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Introduction to Compostable Bags for Home Composting?
Are you tired of seeing “compostable” bags linger in your compost bin for months, attracting mould and rodents? You’re not alone. A staggering 75% of these bags fail to properly decompose in home settings. Navigating the world of compostable bags can be tricky, but with the right knowledge, you can choose products that actually work and contribute to a more sustainable waste disposal system. This guide will help you pick the right compostable bags for your home.
“75% of ‘compostable’ bags fail in home bins – here’s how to pick the right ones.”
Many consumers are making the switch to what they believe are more earth-friendly options to reduce plastic bag waste, such as compostable bags, for both food scraps and other waste. However, many people have issues with their compostable bag not breaking down. In fact, 75% of ‘compostable’ bags fail in home bins – here’s how to pick the right ones so you can avoid these problems, and what to do if you already have compostable trash bags that aren’t breaking down.
Home Compostable Bags vs. Industrial
It’s crucial to understand the difference between home compostable bags and those designed for commercial composting facilities. Home compostable bags are designed to break down in home compost bins. Commercially compostable bags require the higher temperatures of industrial facilities. Using a commercially compostable bag in a home compost heap may result in it not breaking down properly, leading to frustration and defeating the purpose of using compostable products.
Mould, Rodents, Bags Lingering for Months
One of the biggest pain points for home composters using compostable bags is the bags’ failure to decompose as advertised. Instead of breaking down into usable compost, bags made of seemingly compostable material can linger for months, attracting mould and creating unpleasant odors. This can also attract rodents, turning your compost bin into an unwanted feast. Sometimes, even certified compostable bags can create problems, with potential toxicity, which highlights the need for careful selection and proper usage in your home composting environment.
What Makes a Bag Truly Home Compostable?
The Science Behind Home Compostable Materials
Understanding the science behind home compostable materials is essential for successful composting. Most home compostable bags are made from plant-based materials such as PLA (Polylactic Acid), PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate), or starch blends. PLA, derived from corn starch, is a popular choice, but it often requires higher temperatures to break down effectively. PBAT, a biodegradable plastic often used in blends, can decompose faster, especially in colder composting environments. Starch blends offer another alternative, but their composition varies, impacting their biodegradability. It’s important to consider these materials when selecting compostable bags, ensuring they align with the conditions of your home compost bin, so you avoid issues with your compostable trash bags.
Certifications That Matter
Navigating the world of compostable certifications can be daunting, but it’s a critical step in ensuring you’re buying a truly compostable bag. Always prioritize bags certified by reputable organizations over vague marketing claims.
| TÜV OK HOME | Within 6 months at 20–25°C |
| AS 5810 | Within 12 months at 20–30°C |
| ABA HOME | 6–12 months |
Top 5 Home Compostable Bag Brands (2024)
Brand Comparison
When selecting the best home compostable bags for your needs, consider certifications, price, decomposition speed, and user reviews. Let’s compare a few brands to help you make an informed decision.
| Brand | Certification | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand A | TÜV OK HOME | Breaks down in 4 months, odor-blocking | $0.35 per bag |
| Brand B | AS 5810 | Optimized for cold climates, budget-friendly | N/A |
Brand B’s disadvantage is that the film is thinner, so the compostable food scraps might tear easily. When deciding to purchase, conduct your own home compost test to make sure the bags are certified and worth the money.
Step-by-Step: Using Bags in Home Compost
Prep Work (Do’s)
Before adding compostable bags to your home compost bin, remember a few key steps to improve the composting process. Specifically, it’s important to:
- Shred the compostable trash bags to increase surface area and speed up decomposition.
- Mix the shredded bag pieces with “browns,” such as dry leaves or shredded paper, in a 2:1 ratio.
Additionally, ensure the compost maintains a moisture level of 40–60%, testing it with the “squeeze test” – it should feel like a wrung-out sponge.
