Can you put compostable bags in a home compost heap?
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If you have a compost heap or bin in your garden, you might wonder whether compostable bags can go in it. The answer depends on the bag. Some are certified for home composting, some only for industrial composting, and some aren't compostable at all.
Home composting vs industrial composting
Industrial composting facilities keep waste at high, controlled temperatures, which helps materials break down. A home compost heap is cooler, so a product needs a home composting certification to show it will break down there. Look for TÜV Austria OK compost HOME, AS 5810 (Australia) or NF T51-800 (France).
Products you can home compost
These products are certified for both home and industrial composting:
- Compostable bin liners (10L, 30L, 40L, 60L, 80L and 140L)
- Compostable food and freezer bags (2L and 4L)
- Compostable cling film
- Compostable aprons
Zip lock bags: remove the zip first
The bag material of our compostable zip lock bags is suitable for home composting, but the zip closure is certified for industrial composting only. Before home composting, cut off and remove the zip strip, then place the bag in your compost. If you use an industrial composting facility, the whole bag, zip included, can go in.
Shop compostable zip lock bags →
Products for industrial composting only
Our parchment paper and air fryer liners are certified to DIN EN 13432 for industrial composting only. They are not currently certified for home composting. Please check your local council guidelines, and if they're soiled or greasy, place them in general waste.
Products that shouldn't go in your home compost
- Used dog waste bags: the bag material is certified compostable, but bags containing dog waste should go in a public bin or general waste, for hygiene reasons.
- Recycled plastic drawstring bags: these are not compostable. The film can be recycled where LDPE film recycling is available.
- Laundry and dishwasher sheets: these are not compostable. The dissolved formula biodegrades in wastewater.
Tips to help bags break down at home
- Tear or cut bags into smaller pieces before adding them.
- Mix them in with your food and garden waste rather than adding lots at once.
- Keep your compost heap moist and turn it regularly.
- Be patient. How quickly bags break down depends on the conditions in your heap.
The bottom line
Yes, many compostable bags can go in your home compost heap, but always check for a home composting certification first. If a product is certified for industrial composting only, it needs a council collection or industrial facility instead.