Can a green bag labeled "Compostable" go in the green organic waste bin? Have you ever wondered? You can only put it in the green bin if your city or region's municipal recycling program specifically states that it "accepts certified compostable bags."
For most areas of the United States, you'll need to check your local regulations. One city might welcome it with open arms, while the next city might consider it a pollutant.
Why Municipalities Reject Compostable Bags
They Look Too Much Like Regular Plastic
Green compostable bags and green regular plastic bags look almost identical, making them difficult to distinguish. To prevent a single regular plastic bag from contaminating an entire batch of expensive compost, the safest and most economical approach is to pick out and discard anything that resembles a plastic bag.
Slow Decomposition
Industrial composting cycles are set at 60 to 90 days. They need to ensure that everything decomposes into high-quality soil within this timeframe. Some compostable bags don't decompose quickly enough, potentially leaving plastic fragments at the end of the cycle.
PFAS, also known as "permanent chemicals," are substances added to many packaging materials to repel water and oil. They are extremely difficult to decompose and persist in the environment.
Counterfeit and Substandard Products abound
The market is flooded with cheap, ordinary plastic bags labeled "environmentally friendly" or "biodegradable" without any official certification. The product disrupted the market, making composting facilities skeptical of all incoming bags, creating a vicious cycle of “bad money driving out good money.”
What is Compostable Certification
BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute)
BPI is the most common compostable certification in the United States and is specifically for industrial composting (commercial composting facilities). It ensures that products (such as compostable bags) break down into organic matter within 180 days, leave no harmful microplastics, and meet ASTM D6400 or D6868 standards. If the bag has the BPI logo, it means it is suitable for green trash bins, but only for industrial composting facilities, not for home composting.
Portland and Howard County green trash bins accept BPI certified bags, but New York City may have different requirements. Want to confirm? Check the BPI logo on the bag and check your city's composting rules.
CMA (Compost Manufacturing Alliance)
CMA is a third-party organization in the United States that works with composting facilities to test how well products break down in real composting environments. It combines laboratory and field testing to ensure that products meet ASTM D6400 or D6868 standards and are suitable for green trash bins. CMA-certified bags perform well in actual composting plants and avoid contaminating compost. Users can visit the CMA website to search for products accepted by your local composting facility.
Recology in San Francisco may require CMA-certified bags. When shopping, look for the CMA logo to ensure your green bin will not be rejected.
BNQ (Bureau de Normalisation du Québec)
BNQ is a Canadian certification body that sets standards for compostable plastics (such as PLA bags) primarily in the province of Quebec. Its certification ensures that products break down in industrial composting facilities and meet Canadian standards CAN/BNQ 0017-088, which is similar to ASTM D6400. Although
uncommon in the United States, you may see the BNQ logo on some cross-border products. If your green bin accepts BNQ-certified bags (such as some BioBag products), you can use them, but confirm local rules, as American cities more often require BPI or CMA certification. Check local waste management websites to ensure the bags are compliant.
TUV (TÜV Austria)
TUV is a European certification body that is recognized worldwide and offers a variety of compost certifications, including "OK Compost Industrial" (similar to BPI, suitable for industrial composting in green bins) and "OK Compost Home" (suitable for home composting). TUV-certified bags must meet EN 13432 standards and decompose 90% in 12 weeks in industrial facilities and fully biodegrade in 6 months. If users in the United States see the TUV logo, it usually means that the bag is suitable for green bins, but the "OK Compost Home" logo is required for home composting. Note that many cities in the United States (such as San Francisco) do not accept TUV Industrial certified bags, so you need to check local regulations. When shopping, confirm the TUV logo and check the city's requirements.
Tip: Want to use compostable bags? Look for the BPI or CMA logo first, visit your city's waste management website (such as Portland.gov), or use the CMA database to confirm which bags are suitable for your green bin!
Alternatives to Compostable Bag Disposal
Local regulations may prohibit green waste collection in your area, or there may not be a green waste service at all. Don't rush to throw it directly in the trash. You have several options:
Dump the residue into the trash
This is the best option if your city permits it. Simply pour food scraps into your green waste bin and rinse it out. This eliminates the hassle of bags and is completely cost-free.