Critical Don’ts
To prevent common composting problems and ensure a healthy, odor-free compost bin, avoid adding certain items to compostable bags. Never add meat or dairy products; these attract rodents and create foul odors, disrupting the composting process. Also, avoid using compostable liners in sealed tumblers, as these require oxygen to facilitate decomposition. Without proper aeration, the materials may break down anaerobically, producing methane and unpleasant smells. Ensure your compostable bags are used in an environment that promotes aerobic decomposition, which is essential for effective composting and minimizing odors.
Why Your Bags Aren’t Breaking Down (Troubleshooting)
Common Failures & Fixes with Compostable Bags for Home Composting
Even with certified home compostable bags, you might encounter some common issues. If you notice that your compostable bags are still intact after 6 months, it’s time to take action. First, ensure the bags are properly shredded into smaller pieces. Consider adding a compost starter, such as bokashi, to introduce beneficial microbes that can accelerate the decomposition process of the compostable material. Another frequent problem is mold or foul smells emanating from the compost bin.
This often indicates an imbalance in the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Adjust this by adding more carbon-rich materials like sawdust or leaves. Rodent attacks can also be a major concern. To rodent proof your compost bin, bury the compostable bags deeper within the pile and use an enclosed compost bin to prevent access. Finally, if you suspect that your “certified” bags are leaving micro-plastics, switch to brands certified with TÜV OK HOME, which guarantees the bags will not leave toxic residue.
Cold Climates & Special Cases
Winter Composting Hack
Composting in winter can be a challenge, especially when it comes to the breakdown of compostable bags. The low temperatures can significantly slow down the decomposition process, leading to bags lingering for extended periods. To combat this, insulate your compost bins with straw to help retain heat and maintain a more consistent temperature inside. Additionally, using a thermal blanket can provide extra insulation and prevent the compost from freezing solid.
A crucial tip for winter composting is to pre-shred the compostable bags into smaller pieces before adding them to the bin. Bags decompose 58% slower below 40°F, so shredding them increases the surface area and accelerates the breakdown, even in cold conditions. In general, the smaller the pieces, the quicker it breaks down, so it is especially helpful when dealing with cold weather.
Pet Waste & Food Scraps
When dealing with pet waste and food scraps, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure a safe and effective composting process. Do not add pet waste to your compost. Dog poop bags, even if labeled as compostable, should be kept separate, as they pose a pathogen risk. It’s not advised to add pet waste to the compost bin and then use the compost in the garden, as the compostable material will still have the pathogens. These bags may require specialized composting methods to eliminate harmful bacteria and parasites.
Food scraps, on the other hand, can be composted effectively if managed correctly. Always bury food waste deep within the compost pile to prevent attracting rodents and minimize odors. Be mindful of what you add, avoiding meat, dairy, and oily foods that can disrupt the composting environment and cause unpleasant smells. The best way to treat food waste is to add it to the compostable trash bags.
Conclusion
Key Takeaway: “Certifications > marketing claims.”
In the world of compostable products, it’s easy to get lost in the marketing jargon and greenwashing claims. However, the most important thing to remember is that certifications are more reliable than marketing promises. Look for certifications like TÜV OK HOME, AS 5810, and ABA HOME to ensure that the compostable bags you’re buying actually meet the standards for home composting. Don’t rely solely on labels that claim “biodegradable” or “eco-friendly,” as these terms can be misleading. Always check for third-party certifications that verify the bags’ ability to break down properly in a home compost environment and keep the compostable trash bags that you know are safe. This will help you avoid issues such as mould and rodents.
Test one bag in your bin before buying bulk!
Before committing to a large purchase of compostable bags, it’s a good idea to conduct a small-scale test. Test one bag in your home compost bin before buying in bulk. Purchase a single bag or a small pack and test it in your home compost bin to see how it performs under your specific conditions. Monitor the bag’s decomposition rate, odor, and any other potential issues. If the bag breaks down as expected and doesn’t cause any problems, then you can confidently buy in bulk.
This simple test can save you from wasting money on bags that don’t work for your home composting setup, and ensure you are safely dealing with your food waste. Testing one bag is a great way to see if the compostable small bags you have will work.
Kaleem,
www.greenlifehub.com