We walk our dogs, they poop, we do our duty and pick it up to later be disposed of. But have you ever thought about the bag you use to pick up your dog’s poop? Biodegradable and compostable poop bags not only let you pick up after your dog, but they break down at a quicker rate than regular plastic bags, making them better for the environment.
Table of Contents:
What Dog Poop Bags Are Best For The Environment?
When choosing a poop bag to pick up after your dog, you will want to pick one that will not stay in a landfill for hundreds of years. That is about how long it takes for a regular plastic bag to break down.
A more eco-friendly way to pick up after your dog is to use biodegradable poop bags.
What Makes A Bag Biodegradable?
Biodegradable poop bags are bags that can be broken down by bacteria or other microbes.
In order for a bag to be labeled biodegradable, it needs to pass certain regulations. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) uses a rigorous testing process and will only give a certification of a product if the tests prove the product can be “safely cycled back into the soil” at a composting facility.
A product that is certified will have the term ASTM D6400 or EN13432 (the European equivalent) on the box.
What Are Compostable Bags?
You may also see bags labeled as compostable.
This means an item will not break down on its own, but requires human intervention, usually at a composting facility.
If you are going to buy a bag labeled compostable, check your neighborhood to see if there is a composting facility near you where you can dispose of it.
Compostable bags are also usually made of plant based materials, like corn, cornstarch, and/or vegetable oils.
What Is The Difference Between Biodegradable And Compostable?
Biodegradable bags are broken down by biological substances, like bacteria and microbes.
Compostable bags require human intervention to break down, usually at a composting facility.
Treehugger.com provides a good breakdown between biodegradable and compostable bags.
How Long Do Biodegradable Poop Bags Take To Decompose?
According to BBC Science Focus Magazine, biodegradable bags take 3-6 months to decompose. This would be if the conditions were optimal, with the right amount of heat and moisture.
Do Biodegradable Bags Decompose In Landfills?
When a biodegradable bag is in a landfill, conditions are not exactly optimal as mentioned above with regard to heat and moisture. A biodegradable bag will decompose, however, it may take longer than 6 months, even years for your poop bags to break down.
How Quickly Do Compostable Bags Break Down?
Compostable bags will break down quickly, as long as they are disposed of in a proper composting facility.
Are Plant Based Poop Bags Biodegradable?
Plant based poop bags are considered to be compostable and not necessarily biodegradable.
They require specific conditions to be broken down which needs to be done in a composting facility.
What Plant Based Materials Make Up Compostable Bags?
There are a few common materials that make up plant based compostable bags:
- Corn, which can also be labeled PLA.
- Cornstarch.
- Vegetable Oils.
- PBAT is a polymer that is biodegradable and takes only 6 weeks to decompose.
Why Is Dog Poop Not Compostable?
Actually, dog poop is compostable. It is just not recommended for people to use dog poop if you are composting at home and plan to use the compost in soil to grow food.
The reason for this is that dog poop may contain bacteria or other substances that may be harmful to humans if ingested.
Best Biodegradable And Compostable Dog Poop Bags
These are some examples of biodegradable and compostable dog poop bags you can buy to pick up and dispose of your dog’s poop.
You may prefer one method over the other when choosing the right eco-friendly dog poop bag for you.
All of the product information is according to the manufacturer. Any pros or cons from users will be noted.
Earth Rated Compostable Dog Poop Bags
- Blend of PBAT and vegetable starch.
- ASTM D6400 and EN13432 standards for compost ability.
- Leak proof.
- Perforated roll.
- Compatible with any dispenser.
- Measures 9 x 13 inches.
- Cores are made of recycled content.
Pros/Cons:
- Strong.
- Easy to open.
beyondGreen Plant Based Dog Waste Bags
- Measures 8 x 13 inches.
- Made of plant based polymers.
- Leak proof.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to open.
- Nice size.
- Strong.
The Original Poop Bags
- Meets ASTM D6400 standards.
- Made of plant fibers, vegetable oil, and starch.
- Puncture resistant.
- Leak proof.
- Measures 9 x 13 inches.
- Recycled cardboard core.
- Also available with handles.
Pros/Cons:
- Tears easily.
Greener Walker Dog Poop Bags
- Biodegradable.
- Measures 9 x 13 inches.
- Leak proof.
- Fits standard dispensers.
- Made with a corn starch blend.
- Recycled materials used in packaging and core.
Pros/Cons:
- Sturdy.
- Does not leak.
Pooch Paper
While not exactly a bag, Pooch Paper offers another option to pick up after your dog.
- Biodegradable and compostable.
- Made of recycled paper fiber.
- Coating made of corn to keep your dog’s waste from seeping through.
- Leak free.
Pros/Cons:
- Takes practice to twist closed.
- Brittle in cold weather.
- Difficult to pick up waste in long grass.
- Hard to carry around especially if you’ve picked up after your dog multiple times.
Biodegradable and compostable poop bags offer a way to pick up after your dog with bags that break down in less time than a traditional plastic bag.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.