We love camping and adventuring, but we also want to do our part in protecting the environment. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best biodegradable garbage bags available in 2023. These bags are designed to decompose faster than regular plastic bags, meaning they don’t take up as much space in landfills and cause less environmental damage when they break down. They’re a great alternative to plastic dustbin bags.
For the most eco-friendly options, we recommend using biodegradable compost bags for food waste or those made from plant-based materials. For regular kitchen trash and bathroom waste, there are plenty of biodegradable options that will decompose faster than traditional plastic garbage bags. We’ve also included some extra tips and questions to consider when choosing the right compostable trash bag.
What are biodegradable trash bags?
Ever wonder what happens to the trash after you take it out? More specifically, what happens to the plastic trash bag itself? Biodegradable garbage bags are an environmentally-friendly option that allows your waste to naturally breakdown over time. These eco-friendly refuse bags are made of materials such as paper, starch, and vegetable plastics which allow them to break down in a much shorter amount of time than traditional plastic garbage bags.
Sure, you may have trash in the bag, but with biodegradable garbage bags, you can rest assured knowing that your plastic trash bags will not be sitting in a landfill for years and years to come.
So what are the best biodegradable trash bags of 2023? Here is a quick roundup of our top five picks for the best biodegradable garbage bags on the market.
The best biodegradable garbage bags on the market.
Instead of mindlessly throwing random bags at you, we tested dozens of bags and found the best ones for various tasks. Here’s how we broke them down.
- The best for food waste.
- The best for the kitchen.
- Best for dog cleanup.
- Best for outdoor use.
- The best for heavy-duty jobs.
When we looked at these biodegradable plastic bags, we took several factors into consideration.
- How compostable are the bags?
- What is the size of the bag?
- Are they durable and heavy-duty?
- What’s the best use for these compostable bags?
- What are others saying about the biodegradable bags?
UNNI Compostable Bags – The best for food waste.
If you want an ethical and sustainable choice for a cleaner environment, UNNI Compostable Bags are the way to go. Perfectly sized for organic waste with 2.6 Gallon capacity and made from plant starches without any polyethylene, these bags guarantee 100% biodegradability in home composting facilities.
These biodegradable trash bags work well for food waste if you want to throw them into your home composting bin. They are extra durable, non-toxic, and easy to use and store – just make sure to purchase only as many as you can use in nine months because the bags start breaking down around that time.
With UNNI compostable bags, you not only help make Earth a better place by replacing plastic but also take responsibility for future generations of our planet.
Emily’s Choice Tall Trash Bags – The best for the kitchen.
Emily’s Choice biodegradable garbage bags have been specially designed to make cleanup times easier without compromising on quality.
Engineered from puncture-resistant materials and compatible with Code Q, these heavy-duty bags are capable of holding even the most heavily filled trash cans and overflowing with sharp objects such as bones, tin, etc. With a 1.2 mil thickness and 13 to 17-gallon capacity, they are perfectly sized to fit most standard-size trash cans, making them an excellent choice for kitchens and RVs.
What really sets these biodegradable bags apart is their fast breakdown. They use D2W technology that helps rapidly break down plastics into materials that are easily absorbed into the earth, helping leave Earth a better place for future generations.
The thoughtful design also makes it super easy to tie shut – no more struggling to close the bag in moments. Plus it has been ASTM 6954 Standard Tested so you know you’re getting quality when you purchase Emily’s Choice biodegradable garbage bags.
AYOTEE Mini Compostable Trash Bags – Best for dog poop cleanup.
Emily’s Choice Compostable Bags are an excellent choice for an eco-friendly family that wants to clean up after their pup in a responsible manner. These 1 Gallon trash bags and compost bin bags are ASTM D6400 compliant and fit round garbage bins around 1-1.5 gallons in size in the bathroom, bedroom, car, kitchen, and office. Featuring an 18-micron medium thickness and star-seal bottom, these leak-proof bags are thick enough to hold heavy garbage without tearing or breaking.
The thoughtful design also makes it easy to store and carry the bags around conveniently while being unscented, non-toxic, and odorless. With multiple uses such as disposing of dog waste, diapers, office garbage, and even car trash – these multi-purpose small trash bags make it easy to keep your environment clean without damaging the Earth.
GreFusion Eco-Friendly Compost Bags – Best for outdoor use.
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly way to dispose of your waste and help reduce environmental waste, then Emily’s Choice Compostable Bags are a perfect choice.
These 13-gallon trash bags and compost bin bags are made of all-natural, biodegradable corn starch and come certified ASTM D6400 and BPI. What sets these bags apart is their unique high-density blend and 1.01 mils thickness that make them strong enough to hold even the heaviest loads without breaking or tearing.
They’re large enough to fit most large compost cans, making it easy to store grass clippings without spilling any mess.
When adding in their leak-proof seals, it’s really no wonder why this product gets rave reviews from customers who love its durability and convenience.
EcoOak Compostable Trash Bags – The best for heavy duty jobs.
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly solution to disposing of your kitchen waste, look no further than EcoOak kitchen trash bags.
These 100% compostable and biodegradable bags are made from renewable raw materials like plant starches, making them an excellent option for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on quality.
