We've all bought bags labeled "compostable", but no one is collecting them in the green bin. Are compostable bags allowed in curbside compost bins? I think many Americans have questions about "Can Compostable Bags Go in Green Bin".
This article will describe in detail whether compostable bags can be put into green bins across the United States. I hope it can help you. Let's make organic waste disposal simple and environmentally friendly. Come and learn!
What Are Compostable Bags?
Compostable bags are made by breaking down organic waste into nutrient-rich compost in industrial composting facilities. They can then be used in gardens or yards to achieve sustainable development of the ecological cycle. However, composts must meet strict standards, such as the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification or ASTM D6400, to ensure that they can be safely decomposed without leaving harmful microplastics.
Not all bags labeled "biodegradable" or "compostable" are created equal. Compostable bags are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable bags are compostable.
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!
Green Bin Rules Across the U.S.
Green bins, also known as curbside compost bins or organics bins, are used to collect food scraps, yard waste, and paper with food scraps on it for composting. However, the rules for compostable bags vary from city to city across the U.S. Here are the rules in some major cities:
Portland, Oregon: The City of Portland allows BPI-certified compostable bags in residential green bins, but prohibits them in commercial bins. Regular plastic bags are never allowed in organics bins.
New York City: New York City recommends using clear plastic bags, paper bags, or BPI-certified compostable bags in green bins. Black plastic bags are prohibited because they are difficult to sort at treatment facilities.
Howard County, Maryland: Only BPI-certified compostable bags or paper bags are allowed. Plastic bags, even those labeled "biodegradable," are not accepted.
San Francisco (Recology): Recology bans all compostable bags in green bins because they break down too slowly or pose a risk of microplastic contamination. Use paper bags or place food scraps directly in the bin.
Why the difference? Each city's composting facilities have their own equipment. Some, like anaerobic digestion systems, can remove plastic-like materials, while others can't process compostable bags quickly enough. To find your city's rules, visit your local government's waste management website or call its hotline. For example, searching for "Seattle composting rules" or "Chicago green bin guide" will get you specific answers.
Action step: Check your city's website (such as Portland.gov or NYC.gov) or use the Waste Wizard tool (if available) to confirm what's allowed in your organics bin.
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.
