Bags
Best Compostable Garbage Bags: Types, Uses & Buyers Guide
Compostable garbage bags are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic, offering a simple yet impactful way to reduce waste and support a sustainable lifestyle. Perfect for environmentally conscious consumers, these bags break down naturally, helping to keep landfills and oceans cleaner. Discover how switching to compostable options can make your household greener while maintaining the convenience you need.
Comparing Compostable Garbage Bags: Types & Uses
| Type / Application | Typical Size | Suitable For | Material | Composting Method | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Food Scrap Bags | 2–3 gal | Kitchen compost pails | Plant starch/PLA | Home & Industrial | Leak-resistant, easy tie-off |
| Medium Kitchen Bags | 8–13 gal | Tall kitchen bins | Plant-starch blend | Industrial (some home) | Durable, fit standard bins, odor block |
| Tall Outdoor Bags | 30–48 gal | Yard, garden, events | PLA/PBAT blends | Industrial only | Tear/puncture resistant, holds heavy waste |
| Pet Waste Bags | ~1 gal | Dog/cat waste | Corn/vegetable resin | Home & Industrial | Odor control, extra thick |
| Commercial Liner Bags | 20–64 gal | Offices, food service | Eco-polymer blends | Industrial only | Extra strength, wide fit |
| Home Compostable Bags | 2–13 gal | Kitchen, garden | Special PLA blends | Home composting | Cert. for home compost, degrade in cool temps |
Types of Compostable Garbage Bags
1. Small (Countertop) Compost Bags
- Best for: Collecting everyday kitchen food scraps, coffee grounds, and peels.
- Typical size: 2–3 gallons.
- Features: Compact, highly leak-resistant, great for quick disposal.
2. Medium Kitchen Bags
- Best for: Lining standard 8–13 gallon kitchen trash cans. Suitable for households aiming to replace traditional plastic bags for daily compost.
- Features: Durability, stretch resistance, effective for wet waste.
3. Large/Yard Waste Bags
- Best for: Outdoor leaf and yard waste collection, big cleanup jobs, or event waste stations.
- Typical size: 30 gallons and up.
- Features: Heavy-duty thickness, handles bulky organic debris, resistant to tearing from sticks or garden trimmings.
4. Pet Waste Bags
- Best for: Safe collection of dog or cat waste during walks or at home.
- Features: Extra thickness for leaks and odor control, roll or single-dispense options, some are certified for home compost.
5. Commercial Liners
- Best for: Restaurants, offices, schools, or settings with high food and organic waste volume.
- Sizes: 20–64 gallons or larger.
- Features: Superior puncture and leak resistance, wide fits for commercial cans.
6. Home Compostable Bags
- Best for: Those with backyard or home compost systems, gardeners.
- Features: Certified to break down in cooler, less intense home composting conditions; sometimes costlier but eco-friendlier.
Material Choices for Compostable Garbage Bags
Compostable garbage bags are made from a range of bioplastics, each impacting performance, compostability, and eco-friendliness:
Plant Starch (Often Corn Starch)
- Source: Renewable plants like corn, potatoes, or sugar beets.
- Pros: Rapidly composts, minimal additives, low-impact.
- Best for: Home and industrial composting, food waste, garden trimmings.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
- Source: Fermented plant starch (usually corn).
- Pros: Good strength, clear or green tints, compatible with many bin sizes.
- Cons: Requires higher temps for composting (better for industrial).
- Best for: Large or commercial-grade bags, kitchen liners.
PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate)
- Source: Biodegradable co-polymer, often blended with PLA/starch.
- Pros: Enhances flexibility, tear-resistance, composts under industrial conditions.
- Best for: Heavy-duty uses, outdoor/industrial compost facilities.
Vegetable Oil-Based Biopolymers
- Source: Renewable oils.
- Pros: Sometimes softer and more pliable, suitable for certain small bags or pet bags.
- Cons: May be less common; check certifications.
