As more households and businesses turn toward eco-friendly waste management, the question arises: Can compostable bags go in the green bin? The short answer is yes—but only under certain conditions. Not all compostable bags are accepted, and the rules vary depending on where you live.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what green bins are, how compostable bags work, what certifications matter, and how to ensure you’re using the right products. Let’s dive in.
green bin
What Is a Green Bin?
A green bin is a container provided by municipal waste programs to collect organic waste like food scraps, yard trimmings, and sometimes compostable packaging. The contents are transported to industrial composting facilities, where they are processed into nutrient-rich soil.
Common Green Bin Items:
Fruit and vegetable scraps
Coffee grounds and tea bags
Eggshells
Meat and bones (in some programs)
Yard waste
Certified compostable bags and packaging (depending on region)
These bins play a crucial role in diverting organic materials from landfills, where food waste would otherwise emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
What Are Compostable Bags?
Compostable bags are made from plant-based materials like cornstarch, PLA (polylactic acid), or PBAT, designed to break down in composting environments. They serve as a clean and convenient way to collect and transport organic waste.
Key Features:
Designed to break down into water, CO₂, and biomass.
Do not leave toxic residue.
Break down in industrial composting systems, and in some cases, home compost systems.
⚠️ Important:Biodegradable and compostable are not the same. Many so-called biodegradable bags contain petroleum-based plastics that do not break down safely.
compostable bags go in the green bin
Can Compostable Bags Go in the Green Bin?
Yes—but only if they meet local program requirements.
While most composting programs support compostable liners, many only accept bags that are third-party certified to compost standards like BPI (USA) or EN 13432 (EU). These certifications ensure that the bag will break down completely in a commercial composting facility without contaminating the final compost product.
What is Required:
Certifications such as:
BPI Certified (U.S.)
EN 13432 (EU)
OK Compost/OK Compost Home
AS 4736 (Australia)
Visual labels or logos indicating compostability.
Sometimes, even certified bags are rejected if the composting facility has strict contamination policies.
Why It Matters:
Non-certified bags often contain synthetic plastics.
Composting facilities struggle to identify which bags are truly compostable.
Contamination leads to costly filtering and possible disposal of entire compost batches.
✅ Best Practice: Always use certified compostable bags that are approved by your local green bin program.
Regional Differences in Green Bin Rules
Compostable bag acceptance policies vary widely around the world and even between neighboring cities. Here’s how different regions handle it:
United States
San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland: Accept BPI-certified compostable bags.
Los Angeles: Accepts food waste in compostable bags if they meet BPI or ASTM D6400 standards.
New York City: In select boroughs, compostable liners are accepted.
Canada
Toronto: Accepts only compostable bags (plastic or paper) with specific labeling.
Calgary: Accepts certified compostable plastic bags and paper liners.
Vancouver: Allows food waste in paper bags or loosely.
Europe
Germany, France, and Italy: Strict enforcement of EN 13432 standards.
UK: Varies by council; some accept only paper liners, others accept EN-certified compostable bags.
Australia
Municipalities like Sydney and Melbourne accept bags that meet AS 4736 compostability standards.
Always check with your local municipality or waste collector to confirm what is allowed in your green bin.
compostable bags in green bins
Benefits of Using Compostable Bags in Green Bins
Using certified compostable bags in your green bin has several practical and environmental advantages:
1. Cleaner Collection
Prevents organic waste from sticking to bin walls.
Reduces odor and leakage.
2. Better Hygiene
Minimizes contact with wet or decaying food waste.
Makes kitchen composting more accessible for families.
3. Promotes Participation
Encourages more households to separate food waste.
Increases compliance with organic diversion programs.
4. Reduces Plastic Contamination
Certified bags eliminate the risk of sending plastic into composting systems.
5. Supports Circular Economy
Compostable bags contribute to producing clean, usable compost that can return nutrients to the soil.
Limitations and Considerations
While compostable bags offer many benefits, there are also limitations to be aware of:
1. Not All Compostable Bags Break Down Easily
Some certified bags require high heat from industrial composting to degrade.
Not suitable for home compost unless labeled OK Compost Home.
2. Storage Issues
Compostable bags can break down prematurely if exposed to moisture or high humidity.
Best stored in a cool, dry place and used within 12–18 months of manufacture.
3. Greenwashing Concerns
Many products claim to be “biodegradable” or “eco-friendly” but don’t meet composting standards.
Only trust bags with recognized certifications.
choose the right compostable bag for your green bin
How to Choose the Right Compostable Bag for Your Green Bin
Not all compostable bags are created equal. Here’s how to make the right choice:
1. Look for Certification Labels
BPI Certified (USA)
EN 13432 (Europe)
OK Compost
AS 4736 (Australia)
These logos are your assurance of compliance with composting standards.
2. Match the Bag to Your Bin Size
Common household kitchen compost bags: 3–6 gallons
Green bin liners: 13–30 gallons
Oversized commercial liners for food service: 33–55 gallons
3. Check Local Guidelines
Look for information on your city’s or town’s waste management website.
They often publish a list of approved compostable bag brands.
4. Buy From Trusted Retailers or Manufacturers
Choose known brands like BioBag, UNNI, Green Earth, or custom manufacturers with verified certifications.
Consider bulk or wholesale purchases for businesses or institutions.
FAQs
Can I put compostable plastic bags in my backyard compost?
Only if they are labeled “OK Compost Home.” Most compostable bags need the high heat of industrial composting to break down properly.
What if my city doesn’t accept compostable bags?
If your local program rejects compostable liners, use paper bags or wrap food waste in newspaper instead. Never use regular plastic bags.
Are paper bags better than compostable plastic bags?
Paper bags are always compostable and accepted in most programs, but they may leak or tear. Compostable plastic liners are more durable and hygienic.
How do I store compostable bags?
Keep them in a cool, dry area away from sunlight. Avoid storing in humid or damp environments to prevent premature degradation.
Conclusion
So, can compostable bags go in the green bin? Yes—if they are certified and approved by your local composting program.
Using compostable liners makes composting cleaner, easier, and more effective. However, it’s essential to check your city’s rules and avoid using uncertified or misleading “biodegradable” bags that can cause contamination.
For businesses or municipalities looking to supply reliable green bin liners, we offer custom, certified compostable bags tailored for various waste systems. Contact us today for OEM, private label, or wholesale options.
