Managing kitchen scraps can be a messy business, but compostable bags offer a clean and eco-conscious solution. These bags are designed to break down in industrial composting facilities or even your backyard pile, turning your food waste into nutrient-rich soil instead of languishing in a landfill. Choosing the right bag for your countertop caddy or kitchen bin is key to a seamless composting routine.
The best compostable bags balance strength, proper certification, and the correct size for your container. With various options on the market, from small scrap bags to larger kitchen liners, it can be challenging to find the perfect fit. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best options available, helping you make a sustainable choice for your home.
Our Recommended Compostable Kitchen Bags
- SUPERBIO 1.6 Gallon Handle Tie Compostable Food Scrap Bags
- UNNI Compostable Trash Bags, 3 Gallon, 100 Count, Extra Thick
- Matter Compostable Assorted Kitchen Bags, 230 Count Variety Pack
- GreFusion Compostable Bags for Kitchen Compost Bin, 1.2 Gallon
- Small Trash Bags 1.2 Gallon – Biodegradable Garbage Bags
- 2.6 Gallon Compostable Food Scrap Bags by BioBag, 100 Count
- YORJA 1.6 Gallon Tie Handles Compost Trash Bags 120 Count
- Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags, 13 Gal
- UNNI Compostable Trash Bags, 13 Gallon, 50 Count, Extra Thick
- UNNI ASTM D6400 100% Compostable 2.6 Gallon Food Scrap Bags
SUPERBIO 1.6 Gallon Handle Tie Compostable Food Scrap Bags
For those with a compact countertop compost bin, the SUPERBIO bags are an excellent choice. Their 1.6-gallon capacity and convenient handle tie design make securing and carrying food scraps a simple, clean process. The bags are part of a 50-count roll, providing a good supply for regular kitchen use.
These bags carry significant credentials, being certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and OK compost INDUSTRIAL. This means they meet strict standards like ASTM D6400 and are intended for commercial composting facilities. It is recommended to store them in a cool, dry place and dispose of filled bags within three days, especially when holding acidic or alkaline waste, to maintain their integrity.
UNNI Compostable Trash Bags, 3 Gallon, 100 Count, Extra Thick
If you need a slightly larger bag for a small kitchen bin, UNNI’s 3-gallon option is a strong contender. The 0.71 mil thickness offers reliable strength for daily scraps like vegetable peels and coffee grounds, helping to prevent messy leaks and tears. With 100 bags per roll, this product offers great value for frequent composters.
A key advantage of these liners is their triple certification. They are certified by BPI for commercial composting, OK compost HOME for backyard composting, and have been field-tested by the CMA. This versatility ensures they are a trustworthy option whether you use a curbside composting service or your own backyard pile.
Matter Compostable Assorted Kitchen Bags, 230 Count Variety Pack
This product stands out by offering a comprehensive solution for various kitchen needs. The Matter variety pack includes 230 bags in four useful sizes: snack, sandwich, quart, and gallon. This organizer is designed to fit neatly in a kitchen drawer, keeping your compostable bags tidy and within easy reach.
All bags in the pack are BPI and TUV Industrial certified, making them suitable for organic recycling programs. They are made from natural, renewable plant fibers and break down in a matter of months. The company also confirms that no PFAS additives are used in their production, providing an extra layer of environmental safety.
GreFusion Compostable Bags for Kitchen Compost Bin, 1.2 Gallon
The GreFusion 1.2-gallon bags are engineered to fit a wide range of small countertop compost bins, promoting a zero-waste kitchen. Their size makes them ideal for bathrooms, cars, or small office trash cans as well. An integral forming process on the bag’s bottom is designed to prevent leaks, a common concern with food waste.
These bags are certified by BPI to meet ASTM D6400 standards and also carry the OK Compost HOME certification. This dual certification makes them a flexible option for different composting methods. They are strong enough to handle kitchen scraps like coffee grounds without ripping, making the transfer to your compost bucket a clean and simple task.
Small Trash Bags 1.2 Gallon – Biodegradable Garbage Bags
This 120-count pack of 1.2-gallon bags is a practical choice for small trash cans throughout the home. The bags are made from Plant Starch Material (PSM) and are designed to decompose in soil within 12 to 24 months. They are unscented and non-toxic, which helps control odors without using harsh chemicals.
Durability is a focus for these bags, featuring an angular seal at the bottom for added strength. This design enhances their toughness and tensile strength, reducing the risk of tearing or cracking under load. The size is generous enough to keep your hands clean when removing the bag from the bin.
2.6 Gallon Compostable Food Scrap Bags by BioBag
BioBag is a well-known name in the compostable products space, and these 2.6-gallon bags are a popular choice for mid-sized kitchen containers. The package contains 100 bags that are designed to securely line most kitchen compost pails, keeping them clean and free of debris. The product ships in frustration-free packaging that aligns with sustainable goals.
A significant benefit of these bags is their compatibility with backyard compost systems, in addition to commercial facilities. They are manufactured in the USA with imported resin and are BPI certified to meet ASTM D6400 standards. This makes them a reliable option for environmentally conscious consumers who compost at home.
YORJA 1.6 Gallon Tie Handles Compost Trash Bags 120 Count
YORJA offers a substantial 120-count roll of 1.6-gallon bags, which is ideal for households that generate a consistent amount of food scraps. The bags feature tie handles, which are highlighted as being easy to use for a secure closure. This feature helps to contain odors and prevent spills when transporting scraps to your main compost bin.