Material Certification
- Key Standards:
- ASTM D6400 & EN 13432: Guarantees compostability in industrial settings.
- OK Compost HOME/BPI/Seedling: Look for at least one, especially for home compost compatibility.
Usage Occasions: When, Where, and Why
Kitchen Composting
Using compostable bags for kitchen scraps keeps bins sanitary and makes transporting organic waste to outdoor compost bins or curbside programs easier.
- Tip: Use leakproof, medium-thickness bags for food scraps, coffee grounds, or plate scrapings.
Garden/Yard Cleanup
Outdoor compostable bags are perfect for leaves, plant trimming, or grass. They’re tough enough to resist rips from woody stems and will break down in an industrial compost facility.
Parties, Events, and Offices
Compostable liners are available in large, commercial sizes to handle higher waste volume typical at events, restaurants, or shared workspaces.
Pet Waste Collection
Specialty compostable bags are designed for pet waste, reducing plastic waste from daily walks or cleaning litter boxes. Ensure your compost program accepts pet waste if you plan to add it; many municipal composters do not.
Home/Backyard Composting
Select bags marked “Certified for Home Compost”—these will break down at ambient temperatures without industrial heat, making them suitable for serious gardeners or DIY composters.
How to Match Types of Compostable Bags With Your Needs
- Assess your bin size: Measure the height and circumference of your bin to select the right bag fit.
- Waste volume: Heavier, wetter wastes (like kitchen scraps) need thick, strong bags; lighter wastes do well with standard thicknesses.
- Composting system: If you use a municipal/industrial service, most BPI/EN 13432 certified bags are suitable. For home compost, look for “OK Compost HOME” or “TÜV Austria HOME” certification.
- Special uses: Pet waste, business/office bins, or gardening may require specialty sizes or extra strength.
- Storage and shelf life: Keep compostable bags in a cool, dry spot—they can start degrading if exposed to excessive heat or humidity.
Practical Tips & Best Practices for Choosing and Using Compostable Garbage Bags
- Check Compatibility: Before buying, confirm what types/sizes your local composting program or collection service allows; some accept only certain brands or certifications.
- Seal and Store Properly: Tie bags securely to avoid leaks; store unused bags away from heat and direct sunlight to prolong shelf life.
- Change Frequently: Compostable bags are more prone to degrading if left damp or full for too long—replace them every few days, especially in humid environments or with wet waste.
- Layer for Extra Durability: For heavy or sharp waste, double up bags or layer with newspaper at the bottom to minimize tears.
- Avoid Overfilling: Most compostable bags have weight limits; stick to manufacturer guidelines for best results.
- Use Within Validity Period: Many brands recommend using their bags within 6–12 months after purchase for optimal performance.
- Dispose Properly: Always send compostable bags to an appropriate compost facility or backyard heap. These bags will NOT break down safely in landfills or conventional trash streams.
- Opt for Minimal Packaging: Choose bags supplied in recyclable or compostable cardboard packaging for a lower overall footprint.
- Watch for Greenwashing: Look for legitimate certifications and avoid products that claim “biodegradable” without specifying compostability or showing proper seals.
