Video: Coca-Cola goes compostable

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SEATTLE - The Coca-Cola Company has just shaken up the world's waste stream.

The world's largest soft drink manufacturer is going compostable, and students at the University of Washington are getting the first taste of history.

The UW lives on the cutting edge of green products and that's why the soft drink giant picked it to unveil a new compostable eco-tainer, produced by International Paper.

International Paper and Coke went to work on the cup two years ago when the university asked for more compostable products. It costs a few pennies more per cup right now, but the price is expected to drop as production goes up. And it reduces the school's garbage fees.

Cedar Grove Composting routinely tests products to see if they will break down to healthy dirt. Coke's new cup passes the test.

The cup also helps the UW just about complete a green turn it took years ago. The school serves other products that can be reused and recycled, including plates and napkins.

"Once we have this in place, we pretty much have a complete line," said Mike Meyering, of UW Housing and Food Services.

The cup has been tested and will not break down or leak, even after being left filled with soda for days.

The official announcement of this product will be made Wednesday at the University of Washington.