Compostable food trays are trays made of a special material to enable them to be placed in the compost rather than in the garbage. The trays are made from a special cellulose material which breaks down more quickly than traditional plastic trays. This reduces the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills, and helps to reduce your carbon footprint. Because these trays begin to biodegrade quicker than traditional plastic trays, these trays are best suited for meals that will be eaten immediately, or in the near future.