Biodegradable vs Compostable: What's the Difference?

"Biodegradable" and "compostable" often appear on the same shelf, and many people use the words as if they mean the same thing. They don't. Knowing the difference helps you choose products that really do break down, and dispose of them in the right way.

What does biodegradable mean?

Biodegradable means a material can be broken down by bacteria, fungi and other living organisms. The problem is that the word on its own doesn't say how long that takes, or what conditions it needs. Almost everything breaks down eventually, but for some materials that can take many years and may leave small fragments behind. That's why "biodegradable" on its own isn't a very useful claim.

What does compostable mean?

Compostable is much more specific. A compostable product breaks down into compost under composting conditions, within a set timeframe, and must pass independent tests to prove it. In Europe, the main standard is EN 13432, which covers industrial composting.

Home compostable vs industrial compostable

There are two types of composting, and certifications tell you which one a product is made for:

• Industrial composting happens in large facilities that keep waste at high temperatures. Standards include EN 13432, AS 4736 (Australia) and ASTM D6400 (US).
• Home composting happens in a garden heap or bin at lower temperatures, so materials need to break down more easily. Look for TÜV Austria OK compost HOME or AS 5810 (Australia).

How to tell if a claim is genuine

Look for third-party certification, not just a word on the packaging. A genuine compostable product will name the standard it meets and the organisation that certified it, such as TÜV Austria or DIN Certco.

Our compostable bin bags

Our compostable bin liners are made from PBAT, corn starch and PLA, and they hold genuine third-party certification:

• TÜV Austria OK compost (home and industrial)
• DIN Certco (EN 13432 and ASTM D6400)
• Australian AS 5810 (home) and AS 4736 (industrial)
  

They're certified for both home and industrial composting. How quickly they break down depends on the composting conditions available to you. When you're done with them, place them in general waste, or in a composting facility where accepted, following your local council's guidance.

Shop compostable bin bags →

A few important exceptions

• Dog waste bags: the bag material is certified compostable, but used bags containing dog waste should always go in a public bin or your general waste, never your home compost, for hygiene reasons.
• Recycled plastic drawstring bags: our 50L and 90L drawstring bags are not compostable. They're made from a minimum of 85% post-consumer recycled plastic and hold the Blue Angel Ecolabel, and the film can be recycled where LDPE film recycling is available.
  

The bottom line

"Biodegradable" tells you very little. "Compostable", backed by a named certification, tells you a product will break down into compost under the right conditions. Next time you shop, check the label for a certification, not just a claim.