Discover the 9 Best Biodegradable Garbage Bags for Sustainable Living

Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Sneha Sridhar

We do not want to begin this one with startling, shocking (and disappointing) data that will make you tut-tut at where the world is going. We know that it is disappointing out there and that we can always make it a little better.

In fact, the tut-tutting is good- a lot of people want to decrease their carbon footprint and plastic use to save our oceans from becoming a landfill. And this trickles down to the surge in using biodegradable garbage bags recently.

The 9 Best Biodegradable and Compostable Garbage Bags You Should Try!

And here we are at the good part after what seemed like eons of lecturing about the DOs and DON’Ts of biodegradable and compostable disposal options. We want to tell you that this list doesn’t only feature bags and liners you can use to dispose of your kitchen waste, but bags you can use to clean up after your little critter has done their poo-poo. All these options are BPI-certified, so go right ahead and get your pick!

Are Biodegradable Garbage Bags Reliable?

To say that green and compostable garbage bags are a rage today might be an understatement. But, can we really count on them for the quality and the purpose they promise? Are they really better than the single-use black plastic bags that have been there for so long? Are they quite a genuine prospect or are they a passing faux-conscious trend like greenwashing?

These new, biodegradable trash bags, unfortunately, have not been able to pass the test of sustainability with flying colors. Green garbage bags lag a little behind in consumer experience too. At this point, they might look like a farce gift wrapped in green – but that is not the complete truth about what they are. In addition, there are clear problems with how we use the term ‘biodegradable’ ourselves. This is because we lack a basic understanding of the differences involved, the other options available, or how to properly interpret the labels.

We are going to delve into all these aspects and tell you everything – from pros and cons, how biodegradable bags are made, and the best garbage bags that might change the way you throw your trash.

What Are Biodegradable Trash Bags Made Of?

The word ‘biodegradable’ usually conjures up images of all things that are green, organic, and fresh. Most of us know what biodegradable is– it is everything that is disintegrated by bacterial or microbial action and is totally assimilated into nature when the process ends. It is here that people confuse ‘biodegradable’ and compostable – for the whole explanation of why these two are different, keep reading. You’ll learn that trash bags marketed as biodegradable are mainly made with bioplastics.

This might be something of a shock since we are always told that anything related to plastics and plastic itself goes into the blue bin designated for non-biodegradable waste. But, the truth is that biodegradable plastics DO EXIST (and they go into making biodegradable garbage bags)! It is still plastic though, but it is made from natural by-products like bamboo and sugarcane rather than fossil fuels. Bioplastics are usually designed to disintegrate when they come in contact with specific substances like sunlight or air. If you want to check what exactly will help your bioplastic trash bag disintegrate, look for labels that say ‘photodegradable’ or ‘oxo-degradable’.

Bags made out of biodegradable plastics have some downsides as well. For one, they are pretty expensive to manufacture, and secondly, they might not fully decay as compostable bags do. Bioplastic garbage bags can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a large margin, almost by 25%. If disposed of in the right environment, these bags can actually decompose about 1,000 times faster than your regular plastic trash bag- which apparently never decomposes and releases unwarranted toxins into the soil.

Bioplastics usually follow the European Standard EN 13432. For more information on what exactly classifies this starch-based and wood-based component biodegradable- look up this definition of bioplastics.

Are Biodegradable Trash Bags Compostable?

Here is where the differentiation kicks in. Not all biodegradable bags are compostable. We know you have your own doubts, given how we are taught that everything that is biodegradable is compostable too.

But, let us reiterate- compostable goods are not the same as biodegradable goods. It is because biodegradable trash bags can also contain harmful chemicals, whilst compostable bags travel the extra mile and do not harm plant growth.

Compostable bags follow the provisions of the ASTM D6400 standard:

1. The bags should disintegrate to the point that it is not distinguishable from real decayed material
2. Actual microbial action should take place on compostable goods at a similar rate to composting
3. A compostable bag should reach at least a 90% threshold of carbon conversion within 180 days

Still confused? Here are more points of difference between the two.

