In recent years, compostable trash bags have become popular among consumers and property owners as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic bags. Compostable garbage bags can be broken down into nutrients that benefit the soil, reducing plastic waste pollution and contributing to a sustainable future. However, it's important to note that compostable bags only reach their full potential when used in industrial composting facilities.
As a manufacturer with 16 years of experience in biodegradable and compostable bags, I'll explain how to dispose of compostable bags. I hope this helps.
What Are Compostable Bags?
Compostable bags are made from a specific mix of PLA, PBAT, and corn starch or sugarcane. They are then processed in industrial composting facilities under optimal conditions of temperature, humidity, and oxygen to break down into soil-friendly fertilizer, contributing to the sustainable development of the planet.
Compostable bags have stringent environmental requirements for decomposition.
Where Should Compostable Bags Go?
- Home compostable bags: Compost using a home composting system.
- Industrial compostable bags: If your city accepts them, put them in your green trash/organic bin.
Never put compostable bags in the recycling bin.
If your city doesn't accept compostable bags, disposal options get a bit trickier (we'll cover this below).
Tip: Look for certification marks on the bag, such as BPI, ASTM D6400, or EN13432. These labels will tell you whether it's truly compostable and what category it falls into.
Can Compostable Bags Go in the Trash?
No. If they're thrown in regular trash and ultimately landfill, they typically won't break down properly due to a lack of oxygen and microbial activity, and will end up in the same waste stream as regular plastic bags.
If there's no composting facility in your area, throwing them in the trash may be your only option. Check your local regulations, as some municipalities allow compostable bags to be placed in green bins even if they're destined for landfill.
Can You Recycle Compostable Bags?
No, compostable bags cannot be put in standard recycling bins. They are not made of recyclable plastic and could contaminate the recycling stream, causing problems for recycling facilities.
Compostable bags are designed to be composted, not recycled, because they require specific conditions (such as heat, moisture, and microorganisms) to biodegrade.
Home Composting vs. Industrial Composting: Which One Works?
Not all compostable bags are the same.
Home Compostable Bags
- Designed to break down in backyard compost piles.
- Best if shredded or cut into smaller pieces for faster breakdown.
- Work well when mixed with “greens” (food scraps) and “browns” (leaves, cardboard).
- Downside: Some bags may take months to decompose fully, especially in colder climates.
Industrial Compostable Bags
- Require high heat, oxygen flow, and microbial activity only found in commercial facilities.
- Many bags labeled “compostable” fall into this category.
- The challenge: not every city accepts them, even in green bins.
Always check whether your bag is home compostable or industrial compostable before disposal.
How to Dispose of Compostable Dog Poop Bags
Dog poop adds another layer of complexity.
- Home composting: Generally not recommended, since pet waste may carry pathogens.
- Industrial composting: Some cities accept pet waste in green bins—but many do not.
- Best practice: Check your city’s rules. If they don’t accept it, compostable dog poop bags may sadly need to go in the trash.
Alternative: Consider dedicated pet waste composting programs or flushable dog waste options.
How to Dispose of Compostable Bags the Right Way
Check if a bag is truly compostable:
Look for the BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) or EN 13432 (European Standard) logo on the bag, which are internationally recognized certifications that a bag is biodegradable and compostable.
Some bags are labeled "home compostable" (suitable for backyard composting), while others require an industrial composting facility.
Finding composting options:
- Industrial composting: Most compostable bags require a commercial composting facility, which provides high temperatures and controlled conditions. Check with your local waste management or municipality for drop-off locations or curbside green waste programs that accept compostable bags.
- Home composting: Use bags labeled "home compostable" for backyard composting. These bags break down more slowly and may take several months. Make sure your compost pile reaches adequate heat (above 130°F/55°C) and is well aerated.
- Verify local regulations: Some areas do not allow compostable bags to be placed in green waste bins. Contact your local waste management agency or check their website.
Proper disposal steps:
- Empty the bag: Remove any non-compostable items (e.g., stickers, food scraps if not permitted).
- Rinse as needed: Some facilities require clean bags; others accept food-soiled bags.
- Place in green/organic waste bin: If your area accepts compostable bags for curbside composting, place them in the green waste bin with food scraps or yard waste.
- Parking at a facility: If there's no curbside option, find a nearby composting facility through websites like findacomposter.com or your local government's waste services page.
If composting isn't available:
If composting isn't an option, placing the bag in the regular trash is the best way to dispose of it. Consider switching to reusable bags to reduce waste.
How to Check if Your Area Accepts Compostable Bags
One of the biggest frustrations is that compostable bag rules vary from city to city.
- Some cities allow them in green/organics bins (if certified).
- Others ban them completely, fearing contamination and higher processing costs.
- Some accept food scraps but not the bags.
How to Check Your City’s Guidelines:
- Visit your city’s waste management website.
- Search “compostable bags” or “organics bin.”
- Look for accepted certifications (BPI, ASTM, EN13432).
- When in doubt, contact customer service.
This step ensures you don’t accidentally contaminate your compost bin.
What to Do If Your City Doesn’t Accept Compostable Bags
If your city doesn’t allow compostable bags in compost bins, don’t worry—there are still eco-friendly options:
- Use paper bags or newspaper to line bins instead.
- Skip liners altogether—put food scraps directly in the bin and wash it regularly.
- Use cardboard or leaves as a natural liner.
- As a last resort, place compostable bags in the trash (they won’t compost in landfills, but it avoids contaminating recycling).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Putting compostable bags in recycling → They contaminate recycling streams.
- Assuming all “green” bags are compostable → Some are just oxo-degradable plastics.
- Expecting them to compost in landfills → Landfills lack oxygen, so decomposition doesn’t happen.
- Not checking certifications → Only certified bags ensure real compostability.
Conclusion
Disposing of compostable bags isn’t always straightforward—but with the right information, you can make sure they truly benefit the environment.
- Don’t recycle them.
- Do compost them—at home if certified, or in industrial facilities if accepted.
- Check your city’s rules to avoid contamination.
If compostable bags aren’t accepted in your area, consider paper, cardboard, or going liner-free as sustainable alternatives.
Making the switch to compostable bags is a great start—disposing of them properly ensures they really make a difference.
FAQ
Can compostable bags go in the recycling bin?
No. They contaminate recycling facilities.
Do compostable bags break down in a home compost pile?
Only if they are certified home compostable and conditions are right.
How long do compostable bags take to decompose?
In industrial composting: weeks. In home compost: months (depending on conditions).
Why do some cities ban compostable bags?
They’re often not compatible with existing composting facilities, and contamination is costly.
Which certifications should I look for?
BPI (North America), ASTM D6400, EN13432 (Europe).
Related Articles:
- 2025 Biodegradable Vs Compostable: Comprehensive Guide
- Compostable En13432:Complete Guide
- BPI Compostable Certification Meaning: Matters for Sustainable Packaging
- What Is Astm D6400? Environmental Standards for Compostable Bags
- Are Compostable Bags Really Compostable-2025 [Full Guide]
- Recycling vs Composting: Which Is Best for You?
