How Different Are Compostable Bags, Really? - EcoSafe Zero Waste

Are Compostable Bags Really Compostable?

Collecting your food scraps and sending them to a composter instead of a landfill is one of the most impactful things each of us can do for the environment. This simple step reduces methane emissions from landfills and returns valuable nutrients to the soil. Whether you’re new to composting or a seasoned pro, choosing the right bag to collect your food scraps is crucial for both you and your local composter.

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In this article, we’ll explore the true compostability of various bags on the market. We’ll provide you with easy tips to identify genuinely compostable bags and break down the pros and cons of the most common types. This will ensure you’re making an informed decision that benefits both your composting efforts and the environment. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for in compostable bags and how to make the best choice for sustainable waste management.

What is BPI Certified?

What is a compostable bag, and how can you identify it? In the world of compostable products, theBPI certification is what you want to look for. BPI compostable bags have been thoroughly tested to meet industry standards. These standards ensure that BPI certified compostable bags will completely break down in a commercial composting facility without leaving harmful residues. BPI certification guarantees that the product is safe for the environment and will decompose properly, making it easier for you to choose products that truly support sustainable waste management. Using BPI certified compostable products allows composters to know which products can be accepted into their facility, and allows you to be confident that you’re making a positive impact on the planet.

Greenwashing Examples

Unfortunately, the environmental industry is often cluttered with terms that can mislead the public into believing products are more eco-friendly than they actually are. Greenwashing companies will use words like “biodegradable” and “oxo-degradable” that sound similar to “compostable,” but they are not the same. While compostable products break down completely in commercial composting facilities, biodegradable and oxo-degradable items do not. These products can fragment into smaller pieces that are invisible to eye, but leave behind micro-plastics and harmful residues. As a result, they must be manually removed by composting facilities to prevent contamination of the entire compost batch. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for making truly sustainable choices and supporting effective waste management practices.

Should You Use a Compostable Bag?

When collecting food scraps and other organic materials, you have options. Your first choice is whether or not you want to use a bag at all. Choosing to not use a bag is perfectly acceptable as long as you’re committed to the cleaning that is required to keep the process sanitary. Without a bag in your kitchen or curbside bin, you will want clean your bins very regularly to prevent any remaining residue from rotting, becoming smelly, and attracting pests like fruit flies and rodents. Also, in colder climates organic waste can freeze in yourcompost bin and make it impossible to empty. We always recommend using a high quality, certified compostable bag to make the process easy, clean, and smell free.

Made from compostable co-polymers, PBAT and PLA (derived from corn or other sugar generating plants like manioc), our bags are BPI and CMA certified compostable as well as extremely strong and resilient. The resin is made to be more resistant to rips, tears, and moisture. Due to this, our bags are strong enough to keep liquid in so you don’t have to worry leaving a disgusting puddle behind. When wet or hot food scraps are collected, the bag will remain strong with no leaks. In a compost facility, however, our bags break down just like the food scraps inside them. They will turn into nothing but water, a small amount of CO2 (this is produced by all food or products in the composting process), and humus – a nutrient-rich organic material.

 Paper bags

The other product that can be used to collect your organic waste is a lined paper bag. You may not realized that the paper bags used for this are lined, but they all are! A paper bag without a lining will not have any resistance to water. As a result, most paper bags are lined with cellulose. Cellulose is a natural product that is inexpensive and gives a moderate amount of protection from leaks. It does nothing to add strength or durability to the bag. Natural fiber bags do two things really well; compost and use sustainable materials. Where they fall short is in performance. These are usually in form of kraft paper bags that don’t work in bins (even when lined with compostable cellulose), and react very poorly to wet organics. However, in situations where their limitations can be accommodated, these bags live up to their environmental claims very well.

