ASTM D6400 Compostable Bags for US Municipalities
Table of Contents
Why ASTM D6400 Matters for US Municipal Programs
Across the United States, municipalities are expanding food waste and organics collection programs.
To reduce contamination and protect compost quality, many cities and counties specify ASTM D6400 certified compostable bags for liners and trash bags used in these programs.
This page explains what ASTM D6400 compostable bags are, why US municipalities require them, and how they are used in municipal organics systems.
What Is ASTM D6400?
ASTM D6400 is a US standard that defines compostability for plastic materials under controlled composting conditions.
A bag certified to ASTM D6400 must:
- Fully break down in industrial composting facilities
- Leave no harmful residues
- Support high-quality compost output
This standard is widely recognized by:
- Municipal waste authorities
- Composting facilities
- Regulatory and procurement teams
Learn more about the standard in What Does ASTM D6400 Compostable Mean?
Why US Municipalities Require ASTM D6400 Compostable Bags
Municipal organics programs depend on clear, enforceable acceptance rules.
ASTM D6400 helps municipalities by:
- Providing a verifiable standard
- Reducing plastic contamination
- Supporting consistent processing outcomes
- Simplifying public education and compliance
Without certification, bags may look similar but behave very differently during composting.
Common Municipal Use Cases for ASTM D6400 Bags
ASTM D6400 compostable bags are commonly used in:
- Kitchen caddy liners for food waste
- Organics bin liners for residential programs
- Commercial food waste collection
- Municipal pilot and rollout programs
These bags are designed to work within industrial composting systems, not landfill environments.
See why landfill disposal changes outcomes in Do Compostable Bags Break Down in Landfill?
ASTM D6400 vs “Biodegradable” Bags
Many municipalities explicitly reject biodegradable bags.
The reason is simple:
“Biodegradable” has no fixed timeframe
Breakdown behavior cannot be verified
Contamination risk is high
ASTM D6400 certification provides clear performance boundaries.
Learn more in Why Councils Reject Biodegradable Bin Liners
What ASTM D6400 Certification Does (and Does Not) Cover
What It Covers
- Compostability in industrial composting facilities
- Breakdown within a defined timeframe
- Safety of the final compost
What It Does Not Cover
- Home composting performance
- Breakdown in landfill
- Performance under misuse or long-term storage
Understanding these limits helps municipalities avoid incorrect claims.
How ASTM D6400 Fits into US Organics Programs
ASTM D6400 is often referenced alongside:
- Local or state organics mandates
- Food waste diversion goals
- Compost contamination reduction plans
It gives municipalities a consistent technical baseline while allowing flexibility in program design.
View all recognized standards on our Compostable Certifications Overview page.
What Municipal Buyers Should Look for Beyond Certification
Certification is essential, but performance still matters.
Municipal buyers often also evaluate:
- Bag thickness and strength
- Seal quality and leakage resistance
- Compatibility with wet food waste
- Consistency across production batches
See how design affects real use in Thickness vs Performance in Compostable Trash Bags
Who Uses ASTM D6400 Compostable Bags?
Typical buyers include:
- City and county waste departments
- Municipal waste contractors
- Food waste collection service providers
- Approved distributors and resellers
These buyers require stable supply, documentation, and traceability.
Sourcing ASTM D6400 Compostable Bags for Municipal Programs
When sourcing bags for municipal use, buyers should confirm:
- Valid ASTM D6400 certification documentation
- Clear labeling and usage guidance
- Consistent manufacturing standards
- Experience supplying public-sector programs
For evaluation criteria, see How to assess a compostable bag manufacturer
Conclusion: ASTM D6400 Is the Foundation for US Municipal Compostable Bags
ASTM D6400 compostable bags play a key role in US municipal organics programs.
They:
- Provide clear compliance standards
- Reduce contamination risks
- Support reliable composting outcomes
When matched with proper disposal systems and supplier controls, ASTM D6400 certified bags help municipalities run cleaner, more effective food waste programs.
