The 5 Best Biodegradable Trash Bags
You’re trying to reduce your waste as much as possible. But let’s face it, you do have trash you need to throw away. When you do, you can make a more eco-friendly choice by selecting one of these best biodegradable trash bags.
Are Biodegradable Trash Bags Eco-Friendly?
Before we take a look at the best biodegradable trash bags, I think it’s important to discuss the eco-friendliness of these bags. Obviously, the most eco-friendly trash bag is the one you don’t even use. That’s why it’s always important to reduce our waste as much as possible.
Related: Easy Ways to Instantly Reduce Waste
But sometimes we just have to throw things away. When that happens, we have a choice to make. We can use a plastic bag that will take hundreds of years to decompose and leave behind dangerous pieces of microplastics when it breaks down, or we can use a biodegradable trash bag that helps us reduce our carbon footprint.
This is why I like to call biodegradable garbage bags a “green-ish” option. While they’re not as good as no trash bag at all, they’re better than plastic trash bags.
1. Repurpose
In addition to offering compostable tableware that makes it incredibly easy and affordable to have a zero waste cookout, Repurpose also has two excellent options for biodegradable garbage bags.
The 13-gallon compostable tall kitchen bag is strong, durable, and star-sealed on the bottom to prevent leaks. They also include flaps to make it easy to lift and seal the bags.
Since they’re made from plants, they’re completely free of BPA and phthalates. Yet they’re also certified home compostable AND certified industrial compostable.
You can also get the compostable small bin bag. This 3-gallon size is ideal for countertop compost bins, bathroom trash cans, and office trash cans. Plus, it offers all of the same benefits of the 13-gallon bags.
Both options have a convenient subscribe and save feature that helps you save money and ensure you never accidentally run out at the worst time. If you decide to try these compostable trash bags from Repurpose, be sure to use the code EARTHTIPS to enjoy 15% off your purchase!
2. BioBag
BioBag offers a fantastic variety of compostable and biodegradable trash bags to suit all of your needs. Are you picking up debris in your yard? You’ll appreciate the large and durable Lawn and Leaf Bags. Need garbage bags for different rooms around your home? You’ll find sizes that range from 3 gallons to 55 gallons.
No matter which type of bag you get, you know you’ll be able to reduce your reliance on plastic trash bags. That’s because BioBags are made with a plant resin that’s based on GMO-free crops. This makes them plastic-free and BPA-free!
Related: 8 Simple Ways to Reduce Plastic Use Today
Even better, you can get these bags from EarthHero, which is one of the best zero waste online shops. If you decide to get BioBag from EarthHero, be sure to use the code EARTHFRIENDLY to get 10% off your order!
3. Hippo Sak
Hippo Sak makes plant-based trash bags in a variety of different sizes to suit your needs. These garbage bags are made from sugar cane instead of plastic from fossil fuels.
Related: 50+ Genius Alternatives to Plastic
Since they’re made from a renewable resource, they’re an excellent sustainable choice. Plus, even though they’re 100% recyclable, they’re super strong and leak-proof.
If you’re looking for a clean and easy way to get your trash out of your home and into the bin without leaks and rips, you can use Hippo Sak bags. When you empty your trash, the Hippo Sak bag can then go in a recycling bin that can accept plastic bags.
Related: How to Create a Zero Waste Kitchen
4. Full Circle
If you’re interested in composting and you need an easy and convenient way to keep your food scraps bin clean, these Full Circle Fresh Air compostable bags are an ideal option.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About How to Compost
Whether it’s food scrap bags or pet waste bags, the most important thing you need to look for with compostable bags is ASTM D6400 certification. This means the bags will properly breakdown in a composter. Not only do these Full Circle bags have the ASTM D6400 certification, but they’re also certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute.
Related: Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Rid of Pet Waste
To use, simply line your food scraps bin with one of these toxin-free and BPA-free bags. When your bin is full, just pull the bag out and put it in your backyard compost bin or take it to your local compost drop off location. Thanks to these eco-friendly compost bags, you never have to worry about a stinky or messy food scraps bin again!
5. beyondGREEN
If you’re looking for compostable garbage bags for small trash cans, these beyondGREEN trash liners are the perfect option. They have a 3-gallon or 5-gallon capacity, so they’re ideal for small trash cans, food waste bins, bathrooms, bedrooms, diaper pails, home offices, and more.
Related: How to Easily Create a Zero Waste Bathroom
Plus, even though they’re made from 100% biodegradable corn by-products and vegetable oils, they’re durable, dependable, and will keep your trash cans clean. They even come in a paper box that’s 100% recyclable, so you won’t have to deal with any waste at all.
6. UNNI
UNNI is another option for some of the best biodegradable trash bags because you’ll find sizes that range from 2.6 gallons all the way up to 65 gallons. Even though these bags are made with plant starches, they’re incredibly strong and durable.
Plus, since they’re plastic-free and ASTM D6400 certified, they’ll completely decompose in around 180 days. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this means you should also only purchase what you think you’ll be able to use in around 9 months. That way you’re not wasting money!
Related: How to Go Zero Waste on a Budget
Choosing the Best Biodegradable Trash Bags
When you need to get rid of trash, you don’t have to use a plastic garbage bag that will take hundreds of years to decompose. Instead, choose one of these best biodegradable trash bags that will start breaking down in just a few months.
More Excellent Eco-Friendly Living Tips
Did you enjoy learning more about the best biodegradable garbage bags? If so, please feel free to check out some of our other popular eco-friendly living posts:
- Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants
- The Best Air-Purifying Houseplants
- How to Prevent Microfiber Pollution
- Easy Ways to Reduce Paper Towel Use

