This guide is written by ORIZON, a China-based compostable bag manufacturer with over 16 years of production experience.
It is designed specifically for B2B buyers, including packaging distributors, retail brands, municipalities, and institutional procurement teams that source compostable trash bags in bulk.
We do not sell to individual consumers. All products referenced in this guide are supplied for wholesale, OEM, and long-term B2B programs only.
Choosing the best compostable trash bags depends on certification, size, strength, and where your waste is composted. In this 2026 review, we compare certified compostable bags based on real-world use, including leak resistance with wet food waste, correct bin fit, and verified standards such as BPI, EN 13432, and TÜV OK Compost.
In this 2026 review, we compare certified compostable trash bags based on real-world use:
leak resistance with wet food waste, correct bin fit, and verified compostability standards such as BPI, EN 13432, and TÜV OK Compost.
This is not a generic brand list.
It’s a practical comparison designed to help you quickly find the best compostable trash bags for your specific use case—kitchen bins, home composting, or large wheelie bins.
Best Compostable Trash Bags – Quick Picks (2026)
| Best For | Product | Common Size | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall (Kitchen Use) | ORIZON Strong Compostable Kitchen Bags | 13 Gallon | BPI, EN 13432, OK Compost Industrial |
| Best for Home Composting | ORIZON Home Composting Bags | 2.6–3 Gallon | OK Compost HOME, EN 13432 |
| Best Heavy-Duty Option | ORIZON Extra Thick Compostable Bags | 30–50 Liter | BPI, EN 13432 |
| Best for Small Food Caddies | ORIZON Food-Waste Liners | 1–2.6 Gallon | BPI, EN 13432 |
These picks are based on certification scope, size accuracy, and daily performance, not marketing claims.
How We Chose the Best Compostable Trash Bags
Each product in this review was evaluated using four practical criteria:
1. Verified compostability certifications
Only bags certified under (BPI / ASTM D6400, EN 13432 / TÜV OK Compost Home / Industrial) were considered.
2. Correct size & bin fit
We focused on the most common real-world sizes:
- 1–3 gallon food-waste caddies
- 13-gallon kitchen trash cans
- 30–50L heavy-duty bins household or wheelie bins
3. Everyday performance
Including seal strength, tear resistance, and leak risk with wet food scraps.
4. Composting context
Industrial composting and home composting are not the same.
Certification must match how and where the waste is processed.
We applied the same four practical criteria—certification, size & bin fit, everyday performance, and composting context—to all products in this review.
From a Compostable Trash Bag Manufacturer (Transparency & Disclosure)
I’m Andrea. I work with ORIZON, a compostable bag manufacturer supplying brands and distributors across the US, Europe, and Australia.
This guide is written from a manufacturer’s perspective—but it’s not a sales list. It’s a practical comparison of certified compostable trash bags, based on real certification checks, size fit, and basic performance factors like leak resistance and wet-load handling.
If you’re trying to avoid greenwashing and choose compostable bags that actually work in real composting systems, this guide is for you.
Disclosure: ORIZON manufactures compostable trash bags, and some examples in this guide include our own products. All brands listed are evaluated using the same certification and use-case criteria. No affiliate links are included.
Below is a quick overview of how this guide is structured and how to use it.
Top Certified Compostable Trash Bag Brands
Below is a practical breakdown based on how these bags are typically sourced and used.
Retail-Ready Certified Brands (Consumer-Facing)
These brands are widely available through supermarkets, online marketplaces, and big-box retailers. They are suitable for consumers who want a ready-to-buy option and rely primarily on packaging labels and third-party certifications.
Glad Compostable Trash Bags
- Certifications: BPI (ASTM D6400)
- Best for: Industrial composting programs in North America
- Strengths: Easy to find, meets basic industrial composting requirements
- Trade-offs: Not suitable for home composting; film tends to be thinner for heavy or wet waste
BioBag
- Certifications: BPI, EN 13432, TÜV OK Compost (selected products)
- Best for: Users with access to certified composting facilities in the US and EU
- Strengths: Strong certification coverage and consistent quality
- Trade-offs: Higher price point; limited heavy-duty options in some regions
UNNI Compostable Bags
- Certifications: BPI, TÜV OK Compost HOME (specific SKUs only)
- Best for: Small kitchen bins and home composting setups
- Strengths: Home-compostable options available; good fit for food-waste caddies
- Trade-offs: Limited size range; not all products carry home compost certification
These brands work well for individual households purchasing in smaller quantities, provided the certifications match local composting acceptance.
