Compostable Bag FAQ
Welcome to our FAQ Center! Here you’ll find answers to all your questions about composting bags—from what they are and how to use them correctly, to their real environmental impact. We’re committed to providing transparent, accurate information to help you make smarter, greener choices for your planet.
Table of Contents
Part 1: The Basics - Understanding Your Eco-Friendly Bags
1. What is a compostable bag?
A compostable bag is made from plant-based materials (like corn starch and other renewable resources). Its key feature is its ability to completely break down into water, CO2, and nutrient-rich organic matter (compost) under specific composting conditions, leaving no toxic or plastic residue behind.
2. What’s the difference between “compostable” and “biodegradable”?
This is a crucial question and the most common point of confusion.
- Compostable: This is the certified “gold standard.” It must safely break down within a set timeframe (usually 90-180 days) in a commercial or home composting environment, eventually becoming soil-enriching compost. It requires testing and certification from reputable bodies like BPI in North America or TÜV AUSTRIA (OK compost) in Europe.
- Biodegradable: This is a very broad and sometimes misleading term. It only means a product can be broken down by microbes, but it doesn’t specify the time, conditions, or the final result. A “biodegradable” plastic bag might take years to decompose and could fragment into harmful microplastics.
Conclusion: All compostable bags are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable bags are compostable. To ensure you’re making a truly eco-friendly choice, always look for products with a “certified compostable” label.
[Want to learn more about the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable? Please read our feature article: 2025 What Is the Difference Between Biodegradable and Compostable]
3. What are compostable bags made of?
Our compostable bags are primarily made from a blend of plant-based materials like PLA (Polylactic Acid, derived from corn starch) and PBAT (a certified compostable polymer). These materials come from renewable resources, in stark contrast to traditional plastic bags, which are derived from non-renewable petroleum.
[Want to learn more about “What is a compostable bag?”? Please read our feature article: What Are Compostable Bags Made Of? 2025 Complete Guide .]
Part 2: Use & Disposal - The Right Way to Go from Nature, to Nature
4. How long do compostable bags take to decompose?
The decomposition time depends entirely on the environment:
- In an industrial composting facility: Under ideal conditions of high heat (55-70°C), humidity, and oxygen, it typically takes 90 to 180 days to decompose fully.
- In a home compost bin: Conditions vary greatly, so it will take longer, possibly 6 months to a year or more.
- In the natural environment: Compostable bags should not be littered. In low-temperature, low-oxygen environments like soil or water, their decomposition rate is extremely slow.
5. How should I dispose of a used compostable bag?
Proper disposal is key:
- Best Option: Place it in your community’s designated “green bin” or “organics collection bin” to be sent to a professional industrial composting facility.
- Next Best Option: If the product is specifically labeled “Home Compostable Certified,” you can put it in your backyard compost pile.
- Important: NEVER put compostable bags in your plastics recycling bin! They will contaminate the plastic recycling stream because their chemical makeup is completely different from conventional plastic.
6. Do industrial composting facilities exist in my area?
Frankly, not all communities have widespread access to industrial composting facilities yet. We recommend checking your local municipality’s website or waste management authority to learn about the organic waste collection programs in your area. The number of supportive communities worldwide is growing rapidly.
7. Are compostable bags recyclable?
No, absolutely not. Remember, compostable bags are designed to “return to the earth,” not to be “re-made.” Putting them in the recycling system contaminates the quality of recycled plastics and causes problems for recycling facilities.
Part 3: Product Features & Performance - Details You Care About
8. Are compostable bags sturdy enough to hold heavy items?
Yes. Modern compostable bag technology is highly advanced, and our bags are designed with sustainability and practicality in mind. They are exceptionally durable and puncture-resistant, sufficient for everyday use such as shopping and collecting food waste.
9. What is the shelf life of compostable bags? How should they be stored?
For best results, we recommend using them within 12-18 months of purchase. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. High temperatures and humidity accelerate the decomposition process, causing the bags to become brittle.
[Want to learn more about how to store compostable bags? Please read our feature article: How to Properly Store Compostable Bags: Extend Their Shelf Life]
10. Are compostable bags safe for food contact?
Yes, many of our products are food safety certified and free of any harmful chemicals, making them ideal for packaging fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other food items. You can find specific certification information on the product page.
11. Will using compostable bags for food waste produce unpleasant odors or attract pests?
This problem can occur with any bag used to hold food scraps, but here are some helpful tips:
Drain excess water: Before putting food scraps into the bag, try to drain off as much excess water as possible.
Empty regularly: It’s best to empty your kitchen garbage can every 2-3 days.
Freezing trick: In hot weather, you can freeze compostable garbage bags filled with food scraps and only take them out on garbage collection days. This can effectively prevent odors and pests.
Part 4: Environmental Impact & Value - Beyond the Bag Itself
12. Why are compostable bags more expensive than traditional plastic bags?
That’s a great question. The price difference comes down to a few factors:
- Raw Material Costs: The farming and processing of plant-based materials are currently more costly than producing cheap petroleum byproducts.
- Technology & Production: The manufacturing process requires more advanced technology and machinery.
- Certification & Testing: To guarantee a product is truly compostable, it must undergo rigorous third-party testing, which is a significant investment.
You can think of it this way: you are paying not just for a bag, but for an investment in a cleaner, more sustainable future.
13. Is using compostable bags really better for the environment?
Yes, but with one critical condition: they must be disposed of correctly. When a compostable bag is sent to a composting facility, its positive impact is huge:
- Reduces Fossil Fuel Dependence: Our raw materials come from renewable plants, not finite oil.
- Less Landfill Waste: They won’t sit in a landfill for centuries as traditional plastics do.
- Creates a Circular System: They turn into valuable compost that enriches soil and helps grow more plants, creating a beautiful, closed-loop system.
14. How can I identify a truly trustworthy compostable bag?
To avoid “greenwashing,” always look for official certification logos on the packaging. Don’t trust products that only use vague terms like “eco-friendly” or “biodegradable.” Globally recognized logos include:
- The BPI Certification Mark (widely used in North America).
- TÜV AUSTRIA’s OK compost INDUSTRIAL or OK compost HOME marks (used in Europe and internationally).
Seeing these logos means the product has passed scientific tests and is a genuinely compostable product you can trust.
Part 5: Your Choice - A Call to Action
15. Where can I buy your compostable bags?
Our factory primarily focuses on wholesale and customization; we do not retail. For wholesale or custom orders,
- Our wholesale and customization website: All Product Series Center
- Our Retail Partners: Find them here
16. Do you offer custom services for businesses (e.g., printing a logo)?
Yes, we offer bulk purchasing and custom printing services for restaurants, hotels, event organizers, and other businesses. A custom-branded compostable bag is a fantastic way to showcase your brand’s commitment to sustainability. Please contact our team for more information.
Still have questions?
We’d love to hear them! If your question wasn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team. We’re happy to help.
