Choosing the best compostable trash bag is not simply a matter of finding a product labeled “green,” “biodegradable,” or “plant based.” The right bag must fit the bin, suit the waste stream, carry the appropriate finished-product certification, and be accepted by the composting system that will receive it.
For small kitchen food-waste caddies, certified 2.6- to 3-gallon compostable bags are usually the most practical choice. For standard tall kitchen bins, buyers normally compare 12- to 13-gallon liners by dimensions, thickness, closure, seal design and composting scope. Commercial buyers may require much larger compostable trash bags for restaurants, institutions, waste contractors or municipal organics programs.
This guide compares specific products using publicly available product specifications and certification information. It is a document-based comparison, not an independent laboratory durability test. Where a performance statement comes from a manufacturer, we identify it as published product information rather than our own test result.
Updated: October 3, 2026
Quick Answer: Best Compostable Trash Bags by Use Case
| Use Case | Practical Pick from Products Reviewed | Why It Stands Out | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small countertop food-scrap bin | UNNI 2.6 Gallon | Published BPI/ASTM D6400 and OK compost HOME information | Exact caddy dimensions and current certification |
| True 3-gallon liner | Green Earth 3 Gallon | Published 3-gallon dimensions with home- and commercial-compost information | Current SKU and local acceptance |
| 12–13 gallon home-compost option | Green Earth / Simply Bio | Published home-compost information and detailed dimensions | Exact certification scope |
| 13-gallon industrial composting | HoldOn 13 Gallon | Published BPI industrial-compostability information and drawstring format | Receiving facility acceptance |
| Commercial food-waste collection | BioBag 13 Gallon | Product positioned for food-service and institutional organics collection | Current technical sheet and facility rules |
| Larger B2B or municipal programs | Natur-Bag / EcoSafe | Broader published liner formats and program-oriented supply | Exact size, certification and program requirements |
There is no single best compostable trash bag for every application. The right choice depends on bin dimensions, waste type, certification scope and the composting system that will receive the bag.
Compostable Trash Bags Compared
Product specifications last reviewed: September 2026.
Product dimensions, pack counts, formulations and certification listings can change. Always verify the current product page and certification information for the exact SKU before purchasing or making a compliance decision.
The table below compares specific products rather than treating an entire brand as home compostable or industrially compostable.
| Product reviewed | Capacity and published dimensions | Published thickness | Published composting/certification information | Useful for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNNI 2.6 Gallon Small Food Scrap Waste Bags | 2.6 gal / 9.84 L | 0.71 mil | BPI/ASTM D6400, OK compost HOME and CMA information published | Countertop and small kitchen food-scrap bins |
| Glad Certified Compostable Bags, Small 10 Litres | 10 L / approximately 2.6 gal; 20 bags | Not clearly shown on the reviewed product page | ASTM D6400; BPI and BNQ certification information published for municipal composting | Small kitchen compost bins in markets where the product is accepted |
| Green Earth 3 Gallon Compostable Trash Bags | 3 gal; 16.9 × 17.7 in | 0.71 mil | BPI/ASTM D6400 and OK compost HOME information published | Three-gallon food-waste bins and small liners |
| BioBag 13 Gallon Compostable Liners, item 13G2229 | 13 gal; straight top/star bottom | Verify current technical sheet | Certified-compostable product information published; verify receiving-facility requirements | Commercial kitchens, food service and institutions |
| Green Earth 13 Gallon Compostable Trash Bags | 13 gal; 23.75 × 29.375 in | 1 mil | BPI/ASTM D6400 and OK compost HOME information published | Standard kitchen bins requiring published home and commercial scope |
| Simply Bio 12–13 Gallon Heavy Duty Drawstring Liners | 12–13 gal; 29.4 × 23.7 in | 1 mil | BPI, OK COMPOST and Seedling claims; ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 listed | Tall kitchen bins and buyers wanting a drawstring closure |
| HoldOn 13 Gallon Compostable Tall Kitchen Bags | 13 gal; 24 × 27 in; 40 bags/box | 0.98 mil | BPI Certified Industrially Compostable | Standard tall kitchen bins; industrial composting where accepted |
| Natur-Bag 13 Gallon Compostable Bags | Retail pack: 23.5 × 29 in; industrial SKU also published | 0.8 mil retail / 0.65 mil industrial SKU | BPI and TÜV Austria certification information published; ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 listed | Retail, commercial and organics-diversion programs |
| EcoSafe Compostable Food Scraps Bags | Published small and 13-gallon food-scrap formats | Product-specific; verify current sheet | EcoSafe states its liners are BPI certified and CMA approved | Residential, retail and commercial food-scrap collection |
Product specifications and certification listings can change. Use the links above to confirm the current SKU before making a purchasing or compliance decision.
