As a dog parent, picking up after your pet is part of our daily routine, but with the current situation of the environment, worsening every day because of different types of harms and toxins the earth is being exposed to, we all end up pondering upon one common question; “Am I as a pet parent doing my best to contribute in the betterment of a pollution-free, healthier world to live in?” and while we clean after our dog we often end up thinking; wait a second now that I think about it, I wonder, biodegradable or compostable poop bags, what’s the better choice?
Both sound great in theory, but the truth is, not all “green” poop bags are created equal. So, which one truly benefits the planet, and your backyard? Let’s break it down and dive into the details to help you make a more informed, environmentally conscious decision when it comes to choosing the best poop bags for your pup. Whether you’re looking to make your dog walks greener or simply want to reduce your impact, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s start by understanding the basics of biodegradable and compostable bags.
The Basics: What Do These Terms Even Mean?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s first take a little time to understand the difference between Biodegradable and Compostable poop bags.
- Biodegradable Bags: These bags are specifically designed to break down over time when exposed to natural elements in the atmosphere, but guess what? That doesn’t necessarily happen every single time, sometimes they can take years to fully decompose, not so biodegradable now huh?
- Compostable Bags: These are made from plant based materials like cornstarch and they break down much faster and leave no harmful residues, however they need proper composting conditions to fully decompose.
Now that we’ve understood what each of these are, let’s decide together which one is better!
Biodegradable Bags: Not Always What They Seem
When we hear “Biodegradable” we instantly think “That sounds super reliable, just use, toss it, and it disappears right?” Well, not exactly. Not all the time anyway.
Biodegradable bags require proper sunlight as well as oxygen to fully decompose, and if they end up in a landfill (which they mostly do) they stay there for years. Some even break down into microplastics, which are quite terrible for wildlife and the environment.
Landfills are designed to prevent decomposition because compacted waste lacks the necessary exposure to air, sunlight, and moisture. As a result, biodegradable poop bags may take decades to break down.Some brands also use “oxo-degradable” bags which break down into small fragments rather than decomposing fully. These fragments pollute soil and water, posing risks to marine life and animals. So while “Biodegradable” might sound very promising, it’s not always as environmentally advantageous as it seems.
Compostable Bags: The Greener Choice
When it comes to choosing the better, rather the best option when it comes to poop bags, compostable bags are the real deal. These bags decompose into water, CO₂, and organic material—leaving behind zero toxins or plastics. Sounds perfect, right? Well, there’s one catch: not all compostable bags can be composted at home.
But keep in mind that many require industrial composting facilities to fully break down, some cities collect pet waste in compost bins, others don’t so it would be better to just check in with your local waste disposal guidelines to be extra sure! Another plus? Compostable bags are typically made from renewable plant-based materials like cornstarch or PLA (polylactic acid), making them a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
BUT don’t go around tossing bags into your backyard compost just because a bag is compostable, because animal waste contains bacterias and pathogens that require high temperatures to break down safely. Unless you have a dedicated pet waste composting system, you should check if your municipal composting program accepts them.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
If you really want to go for a better and healthier choice for the environment when it comes to waste bags, compostable bags are the way to go, but before that please ensure the following;
- They’re certified compostable (look for labels like ASTM D6400 or EN 13432)
- Your local composting facility accepts pet waste
- You dispose of them properly (because tossing them in a plastic-lined trash bin kinda defeats the purpose)
If industrial composting services are not something that is easily accessible for you, consider an at-home waste disposing compost system. Flushable dog waste disposal options are also emerging, but these require septic-safe solutions and may not be suitable for every household.
Blazycart’s Top Picks for Eco-Friendly Poop Bags
Want to choose a way to pick up after your dog while making sure not to harm the earth while you’re at it? Blazycart has a range of sustainable poop bags that make cleanup easy and guilt-free.
Here’s why you should shop from Blazycart when it comes to picking the most reliable poop bags:
- 100% Compostable Dog Waste Bags – Break down naturally, no plastic residue.
- Durable & Leak-Proof – Because no one likes a mess.
- Earth-Friendly Packaging – No unnecessary plastic, just sustainable materials.
Check out Blazycart.com to grab the best eco-friendly dog waste bags for your pup!
Alternative Ways to Reduce Your Dog’s Waste Impact
Choosing the right type of poop bag is the first step, but there are also some other things that you can do side by side to ensure sustainable pet ownership:
- Train your dog to go in designated waste areas – This makes cleanup easier and can reduce plastic use.
- Consider a pet waste composting system – Some systems are designed specifically for dog waste and can safely break it down.
- Use biodegradable pet wipes – Traditional wipes contribute to landfill waste, so opt for biodegradable versions instead.
- Choose a natural diet for your pet – High-quality, organic food is better for your dog’s digestion and can result in less waste overall.
Making these small changes can make a big impact over time!
Final Verdict: Go Compostable When You Can
At the end of the day, the compostable poop bags win because they are a better choice for you, your dog and most importantly, the earth. Compostable bags should be every dog owner’s first choice because they break down faster,better, cleaner, and guess what? They DO NOT contribute to any kind of pollution if used the right way. Voila!
So next time when you’re going to the pet store to restock your dog’s poop bags, make the sustainable switch—and let’s keep our planet as clean as our sidewalks!
Want more eco-friendly products for your pet? Head over to our website, Blazycart.com and check out our selection of pet products designed for a sustainable pet lifestyle. Because every small change adds up!