The pollution of plastic trash bags to the environment can be imagined. As people’s environmental awareness increases, the best eco-friendly trash bags are nothing more than biodegradable, compostable or recyclable. So which one is right for you? How to choose the right household trash bag.
I will explain the top 10 best eco-friendly trash bags of 2025, hoping to help you.
What Makes Trash Bags so Eco-Friendly?
Eco-friendly trash bags are different from traditional plastic bags because they reduce harm to the environment because they are made from sustainable materials and break down more easily.
Materials: Eco-friendly trash bags are usually made from plant-based materials, such as corn starch (PLA) or recycled plastic. Biodegradable trash bags break down naturally, while compostable trash bags turn into nutrient-rich compost under certain conditions.
Certification: Look for a trusted certification body, such as BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), or OK Compost. These certifications ensure that the trash bags meet strict environmental standards.
Environmental impact: Regular plastic bags can take hundreds of years to break down, clogging landfills and harming wildlife. Eco-friendly bags can reduce waste and pollution, contributing to a greener planet.
By choosing eco-friendly trash bags, you are taking a small but meaningful step towards sustainability.
Top 10 Eco-Friendly Trash Bags for 2025
1. Glad Compostable Trash Bags
- Key Features: Made from plant-based PLA, 13-gallon capacity, BPI-certified compostable, strong drawstring closure.
- Pros: Durable for kitchen waste, composts in industrial facilities, leak-proof.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than regular bags.
- Price Range: $0.30–$0.40 per bag (available on Amazon, Walmart).
- User Feedback: 4.5/5 stars. Users love the strength but note they’re pricier than non-eco options.
2. Seventh Generation Recycled Trash Bags
- Key Features: 100% recycled plastic (60% post-consumer), 13-gallon, no added dyes or fragrances.
- Pros: Affordable, widely available, supports recycling programs.
- Cons: Not compostable, less eco-friendly than plant-based options.
- Price Range: $0.20–$0.30 per bag (Amazon, Target).
- User Feedback: 4.3/5 stars. Great for budget-conscious buyers, but some report occasional tearing.
3. BioBag Compostable Kitchen Bags
- Key Features: Made from GMO-free cornstarch, 3–13-gallon options, BPI-certified, ideal for food waste.
- Pros: Fully compostable, strong for wet waste, odor-resistant.
- Cons: Smaller sizes may not suit large households.
- Price Range: $0.35–$0.50 per bag (Amazon, Whole Foods).
- User Feedback: 4.6/5 stars. Customers praise compostability but want larger sizes.
4. UNNI Compostable Trash Bags
- Key Features: Plant-based, BPI and OK Compost certified, 4–30-gallon sizes, tear-resistant.
- Pros: Wide size range, great for home or commercial composting.
- Cons: Higher cost for larger sizes.
- Price Range: $0.25–$0.45 per bag (Amazon, UNNI website).
- User Feedback: 4.4/5 stars. Users like the versatility but note the price.
5. HoldOn Compostable Trash Bags
- Key Features: Home-compostable, made from plant starch, 4–13-gallon, BPI-certified.
- Pros: Breaks down in home compost, sturdy for everyday use.
- Cons: Limited availability in stores.
- Price Range: $0.40–$0.60 per bag (Amazon, HoldOn website).
- User Feedback: 4.5/5 stars. Popular for eco-conscious users, but some find it pricey.
6. Simplehuman Compostable Trash Bags
- Key Features: PLA and starch blend, fits Simplehuman cans (4–13-gallon), BPI-certified.
- Pros: Perfect fit for branded cans, strong and leak-proof.
- Cons: Designed for specific bins, higher cost.
- Price Range: $0.50–$0.70 per bag (Amazon, Simplehuman).
- User Feedback: 4.7/5 stars. Great for Simplehuman users, but not universal.
7. Green Earth Compostable Bags
- Key Features: Cornstarch-based, 13–33-gallon, BPI-certified, heavy-duty.
- Pros: Ideal for large households or outdoor use, durable.
- Cons: Less flexible for small bins.
- Price Range: $0.30–$0.50 per bag (Amazon, Walmart).
- User Feedback: 4.3/5 stars. Strong for heavy waste, but some dislike the texture.
8. Stout by Envision EcoSafe Bags
- Key Features: 64% recycled plastic, 13–45-gallon, ASTM D6400 compliant.
- Pros: Great for commercial use, eco-friendly without sacrificing strength.
- Cons: Not fully compostable.