Low-cost compostable film bags

A cheaper compostable film bag will have a very similar chemical make-up to a premium bags except the formula is tweaked to reduce the cost of the resin. This decreases the strength and leak resistance of the bag. Along with that, these bags will often have filler elements added in to further stretch how many bags can be produced. To top it off, many will label it as “Corn-based” to increase the appearance of the bag as being natural. This is a bit of a misnomer – all compostable bags have a compostable polymer as their base, with a lesser percentage of a renewable resource such as starch or PLA making up the balance. These ‘corn-based’ alternatives contain starch, which has hydrophilic properties. The result is a bag that absorbs the moisture from your organic waste and will weaken, leak, and break much more easily.

These bags do not break down fully in composting facilities, leading to contamination and the need for manual removal. Plastic bags can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife. 

Plastic bags are cheap, durable, and responsible for the environmental epidemic that is choking the earth’s oceans and environment. Many cities are banning these bags because of the horrible impact they are having on our way of life and the planet we occupy.

Biodegradation is a natural process that every material on earth goes through, even plastic. The problem with this term is that it does not set a timeline for the product to degrade, and doesn’t account for what it degrades into. Biodegradable and oxo-degradable bags may sound eco-friendly, but they often only break down into smaller pieces, creating microplastics that are harmful to ecosystems. Recognizing this, many laws are being enacted to limit misleading terms like “biodegradable” that have been used for greenwashing. These regulations aim to ensure clearer labeling and promote truly sustainable alternatives, helping consumers make more informed and environmentally friendly choices.

 Now that you know the difference between your bag options, check out all of our EcoSafe® products and programs that can help you do your part for the environment.

It is widely acknowledged that the task of collecting dog waste is neither pleasant nor hygienic. The process is often odorous and messy. However, as conscientious pet owners and businesses catering to them, it is an unavoidable responsibility. Traditionally, the primary solution has been petroleum-based plastic bags, which are notorious for their long-lasting environmental impact, remaining in landfills for centuries.

Fortunately, a more sustainable alternative has emerged: biodegradable and compostable dog waste bags. These environmentally friendly options represent a significant advancement, providing a responsible and eco-conscious solution that benefits both the planet and the user’s peace of mind.

This guide aims to provide comprehensive information on these innovative products. Whether you are a pet supply retailer seeking to offer superior alternatives or a pet service organization striving for sustainability, this resource will equip you with the necessary knowledge. Let us explore further.

The Poop Problem: Why Traditional Plastic Bags are a Mess

Before we jump into the solutions, let’s take a quick look at why those traditional plastic poop bags are such a problem. It’s not just about the ick factor; it’s about the long-term environmental impact.

The Landfill Legacy: Plastic’s Never-Ending Story

Think about it: every single plastic poop bag you’ve ever used is still out there somewhere, probably sitting in a landfill. Traditional plastic is made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and it’s designed to be incredibly durable. That’s great for some things, but terrible for something that’s meant to be thrown away. These bags can take hundreds, even thousands, of years to decompose, and even then, they often just break down into smaller pieces of plastic (microplastics).

Ocean Pollution: A Sea of Plastic

And it’s not just landfills. Plastic waste, including poop bags, often ends up in our oceans, where it poses a serious threat to marine life. Animals can get tangled in the bags or mistake them for food, leading to injury, illness, and even death.

Microplastics: the invisible threat

Microplastics can enter the food web when smaller creatures ingest them. Because of biomagnification, the concentration of microplastics and any chemicals they contain can be increased as they pass up the food chain.

Enter the Heroes: Biodegradable and Compostable Dog Poop Bags

Let’s talk about the good guys: biodegradable and compostable dog poop bags. These bags offer a way to scoop the poop responsibly without contributing to the plastic pollution crisis. But what’s the difference between “biodegradable” and “compostable”? It’s a crucial distinction!

What Exactly Does “Biodegradable” Mean?

“Biodegradable” means that a material can be broken down by microorganisms (like bacteria and fungi) into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Sounds good, right? The catch is that there’s no specific timeframe associated with “biodegradable.” Something could technically be biodegradable but still take hundreds of years to break down completely.

What About “Compostable”?