These bags are made from a blend of corn starch and PBAT, a compostable polymer, and are certified to meet both EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 standards. This ensures they are designed to break down effectively in the appropriate composting environments, providing a certified eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
Glad ForceFlex Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags, 13 Gal
For those who need a full-size kitchen bag, Glad’s ForceFlex line offers familiar performance. These 13-gallon bags utilize a patented dual-layer technology that provides extra flex and resistance to punctures, rips, and tears from sharp food waste. The grips-the-can drawstring helps keep the bag securely in place and provides a sturdy handle for carrying.
These trash bags are fragrance-free, making them a good option for households with sensitivities to added scents. While they offer the strength and convenience many users look for in a kitchen bag, it is important to verify their specific compostability certifications for your local composting program.
UNNI Compostable Trash Bags, 13 Gallon, 50 Count, Extra Thick
This is UNNI’s solution for a full-size, compostable kitchen liner. The 13-gallon bags have a reinforced 0.9 mil thickness, providing the durability needed for a tall kitchen bin collecting daily peels and scraps. The 50-count roll offers a solid supply for regular household use.
Like their smaller counterpart, these bags are independently certified by BPI, CMA, and OK compost HOME. This triple assurance means they are suitable for commercial composting and are also tested and certified for breakdown in a backyard compost setting, offering exceptional versatility for the eco-conscious homeowner.
UNNI ASTM D6400 100% Compostable 2.6 Gallon Food Scrap Bags
This UNNI product provides a mid-sized option, perfect for those whose composting needs fall between a small countertop caddy and a full-size kitchen bin. The 2.6-gallon capacity is versatile for various container sizes. As part of the UNNI family, these bags are designed with the user’s composting convenience in mind.
The bags are certified to meet the ASTM D6400 standard, ensuring they are designed to break down in a commercial composting facility. This certification provides confidence that the product has been tested and meets specific criteria for compostability, making it a responsible choice for diverting food waste from landfills.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Compostable Bags for Kitchen Use
When I first decided to switch to compostable bags for my kitchen countertop bin, I was overwhelmed by the options. They all looked similar, but their performance varied wildly. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve figured out what really matters when picking the right ones. Here’s my personal guide to help you choose.
First, you need to understand the material. Most compostable bags are made from plant-based materials like cornstarch (PLA) or a material called PBAT. The most important thing to check for is certification. Look for a seal that says “BPI Certified” or indicates it meets the ASTM D6400 standard. This is my non-negotiable. It’s your guarantee that the bag will actually break down in a commercial composting facility. Without this, you might just be buying a “green” plastic bag that won’t compost.
Next, consider the thickness and durability. A flimsy bag that rips when you’re taking out the compost is a mess you don’t want to deal with. I look for bags that feel substantial and have reinforced seams or a gusseted bottom. This extra strength helps prevent leaks and tears, especially when the bag is holding wet, heavy food scraps. Think about what you typically compost; if it’s a lot of coffee grounds and melon rinds, you’ll need a tougher bag.
Size is another critical factor. Measure your kitchen compost bin before you buy. A bag that’s too small will be frustrating to use, and one that’s too large will be wasteful and look sloppy. Most standard kitchen bins fit a 3-gallon bag perfectly. Also, check the count per roll or box. Buying in bulk is often more cost-effective and reduces packaging waste, which aligns with the whole eco-friendly point.
Finally, think about the end-of-life process. Are you composting at home in a backyard bin, or are you using a municipal curbside collection service? This is a huge distinction. Many certified compostable bags are designed to break down in the high heat of commercial facilities and will take much longer in a home compost pile. If you’re a home composter, you specifically need bags labeled as “Home Compostable.” Making sure your chosen bag matches your disposal method is the final, crucial step in selecting the best compostable bags for kitchen use. Getting this right means your effort truly makes a difference.
FAQ
What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable?
This is the most common point of confusion. “Biodegradable” is a broad term that just means something will break down eventually. It could take years and might leave behind microplastics or toxic residue. “Compostable,” however, is a specific, regulated term. A compostable product must break down into non-toxic, organic components (water, carbon dioxide, and biomass) within a specific timeframe in a composting environment. For your kitchen scraps, you always want certified compostable bags, as they are guaranteed to turn into compost.
Can I put compostable bags in my backyard compost pile?
Maybe, but you can’t assume all of them will work. Most certified compostable bags are designed for the consistent, high temperatures of industrial composting facilities. In a cooler, slower home compost pile, they might not break down fully. You need to look for bags that are explicitly certified as “Home Compostable,” often by standards like AS 5810 (Australian) or TÜV Austria’s “OK compost HOME” certification. If your bag only has a BPI/ASTM D6400 certification, it’s best to send it to a commercial composter.
Why did my compostable bag tear or start leaking?
I’ve been there, and it’s frustrating. This usually happens for one of two reasons. First, the bag might not be durable enough for wet waste. Look for thicker bags or ones marketed as “leak-proof.” Second, compostable materials can be sensitive to how you store them. If you leave them in a hot car or a humid under-sink cabinet, the material can start to degrade prematurely, making it weak and prone to tearing before you even use it. Store your bags in a cool, dry place.
Are compostable bags more expensive than plastic bags?
Yes, typically they are. You are paying for a more specialized manufacturing process and plant-based materials. However, the price gap has been closing as they become more popular. I think of the slightly higher cost as an investment in reducing plastic pollution. To save money, consider buying in larger quantities or subscribing for regular deliveries, which often comes with a discount.
Where can I dispose of compostable bags?
The ideal place is in your municipal green bin or at a commercial composting facility, but you must check with your local service provider first. Not all municipal programs accept them, even if they are certified. If your local program doesn’t accept them, or if you don’t have access to one, these bags unfortunately need to go in the trash. Putting them in the recycling bin contaminates the recycling stream, as they are not recyclable.