How We Compared These Compostable Trash Bags
We reviewed the following publicly available information:
- exact product or SKU where available;
- bag capacity and dimensions;
- published film thickness;
- closure and bottom-seal design;
- home or industrial composting scope;
- certification statements;
- pack or case format;
- intended application;
- storage instructions; and
- manufacturer product documentation.
We did not independently perform controlled tensile, puncture, leak, seal-strength or load-to-failure testing on every retail product in this guide. We therefore do not assign unsupported numerical durability scores or claim that one product is universally stronger than another.
Publisher Disclosure
ORIZON is a B2B compostable bags manufacturer supplying custom and private-label products. We do not receive affiliate commissions from the retail brands compared in this article, and ORIZON products are not ranked against the consumer brands above.
Our purpose is to explain published specifications, certification scope and bag construction from a manufacturing perspective. Buyers can review our compostable bag factory and quality-control capabilities
How to Compare Value When Buying Compostable Trash Bags
The lowest package price does not always represent the best value.
When comparing compostable trash bags, consider:
- price per bag
- number of bags per pack
- actual bag dimensions
- film thickness and construction
- closure type
- finished-product certification
- home vs industrial composting scope
- shipping cost
- whether the local composting program accepts the product
Two products sold as the same gallon capacity may differ significantly in dimensions, thickness, certification scope and pack count. Compare the complete specification rather than package price alone.
How to Choose the Right Compostable Trash Bag
1. Finished-Bag Certification
The first question is not simply, “Is the resin certified?” It is, “Is this exact finished bag covered by the required certification?”
Changes in thickness, color, printing ink, additives, adhesives or product structure can affect the certified configuration. Professional buyers should request documentation for the finished product rather than accepting a general statement that the raw material is compostable.
For the United States, read our guide to ASTM D6400 requirements and our BPI certification and verification information. For European projects, review the EN 13432 certification requirements.
2. Actual Bag Dimensions
Two bags labeled with the same gallon or liter capacity can have different widths and lengths. Compare the bag dimensions with the bin rim, height and required overhang.
An undersized liner may need to be stretched around the rim, increasing stress near the opening or seal. An oversized liner may slip into the bin, fold excessively or use more material than necessary.
3. Thickness, Formulation and Seal
Thickness is useful, but it is not a complete strength rating. Finished-bag performance also depends on film formulation, extrusion consistency, dimensions, bottom-seal quality, closure design and load distribution.
Flat seals, star seals and other bottom constructions distribute loads differently. Star-sealed bottoms are often considered for round bins and wet organic waste because the structure can help distribute contents across the base. The most suitable design still depends on the intended application.
4. Closure and Handling
Flat-top liners can be simple and material-efficient. Handle-tie and drawstring designs may make closing, lifting and carrying easier. For food-waste programs, the best option depends on how the bag is filled, removed and transferred to the collection system.
5. Storage and Consumption Rate
Compostable bags should normally be stored away from excessive heat and moisture. Storage planning matters particularly for businesses purchasing in bulk. Compare the expected monthly consumption with the supplier’s storage guidance before ordering a long-term supply.