Manufacturer-Supplied & Private-Label Options (B2B)
In contrast, manufacturer-supplied compostable trash bags are typically produced for brands, distributors, municipalities, and commercial programs rather than direct retail sale.
This category focuses less on shelf packaging and more on certification transparency, size accuracy, thickness control, and supply stability.
ORIZON (Manufacturer-Supplied, OEM-Based)
- Certifications: BPI, EN 13432, TÜV OK Compost HOME / Industrial
- Best for: Private-label brands, distributors, and institutional buyers
- Strengths:
- Full visibility into certification scope and test standards
- Customizable thickness, dimensions, and roll formats
- Designed for professional and high-volume use cases
- Trade-offs:
- B2B supply only
- Not positioned as a retail consumer brand
Manufacturer-supplied options like ORIZON are commonly chosen when buyers need consistent specifications, documented compliance, and long-term supply rather than retail packaging convenience.
How to Choose Between Retail and Manufacturer-Supplied Options
- If you are buying for personal household use, retail-ready brands may be the most convenient choice.
- If you are sourcing for private label, distribution, food-waste programs, or commercial use, working directly with a certified manufacturer offers greater control and traceability.
In both cases, verified compostability certifications and correct matching to your composting system remain more important than brand name alone.
Use-Case Based Recommendations
| Pick | Best For | Size | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORIZON Strong Compostable Kitchen Bags | Overall kitchen use | 13 gallon | BPI, OK Compost Industrial |
| ORIZON Home Composting Bags | Home compost bins | 2.6–3 gallon | OK Compost HOME, EN 13432 |
| ORIZON Extra Thick Heavy-Duty Bags | Large wheelie bins / heavy waste | 30–50 liter | BPI, EN 13432 |
| ORIZON Small Food-Waste Liners | Countertop caddies | 1–2.6 gallon | BPI, EN 13432 |
The examples below illustrate how different compostable bag specifications align with common use cases. Product references are provided for specification clarity rather than brand comparison.
Why Use Compostable Trash Bags?
Plastic trash bags are convenient but create long-term waste. Once landfilled, conventional plastics can persist for decades, contributing to pollution and microplastic accumulation.
Compostable trash bags break down under the right conditions, returning to soil without leaving harmful residues. But without industrial or home composting, their environmental advantage is reduced. Proper certification, disposal, and composting infrastructure are key.
“Biodegradable” vs “Compostable”
Biodegradable: Material can decompose in the natural environment but timeline, conditions, and byproducts are unclear. May leave microplastics.
Compostable: Breaks down completely under defined conditions (oxygen, moisture, microbes, temperature) within a set timeframe (e.g., 90 days), leaving no harmful residues.
Always check for authoritative certifications like BPI, EN 13432, or TÜV OK Compost.
Compostable Certification Guide
This section supports the Compostable Certification Verification Checklist introduced earlier and explains how major compostability standards differ and when each one applies.
When you compare the best certified compostable bin liners, certifications are more important than color, scent, or packaging design. A compostable logo backed by real testing tells you much more than the word “eco-friendly” on the box.
- BPI Certified (ASTM D6400): The most common certification in North America. If you see this mark in the US or Canada, it means the bag meets the requirements of industrial composting facilities.
- EN 13432: A unified European standard. Compostable bin liners purchased in the European market must meet this standard.
- TÜV Austria (OK Compost Home / OK Compost Industrial): TÜV Austria’s certification is very rigorous, especially the “OK Compost Home” mark! This means the bag can decompose naturally in your backyard compost bin, which is of utmost importance to many home composting enthusiasts! “OK Compost Industrial” is for industrial composting facilities.
How Professional Buyers Actually Source Compostable Trash Bags
For professional buyers, choosing compostable trash bags is not only about brand rankings or consumer reviews.