Find a Private Composting Service
Private companies like CompostNow offer door-to-door organic waste collection. They have their own standards and partner composting sites and typically accept certified compostable bags.
Check for "OK Compost Home" certification.
If the bag has the "OK Compost Home" logo, you can compost it at home.
Use it as a regular trash bag
If none of the above options are recyclable, use it to collect other non-recyclable waste and dispose of it as a regular trash bag. While not ideal, it's better than contaminating other compostable resources.
WHy Are Some Compostable Bags Rejected?
Sometimes bags are rejected even though they are clearly labeled “compostable.” Here are some reasons:
Facility limitations: Industrial composting facilities are required to break down materials within a specific time, usually 90-180 days. Some compostable bags take too long to break down and can clog the composting process.
Microplastics risk: Uncertified bags, such as those labeled “biodegradable,” can leave tiny plastic fragments behind that harm soil quality. Even some compostable bags don’t meet strict standards like BPI or ASTM D6400.
Sorting challenges: Facilities often remove all plastic-like materials, including compostable bags, to avoid contamination. That’s why cities like San Francisco prefer no bags or paper liners.
Using the wrong bag can cause your green bin to be rejected, wasting your effort and harming the environment. Understanding your local composting regulations can help avoid these issues and support sustainable waste management.
How to Use Green Trash Bins Properly
Check Local Regulations: Visit your city's waste management website (such as Austin Resource Recycling or Boston Compost Program) or call its hotline to see if compostable bags are allowed. Look for labels such as "BPI Certified" or "Paper Bags Only."
Choose the Right Bags: If allowed, buy BPI-certified compostable bags (such as BioBag or UNNI brands) or use paper bags. Check the packaging for the BPI logo. Avoid bags labeled only "biodegradable."
Prepare Trash: Place food scraps (such as vegetable peelings, coffee grounds) and yard waste (such as leaves, grass clippings) in designated trash bags or directly in the trash. Remove labels from fruit and avoid non-compostable items such as pet feces or plastic wrap.
Reduce Odors and Pests: Freeze food scraps in a container until collection day to prevent odors. Alternatively, wrap scraps in newspaper or paper towels before throwing them in your green trash bin.
Clean your trash can: After collection, keep your organic trash can odor-free by rinsing it out with water and mild soap. Sprinkle some baking soda inside to absorb odors.
What Are Some Alternatives to Compostable Bags?
If your city doesn't allow compostable bags in your green trash bin, or even if you don't have compostable bags, the following alternatives can help reduce waste and support local composting programs:
No bags required: Place food scraps and yard waste directly in the trash. Freeze scraps in reusable containers, like old yogurt containers, until collection day to avoid messes and odors.
Newspaper or paper towels: Wrap wet food scraps in newspaper or used paper towels. This keeps your trash can clean, and most U.S. composting programs accept this method.
Backyard composting: Set up a compost pile or trash can at home to store food scraps and yard waste. Brands like Back Porch Composters offer easy-to-use systems. Note: Most compostable bags are not suitable for home composting, as they require industrial facilities to break down.
Community drop-off sites: If your city doesn't have green waste bins, look for a local compost drop-off site, like a community garden or farmer's market. Search "compost drop-off sites near me" to find suitable options.
FAQ
What is the difference between compostable and biodegradable?
Compostable bags meet strict standards (such as BPI certification) and can be fully decomposed in industrial facilities. Biodegradable bags may only partially decompose, leave microplastics, and are generally not suitable for green trash bins.
How do I know if my city allows compostable bags?
Check your city's waste management website or call the recycling hotline. For example, search for "Los Angeles green trash bin rules," or use a tool like the New York City "Acceptable Trash" guide.
How can I keep my green trash bin clean without using trash bags?
Freeze food scraps until collection day, wrap them in newspaper, or use paper bags. Rinse trash bins regularly and add baking soda to reduce odors.
Can I use compostable bags in my backyard compost?
Most compostable bags require industrial facilities to decompose, so they are not suitable for home composting. Use a backyard compost bin and add food scraps directly.