Best 2.6- to 3-Gallon Compostable Bags for Food Waste
Small 2.6- to 3-gallon compostable garbage bags are intended primarily for countertop food-scrap containers and compact kitchen caddies. They should not be compared directly with 13-gallon tall kitchen liners because the bin size, load and handling pattern are different.
| Product | Published size and construction | Published composting information | Best use and what to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNNI 2.6 Gallon Small Food Scrap Waste Bags | 2.6 gal / 9.84 L; 0.71 mil; 100-bag option published | BPI/ASTM D6400, OK compost HOME and CMA information published | Good documented option for countertop food-scrap bins. Check the caddy dimensions and storage period. |
| Glad Certified Compostable Bags, Small 10 Litres | 10 L / approximately 2.6 gal; 20 bags; thickness not clearly shown | ASTM D6400; BPI and BNQ certification information published for municipal composting | Mainstream small-bin option. Do not assume it is home compostable; check local program acceptance. |
| Green Earth 3 Gallon Compostable Trash Bags | 3 gal; 16.9 × 17.7 in; 0.71 mil; 100 bags per roll | BPI/ASTM D6400 and OK compost HOME information published | Useful where a true 3-gallon size and published home/commercial scope are required. |
| EcoSafe Small Food Scraps Bag, product CBR1617-6 | 2.5 gal / 9.5 L; 16 × 17 in; 0.6 mil; easy-tie format published | EcoSafe states its compostable liners are BPI certified and CMA approved | Suited to residential or program-based food-scrap collection. Verify the current product sheet and case format. |
When selecting compostable food-waste bags, measure the caddy opening and height, consider how long wet scraps will remain in the liner, and confirm whether the bag will enter home or commercial composting. Sharp scraps such as bones and stems can also affect performance.
Best 12- to 13-Gallon Compostable Kitchen Trash Bags
Standard tall kitchen bins commonly use 12- to 13-gallon liners, but capacity alone does not guarantee fit.
| Product | Published size and construction | Published composting information | Best use and what to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioBag 13 Gallon Compostable Liner, item 13G2229 | 13 gal; straight top and star-sealed bottom; verify the current technical sheet for dimensions and thickness | Certified-compostable product information published | Commercial kitchens, food service and institutional organic-waste collection. Confirm facility acceptance and case format. |
| Green Earth 13 Gallon Compostable Trash Bags | 13 gal; 23.75 × 29.375 in; 1 mil; 50 bags per roll | BPI/ASTM D6400 and OK compost HOME information published | Standard kitchen bins requiring published home- and commercial-compost information. |
| Simply Bio 12–13 Gallon Heavy Duty Drawstring Liners | 12–13 gal; 29.4 × 23.7 in; 1 mil; 30-count drawstring format | BPI, OK COMPOST and Seedling claims; ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 listed | Tall kitchen bins where a drawstring is preferred. Treat performance descriptions as manufacturer claims. |
| HoldOn 13 Gallon Compostable Tall Kitchen Bags | 13 gal; 24 × 27 in; 0.98 mil; 40 bags per box; drawstring | BPI Certified Industrially Compostable | Standard tall kitchen bins entering an accepted industrial composting system. Do not represent this SKU as home compostable. |
| Natur-Bag 13 Gallon Compostable Bags | Retail pack: 23.5 × 29 in and 0.8 mil; industrial 13-gallon SKU also published | BPI and TÜV Austria information published; ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 listed | Retail, commercial and organics-diversion programs. Verify the exact retail or industrial SKU before comparing specifications. |
The difference between home and industrial compostability matters. A 13-gallon bag designed for industrial composting should not be represented as backyard compostable unless the exact finished product also carries appropriate home-compost certification.
B2B buyers developing a retail or commercial product can review ORIZON’s 13-gallon compostable trash bag manufacturing page for custom dimensions, thickness, closure, printing and packaging options.
Are Glad Compostable Trash Bags Home Compostable?
Not automatically.
For the Glad Certified Compostable Bags product reviewed in this guide, the published information references ASTM D6400, BPI and BNQ certification for municipal or commercial composting applications.
This information should not by itself be interpreted as proof that the product is suitable for home or backyard composting.
Compostability should always be checked for the exact finished-product SKU. Certification applying to one Glad compostable product does not automatically apply to every trash bag sold under the Glad brand.
If home composting is required, look for a recognized home-compost certification that specifically covers the finished product being purchased.
Buyers should also confirm whether their local composting program accepts compostable plastic liners before disposal.