In real B2B sourcing scenarios, buyers typically evaluate:
- Certification requirements (EN 13432, ASTM D6400, OK Compost, AS4736)
- Bag size and thickness matched to waste streams
- Consistent material formulation for stable performance
- Monthly supply capacity and quality control
- OEM or private label compatibility
- Reliable export experience for their target market
This guide reflects how compostable trash bags are specified, quoted, and ordered in real-world wholesale and institutional programs.
How to Verify Compostable Certifications (Avoid Greenwashing)
Not all “certified” claims are equal. Before trusting a compostable trash bag, check the following:
- Look for a real certification logo
BPI, EN 13432, or TÜV Austria (OK Compost) should be clearly shown on the packaging or product page. - Confirm the certification scope
Some brands certify only specific sizes or product lines—not their entire range. - Check the certifying body’s database
BPI and TÜV Austria provide public lists where certified products can be verified by brand or manufacturer. - Match certification to your composting method
Industrial certification does not guarantee home compostability. - Be cautious of vague terms
Labels like “eco-friendly” or “biodegradable” without a standard are red flags.
How to Choose the Best Compostable Bags
Certification is key: Look for the logos we’ve mentioned. Especially for those who compost at home, remember to look for OK Compost Home.
Durability and leak-proofness: Compostable trash bags should be durable enough to be leak-proof, even with wet kitchen waste. The bags we recommend are rigorously tested heavy-duty compostable bin liners!
Capacity and size: Choosing the right size is crucial for a perfect fit.
This section expands on the Compostable Trash Bag Size Reference mentioned at the beginning of this guide, helping you match common bin sizes with the right bag capacity and dimensions.
Whether it’s a small kitchen compost caddy, a standard 13-gallon kitchen can, or a larger household bin, choosing the correct size reduces tearing, slipping, and unnecessary waste. (For a more detailed breakdown of dimensions and bin compatibility, you can also refer to our guide: Trash Bag Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Size)
Odor control: Excellent compostable trash bags typically feature a microporous, breathable design, which helps reduce anaerobic fermentation and thus control some of the odor. Frequent emptying is also key!
Ease of use: How easy is it to open? How convenient is it to line the trash can? How well does the sealing design work? These details will affect your user experience.
Shelf Life: Compostable bags are, after all, “living” materials; they have a “shelf life”! Don’t buy them and store them for years before using them. We’ll explain in detail below how to store them correctly to ensure they don’t degrade prematurely in your hands.
Value for Money: After meeting all the above conditions, find a product that is reasonably priced and offers good value for money.
User Reviews: See what other users are saying; their genuine feedback is very valuable.
Compostable Trash Bag Size Quick Reference
Choosing the right size is one of the most common reasons compostable bags fail or leak. This table summarizes the size guidance discussed above and serves as a quick reference for common household and kitchen bins.
| Bin Type | Typical Capacity | Recommended Bag Size | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countertop food caddy | 5–10 L | 1–2.6 gallon | Daily food scraps |
| Small kitchen compost bin | 10–12 L | 2.6–3 gallon | Home composting |
| Standard kitchen trash can | 45–50 L | 13 gallon | Food & household waste |
| Large household / wheelie bin | 30–50 L | 30–50 liter | Yard or heavy waste |
Always check both volume and bin shape. A “13-gallon” bag can fit differently depending on width and height.
Best Compostable Trash Bags by Use Case
Kitchen Use – ORIZON Strong Compostable Kitchen Garbage Bags
- Ideal for standard 13-gallon kitchen cans
- Leak-tested with wet food scraps
- Certified BPI, ASTM D6400, EN 13432, OK Compost Industrial
Home Composting – ORIZON Home Composting Bags
- Best for 2.6–3 gallon backyard caddies
- OK Compost HOME certified
- Breaks down in ~12 weeks even at lower compost temperatures
Heavy-Duty / Large Bins – ORIZON Extra Thick Heavy-Duty Compostable Garbage Bags
- For 30–50L wheelie bins or garden waste
- Extra-thick film, tear and puncture resistant
- Certified EN 13432, BPI Industrial
More information : https://orizonbags.com/products/compostable-wheelie-bin-liners/
Best 13 Gallon Compostable Kitchen Trash Bags
In North America, 13-gallon is the most common kitchen trash can size. If you are looking for the best biodegradable trash bags 13 gallon, here is what I suggest you check:
- look for BPI and ASTM D6400 logos for industrial composting
- choose a bag with enough thickness for wet food waste
- avoid products that only say “biodegradable” without certification
Our ORIZON Strong Compostable Kitchen Bags are designed with this size in mind. They fit standard 13-gallon cans and are tested for daily food-waste use.
