Quick Answer
Compostable food waste bags are certified liners used to collect food scraps for composting. They are made from materials like PLA, PBAT, and starch blends, and may be certified to recognized standards such as ASTM D6400 or EN 13432.
The right bag depends on your disposal system: use a product specifically certified for home composting for backyard piles. For municipal or commercial organics programs, first confirm whether bag liners are accepted and which certifications the facility recognizes, then choose a compatible industrially compostable product.
For a complete overview of bag types, materials, and sizing across applications, see our complete guide to compost bags.
The Three-Step Selection Process
Step 1: Identify the disposal system.
Determine whether the bag will go into a backyard compost heap, a municipal green bin, a commercial composting facility, or general waste.
Step 2: Check local acceptance rules.
A product may be technically compostable but still rejected by a local program. Confirm whether liners are accepted and whether the program requires a specific certification.
Step 3: Match the bag to the waste and container.
Compare the bag’s capacity, flat width, gusset, length, closure, and leak resistance with the container and waste stream. For commercial use, test samples before placing a bulk order.
What Are Compostable Food Waste Bags?
Compostable food waste bags are single-use liners designed to collect food scraps and organic waste. Their purpose is to keep your kitchen caddy clean, reduce odors, and simplify transport to a compost pile or municipal collection bin.
Important distinction: Not all bags labeled “compostable” are accepted by all composting programs. The key is matching the bag’s certification to your specific disposal system.
The term covers several product types:
- Certified compostable bags — meet specific standards like ASTM D6400 or EN 13432
- Biodegradable bags — a vague term that may or may not mean compostable
- Paper liners — accepted in some programs but not others
- Plastic liners — not compostable, but still accepted by some municipal programs that remove them before processing
What Are Compostable Kitchen Bags?
Compostable kitchen bags (also called compostable kitchen waste bags, compostable kitchen trash bags, or compostable kitchen garbage bags) are liners used in kitchen caddies and food-waste bins to collect food scraps and other suitable organic waste. The term is often used interchangeably with compostable food waste bags, although “kitchen bags” can sometimes refer to a broader range of household waste bags.
When choosing compostable kitchen bags, the same principles apply: check the certification, confirm local acceptance rules, and match the bag size to your container.
For Households
What Can Go in the Bag?
Typical contents:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags (where accepted)
- Meat and dairy (where local program allows)
- Bread, grains, and plate scrapings
What should stay out:
- Conventional plastic packaging
- Produce stickers
- Pet waste (unless specifically accepted)
- Liquids in large amounts
Note: Meat and dairy may be accepted by some municipal food-waste programs, but acceptance depends entirely on local rules. A thicker bag improves leak resistance but does not make prohibited waste acceptable.
Home Composting vs Commercial Composting
| Factor | Home Compostable | Industrial Compostable |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | OK compost HOME or another recognized home-compostability certification | ASTM D6400, EN 13432, AS 4736, or another applicable industrial-compostability certification |
| Conditions | Backyard composting conditions covered by the certification | Controlled commercial composting conditions covered by the certification |
| Where it works | A suitable home composting system | An industrial facility that accepts the product |
| Important limitation | Do not assume industrial acceptance | Does not guarantee acceptance by a particular municipal program |
Critical rule: Don’t assume a bag will compost in your backyard just because it says “compostable.” Look for a certification specifically covering home-composting conditions, such as OK compost HOME or another recognized home-compostability certification.
Important: OK compost INDUSTRIAL and OK compost HOME are not interchangeable. TÜV Austria states that products certified only for OK compost INDUSTRIAL are intended for industrial composting conditions and should not be placed in a garden compost heap.
For municipal or commercial organics programs: First confirm whether the local facility accepts bag liners and which certifications it recognizes; then choose a compatible industrially compostable product.
How to Choose the Right Size
| Capacity | Typical Use | What to Compare |
|---|---|---|
| 5–6 litres | Countertop caddies | Rim circumference, container height, and bag length |
| 10 litres | Standard kitchen caddies | Flat width, gusset, bag length, and usable capacity |
| 20–30 litres | Larger household or commercial bins | Filled weight, leak resistance, and supplier dimensions |
Capacity labels are not fully standardized across manufacturers. A nominal 10-litre bag may fit differently depending on its flat width, gusset, length, and how the manufacturer calculates capacity. For reliable sizing, measure the container and request the supplier’s actual bag dimensions.
Features to look for:
- Star-sealed base — provides extra strength and leak resistance
- Gusseted bottom — expands for bulkier waste
- Drawstring or tie handles — easier to secure and carry
- Perforated rolls — convenient for daily use
How to Use and Store the Compostable Food Waste Bags
- Check local rules first — Some programs accept only certified compostable liners; others require no liners at all.