Not only are these bags certified with the US & European standards of DIN EN13432, OK Compost, OK Compost Home, and ASTM D6400, but they also boast a 1.4 mil (35 microns) thickness that makes them incredibly tear-resistant and able to withstand heavy loads without fear of leakage.
And coming in at 13 gallons makes them incredibly convenient and reliable for everyday use in the kitchen.
If you’re looking for something heavy-duty yet eco-friendly, EcoOak is an excellent choice.
Compostable trash bags are better for the environment.
Biodegradable trash bags are an excellent choice for those looking to do their part in protecting the environment. Unlike traditional plastic bags, which are made from non-renewable resources and can take hundreds of years to decompose, biodegradable trash bags are made from sustainable and renewable materials like plant starch, plant materials, and other organic materials that break down much more quickly.
This means that biodegradable trash bags will leave no trace on our planet. It also means you’re reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and oceans yearly.
Biodegradable trash bags help reduce the number of harmful chemicals being released into the environment by not relying on petroleum-based plastics.
That’s just something to think about next time you go to toss your kitchen trash bag in the dumpster.
There are downsides to compostable materials.
While biodegradable plastic can be beneficial for the environment over traditional plastics, there are some drawbacks to consider.
Certain types of biodegradable plastic do not break down completely and can leach toxins and release harmful substances like metals and methane when breaking down. This might be better than a plastic bag, but you’re probably better off with a reusable trash bag or recycled plastic trash bag.
Additionally, biodegradable plastic reinforces a single-use mindset. This mindset can lead to excess waste production. These types of bags are also more expensive to produce than traditional plastic.
Just because the bag is biodegradable doesn’t mean it can go anywhere. Keep that in mind when disposing of biodegradable trash bags.
You’ll also want to be a bit more cautious with recycled paper bags as well. They’re not nearly as durable as plastic bags, even through they may be biodegradable. If you’re looking for something durable, you’ll want plastic trash bag alternatives.
These are just some considerations to think about when comparing biodegradable and compostable waste bags to conventional plastics.
Compostable Bags FAQ
Surely you have some questions after reading our guide on compostable bags. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision before purchasing.
Are biodegradable garbage bags really biodegradable?
Yes, biodegradable garbage bags are really biodegradable! As long as they are made of sustainable materials like plant starches and other compostable materials, they’ll decompose. When disposed of in an appropriate environment, these bags will break down much faster than traditional plastic. However, it’s essential to check with the manufacturer to ensure that the bag you’re considering is truly biodegradable. All of the biodegradable and compostable bags we discussed above are made with compostable material.
How long does it take for compostable trash bags to decompose?
There are a few factors that determine how long it’ll take to decompose. These factors include the thickness of the bag, what it’s made from, and how it’s disposed of.
Generally speaking, though, compostable garbage bags will decompose in 4-6 months. Of course, this is when placed in a commercial composting facility or backyard compost.
How does the decomposition process work?
The composting process works by breaking down the organic material in the bag, thanks to microbial activity. This process releases carbon dioxide and water as byproducts while creating nutrient-rich soil which can be used for gardening or landscaping.
For most bags, this process is sped up when placed in a composting facility or home compost system. This is due to optimal temperature and moisture levels created by the composting process.
What is the most eco friendly garbage bag?
It really depends on what you’re using them for. However, from the ones we tried we found EcoOak’s Compostable Trash Bags to be the most eco-friendly.
They are certified with both US and European compostability standards. And their 1.4 mil (35 microns) thickness makes them incredibly durable. It’s a good balance of biodegradable materials and durability.
What are the best biodegradable bags?
Just like with eco-friendly garbage bags, it depends on what you’re using them for. We recommend EcoOak’s Compostable Trash Bags for their durability and compostability. They’re a great overall garbage bag and one of the best compostable trash bags we tried.
Are there garbage bags that decompose?
Absolutely! Biodegradable and compostable trash bags are designed to decompose when placed in an appropriate environment. These environmentally friendly trash bags can be made from plant-based materials like cornstarch or paper, and they break down much faster than traditional plastic bags.
Can biodegradable plastics decompose?
They sure can! Biodegradable plastics are designed to break down into natural materials like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass when placed in the right environment. This process is called biodegradation, and it helps reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills and oceans yearly.
Does plastic take 1000 years to decompose?
That’s the general consensus, but it really depends on the type of plastic. Some plastics are designed to break down quickly while others will take longer than 1000 years.
However, if you use compostable garbage bags you won’t have to worry about the decomposition time.
Do biodegradable plastics break down in landfill?
They will under the right conditions. Open-air landfills are designed to allow some oxygen exchange and microbial activity, so biodegradable plastics can decompose. However, they’ll break down much slower than if you were to send them to a commercial composting facility.
Switch out your garbage bag today!
Biodegradable and compostable trash bags are a great way to reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills or oceans. They break down much faster than traditional plastics, making them an eco-friendly alternative for your garbage disposal needs.
We recommend EcoOak’s Compostable Trash Bags for their durability and compostability. They’re one of the best biodegradable bag options on the market today.
Ultimately, switching out your current garbage bag with a bio-degradable option is a simple step you can take towards protecting our environment. So why not give it a try?