Alternatives to Plastic Trash Bags
- Certified compostable trash bags – practical if you have access to composting.
- Paper bags/liners – good for dry waste, not wet food scraps.
- Reusable bin without liner – eco-friendly but needs frequent cleaning.
Sourcing Compostable Trash Bags in Bulk (Manufacturer Supply)
If you are sourcing compostable trash bags for wholesale distribution, municipal waste programs, or private label packaging, it is important to work directly with a qualified manufacturer.
ORIZON supplies compostable trash bags in bulk quantities, covering indoor bin liners and heavy-duty outdoor garbage bags for commercial and institutional use.
Our production focuses on:
- Stable bulk supply and consistent specifications
- Certified compostable materials only
- OEM and private label programs
- Export-ready packaging for EU, USA, and Australia
View Compostable Trash Bags for Bulk Supply
About ORIZON – Chinese Compostable Bag Manufacturer
- International certifications, transparent supply chain, competitive pricing
- 16 years of experience producing plant-based, environmentally friendly bags
- Strict raw material control, modern production lines, ISO quality management
- Rigorous testing: tensile, leak-proof, thickness uniformity, third-party degradation verification
How to Use & Store Compostable Bags
- Hold kitchen waste, fruit peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells.
- Avoid excessive liquids, very hot food, chemicals, metals, glass.
- Store in a cool, dry place; keep sealed; use within 1 year unopened, 3–6 months after opening.
- Dispose properly: Industrial-certified bags to facilities, Home-certified to backyard compost.
FAQ
Are compostable bags really more environmentally friendly than traditional plastic bags?
Absolutely! If you dispose of them properly (compost), they will decompose naturally, avoiding environmental pollution. In contrast, traditional plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose and produce microplastics.
Do compostable bags increase composting time?
If the bags meet standards, they will decompose along with food waste during composting and usually won’t significantly extend the composting time. However, it’s recommended to cut the bags open or choose products certified by “OK Compost Home”.
Can I use compostable bags for regular garbage?
You can use them, but we don’t recommend it. Regular garbage bags usually end up in landfills, and compostable bags cannot decompose effectively in the anaerobic environment of landfills, thus losing their environmental benefits.
Why did my compostable bags break/start decomposing before I even used them?
The most likely cause is improper storage! Please refer to our storage guidelines above to ensure they are kept away from light, high temperatures, and moisture. After all, they are biological materials and not as “robust” as plastic.
How to distinguish genuine composting bags from counterfeit products?
The key is to look for authoritative certification marks, such as BPI, EN 13432, or TÜV Austria. If a product lacks these marks, or only states “biodegradable” without specific details, be wary.
What are the best compostable bags for everyday use?
From my experience, the best compostable bags are ones that match your bin size, carry trusted certifications such as BPI, EN 13432, or OK Compost, and are used in a real composting system. For most households, a certified 13-gallon compostable trash bag for the kitchen plus small 2.6–3 gallon food-waste liners works very well.
Where can I buy Orizon composting bags?
You can visit our official website directly: https://orizonbags.com/
Conclusion
Choose certified compostable bags, match them to the correct bin, and dispose in a proper composting system. This ensures effective decomposition, avoids greenwashing, and supports sustainable waste practices.
For B2B inquiries, private-label branding, or bulk orders, ORIZON provides test data, certification documents, and real-world usage experience.
If you need support in choosing compostable bags for your brand, retail chain, or distribution business, you are welcome to contact us. My team and I are happy to share test data, certification documents, and real-world experience.
Request Bulk Specifications or OEM Quotation
If you are evaluating compostable trash bags for a professional project, you can send us your basic requirements to receive specifications
or a bulk quotation.
Typical information buyers provide:
- Target market (EU / USA / Australia / Other)
- Bag size and thickness
- Certification requirements
- Monthly or annual volume
- OEM / private label needs