Commercial and Large-Capacity Compostable Trash Can Liners
Retail kitchen bags are not the correct benchmark for every commercial or municipal project. Restaurants, hotels, institutions, waste contractors and organics programs may require larger compostable trash can liners, different case packs and a more controlled specification.
Commercial buyers should define:
- bin width, depth, height and rim dimensions;
- bag width, length and required overhang;
- expected waste type and load;
- wet, dense or puncture-prone contents;
- flat or star-sealed bottom;
- bags per roll and rolls per carton;
- storage conditions and expected consumption;
- market-specific labeling; and
- required finished-product certification.
For larger formats and bulk supply, see ORIZON’s compostable trash bags for wholesale and OEM projects.
Home-Compostable vs Industrial-Compostable Trash Bags
“Compostable” does not automatically mean “home compostable.” Home composting normally takes place at lower and less controlled temperatures than industrial composting.
Home composting
If the bag will enter a backyard or household compost system, look for recognized home-compost certification covering the exact finished product. Depending on the target market, examples may include OK compost HOME or AS 5810.
Industrial or commercial composting
If the bag will enter a municipal, commercial or centralized facility, standards and certification programs may include BPI/ASTM D6400, EN 13432, OK compost INDUSTRIAL or AS 4736.
Certification does not guarantee that every local facility accepts compostable plastic bags. Facilities and municipalities can set their own contamination-control, color, labeling and accepted-material rules. Always check the receiving program.
For a more detailed comparison, read OK compost HOME vs INDUSTRIAL.
Compostable vs Biodegradable Trash Bags
“Biodegradable” is a broad description. Without a defined standard, time frame and disposal environment, the term does not tell a buyer where or how quickly a bag will break down.
Certified compostable plastic bags are evaluated against defined requirements under specified composting conditions. Depending on the applicable standard, testing can address disintegration, biodegradation, heavy metals and plant ecotoxicity.
A product described only as biodegradable, plant based, degradable or eco-friendly should not automatically be treated as equivalent to a certified compostable bag. Read our complete guide to biodegradable vs compostable materials.
Are Compostable Trash Bags Recyclable?
Generally, certified compostable bags should not be placed in a conventional plastic-recycling stream. Compostable polymers and conventional recyclable plastics are designed for different end-of-life systems, and mixing them can create contamination problems.
Use a compostable liner only when it matches the intended organics-collection or composting route. Follow the instructions of the local waste authority, hauler or composting facility.
Are Compostable Bags Always the Most Eco-Friendly Choice?
No single bag material is automatically the best environmental choice in every situation.
A compostable bag is most useful when it supports the separate collection of food or organic waste and reaches a composting system that accepts it. If the bag is sent to landfill, conventional recycling or another unsuitable environment, the intended composting benefit may not be realized.
Buyers should evaluate the complete system:
- What waste will the bag collect?
- Is a liner needed?
- Does the receiving program accept compostable plastic bags?
- Which certification does the market or facility require?
- Can the bag be produced in the correct size and thickness without unnecessary material?
- Are labeling and disposal instructions clear to the end user?
What Are Compostable Trash Bags Made From?
Compostable bag formulations vary by manufacturer and product. They may include combinations of plant-derived feedstocks, starch-based components, PLA, PBAT or other compostable polymers. “Plant based” and “compostable” are not interchangeable claims: a product can contain renewable feedstock without being certified compostable, and some certified compostable formulations can contain fossil-derived compostable polymers.
For a brand such as Glad, buyers should rely on the exact product’s published material and certification documentation rather than assuming the formulation from the brand name. If the full formulation is not publicly disclosed, state that clearly instead of guessing.
For OEM projects, material selection must be evaluated together with the required certification, bag dimensions, thickness, sealing behavior, printing and storage performance.
Need Custom Compostable Trash Bags for B2B Supply?
ORIZON manufactures custom compostable trash bags for distributors, importers, private-label brands and commercial waste programs.
Custom options include bag dimensions, thickness, seal design, color, printing, roll configuration, retail packaging and market-specific certification requirements.
