6 Best Biodegradable and Compostable Garbage Bags
Are these trash bag alternatives really more environmentally conscious and sustainable?

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If you're looking for a way to line your compost bins for easy transport to a composting facility or an alternative to your conventional plastic trash bag, opt for biodegradable garbage bags the next time you're running low. In recent years, the number of biodegradable and compostable garbage bag options has exploded as more and more people look for ways to live more sustainably and become more eco-friendly. But within the world of sustainable products, you'll inevitably encounter misinformation and greenwashing along the way.
The Good Housekeeping Institute places great importance on the topic of sustainability, from our long-standing history of evaluating eco-friendly packaging alternatives and products to our Textiles Lab's coverage of sustainable clothing brands and the dangers of fast fashion. The recommendations ahead are the result of hours of extensive research and analysis from our material engineers and sustainability experts. We've chosen a variety of trash bag alternatives best used for composting, as biodegradable options may not be able to fully decompose under the conditions of a traditional landfill.
Our top picks:
You can read more about the differences between biodegradable and compostable plastics, our thoughts on whether or not these products are helpful for the environment and extra notes from our experts on what you might encounter when shopping for these items. Interested in learning more about sustainability and composting? Check out our guides on sustainable living and how to compost for more.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.


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