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10 Best Compostable Trash Bags | Eco-Friendly Options to Buy

Can you use compostable bags for trash? If yes, what are the best compostable trash bags on the market? This article provides the best compostable trash bag alternatives.

According to UNESCO reports on marine pollution, approximately 100 million tons of plastic trash lie on water bodies (oceans, lakes, rivers) worldwide. This plastic waste causes over 1 million deaths of marine species (fish, mammals, turtles, and birds).

The worst thing is all this menace is brought about by human activities – the sole individuals who ought to be taking care of the planet. Ironic, right?

This means we are still the ones who need to find a solution to this devastating state. While it might seem hopeless, the continuous push by activists and environmental leaders has seen various companies take positive initiatives toward sustainable production.

For instance, introducing eco-friendly, compostable trash bags sheds light on combating the plastic menace. Adopting compostable trash bags can make a significant difference in protecting our planet.

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Difference between Compostable vs Biodegradable Trash Bags

When we think of eco-friendly trash bags, these two inseparable terms always come up: biodegradable and compostable trash bags.

But are they the same? Not entirely! What do I mean?

Biodegradable trash bags are those eco-friendly bags that decompose naturally after some time through biological means. They are made of materials that decompose through the effect of bacteria or other biological organisms.

However, most biodegradable trash bags are still essentially made of plastic. Some microorganisms are added to the material to ensure that it biodegrades. For this reason, some biodegradable trash bags can still release some toxic elements into the environment.

On the other hand, compostable trash bags are designed to decompose through biological means but require some human input. This means that while they are organic materials that can break down naturally, they need certain conditions to make the process effective. These include moisture, heat, and oxygen.

The difference between the biodegradable and the compostable trash bags is mainly in their composition. While some biodegradable trash bags still contain plastic, compostable ones are made from purely organic materials.

All compostable materials are biodegradable, but not every biodegradable material can make compost. The end product of composting must be humus.

Advantages of Compostable Trash Bags

I know that you have wondered, at one time or another, why I should use compostable trash bags, or why anyone should consider using compostable bags instead of plastic ones.

Well, there are a million reasons why. And here are just but a few: 

  • Since compostable trash bags are biodegradable, they don’t litter the environment as they disintegrate and get assimilated into the environment.
  • They are easy to recycle
  • Compostable trash bags are safe for animals and don’t clog waterways.
  • They reduce the amount of plastic bags reaching the oceans and other water bodies.
  • The compost from these bags enhances plants’ growth and, thus, high productivity.
  • They don’t end up in landfills, translating to less toxic gasses.

Taking care of the environment is our responsibility. Simple things like using compostable trash bags will go a long way toward accomplishing this goal. Instead of taking the “easier plastic way,” taking the “eco-friendly compostable way” is the right way.

Top Compostable Trash Bags

Compostable trash bags are the best option when we can’t reduce, reuse, or recycle. So, which are the best trash bag options for you? How do you pick the ones that are not just greenwashing?

Here are our top picks:

1. Heavy-Duty Compostable & Biodegradable Trash Bags by UniDomum

UniDomum compostable and biodegradable trash bags

These are some of the best compostable trash bags in the market. They are made from corn starch and are 100% eco-friendly, offering an excellent option to maintain a litter-free environment.

The material used to make these bags is also environmentally safe and disintegrates easily in the right composting conditions. They break down into water, biomass, and CO2.

Even better, UniDomum compostable trash bags are Certified Compostable by BPI. This means they meet the US ASTM D6400 standards and are ideal for home or industrial composting.

As for the company manufacturing the trash bags, it is known to produce top-notch products that are also eco-friendly. The UK-based company strives to manufacture quality sustainable products through extensive research, quality checks, and product testing.

If you are looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of your waste, compostable trash bags by UniDomum are the solution for you.

