Do You Really Need Compostable Bags for Your Food ...

Do You Really Need Compostable Bags for Your Food ...

If you collect food scraps for composting, using a bag that is labeled as compostable or biodegradable to line your kitchen collection bin might appear to be an effective solution for keeping it organized and transporting those vegetable peels and coffee grounds to your compost heap or local drop-off facility. Nevertheless, the necessity of purchasing these liners is influenced by several factors. In fact, numerous experts suggest that it might be better to skip the liners entirely or simply repurpose paper bags instead.

Here’s what you should know about compost bin liners, their potential drawbacks even if they are compostable, and effective methods to maintain cleanliness in your kitchen without them.

What are compostable bags or bin liners?

Compostable bags may resemble plastic produce bags made from petroleum, but they are actually produced using plant-based materials such as vegetable starches, wood pulp, lactic acid, or soy proteins. These materials are intended to be broken down by microorganisms, transforming into the soil-like organic matter referred to as compost.

The challenge arises because not all composting systems provide suitable conditions for these bags to decompose completely. Generally, only municipal or commercial composting facilities generate the necessary heat, moisture, and airflow required for complete decomposition. However, these facilities can vary in their capabilities, so even if your food scraps are being sent off for composting, compostable bags might be prohibited.

Can I put compostable bags in with my food waste?

The answer is not straightforward. Just as recycling regulations differ from one locality to another, composting systems can have varying rules regarding the acceptance of compostable bags.

The most critical course of action is to verify with your municipal collection service, compost drop-off site, or private composting provider regarding which materials are permitted. If you're allowed to utilize compostable bags, prefer those with a label from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), a non-profit organization that offers a compostability certification widely regarded as the gold standard in the United States. This certification is partially based on ASTM International compostability standards to determine if an item will decompose quickly, fully, and safely when processed in well-managed municipal and commercial facilities. Furthermore, it prohibits the inclusion of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), which can sometimes be found in packaging and have long-lasting environmental persistence.

Can I put compostable bags in my home compost heap?

It’s probably not advisable, as they are unlikely to decompose efficiently. Home composting systems, such as tumblers and worm towers, typically do not reach the temperatures necessary for full breakdown of the bags. Michelle Bradley, co-founder of Java’s Compost, a private composting service in New Jersey, noted in an interview, “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.”

Can I compost so-called biodegradable plastic bags?

No, you cannot. A bag labeled as biodegradable is not necessarily compostable. BPI executive director Rhodes Yepsen mentioned in an interview that the term biodegradable is often too vague without further clarification. A manufacturer can label an item as biodegradable without indicating that the degradation process might take years or could require specific conditions to completely break down. Furthermore, the term doesn’t guarantee that the item will decompose into non-toxic components; it merely implies that it will decompose eventually.

New York City Department of Sanitation commissioner Jessica Tisch stated in an interview, “If a product can’t be composted, it’s going to a landfill. And if it’s going to a landfill, the biodegradable products in a landfill can sit there for decades or centuries.”

How can I keep my kitchen scrap bin clean?

Many cities recommend using brown paper bags or newspaper as liners for food-scrap containers rather than purchasing compostable bags. However, if you're involved in an off-site composting program, it’s crucial to check whether paper bags are accepted. For home composters, using brown paper bags can enhance the nutritional balance of your compost pile.

Another effective way to maintain tidiness and reduce odors in your kitchen is by storing food scraps in the freezer. Tisch, who utilizes this method at home, observed that freezing compost eliminates the need for a countertop bin altogether. Instead, one can utilize an old plastic takeout container that can be cleaned between uses.

If you prefer a countertop container, one that features a built-in charcoal filter can help to minimize odors. The Oggi Countertop Compost Pail, which includes a filter, is a recommended choice. Additionally, ensuring frequent removal of the bin and rinsing it after each use can prevent unpleasant smells from accumulating in the first place.

If you're looking for further guidance on what to do with your collected scraps, explore our staff's favorite compost bins.

Sources

1. Michelle Bradley, co-founder of Java’s Compost, interview, September 13.

2. Rhodes Yepsen, executive director at Biodegradable Products Institute, interview, September 19.

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3. Jessica Tisch, commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation, interview, September 29.

Are biodegradable bags better than plastic? It's complicated.

In college, I drove a little electric truck around campus, picking up bins filled with fruit and vegetable waste, plant clippings, and coffee grounds, which I transported to a large compost pile at the student farm. While we requested that our pick-up locations refrained from including post-consumer waste in the bins, items labeled as “compostable” occasionally made their way to our pile. When this happened, I would have to remove them and discard them in the trash.

This dilemma highlights the confusion surrounding labels like “biodegradable” and “compostable.” While these products, typically derived from plant materials (often corn), will eventually biodegrade — meaning that microorganisms will break down the materials into soil — the conditions in which these products are disposed of are crucial. At the student farm, while organic materials like banana peels and straw transformed into crumbly compost, the so-called compostable bags and biodegradable cups remained intact for years.

Research from the University of Plymouth indicates that after three years in outdoor conditions (water and soil), the compostable bags still performed poorly. Only one bag managed to show signs of degradation. Napper noted that whether something is labeled biodegradable or compostable doesn’t matter if they are sent to the wrong disposal facility. They depend heavily on industrial composters where certain conditions are managed to optimize decomposition.

To wrap up, while there are many ways to weigh the impacts of conventional plastic against biodegradable alternatives, the most effective approach remains simple: reduce your plastic usage, especially single-use items, and you’ll contribute to less litter and resource consumption. Improving labeling standards for compostable products would provide better clarity for consumers, leading to more environmentally conscious choices.

If you want more information, please visit our website for custom compostable bags.