Compostable vs Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags: What Actually Breaks Down?
Discover the truth behind plastic, biodegradable, and compostable bags — and why only one breaks down right.
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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Plastic Bags
❌ Made from fossil fuels
❌ Does not break down — persists for centuries
❌ Leaves behind microplastics
❌ Not compostable
❌ Not safe for home composting
❌ Crunchy, stiff texture
❌ Obvious pollution — no greenwashing, just green damage -
Biodegradable Bags
⚠️ Sometimes made with plant materials
❌ Breaks down only in industrial facilities
⚠️ Often still leaves microplastics
⚠️ Rarely certified compostable
⚠️ Usually not home compost safe
⚠️ Texture varies
❌ High greenwashing risk — marketed as eco but often not -
RemieDog Compostable Bags
✅ Made from corn starch, PBAT, and vegetable oil
✅ Fully breaks down in 90–180 days
✅ No microplastics — breaks down clean
✅ Certified: ASTM D6400, OK Compost, EN13432
✅ Safe for home and industrial compost
✅ Soft-touch, flexible feel
✅ No greenwashing — just real eco results
What’s the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable Dog Poop Bags?
Biodegradable and compostable dog poop bags are often used interchangeably — but they’re not the same.
• Biodegradable bags break down over time, but often leave behind microplastics
• Compostable bags are certified to fully break down into natural materials
That difference matters more than most people think.
What Does EN13432 Certification Actually Mean?
When a dog poop bag is certified under EN13432, it means it has been tested to fully break down into natural materials within a controlled composting environment — without leaving harmful residue.
This isn’t marketing language — it’s a strict European certification standard.
Look for certifications like:
- EN13432
- ASTM D6400
- OK Compost
If a bag doesn’t clearly list these, there’s a good chance it’s not truly compostable.
If you're trying to choose the right option, our compostable dog poop bags guide breaks this down in more detail.
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Looking for compostable bags that actually break down?
Our bags are certified (ASTM D6400, EN13432, OK Compost), soft to the touch, and designed to work in real life — not just on paper.
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.