2. Compostable Trash Bags by Plasticplace

Plasticplace Gallon Compostable Trash Bags

If you’re trying to make that eco-friendly choice in waste management, these compostable plastic trash bags from Plasticpalce are excellent. While not manufactured from starch or organic materials, they are made from biodegradable/compostable plastic. This means they biodegrade like any other compostable trash bag and are easy on the environment.

The bags are sturdy and are designed to hold any compostable waste in your home. You can use them for leftover foods, vegetables, fruit peels, and other kitchen waste.

As for their disposal, the bags are ideal for municipal, commercial, and industrial composting. You cannot compost them in your backyard because it doesn’t have the optimal requirements. However, the end goal is to easily biodegrade, something they do under the right composting facilities.

Pros

  • They are leakproof
  • Have no odor/scent
  • They come in a clear color, allowing you to see their contents

See related: How to be an Environmental Activist

3. Bag-To Nature Compostable Tall Kitchen Bags

Compostable Tall Kitchen Bags

These compostable kitchen trash bags work perfectly in your household waste composting efforts. While they biodegrade easily, they also help accelerate the composting process in your composter.

Bag-To Nature makes compostable bags that are not only leakproof and durable but also ensure you have enough space for your trash. These 13-gallon compostable trash bags make kitchen waste management effortless. With these trash bags, you can efficiently store your kitchen trash.

However, note that the bags will certainly tear if you stack more than the stipulated 13 gallons of waste in them. Despite being sturdy, they won’t carry more weight than that. Also, ensure that you use them within the first nine months after purchase.

Bag-To-Nature bags are 100% compostable, BPI-certified trash bags you can rely on.  You are good to go as long as you keep them away from excessive heat or moisture.

4. Bio-Bag Compostable 3-Gallon Food Trash Bags

BioBag Compostable Countertop Food Scrap Bags

These Bio-Bag waste bags are ideal for small composting trash bags. Firstly, the bags are BPI-certified and meet the ASTM D6400 standards. Therefore, if you wish to compost in your backyard, you have an excellent choice here.

Bio-Bag also claims that its products are breathable and odorless during decomposition. This is a desirable feature as no one wants an awful decomposing smell coming from their compound.

These bags biodegrade easily, as the manufacturer uses plant starches, 100% compostable polymers, and vegetable oils. This implies that they are environmentally friendly.

And, if you want a trash bag that can fit almost any countertop composting bin, this is your solution. The only shortcoming of these trash bags is that they are relatively thin, meaning they can’t handle heavy waste loads.

Pros

  • Ideal for home composting
  • Leakproof
  • Ideal for food waste

5. 1.2 Gallon, Compostable Trash Bags by FORID

FORID, Compostable Trash Bags

These eco-friendly compostable trash bags by FORID are also an excellent fit for kitchen waste. First, they are made from organic materials that easily biodegrade without leaving toxic traces of gases in the environment. The manufacturer usually uses plant organic starch extracts to manufacture the trash bags.

Secondly, the bags are certified in Europe and the US, meaning they comply with the ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 standards. For this reason, you can easily compost the trash bags with your household waste in your backyard.

Pros

  • They are multipurpose waste bags – you can use them in the kitchen, bathroom, offices, living rooms, etc.
  • They are sturdy and durable and don’t leak or tear with wet garbage.
  • The trash bags are made from organic materials.

The company manufacturing the trash bags boasts over 15 years of experience in this field. Also, the company donates around 1% of its income to environmental conservation and protection organizations. So, when you buy that 150 trash bag pack, you’ve protected the environment in more ways than you can know.

6. ProGreen 100% Compostable Trash Bags

ProGreen 100% Compostable Bags

Regarding going green in waste management, ProGreen compostable waste bags must feature on the list. And just as their name goes, the bags are 100% compostable, and you can compost them in your backyard or a commercial composting facility.

These 13-gallon trash bags are VINCOTTE and ASTM D6400 BPI Certified and suitable for all household waste. They are also relatively thick (0.87 Mil), meaning they will not tear easily and will not leak.