Compostable Garbage Bags: Technical Feature Comparison
| Brand/Type | Certifications | Thickness (MIL) | Sizes Available | Compost Setting | Material(s) | Leak/Tear Resistance | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BioBag | BPI, ASTM D6400 | ~0.68 | 2.6–13+ gal | Industrial | Plant starch blend | Good | Multiple sizes, made in USA |
| UNNI | BPI, OK Compost Home | ~0.71 | 2.6, 13 gal | Home & Industrial | Plant starch | High | Freezer safe, extra thick |
| HoldOn | BPI, OK Compost Home | ~0.8+ | 4, 13 gal | Home & Industrial | Cornstarch blend | Very high | Home compost, subscription available |
| Hippo Sak | USDA BioPreferred | ~0.6–0.8 | 13 gal | Industrial, Some Home | Sugarcane/corn | High | Ergonomic handles, made with renewable energy |
| SuperBio | BPI, OK Compost | ~0.67 | 2.6 gal, others | Home & Industrial | PLA/PBAT | Good | Multiple international certifications |
| FORID | ASTM D6400, EN13432 | ~0.7 | 8 gal | Industrial | Plant starch | High | Odorless, non-toxic |
| Greener Walker | ASTM D6400, EN13432 | ~0.9 (extra thick) | 1.6 gal | Industrial | Corn starch, PBAT | Extra high | Heavy-duty, eco-packaging |
| Primode | BPI, ASTM D6400 | ~0.8 | 3–13 gal | Industrial | Plant/veg blends | Good | Small and medium bins |
| Bag to Nature | BPI, ASTM D6400 | ~0.7 | 13 gal | Industrial | Plant starch | Good | Odor-reducing formula |
| Doggy Do Good | OK Compost Home | ~0.8 | Pet bags | Home & Industrial | Plant/veg blends | Extra high | Supports animal charities |
*Thickness = approximate based on available data; “home” compostable bags will break down at lower composting temperatures and longer timeframes.
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Conclusion
Switching to compostable garbage bags is a simple, meaningful step toward reducing plastic waste, supporting composting, and protecting soil and waterways from pollution and microplastics. By understanding the types, materials, sizes, and best-use cases for compostable trash bags, you can confidently choose the right solution for your household, garden, workplace, or business.
Look for products with proven certifications, size them properly for your bins, and use them in alignment with your local composting capabilities. Regularly swap out filled bags, store new ones with care, and always verify that your chosen brand meets the composting standards you require.
By making thoughtful choices and using compostable bags properly, you support a healthier, cleaner future for both your home and the planet.
FAQ
- What is the difference between compostable and biodegradable garbage bags?
Compostable bags are designed to break down fully into usable compost under specific composting conditions, leaving no toxic residue. Biodegradable bags may only break down into smaller fragments (which can include microplastics) and do not always turn into nutrient-rich compost.
- Will compostable garbage bags break down in a regular landfill?
No. Compostable bags require oxygen, moisture, and high temperatures to break down. Landfills are typically anaerobic (lacking oxygen), so compostable bags do not decompose properly and may persist for years.
- Can I use compostable garbage bags for home composting?
Some compostable bags are certified for home composting (look for “OK Compost HOME” or equivalent certification). Many standard compostable bags require an industrial facility with the right heat and microbes for full breakdown.
- How do I know if a compostable garbage bag is truly compostable?
Check for recognized certifications such as BPI (ASTM D6400), OK Compost (TÜV Austria), Seedling, or EN 13432. These ensure the bag meets strict compostability standards.
- What size compostable garbage bag should I buy for my bin?
Measure the circumference (width around) of your bin and its height. Divide the circumference by two for the bag width and add a few inches to the bin’s height for the bag length. This ensures an easy fit and makes bag removal simpler.
- How should I store compostable garbage bags?
Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity. Compostable bags can start degrading or become brittle if exposed to heat or moisture before use.
- Will compostable garbage bags leak or tear easily?
Quality compostable bags are designed to be leak-resistant and tear-resistant. However, they may not be as tough as some heavy-duty plastics, especially if overloaded or handled roughly. Choose the correct thickness for your waste type and avoid overfilling.
- Are compostable bags safe for food waste and pet waste?
Yes, most are food-contact safe. Many specialty compostable pet waste bags are extra thick for odor and leak control. However, not all compost programs accept pet waste, so check local guidelines before composting.
- How long do compostable garbage bags take to decompose?
In industrial composting settings, certified compostable bags typically break down within 90–180 days. At home, “home compostable” bags may take a few months to a year, depending on compost conditions.
- Why do some compostable bags come in plastic-like packaging?
The most eco-friendly brands avoid plastic packaging. Look for bags in recyclable cardboard or paper boxes, and avoid non-compostable wrappers. If plastic packaging is used, it’s usually for moisture protection and should be recycled according to local guidelines.