“Compostable” is a more specific term. It means that a material can break down in a composting environment (either at home or in an industrial facility) within a specific timeframe, usually a few months. Compostable materials break down into nutrient-rich compost, which can be used to enrich soil.

Biodegradable vs. Compostable: Key Differences Explained

Compostable is a type of biodegradable, but it’s a more regulated and faster process. For dog poop bags, this difference is important when it comes to disposal.

What Are These Eco-Friendly Bags Made Of?

So, what magical materials make these bags so environmentally friendly? Let’s break it down:

• Plant Power: Corn Starch and Others

Many biodegradable and compostable dog poop bags are made from plant-based materials, with corn starch being a popular choice. Corn starch is a renewable resource, and it’s readily compostable. Other plant-based materials, like tapioca, can also be used.

• PLA and PBAT: The Bio-Based Polymer Power Couple

You’ll often see the acronyms PLA (polylactic acid) and PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate) on the packaging of these bags. These are bio-based polymers, meaning they’re derived from renewable resources (like corn starch) rather than petroleum.

• PLA is a strong and versatile bioplastic, often used in food packaging and other applications.
• PBAT is more flexible and is often blended with PLA to improve its compostability and tear resistance.

Together, PLA and PBAT create a strong, durable, and compostable material that’s perfect for dog poop bags.

• Decoding the Labels: Certifications to Look For

To ensure you’re getting a truly eco-friendly product, look for certifications from reputable organizations. These certifications guarantee that the bags meet specific standards for biodegradability and compostability. Some key certifications to look for include:

• BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute): A leading certifier in North America.
• TUV AUSTRIA OK compost HOME: Certifies products that are compostable in home composting systems.
• TUV AUSTRIA OK compost INDUSTRIAL: Certifies products that are compostable in industrial composting facilities.
• Seedling Logo: Indicates a product is industrially compostable according to the European standard EN .

These certifications provide assurance that the bags will break down as promised.

Benefits of Using Biodegradable and Compostable Poop Bags

Switching to biodegradable or compostable dog poop bags might seem like a small thing, but the benefits are significant:

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• Reduced Plastic Waste: A Smaller Paw Print on the Planet

This is the most obvious benefit. By choosing these bags, you’re directly reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. Every bag counts!

• Lower Carbon Footprint: Less Greenhouse Gas Guilt

The production of traditional plastic bags requires a lot of energy and resources, and it releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Bio-based bags, on the other hand, have a significantly lower carbon footprint, especially if they’re made from sustainably sourced materials.

• Soil Enrichment (Compostable Only): Turning Poop into Plant Food

Compostable bags, when properly composted, break down into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to improve soil health. While you shouldn’t compost the dog poop itself (more on that later), the bag itself can contribute to a healthier garden.

• Peace of Mind: Doing Your Part for a Healthier Planet

Let’s be honest, the constant stream of news about climate change and plastic pollution can be overwhelming. It’s easy to fall into a state of ‘eco-anxiety,’ feeling guilty about our impact on the planet and powerless to make a real difference.

But here’s the thing: even seemingly small choices, like switching to biodegradable or compostable dog poop bags, can be a powerful antidote to that feeling. It’s a tangible way to take responsibility for your pet’s waste and reduce your contribution to the plastic crisis. Knowing you’re actively choosing a more sustainable option, one that minimizes harm to the environment, provides a genuine sense of relief and empowerment. It’s a step, however small, in the right direction, and that feeling of aligning your actions with your values is incredibly powerful.

Choosing the Right Dog Poop Bag: A Buyer’s Guide for Businesses

Now that you’re convinced of the benefits, how do you choose the right bag? Here’s what to consider:

• Strength and Durability: No One Wants a Mid-Walk Mess

This is arguably the most important factor. You need a bag that’s strong enough to handle the, ahem, load without tearing or leaking. Look for bags that are specifically designed for dog waste and that have good reviews for strength and durability.

