If you save food scraps for composting, lining your kitchen collection bin with a bag labeled as compostable or biodegradable may seem like a great way to keep it clean and transport all those veggie peels and coffee grinds to your compost heap or municipal dropoff point. However, whether or not you actually need to buy those liners depends on several factors—and in fact, many experts say it’s better to forgo liners altogether or just reuse paper bags instead.
Here's what you need to know about compost bin liners, why they may do more harm than good even if they’re compostable, and how you can keep your kitchen tidy without them.
Compostable bags may look and feel similar to plastic produce bags made from petroleum, but they’re manufactured out of plant-based materials, such as vegetable starches, wood pulp, lactic acid, or soy proteins. These materials are designed to be consumed by microorganisms that help them decompose into the soil-like organic substance we know as compost.
The problem is that not all composting systems create the right environment for these bags to fully break down. Typically, only municipal or commercial composting facilities—not home composting setups—generate enough heat, moisture, and airflow to allow for full decomposition. But these facilities can also differ in their capacities, so even if your food scraps get collected for off-site composting, compostable bags may still be prohibited.
It depends. Just as every town seems to have its own set of rules about what kind of recycling it accepts, one composting system may differ from another in its ability to take compostable bags.
The most important thing you can do is confirm with your municipal collection, compost drop-off, or private composting service what kinds of materials are and aren’t allowed and then abide by that.
If you are allowed to use compostable bags, your best bet is to look for ones with a logo from the Biodegradable Products Institute, a not-for-profit organization that issues a compostability certification widely considered the gold standard in the US. (You can also check here to see if an item is BPI certified.) The certification relies in part on ASTM International compostability standards to determine whether an item will break down “quickly, completely and safely, when composted in well-run municipal and commercial facilities.” It also prohibits the addition of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), which are sometimes used in packaging and can persist in the environment for a very long time.
You probably don’t want to, since they likely won’t decompose well. At-home composting systems, including tumblers, in-ground composters, and worm towers, typically don’t generate enough heat to fully break the bags down. “We have experimented with trying to compost these bags in backyard tumblers and did not have much success; they composted somewhat, but definitely not fully,” Michelle Bradley, co-founder of Java’s Compost, a private composting service in New Jersey, said in an interview.
No, you can’t. A bag (or another disposable item, like plastic cutlery) that’s labeled biodegradable is not necessarily also compostable. In fact, BPI executive director Rhodes Yepsen said in an interview that biodegradable is a word that’s “too vague to be meaningful” as a marketing term on its own without additional context. A manufacturer can call an item biodegradable without specifying that the degradation process could take centuries or require a specific environment to thoroughly degrade. The term also doesn’t necessarily mean that the item breaks down into nontoxic components, either; it just means that, sooner or later, it breaks down into something else.
“It’s not a real thing,” at least not in terms of waste management, said New York City Department of Sanitation commissioner Jessica Tisch in a interview. “If a product can’t be composted, it’s going to a landfill. And if it’s going to a landfill, the biodegradable stuff in a landfill sits there for decades or centuries.”
Some cities suggest residents use brown paper bags or newspaper as liners for their food-scrap containers instead of buying so-called compostable bags. But as always, if you’re participating in an off-site composting program, it’s best to confirm if paper bags are accepted. For at-home composting, brown paper bags are a great addition to your pile, since paper goods can improve the nutritional balance of compost.
Stashing food scraps in your freezer is another way to keep things tidy and odor free. Tisch (who opts for this method at home) noted that if you store your compost in the freezer you can forgo a countertop bin altogether; instead, you can use something like an old plastic takeout container, which you can wash between uses.
If you opt for a countertop container, one with a built-in charcoal filter helps reduce odor. (The Oggi Countertop Compost Pail comes with a filter and is a staff favorite.) And, of course, if you take out the bin often and rinse it out after each use, smells shouldn’t build up in the first place.
If you’re looking for more recommendations about what to do with those scraps after you’ve collected them, check out our staff’s favorite compost bins.
This article was edited by Katie Okamoto and Christine Cyr Clisset.
1. Michelle Bradley, co-founder of Java’s Compost, interview, September 13,
2. Rhodes Yepsen, executive director at Biodegradable Products Institute, interview, September 19,
Every second, humans use 160,000 bags. That’s roughly 5 trillion single-use plastic bags every year.
We rely on single-use plastic bags for our grocery shopping, food and yard waste disposal, and more. But while convenient, plastic bags have a long-lasting impact. Which is part of their point - to last a long time.
But they’re made from non-renewable fossil fuels and can take hundreds of years to break down. In fact, just about every bit of plastic we have ever used in our lifetime, still exists in one form or another. Which affects ecosystems, wildlife and even contaminates our water.
It's time to do something different. Compost bags for your food and yard waste have emerged as an sustainable alternative. One bag at a time is a small and simple way for people to reduce the use of single-use plastics.
Compostable bags are a sustainable alternative to plastic bags. They break down into organic waste and break down in a composting environment, just like a piece of fruit. They create nutrient-rich soil which will help plants grow.
