Compostable bags are often promoted as a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic bags. But buying compostable bags is only the first step. To reduce environmental impact, you also need to dispose of them correctly.
So, how should you dispose of compostable bags?
In most cases, compostable bags should go to a composting system, not a recycling bin. Some bags are suitable for home composting, while many others require the higher temperatures and controlled conditions of industrial composting facilities.
In this guide, you will learn:
- what compostable bags are
- where compostable bags should go
- whether they can go in the trash or recycling bin
- the difference between home compostable and industrial compostable bags
- how to dispose of dog poop bags and food waste liners correctly
If you are new to this topic, you may also want to read our guide on what are compostable materials.
What Are Compostable Bags?
Compostable bags are bags made from compostable materials such as PLA, PBAT, and starch-based biopolymers. Under the right composting conditions, they can break down into carbon dioxide, water, and organic matter.
Unlike ordinary plastic bags, compostable bags are designed to decompose in managed composting environments. However, not all compostable bags work the same way.
Some are certified for home composting, while many are designed only for industrial composting.
Because these bags are often made from plant-based polymers, they are part of the broader category of bioplastics.
Where Should Compostable Bags Go?
The correct disposal route depends on the type of bag and the composting system available in your area.
Home Compostable Bags
If a bag is clearly labeled home compostable, it may be suitable for backyard composting systems.
Industrial Compostable Bags
If a bag is labeled for industrial or commercial composting, it should only go to a facility that accepts compostable bags.
Never Put Compostable Bags in Recycling
Compostable bags are not recyclable in standard plastic recycling systems. They can contaminate recycling streams and create problems for sorting equipment.
To better understand commercial composting systems, see our guide on industrial composting.
Can Compostable Bags Go in the Trash?
Compostable bags can go in the trash only when no composting option is available, but this is not the preferred outcome.
When compostable bags are sent to landfill through regular trash, they usually do not break down properly because landfills lack the oxygen and controlled microbial activity needed for composting.
So while trash disposal may sometimes be the only practical option, it does not allow compostable bags to deliver their full environmental benefit.
Can You Recycle Compostable Bags?
No, compostable bags should not go into normal recycling bins.
They are made from different materials than conventional recyclable plastics, and they can contaminate the recycling stream. Recycling facilities are not designed to process compostable films together with ordinary plastic films.
The correct rule is simple:
- trash them only if composting is unavailable
- do not recycle compostable bags
- compost them if accepted
Home Composting vs Industrial Composting: Which One Works?
Not all compostable bags break down under the same conditions.
Home Composting
Home compostable bags are designed to break down in backyard compost systems at lower temperatures.
These bags usually compost more slowly and may need:
- smaller cut pieces
- good moisture balance
- enough airflow
- time and regular turning
If you want to understand backyard compost systems better, read how to compost at home.
Industrial Composting
Industrial compostable bags require higher temperatures, controlled humidity, oxygen flow, and strong microbial activity.
These conditions are usually only available at commercial composting plants.
Many bags labeled simply as “compostable” actually fall into this category, which is why checking the certification label is essential.
How to Dispose of Compostable Dog Poop Bags
Dog poop bags are more complicated than kitchen waste liners.
Even if the bag itself is compostable, the pet waste inside may not be accepted in home compost systems because it can contain pathogens.
The safest approach is:
- check local municipal rules
- see whether pet waste is accepted in organic waste programs
- if not accepted, place the bag in trash
Some cities allow compostable pet waste bags in organics bins, but many do not.
How to Dispose of Compostable Bags the Right Way
Here is the best step-by-step method.
Step 1: Check Whether the Bag Is Truly Compostable
Look for certification marks such as:
- BPI
- ASTM D6400
- EN 13432
- home compostable certification
These labels help you understand whether the bag is certified and what disposal route it is designed for.
For more on certification standards, see our guide to ASTM D6400 certification.
Step 2: Check Whether It Is Home or Industrial Compostable
Do not assume all compostable bags belong in a backyard compost pile.
Many bags need industrial composting conditions.
Step 3: Check Local Waste Rules
Visit your local waste authority website or contact your municipal waste service.
Search terms like:
- compostable bags
- organics bin
- green bin rules
- compostable liners accepted
This step is critical because rules vary between cities.
Step 4: Remove Non-Compostable Contents
Before disposal, make sure the bag does not contain non-compostable contamination such as plastic packaging, stickers, or prohibited waste.
Step 5: Send It to the Right Stream
- home compost if it is certified for home composting
- green bin if your city accepts compostable bags
- industrial composting facility if available
- trash only as a last resort
How to Check if Your Area Accepts Compostable Bags
Because rules vary so much, local checking is essential.
You can:
- visit your local council or waste management website
- search for “compostable bags accepted” plus your city name
- look up organics bin guidelines
- contact customer support from your waste service
Some cities accept food waste but reject the bag. Others allow certified compostable liners only.
What to Do If Your City Doesn’t Accept Compostable Bags
If your area does not accept compostable bags, you still have a few lower-impact options.
You can:
- use paper liners instead
- line your bin with newspaper
- put food scraps directly into the container and wash it regularly
- use cardboard or dry leaves as a liner
- place compostable bags in trash only when necessary
This avoids contaminating local recycling or compost streams.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Putting Compostable Bags in Recycling
This contaminates the recycling stream.
Assuming All “Green” Bags Are Compostable
Some are only marketed as eco-friendly but are not truly compostable.
Expecting Compostable Bags to Break Down in Landfill
Landfills do not provide the right composting conditions.
Ignoring Certification Labels
Certification is one of the most important ways to judge whether a bag is actually compostable.
Conclusion
Knowing how to dispose of compostable bags correctly is just as important as choosing them in the first place.
The key points are simple:
- do not put compostable bags in recycling
- compost them only in the right system
- check whether they are home or industrial compostable
- follow your local waste rules
- use trash only when no composting option exists
Compostable bags can be a useful part of a lower-waste lifestyle, but only when they are disposed of in the correct stream.
FAQ
Can compostable bags go in the recycling bin?
No. Compostable bags should not go in the recycling bin because they can contaminate plastic recycling systems.
Can compostable bags go in the trash?
Yes, but only as a last resort when no composting option is available. In landfill, they usually do not break down properly.
Do compostable bags break down at home?
Only if they are certified for home composting and the compost conditions are suitable.
How long do compostable bags take to decompose?
In industrial composting, they may break down within weeks to a few months. In home composting, decomposition can take longer depending on temperature, moisture, and airflow.
Which certifications should I look for on compostable bags?
Look for certifications such as BPI, ASTM D6400, EN 13432, and home compostable labels.