• Size Matters: Matching the Bag to the Breed

A Chihuahua’s “business” is going to be a lot different than a Great Dane’s! Make sure you choose a bag that’s appropriately sized for your dog (or your customers’ dogs, if you’re a business).

• Thickness: Finding the Balance Between Eco-Friendliness and Leak-Proofing

Thicker bags are generally stronger, but they may also take longer to break down. Look for a bag that strikes a balance between thickness and compostability.

• Dispenser Compatibility

Most dog poop bags come on rolls that are designed to fit into standard dispensers. Make sure the bags you choose are compatible with your preferred dispenser (or offer dispensers that are compatible with your bags, if you’re a business).

• Customization Options For Businesses: Branding and Bulk Buys

For pet supply retailers, pet service organizations, and other businesses, customization is a great option. You can often get bags printed with your logo or branding, which is a great way to promote your business and your commitment to sustainability. Bulk buying is also a cost-effective option for businesses.

How to Use Biodegradable and Compostable Dog Poop Bags?

Using these bags is pretty much the same as using traditional plastic bags.

The simple steps:

1. Tear off a bag from the roll.
2. Turn the bag inside out over your hand.
3. Scoop the poop.
4. Carefully turn the bag right-side out, trapping the waste inside.
5. Tie the bag securely.

Tips:

• Double-bagging is always a good idea, especially if you’re dealing with a particularly messy situation.
• Keep a roll of bags in your car, your purse, your backpack – anywhere you might need them.

Disposal Done Right: The Final Step in the Eco-Friendly Poop Cycle

This is where the difference between biodegradable and compostable bags becomes crucial.

Biodegradable Bags: Landfill-Bound

Biodegradable bags that aren’t certified compostable should be disposed of in the regular trash. They’ll still break down faster than traditional plastic bags, but they’re not suitable for composting.

Compostable Bags: Home Composting vs. Industrial Facilities

Compostable bags can be composted, but there are some important caveats:

• The “No Poop in the Compost” Rule

In most cases, you should not compost dog poop itself, especially in a home composting system. Dog waste can contain pathogens that are harmful to humans and that may not be killed off during the composting process.

• Finding a Local Composting Service

Some cities and municipalities offer industrial composting services that do accept pet waste. These facilities operate at higher temperatures than home compost piles, which can effectively kill off pathogens. Check with your local waste management provider to see if this is an option in your area.

If it is available, then the entire compostable dog poop bag, including the waste, can go straight into the designated bin.

If it is not available, then the waste must be disposed of separately and only the bag goes in compost.

Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Let’s tackle some common questions and concerns about these eco-friendly bags:

• Are They Really Better for the Environment?

Yes, biodegradable and compostable dog poop bags are significantly better for the environment than traditional plastic bags. They reduce plastic waste, lower your carbon footprint, and (in the case of compostable bags) can even contribute to soil health.

• Cost Considerations: The Price of Sustainability

Eco-friendly bags can sometimes be slightly more expensive than traditional plastic bags. However, the price difference is often minimal, and many people find it’s a worthwhile investment for the environmental benefits. Plus, as demand increases, prices are likely to come down.

• Shelf Life: Do These Bags Expire?

Biodegradable and compostable bags do have a shelf life, but it’s usually quite long (a year or more). Store them in a cool, dry place to maximize their lifespan.

The Future of Poop Bags: Innovation and Beyond

The world of sustainable pet products is constantly evolving, and dog poop bags are no exception.

New Materials and Technologies on the Horizon

Researchers are continually exploring new materials and technologies for making even more eco-friendly poop bags. This includes exploring alternative plant-based materials and developing new composting processes.

The Growing Demand for Sustainable Pet Products

Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable options for all aspects of their lives, including pet care. This growing demand is driving innovation and making eco-friendly products more accessible and affordable.

Conclusion: Scoop the Poop, Save the Planet

Switching to biodegradable or compostable dog poop bags is a simple but impactful way to reduce your environmental footprint. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, especially when multiplied by millions of pet owners around the world.

For more information, please visit Compostable PBAT doggy bags.