These worm-friendly alternatives come from renewable and biodegradable materials, like corn starch, or cellulose.
MyEcoWorld® compostable bags are made from 30% corn and other certified compostable materials such as PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate), and PLA (Polylactic Acid). Our bags deliver the perfect combination of thickness, strength and puncture resistance.
Here's how they work:
Together, PBAT provides flexibility, while PLA adds strength. A great combination to match the performance of their plastic counterparts. But one that also breaks down much faster when composted. Check out more on our product certifications and FAQs to learn more.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Because We Care.
Compostable bags provide a more sustainable option for your food or garden waste than traditional plastic bags. They help us reduce waste, reduce our plastic reliance, and put the planet first. So we can have a world that's free from conventional single-use plastics. Read more on the impacts with plastics in our environment - Earth.
Compostable bags provide a more sustainable option for your food or garden waste than traditional plastic bags. They help us reduce waste, reduce our plastic reliance, and put the planet first. So we can have a world that's free from conventional single-use plastics.
By choosing the plastic-free option, we cut our reliance on fossil fuels. We also reduce our use of single-use plastics and help lower waste overall. Remember, every choice makes a difference.
Read more on the different types of microplastics that researchers are uncovering in our soil from single-use traditional plastic bags - such like the waste bags you use to collect your Pet's poop.
Using composting options means both the bag and the waste can turn into rich compost. This compost can improve soil health or even grow the plants from which the bag comes from. A circular economy loop that enriches gardens, farms and other green spaces is one we want more of. It's what we see as Our Eco World. Learn about how you can start to compost at home.
In landfills, organic waste decomposes anaerobically and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Using this plastic alternative diverts organic waste from landfills and reduces methane emissions.
Unlike traditional plastic bags, these bags break down without harmful microplastics or other residues. This means they won't contaminate soil and water systems.
Making the switch to compostable bags can be a small yet impactful step towards a greener future.
The demand for more sustainable waste streams is growing. And so is the availability of options. You can find plastic-free choices in shops, online marketplaces, sustainable stores and even from local government programs. This will make it easier for you to find and use these eco-focused alternative options in your daily efforts to reduce plastic waste. But make sure to do your research before you buy.
Compostable bags are often certified by independent organizations. For example, MyEcoWorld® 's compostable 3 Gal, 13 Gal, and 33 Gal bags are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). This means they meet strict U.S. standards for composability. When you see the mark of approval, you can be confident they will break down properly when disposed of in the right composting facilities. Learn more about our product certifications - we take great pride in these.
It's important to check if your local municipalities accepts compostable bags, as not all do. If you end up putting your bags in the landfill, you are still making a difference by helping remove conventional single-use plastics out of the waste stream.
Some local composting programs or waste management services may offer specific bags for their waste collection services.
Yes, compostable bags are usually more expensive than regular plastic bags, because of the cost of renewable materials.
The market and demand are still growing. Because of this, we have not yet reached the same production scale and cost efficiencies as larger manufacturers. We also stand for superior quality and durability to make them just as reliable as your traditional bags.
But the benefits to the planet like single-use plastic reduction make them a worthwhile investment. To save money, consider a MyEcoWorld® subscription, which offer an affordable and convenient way to make the switch.
Choosing the best compostable bag doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are a few FAQs to guide you:
Yes, compostable bags can be used for yard waste. However, check with your local waste management guidelines first to ensure they accept them.
Some bags require industrial composting conditions. So make sure you choose a BPI certified brand like MyEcoWorld® to meet local requirements. This means they meet the home and industrial standards, making them a reliable choice for your yard waste.
Using compostable bags for your food countertop compost waste is a great way to put the organic waste from your kitchen to good use. Some local governments do not accept composting bags so make sure to check first. When picking your bags, look for ones that are certified to break down in your local composting facility.
There are multiple sizes to choose from when it comes to waste reduction with compost bags, depending on your needs. MyEcoWorld® offers compostable products in different sizes. You can find 3-Gal and 13-Gal kitchen liners. We also have 33-Gal yard waste bags to fit your needs.
Choosing the right compost bin liner size for your kitchen bins or garden waste can help reduce plastic waste and make your life easier.
People often ask us if the non-conventional plastic alternatives are actually strong enough to handle what we throw at them. While we don’t typically recommend using a compostable bag for rocks (!), the strength of your bag will be down to your brand choice. Though they are gentle enough for Mother Earth, ours are tough enough to handle organic waste, all the way to the soil.
Take your time researching and choosing the best compostable bag for your needs. Do you need it for food scraps? Or do you want it for the garden waste? Check your local government’s guidelines before you purchase to ensure your efforts don’t go to waste.
Compostable bags break down completely with less harmful side effects. As well as supporting the shift to a circular economy.
They are a small step towards a sustainable future. But remember to follow local guidelines and use the products as intended to have a positive impact on the environment.
By using compostable bags, people can help create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our planet. One bag at a time.
Want more information on Compostable PBAT bin liners? Feel free to contact us.