However, some users disagree with the bags’ proclaimed sturdiness, saying that they leak after a while and thus require you to double them up. The good thing is that they are averagely priced. Therefore, you can buy several of them for the same price as one of the other trash bag models.

Pros

  • 100% organic
  • Easy to compost
  • Ideal for almost all household wastes

7. UNNI ASTM D6400 Compostable Trash Bags

UNNI compostable trash bags

These compostable trash bags are manufactured from organic plant materials that are readily biodegradable. The company boasts of using eco-friendly, high-quality, bio-based, durable, non-toxic, and polyethylene-free materials.

These trash bags from UNNI are certified in Europe and the US and can be composted at home or commercial composting facilities.

Try these UNNI’s compostable bags for an eco-friendly way to get rid of your biodegradable waste at home. UNNI prides itself on over ten years of experience in compostable bag manufacturing, hence gaining customers’ trust.

One thing to note, though: these trash bags are suitable for use within the first year of manufacture and ought to be kept in a cool and dry environment.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Non-toxic
  • Contains zero polyethylene

8. Compostable Tall Kitchen Trash Bags by Green Earth

Green Earth Compostable Biodegradable Trash Bags

These are 1mil thick, 49.2 Liter compostable trash bags, ideal for household waste. They are not only large enough to hold huge chunks of waste but are also BPI-certified in the US and OK Compost Home-certified in Europe. This means they are suitable for home, commercial, or industrial composters.

Also, these Earth Green trash bags are fully compostable and produce zero toxic gases or elements during decomposition. And they are manufactured from GMO-free plant extracts.

Like most other compostable trash bags, these must be kept in a cool, dry environment. They are best used within a year of purchase. If you have tall trash bins, these are your trash bags.

Pros

  • Leakproof
  • Durable
  • GMO-free

See related: 12 Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper Options

9. ETSUS 100% Compostable Bags

ETSUS 100% Compostable Bags

ETSUS compostable trash bags are also among the best in the market. They are 0.80 mils thick, meaning that they are sturdy and leakproof.

The trash bags come in 4 or 6-gallon capacities, offering a solution for those who want small and medium-sized waste bags. As for the materials, ETSUS makes its trash bags from corn starch, an organic plant extract that is easy to compost.

With such compostable bags, plastic pollution in marine environments will gradually become a thing of the past. Also, since they biodegrade and get assimilated into the environment, the issue of greenhouse gases coming from landfills will be sorted out with time. This is because fewer trash bags will end up in these landfills.

The bags can be composted at home or a commercial composter. So, if you need certified, biodegradable, and compostable small trash bags, ETSUS might have the right answer.

Pros

  • Ecofriendly
  • Multipurpose
  • Sturdy and durable

10. Bathroom Trash Bags Black, by Jaoul

Jaoul Bathroom Trash Bags

These bathroom waste bags are for those who love composting in black trash bags. First, they come in different sizes ranging from 1.2 to 6 gallons. This means you can choose one that fits your household waste.

Secondly, they are eco-friendly as they are made from plant starch extracts. This implies that you are taking the right steps towards reducing your carbon footprint.

The best thing about these compostable trash bags is that they suit almost any situation. You can use them for your living room, baby’s room, office, bathroom, car trash can, etc. Their bottom is augmented to make them stronger and harder to tear.

Pros

  • They are scent-free
  • Non-toxic
  • Environmentally friendly

Therefore, these compostable bathroom trash bags are an ideal fit if you want to make a difference in the war against environmental pollution. Get your pack today and start your sustainability journey.

Where to Buy Compostable Trash Bags

When finding places that sell these compostable trash bags, the internet is never short of options. From Amazon and manufacturers’ websites to other online retail stores, you have more options than you can imagine.

Also, if you want to make physical purchases, major retail stores like Walmart give you the opportunity. Don’t miss your chance to make a positive impact with compostable trash bags. It’s the small efforts we make that will change the course of things.

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