Biodegradable Garbage Bags: Are They Really Better for the Planet?

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Biodegradable Compostable garbage bag

Did you know that between 500 billion and 1 trillion plastic bags are used globally every year? That’s up to 1 million bags every minute, and most of them remain in landfills for 500 years or more, slowly breaking down into harmful microplastics.

That’s why many people are switching to biodegradable garbage bags. They’re not perfect, but when used correctly, they help cut down plastic pollution and protect wildlife, water, and land. Here’s what you need to know before choosing the right bag.

Compostable vs. Biodegradable Bags

One of the most common questions is: What’s the difference?

  • Biodegradable Bags: These break down faster than traditional plastics but still depend on heat, moisture, and microorganisms. In a landfill, they can last for decades and sometimes leave toxic residues.
  • Compostable Bags: Certified under ASTM D6400 and BPI Certification, these bags are designed to fully break down into safe, natural materials when processed in industrial composting systems.

If you’re collecting kitchen scraps or organic waste for curbside compost, compostable bags are the safest choice. If you’re looking for a lower-impact option for general trash, biodegradable bags are still better than regular plastic—but only in the right conditions.

How Long Biodegradable Bags Actually Take to Decompose

The rate at which a biodegradable bag breaks down depends mainly on its final destination. Conditions like temperature, moisture, and exposure to air make all the difference.

🔥 Hot, moist composting facilities

In commercial composting facilities, where heat and moisture are carefully managed, biodegradable and compostable bags can break down in just a few weeks to a few months. These facilities are designed to keep microorganisms active, which significantly accelerates decomposition.

❄️ Cool or dry conditions

In cooler or drier climates, biodegradable bags take significantly longer to break down. Without sufficient heat or moisture, the tiny organisms that break them apart cannot perform their job as effectively. As a result, it can take many months or even years for a bag to decompose completely.

🏔️ Landfills

Landfills are the most challenging environment for biodegradable bags to break down. They are packed so tightly that neither air nor sunlight can reach inside, and both are necessary for the decomposition process. Under these conditions, bags can last for decades, and some may never fully decompose. Instead, they might turn into tiny pieces of plastic called microplastics.

Composting Program

If your city offers a composting program, that’s the best place to send compostable bags. For example, where I live in Seattle, we have free composting services that make it easy to put food scraps and compostable bags in the green bin. In a landfill, these bags won’t live up to their eco-friendly promise.

How to check your city’s composting options:

  • Visit your city’s official website or sanitation department page.
  • Look for terms like “curbside composting,” “food scrap collection,” or “drop-off composting.”
  • And if you can’t find anything online, try contacting your local waste services and asking if compostable bags are accepted in their program.

When your compostable bag ends up at a real compost facility instead of at a landfill, it actually breaks down like it’s supposed to.

What Makes a Trash Bag Eco-Friendly

Not all “green” trash bags are created equal. Here’s what really matters when deciding if a bag is truly eco-friendly:

Renewable Materials

Look for bags made with cornstarch, PLA (polylactic acid), or other plant-based materials instead of petroleum-based plastics. These renewable resources reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and typically break down more quickly.

Certifications

Trusted certifications prove the bag has been tested to actually decompose without leaving harmful residues.

  • ASTM D6400: The U.S. standard for compostable plastics (ASTM International)
  • BPI Certification: Independent third-party verification for compostability (Biodegradable Products Institute)
  • UL ECOLOGO: A broader sustainability standard for reduced environmental impact (UL ECOLOGO)

Recycled Content

Some eco-friendly trash bags are made from plastic that has already been used and recycled. This is called post-consumer recycled plastic. Instead of throwing that plastic away, it gets turned into new bags through a closed-loop recycling system. It reduces waste and gives old plastic a second life.

Supportive Policies

In many cities and states, laws now limit or ban the use of single-use plastic bags. To meet these rules, compostable and biodegradable bags are often encouraged as alternatives. These policies make it easier for households and businesses to choose more sustainable options.

Carbon Footprint

Bags made from plant-based or recycled materials typically require less energy to produce. That means they use fewer fossil fuels and release less carbon dioxide into the air. Over time, choosing these types of bags helps lower their impact on the climate.

