Top 9 Certified Compostable Garbage/Trash Bags for a Greener Home

Last Updated on October 31, 2023 by

We generate a lot of waste every day. A study published by the Environmental Protection Agency states that an average American generates roughly a little more than 4 pounds of trash each day and 1.5 tons of solid waste in a year. That’s a lot of trash, and to dispose of this trash, we need trash bags. This might be a problem for eco-conscious consumers as most of the trash bags available in the market till now were made of plastic, a major environmental threat.

But we have an alternative now! Compostable trash bags can be composted or sent to the composting facility, where they can degrade and not threaten the environment. Our research team has curated a list of the top 9 certified compostable garbage bags and has got you covered! Explore the advantages of using compostable trash bags, a key solution in eco-friendly waste management, and understand their role in fostering a more sustainable planet.

Top 9 Compostable Garbage/Trash Bags

These compostable garbage bags make a brilliant choice for your kitchen countertop bin or restaurants, as they come in varied sizes. Plus, they come with certified frustration-free packaging. Approved by Compost Manufacturing Alliance, they are compatible with backyard compost systems and are manufactured using resin imported from Italy. 

Certified compostable in the US and Europe, these are perfect compostable garbage bags to handle your trash mess-free. They also come in varied sizes depending on your needs and can be composted in your backyard. They have a high biobased content, thus making them durable, non-toxic, and good for the environment. 

Orangebio’s compostable garbage bags come in varied sizes and fit most tall compost bins. These are certified and can be composted in your backyard or an industrial facility, ideally turning into rich humus in 90 days. Made from plant-based material, these bags are environmentally friendly and a good choice for moving towards a zero-waste lifestyle. 

If you’re looking for compostable garbage bags that are durable, then Aneco is your best bet. These certified bags are extra durable and made using bio-based materials like corn starch. They are said to be ideal for home as well as industrial compost facilities and turn into water, carbon dioxide, and humus in about 6-12 months. 

A perfect option for environmentally friendly composting garbage disposal, this trash bag can be used in your kitchen compost bin or for composting your organic waste in the backyard. They are extra thick with 0.71 Mil, delivering an anti-tear, leakproof and durable material. And these compostable garbage bags are also certified! 

Tankon bags, like any other bag on this expert-curated list, are eco-friendly garbage bags for your green home essentials. They are certified and can be composted in your backyards. These compostable bags come in a continuous roll and have a thickness of 0.51 Mil, meaning they would degrade faster than those thick bags. 

Grefusion compostable garbage bags are among people’s favorites and can be used in your bathroom trash can or kitchen countertop as they come in varied sizes. Of course, they are certified compostable, which is ideal for organic veggies and fruit compositing. Still, they can also be used for just about anything from animal waste to baby waste and recyclable waste. 

Green Earth makes 100% compostable trash bags from non-GMO plants that decompose in home and industrial environments. BPI-certified and ASTM-compliant, these compostable garbage bags are good for the environment and are available in various sizes.

Made from corn and corn starch, these bin liners are eco-friendly waste disposal options for your home or organization. These certified compostable and biodegradable garbage bags come with a thickness of 0.71 Mil, thus making them truly durable. And the packaging is also 100% biodegradable! 

Why Compostable Garbage Bags?

Compostable garbage bags are undoubtedly different from biodegradable and standard plastic trash bags. Traditional plastic trash bags are made of low-density polyethylene, a petroleum derivative. Thus, it takes years and years to decompose. At the same time, compostable garbage bags are made of natural plant-based materials like corn or potato starch instead of petroleum (used to manufacture regular plastic bags). 

The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) in the US states that if a bag is certified compostable, it takes around 84 days for it to break down in an industrial composting facility. But it is crucial to remember that these eco-friendly garbage bags need a certain kind of environment for a proper breakdown, which composting facilities ideally offer. By choosing compostable trash bags, you are opting for a product made from renewable resources, contributing to sustainable garbage disposal and lessening dependence on fossil fuels.

Biodegradable vs. Compostable Garbage Bags

What is a biodegradable waste bag? If a trash bag is labeled biodegradable, it will eventually degrade when left in the natural environment with the help of bacteria and fungi. But the problem is that it does not have any specific time for degradation and, therefore, looks like a greenwashing problem. 

As you know, that is not the case with certified compostable bags. Since they are made of natural materials, when disposed of in the right way in the right place, they will break down in a certain amount of time. In contrast to biodegradable trash bags, compostable trash bags ensure complete decomposition in composting facilities, leaving no harmful residues behind.

Also Read: 10 Awesome Vegan Handbag Recommendations

Factors to Consider When Buying Compostable Trash Bags

Different compostable bags will have different durability. Since they are made to break down, they will eventually break down. But you want your bag to stay put when it’s full of trash. So check for reviews on websites like Amazon or Walmart before buying. 

Also, consider the size you’re buying. Small compost bags can hold up to 1 gallon of waste and fit your countertop bin. Large bags are also particularly suited for large organizations like restaurants, which can fill the bag with organic matter quickly. The manufacturer of these green trash bags generally provides details on how much waste they can hold. 

Composting time and the place also varies from bag to bag. Some compostable bags can be composted in your backyard, while others cannot. And the most essential thing is certifications. Ensure your compostable trash bags are certified, as this guarantees they meet strict compostability standards for eco-friendly waste solutions.

Certifications To Look Out For Compostable Garbage/Trash Bags

Certifications to look out for when choosing biodegradable/compostable garbage bags:

• ASTM D6400 by Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) — The ASTM D6400 by BPI certification denotes use in commercial and municipal composting facilities in compliance with U.S. Standard ASTM D6400.

• OK Compost Home by TUV Austria —  The OK Compost Home certification denotes the product is 100% home compostable.

• OK Compost Industrial by TUV Austria — The OK Compost Industrial certification denotes the product is industrially compostable only.

• European Standard EN 13432/ Seedling — This certification serves as evidence that the product is compliant with the European standard EN 13432 for industrial composting only

Also Read: Top 8 Certified Organic and Non-Toxic Mattresses

FAQs About Compostable Garbage/Trash Bags

Are Compostable Garbage Bags Really Compostable?

Yes, compostable garbage bags are designed to break down fully in composting conditions, turning into water, CO2, and biomass. Ensure proper disposal in industrial composting facilities for best results.

How Do Compostable Trash Bags Differ from Biodegradable Bags?

Compostable trash bags break down completely within a specific timeframe, leaving no toxic residue, while biodegradable bags may take longer and can sometimes leave behind microplastics.

Can I Use Compostable Bags for My Kitchen Waste?

Yes, compostable bags are great for kitchen waste, especially for organic materials, helping to divert waste from landfills and contribute to compost production.

Conclusion – Embracing Compostable Trash/Garbage Bags

Choosing certified compostable garbage/trash bags is a practical and eco-friendly step towards a greener home. With a variety of brands and options available, you can find the right bag to suit your needs. Look for certifications like European Standard EN 13432/ Seedling or ASTM D6400 to ensure they meet industry standards.

Using these bags and responsibly disposing of them through composting can reduce plastic waste and contribute to a more sustainable future. Embracing compostable trash bags is a significant stride towards achieving sustainable garbage disposal and a greener future.

Explore our eco-friendly product range now and use coupon codes for exclusive discounts – sustainable shopping that’s kind to both the planet and your wallet!

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