- Explore Bulk Compostable Trash Bags
- View OEM Manufacturing
- Request a Specification Review
Request a Specification Review
Send ORIZON the following information before requesting a quotation:
- target bag width and length;
- thickness or expected load;
- bin dimensions;
- waste type;
- estimated order quantity;
- bags per roll and retail pack;
- printing and packaging requirements;
- destination country; and
- required certification.
Request an OEM Specification Review
FAQ
What are the best compostable trash bags?
The best compostable trash bag is one that fits the bin, suits the waste type, carries the appropriate finished-product certification and is accepted by the intended composting system. For small food-scrap caddies, 2.6- to 3-gallon liners are common. For tall kitchen bins, compare specific 12- to 13-gallon products by dimensions, seal, closure and certification.
What are the best compostable bags for food waste?
Choose a certified liner that fits the food-waste caddy and is accepted by the receiving composting program. For wet food scraps, also consider how long the waste will remain in the bag, the likelihood of sharp scraps and the bottom-seal design.
Can compostable trash bags handle wet food waste?
They can be used for wet food waste when the bag size, film formulation, seal design and holding time are suitable for the application. Thickness alone does not determine performance. Wet or dense scraps, sharp food waste and long storage periods can place more stress on the liner, so buyers should consider the complete finished-bag specification.
Are 3-gallon compostable bags suitable for kitchen compost bins?
Yes. Three-gallon bags are commonly used for countertop or under-sink food-scrap caddies. Measure the actual bin opening and height because products with the same stated capacity can have different dimensions.
Are 13-gallon compostable bags home compostable?
Not necessarily. Some 13-gallon products publish home-compost certification, while others are certified only for industrial or commercial composting. Verify the exact SKU rather than relying on the brand name or capacity.
Are BPI-certified bags suitable for home composting?
BPI certification is associated with commercial compostability. It should not be treated as proof of home compostability unless the exact product also carries a recognized home-compost certification.
Do compostable trash bags break down in landfill?
Compostable certification is based on specified composting conditions. Landfills generally do not provide the same controlled temperature, oxygen, moisture and biological activity. A compostable claim should not be interpreted as a landfill-degradation claim.
Are biodegradable and compostable trash bags the same?
No. Biodegradable is a broad term. Certified compostable products are evaluated against defined requirements and conditions. Look for the applicable standard and third-party certification rather than relying only on general environmental wording.
Does a thicker compostable bag always mean a stronger bag?
No. Thickness is one specification. Film formulation, bag dimensions, seal quality, closure design and production consistency also influence finished-bag performance.
Can compostable trash bags go in plastic recycling?
Generally, no. Compostable polymers should not normally be mixed with conventional plastic recycling. Follow the rules of the local waste and composting system.
Where can businesses order custom compostable trash bags?
Businesses can work with a qualified compostable bag manufacturer to develop custom dimensions, thickness, seals, printing, roll formats and retail packaging. ORIZON supports OEM and private-label compostable bag projects for B2B buyers.
Sources and Update Policy
This guide uses manufacturer product pages and certification information available on the date shown above. Specifications, pack counts, claims and certification listings can change.
Before making a purchasing, compliance or product-development decision:
- open the linked product page;
- confirm the exact SKU;
- request the current certificate or official directory listing;
- check whether the certificate covers the finished bag configuration; and
- confirm acceptance with the receiving composting facility.
If a linked specification changes, ORIZON should update the comparison table and dateModified field rather than simply changing the visible year in the title.
About the Author
Andrea Chen works with Andrea Chen works with ORIZON, a B2B manufacturer specializing in compostable bags for wholesale, OEM and private-label projects. for wholesale, OEM and private-label projects. Her content focuses on bag specifications, compostability certification, film construction, production considerations and the information international buyers need when developing custom bag products.
Andrea writes from a manufacturer’s perspective, with particular attention to finished-product certification, bag dimensions, thickness, seal design, printing, packaging and market-specific compliance requirements.
Email: info@orizonbio.com
Personal LinkedIn: Connect with Andrea Chen
ORIZON factory: Compostable Bag Factory
Company verification: Verify ORIZON
ORIZON LinkedIn: Shandong ORIZON Biomaterials Co., Ltd.
