Quick List - Top Compostable Trash Bags
Biobag
Our Top Choice - Roomy and Well-Made Compostable Trash Bags
Unni
Best for Large Compost Piles and Quick Decomposition
JTSC Products
Best for Compostable Bag Beginners
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With so many compostable trash bags on the market, it may be hard to choose the best one for your needs. We've compiled a buying guide of tips and things to consider when buying a compostable trash bag. Read on below for more!
Depending on what makes up your biodegradable trash bag, those smaller pieces can become truly tiny and will decompose under the right circumstances. These types of trash bags are known to break down faster than compostable trash bags might, and can often be a more cost-effective option.
Unfortunately, the decomposition process for biodegradable trash bags requires light and oxygen, two things they won’t have under a pile of trash in a landfill. It's highly likely that your biodegradable trash bag won't completely break down, and it's also a lot harder to recycle the special plastic that they're made from.
Don't forget that because these bags are compostable, they’re going to start breaking down pretty quickly if you have any wet, organic matter in them. You’ll need to change your bag fairly often or try to keep food scraps in a separate container.
Either way, if you don't mind trash bags that are a little more fragile, you'll be able to manage your waste knowing that it will leave no footprint behind. Compostable trash bags don't need any chemicals or organisms to begin the decomposing process, so when they break down, it's a fully natural and eco-friendly process.
If you're going to be throwing away larger amounts of waste, it might be a good idea to check the thickness of your compostable or biodegradable trash bag before you buy it.
Trash bag thickness is often measured in mils, with one mil being about one-thousandth of an inch. Standard trash bags average between 0.7 to two mils thick. In the case of biodegradable or compostable trash bags, you'll want at least one mil of plastic. If you have that much, you should be able to carry larger loads of trash without worry that your trash bag will break.
That said, it's good to be aware that unless the box explicitly states that the bags do have drawstrings, you’ll likely be left to tie the corners together on your own. So long as you don't wait until the bag is full to the bursting, however, this shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Biobag Compostable Countertop Food Scrap Bags|100 count | ![]() | Our Top Choice - Roomy and Well-Made Compostable Trash Bags | |
2 | Unni 100% Compostable Food Scrap Bags|100 count | ![]() | Best for Large Compost Piles and Quick Decomposition | |
3 | Stout by Envision Eco-Safe ~6400 Compostable Bags|48 count | ![]() | Best Plus-Sized Compostable Trash Bag | |
4 | JTSC Products JTSC Products 13-Gallon Compostable Trash Bags (100 Count)|100 count | ![]() | Best for Compostable Bag Beginners | |
5 | Green Earth Green Earth Compostable 13-Gallon Biodegradable Trash Bags (50 Count)|50 count, pack of 2 | ![]() | Best GMO-Free Compostable Trash Bags | |
6 | Bag to Nature Bag to Nature 13-Gallon Compostable Tall Kitchen Bags (50 Count)|50 count | ![]() | Best for Hefty Use Without Double-Bagging | |
7 | Second Nature Bags Second Nature Bags 3-Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags (100 Count)|100 count, 3 gallon | ![]() | Best for Lengthy Use | |
8 | Primode 30 count | ![]() | Best for Light Waste or Daily Changes | |
9 | Repurpose Compostables 25 count | ![]() | Best for Smaller Trash Cans Around the Home |
BioBag's countertop kitchen scrap trash bags are composed of plant starches and some synthetic but fully compostable polymers. These trash bags are designed to fit into your in-home compost system, so you can keep them on your countertop scrap bin before burying them in your pile outside.
As with any fully compostable trash bags, users have found that BioBag's products can become fragile when overly full or when left in the trash can for too long. A few customers warn that you should change your bags out every two days at the most, or risk getting trash all over your counter.
Most people who use these trash bags have found that so long as you store them in a cool place and remove excess moisture from your scraps before putting them in the trash, they work quite well. They also break down admirably in compost piles and are recommended by trash companies!
Unni's compostable trash bags are made completely of plant matter and are BPI-certified for commercial composting and for in-home composting under European standards. While it's unclear what plant starches were used to create these trash bags, their bio-composition ensures breathability and an ethical way to get rid of your trash.
Some reviewers note that they may be a bit too compostable as food waste left for too long can cause the bottom of the bag to lose integrity within a few days. A few others have reported some difficulty with using these bags to compost in smaller piles at their homes.
Most users, however, have reported that Unni's compostable bags do a better job than most at holding and composting food scraps and other degradable waste. While many warn that the bags need to be changed out daily to avoid early composting and spillage, they add that the bags seal the smell of waste admirably and are very convenient.