- Choose the right certification — Use a home-compostability certification for backyard piles. For municipal or commercial programs, confirm local acceptance rules first and then select the required industrial-compostability certification.
- Match bag size to your caddy — Most kitchen caddies use 5–10 litre bags; larger bins need 20–30 litre bags.
- Empty food waste bags regularly to limit odors, moisture buildup, and pests.
- Tie the bag before disposal — Secure the top to contain odors and prevent spills.
- Place the bag in the collection route specified by the local program. Use a backyard compost heap only when the bag is certified for home composting and the bag is allowed by the composting system.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local program rules regarding any preparation before composting.
What NOT to do:
- Do not rely on the words “biodegradable” or “compostable” alone. Check the certification and confirm that it matches your disposal system.
- Do not place conventional plastic bags in a green bin unless the local program explicitly accepts them. Plastic contamination can increase screening, processing costs, and the amount of material sent to landfill.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Compostable films degrade over time, so use within the recommended shelf life.
Certifications and Standards
A standard describes the technical requirements; a certification confirms that a specific product has been assessed against those requirements. Before purchasing, check the certifier’s database and confirm that the listing covers the finished bag, including relevant inks, coatings, additives, and components—not only the resin or raw material.
| Standard or Certification | Type | Main Use | What It Tells You |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM D6400 | Standard | Industrial composting | Requirements for compostable plastic products processed in commercial composting facilities |
| EN 13432 | European standard | Industrial composting | Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation |
| BPI Certification | Third-party certification | North America | Verifies that an eligible finished product meets applicable compostability requirements |
| OK compost INDUSTRIAL | Certification scheme | Industrial composting | Indicates that the certified product is designed to biodegrade in industrial composting conditions |
| OK compost HOME | Certification scheme | Home composting | Indicates suitability for specified home-composting conditions |
| AS 4736 | Australian standard | Industrial composting | Requirements for compostable plastics in Australia |
Understanding Certification Requirements
The exact thresholds and test methods depend on the applicable standard and certification scheme. The figures below summarize commonly cited requirements associated with EN 13432 and related certification assessments; they should not be treated as a complete substitute for the standard.
| Requirement | Commonly Cited Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biodegradation rate | ≥90% | Test period varies by standard (typically up to 6 months) |
| Disintegration rate | ≥90% | Test period varies (typically up to 12 weeks) |
| Ecotoxicity | ≥90% seedling germination rate | Simplified expression; refer to the standard for full test methodology |
| Heavy metals | Within predefined limits | Requirements may reference EN 13432, REACH, POP regulations, or other applicable frameworks depending on the certification scheme |
Certification bodies may also verify that manufacturers maintain consistent quality through regular factory inspections and periodic surveillance, including incoming goods inspections, material verification, and final product testing. The specific surveillance requirements vary by certifying body.
How to Verify a Compostable Bag Certificate
Step 1: Identify the certifying body
Major certification bodies include:
- BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) — North America, based on ASTM D6400
- TÜV Austria — International, OK compost INDUSTRIAL and OK compost HOME
- DIN CERTCO — Europe, Seedling logo based on EN 13432
- ABA (Australasian Bioplastics Association) — Australia, AS 4736 and AS 5810
Step 2: Check the certificate number or listing
A legitimate certification or license should normally be traceable through a certificate, license number, product listing, or another official identifier. Certification information may not always appear in the same format across different bodies.
Step 3: Verify online
| Certifying Body | Verification Method |
|---|---|
| BPI | Search the BPI certified products database |
| TÜV Austria | Search the OK compost certified products list |
| DIN CERTCO | Search the DIN CERTCO certified products registry |
| ABA | Search the ABA Certificate of Conformance (CoC) list |
Step 4: Match the certificate to the finished product
The certificate must cover the finished product—not just the raw material or resin. Check:
| Check Item | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| Product name | Does the certificate list the exact product you are buying? |
| Dimensions | Are the bag’s size and thickness covered? |
| Material specification | Does the certification cover the complete formulation? |
| Printing and inks | Are printed versions included? |
| Certificate holder | Is the supplier the actual certificate holder? |
| Validity period | Is the certificate current and not expired? |
Red flags:
- Certificate covers only “raw material” or “resin,” not finished bags
- Certificate holder name does not match the supplier
- No certificate number or database listing
- Logo appears but cannot be verified online
- Certificate expired or from an unrecognized body
Important: A certification for a resin or raw material does not automatically mean the finished bag made from that material is certified. Certification applies to the specific product assessed under the specific conditions defined by the certifying body.
