Compostable Vs. Biodegradable Bags: The Difference & Why It Matters?

With more and more people becoming environmentally concerned, the need for the right waste bag is unavoidable. We all want to choose the recyclable and nature-friendly waste bags that can reduce the environmental impact as well. The majority of people keep using Compostable Bags or Biodegradable Bags without knowing the actual difference between them.

While both compostable bin bags and biodegradable bin bags may look similar from the outside, the major difference lies in their self-decomposing ability. Whether you need to manage the organic waste, food scraps, kitchen waste, or usual waste, the right bag choice can help in many ways. Some of the benefits of the right bin bag lead to a reduction in landfill waste, a lower carbon footprint, and support a cleaner future.

In this blog, let’s try to narrow down the core differences between compostable bin bags and biodegradable bin bags to help you make the right choice.

Compostable bags are waste bags that come with plant-based materials with auto-decomposition capability. Made from Potato starch or  cornstarch, PLA, and other compounds, these binbags break down completely in a composting environment. Compostable bin bags are suitable for food waste and other organic materials because they decompose along with the waste inside them.

Biodegradable bags are waste bags that decompose with natural decaying processes due to the nature of the materials used to make them,  these bin bags break down faster and better than plastic. However, the biodegradable plastic bags for food waste leave a small residues  even after decomposing over a  period of time.

a) Composting Conditions: Compostable bags are dependent on various composting conditions, while biodegradable bags break down in normal conditions.

b) Decomposing Abilities: While compostable bags get decomposed completely with no residue, biodegradable waste bags end up leaving small residues.

c) Material Composition: Compostable bags are created using plant-based materials, while biodegradable bags may contain some petroleum-based plastic (but better than regular plastic bags).

d) Environmental Impact After Breakdown: Compostable bags enrich the soil by turning into nutrient-rich compost, while biodegradable bags only reduce the size of waste.

Your waste bag choice has a direct impact on the environment. The more environmentally friendly waste bags you choose, the higher the chances of self-decomposition without going to landfills. One such example is compostable bags that decompose along with the waste material inside them. Further, it reduces the emission of harmful methane gas and supports healthy soil.

If you’ve been using plastic waste bags, biodegradable bags are a far better choice because of their ability to break down quickly. Although they do not decompose completely, they do not leave long-term plastic residue.

However, the best choice everytime is compostable bags , as they are made from plant material which

Decomposes in the soil and enriches the soil as well as the health of the planet.

BinBags is a reliable provider of all kinds of sustainable and environmentally friendly waste solutions. Shop any of the compostable or biodegradable bags for homes, corporations, and industrial centers.

Disposal of Compostable Bags

Compostable bin bags are used in the waste bin or compost bin to collect food scraps along with organic waste. Always avoid throwing the compostable bags into the general waste. It will restrict these bags from breaking down and decomposing properly in landfills.

Disposal of Biodegradable Bags

Biodegradable bin bags are suitable for general household waste. Always check the packaging of biodegradable bags to ensure they are suitable for home composting. Avoid disposing of them in food waste bins if they fail to meet the compostable standards.

Unlike plastic bags, both Compostable Bags and Biodegradable Bags help nature while serving different purposes. Compostable bags for food waste decompose into valuable compost through the correct decomposition. On the other hand, biodegradable bags are better than plastic, but still leave small traces. 

At BinBags.com, we provide high-quality compostable and biodegradable bin bags to make your waste management efficient and environmentally friendly.