material removed from line-side area before startup
  Confirm no conventional resin, film, or mixed scrap is present in the active staging area, feeders, or nearby carts.
• Dedicated tools, bins, or containers used for compostable material
  Verify dedicated or cleaned tools, bins, and containers are used to prevent cross-contamination during handling.
• Line changeover verification completed
  Confirm the changeover check includes removal of prior material, verification of correct material, and release to production.

Housekeeping, Contamination Prevention, and Records

• No visible cross-contamination in storage or staging area
  Check for mixed resin, foreign material, dust, debris, or mislabeled product in the inspected area.
• Spills, damaged packaging, or mixed material segregated and dispositioned
  Verify any damaged or suspect material is isolated, labeled, and dispositioned according to site procedure.
• Training or competency documented for material handlers
  Confirm personnel handling compostable materials have documented training on segregation and contamination prevention.
• Deficiencies and corrective actions recorded
  Document any non-conformance, immediate containment, root cause, and corrective action owner with due date.