- Price Range: $0.25–$0.40 per bag (Amazon, industrial suppliers).
- User Feedback: 4.4/5 stars. Reliable for businesses, but less known for home use.
9. Hippo Sak Plant-Based Bags
- Key Features: Made from sugarcane, 13-gallon, puncture-resistant, no certifications.
- Pros: Affordable, strong for kitchen waste.
- Cons: Lacks official eco-certifications.
- Price Range: $0.20–$0.35 per bag (Amazon, Walmart).
- User Feedback: 4.2/5 stars. Budget-friendly, but some question eco-claims.
10. For Good Compostable Bags
- Key Features: PLA-based, 3–13-gallon, BPI-certified, designed for small households.
- Pros: Great for apartments, fully compostable.
- Cons: Limited size options.
- Price Range: $0.30–$0.45 per bag (Amazon, For Good website).
- User Feedback: 4.5/5 stars. Perfect for small spaces, but not for heavy waste.
Note: Prices may vary based on retailer and pack size. Check links for the latest deals.
| Brand/Product | Material | Capacity | Certifications | Price per Bag | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glad Compostable | PLA | 13-gal | BPI | $0.30–$0.40 | Kitchen |
| Seventh Generation | Recycled Plastic | 13-gal | None | $0.20–$0.30 | Budget |
| BioBag | Cornstarch | 3–13-gal | BPI, OK Compost | $0.35–$0.50 | Food Waste |
| UNNI | Plant-Based | 4–30-gal | BPI, OK Compost | $0.25–$0.45 | Versatility |
| HoldOn | Plant Starch | 4–13-gal | BPI | $0.40–$0.60 | Home Compost |
| Simplehuman | PLA/Starch | 4–13-gal | BPI | $0.50–$0.70 | Simplehuman Bins |
| Green Earth | Cornstarch | 13–33-gal | BPI | $0.30–$0.50 | Heavy-Duty |
| Stout EcoSafe | Recycled Plastic | 13–45-gal | ASTM D6400 | $0.25–$0.40 | Commercial |
| Hippo Sak | Sugarcane | 13-gal | None | $0.20–$0.35 | Budget |
| For Good | PLA | 3–13-gal | BPI | $0.30–$0.45 | Small Households |
This table helps you quickly compare options based on your needs, whether it’s budget, composting, or heavy-duty use.
How to Choose the Right Eco-Friendly Trash Bag
Consider Your Needs:
Household Size: Small households (1–2 people) can use 3–4-gallon bags (e.g., For Good). Larger families need 13–30-gallon bags (e.g., Green Earth).
Waste Type: Food scraps need compostable bags (e.g., BioBag). General waste can use recycled plastic bags (e.g., Seventh Generation).
Bin Type: Check if your bin requires specific bags (e.g., Simplehuman).
Key Factors:
Durability: Look for tear-resistant bags for heavy or sharp waste.
Size: Match the bag to your bin size (e.g., 13-gallon for standard kitchen bins).
Cost: Balance eco-benefits with your budget. Recycled plastic bags are often cheaper.
Compostability: Choose BPI-certified bags for industrial composting or home-compostable options like HoldOn.
Tips for Use:
Avoid overfilling to prevent tears.
Store bags in a cool, dry place to maintain strength.
For compostable bags, check local composting rules—some require industrial facilities.
By matching the bag to your needs, you’ll save money and reduce waste effectively.
Conclusion
Switching to eco-friendly trash bags is an easy way to live greener without sacrificing convenience. Our top picks, like Glad Compostable and BioBag, offer durability and sustainability for any household. Whether you’re composting food scraps or just reducing plastic waste, there’s a bag for you.
Ready to make a difference? Shop our top picks on Amazon or subscribe to our newsletter for more eco-friendly tips. Start small, and together we can create a cleaner planet!
FAQ
What’s the difference between biodegradable and compostable trash bags?
Biodegradable bags break down naturally over time but may leave microplastics. Compostable bags turn into compost without harmful residues, often requiring specific conditions (e.g., industrial composting).
Are eco-friendly trash bags as strong as regular ones?
Yes, most eco-friendly bags (e.g., Glad, UNNI) are designed to be durable for household waste. Check user reviews for strength ratings.
Where can I buy affordable eco-friendly trash bags?
Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart offer competitive prices. Bulk packs from brands like Seventh Generation or Hippo Sak are budget-friendly.
Do eco-friendly trash bags break down in landfills?
Biodegradable bags may break down slowly in landfills, but compostable bags need proper composting conditions to decompose fully.
