Compostable vs Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags | RemieDog
Choosing dog poop bags? Start with what the labels actually tell you. Recycled content describes where the material comes from. Biodegradable describes a breakdown process. Certified compostable means the product meets requirements for specific composting conditions.
Here’s how those differences affect your choice—and what to check before disposing of a used bag.
If you’re building a full setup, here’s what else you’ll want for a complete walk: dog walking essentials.
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Conventional & Recycled Plastic Bags
- Conventional plastic bags are not designed for composting.
- PCR means post-consumer recycled plastic: material recovered after consumer use.
- Recycled content reduces the need for virgin plastic but does not make a bag compostable.
- Check the packaging for the percentage of recycled content.
- Crunchy, stiff texture
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Bags Labeled “Biodegradable”
- The label alone does not tell you where or how quickly a bag will break down.
- Look for evidence specifying the environment and conditions.
- Biodegradable does not automatically mean certified compostable.
- Do not assume the bag is suitable for a home compost bin.
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RemieDog Certified Compostable Bags
- Made from corn starch, PBAT, and vegetable oil.
- Certified for home and industrial composting.
- Breakdown time depends on composting conditions.
- Soft, flexible bags designed for everyday walks.
What’s the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable Dog Poop Bags?
Biodegradable and compostable are related terms, but they are not interchangeable.
Biodegradation is breakdown through biological activity. A useful claim needs to explain the conditions and timeframe.
Certified compostability adds defined testing requirements for a particular composting environment. The important question is whether the certification covers industrial facilities or home composting—and whether your disposal program accepts the used bag.
What Does EN 13432 Mean for Dog Poop Bags?
EN 13432 is a standard used to assess packaging for industrial compostability. ASTM D6400 also addresses plastics intended for municipal or industrial composting.
These standards do not, by themselves, establish suitability for home composting. Look for a separate home-compost certification, such as OK compost HOME, when evaluating that claim.
A bag’s certification also does not mean your local composting service accepts dog waste. Check the program’s rules before putting used bags in an organics bin.
RemieDog bags are certified for OK compost HOME and INDUSTRIAL, EN 13432 and ASTM D6400.
Composting conditions matter, and a bag’s certification does not mean every composting program accepts dog waste. Check your local program’s disposal rules.
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Choose your preferred way to dispense.
Explore RemieDog’s compostable dog poop bags in classic rolls with easy-open tabs or one-by-one dispensing. Compare both styles to find the right fit for your everyday walks.
Eco FAQs
Will these break down in my trash can?
No — compostable bags need heat, moisture, and oxygen to break down. They won’t degrade in your kitchen trash or a dry landfill. That’s a good thing — they’re built for compost, not messes.
Are these plastic-free?
They’re made from plant-based materials and a compostable polymer called PBAT — certified to leave no microplastics behind. They’re not “plastic-free” by label, but they are 100% compostable and fully break down.
What are they certified for?
Our bags meet ASTM D6400, EN13432, and OK Compost certifications. That means they’re tested to break down into natural materials without toxic residue.
What’s the shelf life?
Compostable materials have a shelf life of about 12 months. Store them in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight to preserve softness and strength.
Why does it matter if the bag is compostable if I’m just throwing it out?
Even if your bag ends up in the trash, it still matters. Compostable bags are made from plant-based materials — not fossil-fuel plastic — and they won’t leave behind microplastics that linger for hundreds of years. It's about using better materials from the start, not just where they end up.
Isn’t dog poop not compostable? Why use compostable bags at all?
You’re right — most dog poop isn’t safe for regular compost due to pathogens. But that doesn’t mean the bag shouldn’t break down. Using compostable bags helps reduce plastic pollution even if the contents go to landfill. And if your city or facility allows pet waste composting, our bags are certified to break down in those conditions too.
Can I just throw these bags out in the trash? Or do they need to be composted?
Yes — you can throw them out. Even if they end up in a landfill, our compostable bags are still better than plastic. They're made from plant-based materials (not petroleum), and unlike plastic bags, they won’t leave behind toxic microplastics.
That said, composting is always best — it’s how the bags break down fastest and fully. Our bags are certified for both home and industrial composting, so if your city accepts compostable waste or dog poop, they’re ready for it.
How long do compostable dog poop bags take to decompose?
Most certified compostable dog poop bags break down within 90–180 days in proper composting conditions. This includes heat, moisture, and oxygen — which is why landfill conditions can slow the process.
Do compostable dog poop bags break down in landfill?
Not as effectively. Landfills lack the oxygen and conditions needed for proper composting. However, compostable bags are still better than plastic because they don’t leave behind microplastics and are made from plant-based materials.