Why Councils Reject Biodegradable Bin Liners
Table of Contents
Why This Question Comes Up So Often
Many people are confused when councils say biodegradable bin liners are not accepted in organics or FOGO bins.
After all, “biodegradable” sounds environmentally friendly.
But in real waste and composting systems, this label causes too much uncertainty and risk.
This page explains why councils reject biodegradable bin liners, what problems they create in organics systems, and why certified compostable liners are treated differently.
What “Biodegradable” Really Means (and What It Does Not)
The term biodegradable only means that a material can break down at some point.
It does not explain:
- How long the breakdown takes
- Under what conditions it happens
- Whether the material fully disappears or leaves fragments
- Whether it works in composting facilities
Because there is no clear definition, biodegradable products behave very differently in real systems.
This lack of clarity is the root of the problem for councils.
Why Councils Reject Biodegradable Bin Liners
No Defined Breakdown Timeframe
Composting facilities operate on fixed processing cycles.
Biodegradable liners may:
Break down very slowly
Break down only in special conditions
Not fully break down at all
Without a defined timeframe, councils cannot be sure what will happen inside their system.
High Risk of Compost Contamination
Many biodegradable liners are still plastic-based.
When they fail to break down during composting, they can:
Tear into small plastic fragments
Contaminate finished compost
Increase screening and cleanup costs
To protect compost quality, councils often choose to reject biodegradable liners completely.
No Recognized Certification to Enforce
Unlike compostable products, biodegradable liners usually have no independent certification.
This makes it impossible for councils to:
Verify performance
Set clear acceptance rules
Enforce compliance consistently
Without certification, rejection becomes the safest option.
Sorting and Processing Becomes Unworkable
At waste facilities, staff cannot easily tell whether a liner is:
Compostable
Biodegradable
Conventional plastic
If materials cannot be identified quickly, facilities face higher costs and contamination risks.
Many councils solve this by allowing only certified compostable liners.
Why Compostable Bin Liners Are Treated Differently
Certified compostable bin liners are designed specifically for organics systems.
They must meet strict standards that define:
How fast they break down
Under which composting conditions
The quality of the final compost
This gives councils confidence that the liners will work within their system.
To understand the difference more clearly, see
Biodegradable vs Compostable Bags: What Councils Actually Accept
Common Standards Councils Accept
Most councils clearly list which standards they accept.
Depending on the region, these often include:
- AS 4736 compostable bin liners – Australia (FOGO and industrial composting systems)
- EN 13432 compostable waste bags – European Union
- ASTM D6400 compostable trash bags – United States
Products without these certifications are usually excluded.
How Biodegradable Claims Create Greenwashing Risks
From a council perspective, biodegradable claims often lead to misunderstanding.
Problems include:
Vague or misleading labeling
No clear disposal guidance
Public belief that “any green bag is acceptable”
This confusion increases contamination and reduces trust in waste programs.
As a result, many councils take a strict position against biodegradable liners.
What Councils Expect from Approved Bin Liners
Approved liners typically meet all of the following:
- Certified compostable to a recognized standard
- Clearly labeled with certification logos
- Designed for food waste or organics bins
- Compatible with local composting facilities
Biodegradable liners rarely meet these requirements.
What This Means for Buyers and Distributors
If you supply bin liners or packaging to councils, contractors, or retailers:
- Do not rely on “biodegradable” claims
- Always check council acceptance rules
- Prioritize certified compostable products
For sourcing guidance, see How to assess a compostable bag manufacturer
Conclusion: Why Councils Say No to Biodegradable Liners
Councils reject biodegradable bin liners because:
- The term has no clear technical meaning
- Breakdown behavior cannot be verified
- Contamination risks are too high
- There is no enforceable certification
For organics and food waste systems, certified compostable bin liners remain the only reliable option.
