As more people turn to composting to reduce waste and live sustainably, a common question comes up: Can paper bags be composted? The short answer is yes, but not all paper bags are safe to throw into your compost bin. It depends on the material, coatings, and what the bag has been used for.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about composting paper bags—what works, what doesn’t, and how to do it right.
What Does It Mean to Compost Something?
Composting is a natural process that turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. It relies on the breakdown of materials like food scraps, yard waste, and paper under the right conditions—moisture, oxygen, and microbes.
There are two main types of composting:
- Home composting: A backyard or countertop system. It uses lower temperatures and works best with soft, natural materials.
- Industrial composting: A large-scale process with high heat and controlled conditions. It can break down tougher materials like bioplastics and some coated papers.
Knowing the difference matters because not all “compostable” items break down in a backyard compost pile.
Are Paper Bags Compostable?
Yes, most plain paper bags can be composted, especially if they’re made of uncoated kraft paper. Paper is made from wood pulp, which is organic and biodegradable. But the details matter.
Some paper bags contain:
- Plastic or wax coatings
- Colored inks and dyes
- Synthetic glues or linings
These additives can stop the bag from breaking down or contaminate your compost.
So, while paper itself is compostable, not all paper bags are good candidates. Let’s break it down further.
Types of Paper Bags and Their Compostability
1. Plain Kraft Paper Bags — ✅ Compostable
These are the best kind for composting. They’re made from natural fibers, usually brown in color, and contain no coating. They’re often used for shopping, packaging, and mailing.
Compost tip: Tear them into smaller pieces for faster breakdown.
2. Grocery Store Paper Bags — 🟡 Sometimes Compostable
Most grocery bags are made of kraft paper, but some have a thin wax or plastic lining to resist moisture. Some also have printed logos or ink.
- If the bag is plain brown and has no coating, it’s fine for composting.
- If it has a glossy feel or doesn’t tear easily, avoid composting it.
Compost tip: Check for coatings or shine. If unsure, compost only part of the bag.
3. Takeout or Fast Food Paper Bags — ❌ Not Compostable
These often contain food grease, wax coatings, or synthetic linings to hold liquids. While grease itself is okay in small amounts, the bag’s coating may not break down naturally.
Why avoid?: Some takeout bags have a layer of plastic to prevent leaks, which won’t compost.
4. Gift Bags and Colored Paper Bags — ❌ Not Compostable
Gift bags may look like paper but often contain:
- Metallic foil
- Glossy or laminated finishes
- Nylon handles or glitter
Even if they’re paper-based, these features make them unsuitable for composting.
Better options: Reuse or recycle if clean. Trash them if they contain synthetic materials.
Home Composting vs. Industrial Composting
Not all composting systems work the same.
Home Composting:
- Lower temperatures (60–100°F / 15–40°C)
- Takes weeks to months
- Best for simple materials (leaves, food scraps, uncoated paper)
Industrial Composting:
- Higher temperatures (over 130°F / 55°C)
- Controlled conditions (moisture, aeration, shredding)
- Can break down materials like:
- PLA bioplastics
- Wax-coated paper
- Compostable packaging
Key point: If your paper bag says “compostable” but feels coated or waxy, it may only be compostable in an industrial facility.
How to Prepare Paper Bags for Composting
1. Tear or Shred the Bag
Smaller pieces decompose faster and prevent the bag from clumping or blocking airflow.
2. Remove Non-Paper Elements
Take off:
- Plastic windows
- Nylon or cotton handles
- Tape or stickers
These won’t compost and can contaminate your pile.
3. Avoid Glossy or Wax-Coated Bags
If the bag doesn’t tear easily or feels slippery, don’t compost it unless you’re using an industrial service.
4. Balance with “Green” Materials
Paper bags are “brown” compost material (carbon-rich). Balance them with “green” materials like fruit scraps or coffee grounds to keep your pile healthy.
Composting vs. Recycling: What’s Better?
If you have a clean paper bag, should you compost it or recycle it? It depends.
| Condition | Compost | Recycle |
|---|---|---|
| Greasy or stained | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Plain and clean | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Coated or laminated | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| With plastic parts | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Compost When:
- The bag is too dirty or greasy to recycle
- You need more brown material for your compost pile
- You want to keep it out of the landfill
Recycle When:
- The bag is clean and dry
- Your local recycling program accepts paper bags
Compostable Paper Bags vs. Compostable Plastic Bags
You’ve probably seen “compostable” plastic bags made from plant starch. These are different from paper bags but serve a similar eco-purpose.
| Feature | Paper Bags | Compostable Plastic Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Wood pulp | Corn starch, PLA, or PBAT |
| Home compostable | Often, if uncoated | Not always – check certifications |
| Breakdown time | 2–6 weeks (shredded) | Varies (8–12 weeks industrial) |
| Best use cases | Dry goods, packaging | Wet waste, food scraps |
Tip: If you handle wet or messy compostables (like food scraps), compostable plastic bags are often better. If you’re storing dry waste or packing items, paper works well.
FAQ
Can all paper bags be composted?
No. Only uncoated, undyed, and unlaminated paper bags are safe for composting. Bags with plastic or foil should go in the trash.
What about bags with ink or printing?
Small amounts of black or brown ink are usually fine. Avoid bags with heavy, colorful printing, which may contain toxic dyes.
Can I compost a greasy paper bag?
Yes, especially if it’s plain kraft paper. Grease speeds up composting. But don’t add too much oil-heavy waste, as it can attract pests.
What should I do with paper bags that have handles?
Remove the handles before composting. Many handles are made of synthetic fibers or glue that won’t break down.
Do I need to shred paper bags before composting?
You don’t have to, but shredding helps the bag break down faster and avoids matting in the compost pile.
Conclusion
Can paper bags be composted? Yes—as long as they’re uncoated, plain, and free from synthetic materials. They make a great carbon-rich addition to your compost pile and can help reduce your landfill waste.