While the size of these compostable trash bags might tempt you to use them for yard work, one or two users warn that branches or other sharp, solid objects can still poke holes through them. It's also important to note that these bags are designed to be composted at commercial facilities, not at home.
These bags are great for the environment and also support those who might otherwise have a hard time finding work. Many users rave that, unlike other compostable trash bags, Stout by Envision's products can handle damp scraps and last for up to a week in the right conditions.
Some people who used these compostable trash bags did find that they needed to use two at a time in order to contain heavier waste. A few warn that if the bags were left in the trash can for too long, liquid waste may leak into the bottom of the can.
For the most part, however, users found JTSC Products' compostable trash bags to be satisfyingly sturdy while at the same time maintaining their promise of 100 percent biodegradability. A few have praised the bags' stretchiness, saying that they've been able to fit them into their kitchen trash cans with ease.
Some reviewers have raised complaints that these bags are a bit thinner than other compostable trash bags on the market and add that they probably shouldn't be used for bulky or heavy waste. One or two warn that while the advertised capacity is 13 gallons, these bags don't fit standard trash cans as well as they had hoped.
On the other hand, most users who bought and used these bags are thrilled with how durable and large they are. Some have even been able to use them with wetter waste like damp food scraps and cat litter. So long as they're kept in a cool, low-light space and are changed regularly, we think these are great compostable bags if you prefer non-GMO products.
Bag to Nature's compostable kitchen trash bags are made of sturdy and fully decomposable synthetic polymers, meaning they are stronger than plant-based compostable bags. Despite the fact that they're made of synthesized materials, these bags are 100 percent compostable.
A few people who tried these compostable bags out warn that they don't do well with moisture and will break down quickly if you use them for wet waste like food scraps. It's also important to note that due to their synthetic nature, these bags can only be composted in industrial facilities.
Still, many users are happy to have found that these trash bags are strong and can last more than two days. Many are pleasantly surprised with just how hefty the material is, claiming that Bag to Nature's compostable bags are the toughest they've ever used.
A few users complain that these compostable bags have a tendency to tear or split when being separated from the roll. We recommend using care when pulling a new one out for use. In addition, as with many other compostable brands, some reviewers have reported that their bags broke down when introduced to damp waste.
Many purchasers report that they are surprised by how strong these bags are. While they will begin to break down if introduced to too much damp waste, some users say the bags last for up to a week when properly maintained. Reviewers note this is a fair bit longer than other brands hold up and are pleased to have multiple sizes to choose from.
Primode's compostable trash bags are made of tough corn starch and other plant-derived biomatter. They're fully certified by BPI and other international groups to be 100 percent compostable both at home and in industrial facilities.
While the label on these trash bags lists them as kitchen-sized, some users have found that they aren't sturdy enough to withstand heavier kitchen trash. These might be an excellent option for trash cans you plan to fill with less bulky waste, such as the can in your bedroom or bathroom.
However, plenty of people who bought Primode's bags report that the bags are strong enough for a day's worth of trash, even if it is from the kitchen. Others note that even when they get wet, these trash bags don't immediately begin to break down. We think these bags are great for smaller trash cans and non-bulky waste.
Repurpose Compostables' compact box of compostable trash bags is a great addition to your room or kitchen counter. These cute, durable trash bags are fully compostable but must be composted in a commercial facility due to their make.
Several long-time users have warned about quality control issues when these trash bags were ordered from Amazon, so we recommend you try buying from the company's site itself.
When not plagued with quality problems, these small but sturdy bags are very useful, according to buyers. Some who were tired of using old plastic grocery bags for their smaller trashcans say that Repurpose Compostables' bags were the perfect fit. Those who use the bags for their compost bin note that the star-shaped seal at the bottom helps prevent leakage.
Add an odor absorber like baking soda, cat litter, or even dryer sheets to your trash can before putting the bag in.
You can also mask the smell of waste with citrus peels or a few drops of essential oil. Just be sure to rid these additives of any excess moisture when possible. Finally, cleaning your trash can regularly helps to reduce the smell of trash. With these three steps, you should be able to keep your home odor-free.
No. 1: Biobag |Compostable Countertop Food Scrap Bags|100 count
No. 2: Unni|100% Compostable Food Scrap Bags|100 count
No. 3: Stout by Envision |Eco-Safe ~6400 Compostable Bags|48 count
No. 4: JTSC Products |JTSC Products 13-Gallon Compostable Trash Bags (100 Count)|100 count
No. 5: Green Earth |Green Earth Compostable 13-Gallon Biodegradable Trash Bags (50 Count)|50 count, pack of 2
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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