Even with all these improvements, remember: every disposable bag still creates waste. The most eco-friendly choice is to reduce the number of bags you use whenever possible by reusing liners, skipping liners for dry trash, or washing out your bin.

Recommended Biodegradable and Compostable Garbage Bag Brands

Here are some trusted brands to consider. While many are marketed as “biodegradable,” the best options are usually certified compostable and designed to break down fully under the right conditions. Since that’s what most people are really looking for when they search for biodegradable bags, the picks below highlight compostable choices.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Bags

Here are a few ways to get the most out of biodegradable and compostable bags:

  • Buy only what you’ll use in a year: Biodegradable bags don’t last forever, most weaken after 12 to 18 months. Think of them like pantry staples: you wouldn’t stockpile more bread than you can eat before it goes stale, so only keep a supply of bags you’ll actually use.
  • Store them properly: Heat and sunlight cause the materials to break down early. Store them in a cool, dry cupboard just like you would with flour or pasta, so they remain strong when you need them.
  • Use the right bag for the right job: Do you have a compost bin in your kitchen? Compostable bags are perfect for catching fruit peels, coffee grounds, and dinner scraps. For bathroom or bedroom trash, where the waste is mostly paper or packaging, a recycled-content bag may be the better choice.
  • Check your city’s composting rules: Some cities allow you to toss certified compostable bags directly into the green bin, while others require you to empty the food scraps and dispose of the bag separately. A glance at your local waste guidelines will help you avoid mistakes.
  • Remember, they’re not a perfect solution: It’s tempting to think biodegradable bags solve the whole plastic problem, but they don’t. You can reduce waste even further by reusing liners for dry trash, rinsing out your trash can, or skipping a liner altogether in areas like your home office.

FAQs About Biodegradable Garbage Bags

Do biodegradable garbage bags break down in backyard compost?

Most don’t. Backyard compost piles typically remain cooler and drier than industrial composting facilities, so many biodegradable bags may not fully decompose. Look for bags labeled as “home compostable” if you want to try them in your own bin.

Are biodegradable bags safe for animals and soil?

Certified compostable bags (like those tested under ASTM D6400 and BPI) are designed to break down without leaving harmful residues. Non-certified “biodegradable” bags, however, may leave behind microplastics or additives that aren’t as safe.

Do these bags cost more than regular plastic trash bags?

Yes, eco-friendly bags usually cost a bit more. However, prices have been decreasing as demand increases, and many households find that using fewer bags overall helps offset the cost.

Do biodegradable bags reduce odors better than plastic?

Not always. Compostable bags can let more moisture through than plastic, which can sometimes cause odors if they are not emptied often. A simple trick is to keep your kitchen compost pail in the fridge or freezer. That way, food scraps stay fresh longer and smells remain under control until it is time to take the bag out.

Final Thoughts on Biodegradable Garbage Bags

Biodegradable and compostable garbage bags are not perfect, but they are still a better choice than regular plastic bags. The key is learning when and how to use them so they actually help the environment. Even small steps, such as selecting the right bag for the job, can make a significant difference over time.

If you’re dealing with food scraps or yard waste, compostable bags certified to standards such as ASTM D6400 and BPI are the best option. For everyday trash, biodegradable or recycled-content bags can cut down your impact compared to standard plastic.

But here’s the most important thing: even the “green” options are still single-use. The best step for the planet is to make each bag go further—like reusing liners for dry waste or rinsing out your bin so you don’t need to replace bags as often.

Making these small changes might not seem significant on their own, but they do add up. Choosing better trash bags is a straightforward way to reduce plastic pollution and live a little more sustainably every day.

💬What about you? Do you use compostable, biodegradable, or recycled bags in your home? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to know what’s working for you.

Featured image from Amazon.

📚References
  1. Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. (2005, July 21). Plastic bag pollution (Fact Sheet). https://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/plasticbags/articles/googobits_07-21-05.pdf
  2. Plastic Oceans International. (n.d.). Plastic pollution facts. https://www.plasticoceans.org/blog/the-facts

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