Best Compostable Bags for Use in the Home
Learn about the benefits of compostable bags vs plastic bags and discover the best types of compostable bags to use for trash, food scraps, food storage and pet waste.
No matter how hard we try to reduce waste in our homes and lives, we still end up with plenty to throw away.
And no matter how hard we try to eliminate disposable products and switch to reusables, we still end up needing some single-use bags now and then.
For those times of need, compostable bags are a great solution! In this post you’ll learn about the benefits of compostable bags vs traditional plastic bags, and the best types of compostable bags to use for your home and lifestyle needs.
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Why Compostable Bags Make Sense
Compostable bags look and feel quite similar to plastic bags, but they are made from plant-based, compostable materials instead of petroleum products. These materials can include wood pulp, corn starch and other sources of natural plant starch.
Unlike plastic bags, compostable bags are designed to break down through microbial activity and ultimately turn into compost. This process works best in a commercial compost facility, where it will take between 10 and 60 days to degrade in the soil. Home composting is also possible, but can take considerably longer.
By switching from conventional plastic bags to compostable bags, you will be reducing plastic pollution and your own personal plastic waste and as well as lowering your overall carbon footprint. Plus, compostable bags break down into organic matter that can fertilize plants – so that’s a win-win for everyone!
Note: Look for bags that are BPI-certified compostable from the Biodegradable Products Institute to ensure that they can effectively be composted in commercial compost facilities.
Types of Compostable Bags for Home Use
Good news! There’s a compostable alternative to pretty much any type of bag that you would use in your home – from garbage bags to sandwich bags to bags for pet waste!
Compostable Trash Bags
Give your trash can a makeover by switching from the typical plastic garbage bag to an eco-friendly compostable version. Worried that a compostable trash bag won’t be strong enough? Companies have made strides to produce heavy duty trash bags that are still compostable and I’ve been very impressed with how well they hold up!
My favorite Tall Kitchen Trash Bags from HoldOn are a 13 gallon size made from very durable, flexible material with strong drawstring handles that make them easy to grip.
Compostable Bags for Food Waste
If you save food scraps and other organics to be composted, you’ll want to have a supply of small compost bags to use in your countertop compost bin. Compostable food scrap bags are typically a 2.6 to 3 gallon size and come on a roll for easy dispensing.
I’ve been happy with using BioBag Food Scrap Bags for my food waste (purchased from Amazon.) They are OK Compost Home Certified from TUV too (meaning they will decompose in your home compost).
Compostable Ziplock Bags
When you need to take sandwiches or snacks on-the-go or store some extra food items in your pantry, fridge or freezer I recommend using a compostable version of ziplock bags. Luckily they work just as well and you will never miss the plastic!
I’ve been using the Zipseal bags from HoldOn – they come in Gallon, sandwich and snack sizes. FYI -they recommend cutting off the zipper part for optimal composting but that is easy to do.
Compostable Dog Poop Bags
Anyone with a dog knows you have to have lots of poop bags on hand at all times! It’s much better for the environment to use compostable poop bags than plastic ones.
It’s pretty easy to find compostable poop bags on Amazon or pick them up at your local pet supply store.
Favorite Brands of Compostable Bags
Luckily, there are plenty of options for compostable bags these days. Here are the brands that I have tried and trust to be high-quality and BPI certified compostable.
- HoldOn – On a mission to move away from traditional single-use plastics by producing heavy-duty compostable bags that are also PFAS-free and BPA-free. Designed in California and manufactured in China.
- BioBag – They specialize specifically in compostable products and claim to be the original compostable bag. All bags are made in the USA from resin sourced from Italy.
- If You Care – A brand that specializes in non-toxic and eco-friendly household products, including compostable bags for home use.
- Simple Truth – A private label brand found in many grocery stores and at Vitacost.
- Thrive Market – Members of Thrive Market can get a good deal on compostable food scrap bags from the Thrive Market private brand.
Do you use compostable bags in your home? Why or why not?