How to Read a Compostable Bag Certificate
According to guidance for importers and buyers, a valid certificate should identify:
- The assessed product — Product name, SKU, or article type
- The scope of certification — Size, thickness, material composition, and any restrictions
- The certificate holder — Company name and manufacturing site
- The certifying body — BPI, TÜV Austria, DIN CERTCO, or ABA
- The certificate, license, product-listing, or other official identifier used for verification
- The validity period — Start and expiration dates
- The disposal route — Industrial composting, home composting, or both
If the certificate does not clearly identify the finished product you are purchasing, request additional documentation or select a different supplier.
What Are Compostable Food Waste Bags Made Of?
| Material | Source | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|
| PLA (Polylactic Acid) | Corn starch, sugarcane | Bio-based and relatively rigid; many PLA products require industrial composting, but the finished product’s certification determines the applicable disposal route |
| PBAT | Fossil-based biodegradable polyester | Flexible, tough, tear-resistant; often blended with PLA |
| Starch blends | Corn, potato, tapioca | Renewable content; moisture-sensitive |
| Paper | Recycled paper or wood pulp | Breathable; may be suitable for home composting when uncoated and accepted by the local system |
Commercial compostable food-waste bags may use PLA, PBAT, starch-based formulations, paper, or combinations of these materials. The material name alone does not establish compostability; certification applies to the finished product and its intended processing conditions.
To understand how compostable and biodegradable differ in regulation and end-of-life outcomes, see our compostable vs biodegradable comparison.
For Commercial Buyers
For commercial buyers, distributors, and private-label brands, sourcing compostable food waste bags requires clear specifications:
| Specification | What to Provide |
|---|---|
| Size | Width × length or capacity in litres |
| Thickness | Specify the target thickness and test the bag with the intended waste stream; requirements vary by bag size, material formulation, moisture level, and handling conditions |
| Material | PLA, PBAT, starch blend, or paper |
| Certification | Applicable standard or certification, such as ASTM D6400, EN 13432, BPI, OK compost INDUSTRIAL, or OK compost HOME |
| Closure | Flat, drawstring, tie handles |
| Packaging | Bags per roll, retail-ready, or bulk |
| Printing | Custom artwork, logo, disposal instructions |
| MOQ | Minimum order quantity |
| Lead time | Production and shipping timeline |
What Should You Ask a Compostable Food Waste Bag Manufacturer?
| Check Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Finished bag certification | A certification for the raw material does not automatically certify the finished bag |
| Bag dimensions | Flat width, gusset, and length all affect fit and capacity |
| Thickness | Affects strength, leak resistance, and cost |
| Roll configuration | Bags per roll, core size, and perforation style |
| Packaging | Retail-ready vs. bulk; affects logistics and shelf appeal |
| Printing | Colors, artwork, and ink compatibility with compostability |
| Material formulation | Affects performance, shelf life, and certification |
| MOQ | Minimum order quantity for custom production |
| Sample testing | Test with actual waste before bulk commitment |
| Lead time | Production and shipping timeline |
For B2B buyers: Request the certification documents and verify the product through the certifying body’s database or certificate listing. Confirm that the certification covers the finished bag, not only the raw material.
For guidance on evaluating compostable trash bags, see our guide to comparing compostable trash bags.
What Buyers Should Test Before Ordering
Before committing to a bulk order, buyers should conduct the following tests to verify performance:
| Test Item | Test Method | What to Record |
|---|---|---|
| Leak test | Fill bag with wet food waste (standard weight); place on absorbent surface | Whether leakage occurs; time to first leak |
| Tear resistance | Lift bag filled with standard weight by handles or closure | Whether bag tears; where failure occurs |
| Puncture resistance | Fill bag with waste containing sharp items (bones, packaging); handle normally | Whether punctures occur |
| Size fit | Place bag in 5L, 10L, and 20L bins | Coverage; whether bag slips or falls in |
| Seal integrity | Inspect bottom and side seals after filling | Whether seals hold; any separation |
| Storage stability | Store bags in high-temperature and high-humidity environment for defined period | Changes in film strength; brittleness |
Testing standards:
- Use the same amount of waste for each bag tested
- Test at least 10 bags per specification
- Document test conditions (temperature, humidity, waste type)
- Compare results across suppliers using identical test parameters
Note: An empty-bag test will not reveal performance issues. Always test with the actual waste stream and handling conditions.