Biodegradable bags might have added microbes whereas compostable bags decay with natural microbial action. Biodegradable plastics, unfortunately, still contain little pieces of plastic. Compostable bags, on the contrary, are entirely made of natural materials that break down into non-toxic material and can even enrich your backyard.

So, if there was a tug-of-war between the two, compostable bags would clearly win. You should be a little cautious here- just because a garbage bag is eco-friendly- it doesn’t mean that its disposal will be entirely unproblematic. Be mindful that such trash bags decompose well only when they are not disposed of in your regular landfill.

Eco-friendly trash bags decompose only in the presence of:

• Microbes
• Heat
• Time
• Moisture
• Oxygen

This is why it is also necessary if we are going towards greener recycling methods for disposing of our trash. Making way for a dedicated and separate waste stream for the disposal of such bags.

Are Eco-Friendly Trash Bags Indeed Eco-Friendly?

This might be debatable if we take into view how manufacturers have found their own safe haven in greenwashing.

However, we recommend that compostable AND biodegradable trash bags are the way to go- they are eco-friendly indeed. You just need to check if they have a:

1. BPI Certification: The Biodegradable Products Institute verifies the decomposability of products such as garbage bags. A BPI certification indicates that the product meets ASTM D6400 and/or ASTM D6868 (for packaging) criteria.
2. European Bioplastics Standard verification: This is something we have already talked about in the bioplastics section, the EBS tells us that a product can fully biodegrade after six months.
3. TUV AUSTRIA Certifications: OK COMPOST HOME S0014 (for home composting systems); SOIL S0014 (that certifies a product as biodegradable); and OK COMPOST INDUSTRIAL S0014 (perfect for industrial composting systems).

Why Should I Choose Biodegradable and Compostable Trash Bags?

Actually, the question should be why you shouldn’t. As you must be aware, single-use plastic bags that are liberally pumped and dumped in our ecosystem are simply bad for everyone.

First of all, they are non-biodegradable (and hence, ungrateful little monstrosities) that take more than 1,000 years to degrade fully. Secondly, single-use plastic bags (so what if they are vanilla-scented and have floral prints all over them?!) that are floating around in our oceans and clogging drains are simply dangerous to plant and animal life. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, single-use plastics in oceans are ingested by animals and some are even entangled in them.

Thirdly, increasing plastic use is a direct cause of climate change too. If that will not beckon you to seek better alternatives out there, we don’t know what will. Climate change isn’t just cribbing and throwing coins in the Fountain of Trevi. It is because plastics are a product generated from fossil fuels. Imagine how much carbon have we been releasing in all these years and how much more will we be as we continue to generate and incinerate plastic waste incessantly.

So, where do biodegradable and compostable trash bags figure? Isn’t bioplastics a problem too? Let’s get something straight – when we are talking about biodegradable and compostable garbage bags, we are not adhering to either of the two, we are emphasizing on the best of both.

We know that microplastic release into the soil is an issue, but this is exactly why we say that a bag that is both compostable and biodegradable is a good way to transition to a healthier way of disposal. Feel free to dispose of your yard waste, food scraps, and stationary debris like paper and pencil shavings in these bags, and off they go to assimilate and nourish your yard.

Some options can be on the costlier end and you might be looking at the fact that these bags are not as strong or leakproof compared to plastic bags. But believe in good science, innovation, and intent- things are getting better. You can go ahead and line up your bins with these green trash bags and incorporate some maxims of sustainable living into your life!

The Ecowiser Take on Biodegradable Garbage Bags

Now that we have told you pretty much the A-Z of what is the truth, science, and ethics of biodegradable and compostable garbage bags, we believe that you are totally equipped to take a call on how you want to throw your trash. In our opinion, while the current options, especially bioplastics aren’t exactly redeeming, they are a part of the larger change we wish to bring into our lives and for the betterment of the planet.

If you are using single-use plastic bags right now, it isn’t too late to transition to better options like biodegradable garbage bags, just do your investigation into brands before going for them and you will be peachy to begin yet another journey to achieve a sustainable lifestyle and be a conscious consumer.

Discover plastic-free and sustainable living at Ecowiser! Visit our website today for eco-friendly solutions that make a positive impact on the environment. Start your journey towards a greener future now!