Selected Municipal Guidance — Verify Current Local Rules Before Disposal
Rules change by municipality and may vary by collection route or processing facility. Verify each requirement on the official local government or facility website before publication.
| City/Region | Plastic Bags Accepted? | Paper Bags Accepted? | Certified Compostable Bags Accepted? | Required Certification | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto, Canada | Plastic bags accepted as liners | Paper bags accepted | Compostable products vary; do not assume acceptance | Check current City of Toronto instructions | Toronto does not require residents to purchase compostable bags; acceptance rules for products marketed as compostable or biodegradable may differ from the rules for ordinary bag liners |
| Richmond, BC, Canada | No | Yes | Not accepted | Not specified | Certified “compostable” or “biodegradable” plastics may not sufficiently biodegrade in existing facilities |
| Metro Vancouver, Canada | No | Yes | Not accepted at most facilities | Not specified | Plastic bags (including compostable) can cause the entire load to be rejected |
| New York City, USA | Clear plastic bags accepted; black bags prohibited | Yes | Yes, with certification | BPI, ASTM D6400/D6868, or EN 13432 | DSNY requires clear bags, paper bags, or certified compostable bags for organics collection; compost separation is mandatory citywide |
| Selected UK councils | Varies by council | Varies by council | Varies by council | EN 13432 (where applicable) | Rules vary significantly between boroughs; check your local council’s official guidance |
Key insight: A product’s compostability claim does not automatically determine whether a local program accepts it. Toronto, for example, does not require residents to purchase compostable bags, and acceptance rules for products marketed as compostable or biodegradable may differ from the rules for ordinary bag liners. Confirm the current instructions for your local program.
How to check your local rules:
- Search your city’s waste management website for “accepted organics” or “green bin guidelines”
- Look for specific language on “compostable bags,” “certified liners,” or “accepted materials”
- Contact the processing facility directly—not just the bag supplier
- Confirm whether the program requires a specific certification (BPI, OK compost, etc.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Using industrial-certified bags in home compost | Industrial certification does not guarantee breakdown under home-composting conditions |
| Buying bags marketed only as “biodegradable” | The claim alone does not establish compostability or suitability for a specific composting system |
| Ignoring local program rules | Even certified bags may be rejected if not on the accepted list |
| Storing bags in heat or humidity | Compostable films degrade over time; store in cool, dry conditions |
| Using oxo-degradable bags | These fragment into microplastics and are not compostable |
FAQs
Are compostable food-waste bags accepted in my local green bin?
It depends on the program. Some accept only certified compostable liners; others require no liners or remove them before processing. Check local rules before purchasing.
Can I use an industrially compostable bag in my backyard compost?
Generally, no. A product certified only for industrial composting is not automatically suitable for backyard composting. Use a bag specifically certified for home composting, such as one certified under OK compost HOME or another recognized home-compostability scheme. Also follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How can I verify that a bag is genuinely certified?
A certified product should be traceable to a certificate or database listing issued by the relevant certification body. Check whether the listing covers the finished bag, not just the resin or raw material.
Are compostable and biodegradable bags the same?
“Biodegradable” is a vague term with no standard timeframe or conditions. “Compostable” means the bag meets specific certification requirements for breakdown in composting conditions.
What bag size fits a kitchen caddy?
Most kitchen caddies use 5–10 litre bags. Larger bins need 20–30 litre bags. Measure your bin before ordering. Bag dimensions are not standardized across manufacturers.
Does certification apply to the finished bag or only the material?
A product certification should identify the assessed product and the processing conditions covered by the certification. Certification of a resin or raw material does not automatically certify a finished bag made with that material.
Conclusion
Choosing the right compostable food waste bags depends on three things: your disposal system, your waste type, and the certification that matches both.
For home composting, look for bags certified for home-composting conditions, such as OK compost HOME or another recognized home-compostability certification. For municipal programs, first confirm which bag types the local facility accepts, then select a product with the required industrial compostability certification. Always verify the certification — not just the marketing claim.
If you are sourcing compostable kitchen bags for retail, distribution, or private-label use, testing samples with your actual waste stream before placing a bulk order is recommended. For a complete overview of bag types, materials, and sizing across applications, see our complete guide to compost bags.
Sources and Further Reading
- ASTM D6400-23: Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics – ASTM International
- BPI — Compostability Certification
- TÜV AUSTRIA — OK compost HOME
- TÜV AUSTRIA — OK compost INDUSTRIAL
- City of Toronto — What Goes in the Garbage Bin?
- City of Richmond, BC — Green Cart Recycling
- Metro Vancouver — Plastics In The Green Bin
- NYC 311 — Curbside Composting
Written by: Chris, Packaging Content Specialist at HEMCbags.
Reviewed by: HEMCbags Product & Compliance Team.
Editorial note: This article is published by a compostable bag manufacturer. Product and compliance claims were reviewed against the cited certification bodies and municipal sources. This guide is for general product-selection information. Acceptance rules vary by local composting facility and should be confirmed before disposal.
