Compostable Bag Dilemma: Which is better, Paper or Film?

Introduction

Composting stands out as a fantastic way to help our planet. It turns our food scraps and other organic waste into valuable soil, helping to reduce what we send to landfills and nourish the earth. Yet, when it comes to what we should use to collect our compostable waste, there’s some confusion, especially between paper bags and compostable film bags.

You might think paper bags are the go-to for compost because paper is known to be compostable, right? However, things get tricky with compostable film bags. Despite being specifically designed to break down just like paper, they look so much like regular plastic bags that many people aren’t sure if they’re truly compost-friendly.

As more of us try to do the right thing by sending our food waste to compost instead of the landfill, we’re faced with a puzzle. Not only are we looking for the most clean and convenient way to gather our scraps, we also want to make sure our efforts aren’t wasted by choosing something our local compost facility might not accept.

This blog is going to tackle a confusing issue: why do some compost facilities say yes to paper bags but no to compostable film bags? We’ll dive into the environmental, practical, and scientific reasons behind this, and discuss why it’s time for all of us to rethink how we view and use both types of bags for a greener future.

The Reality of Compostable Paper Bags

When we think about compostable paper bags, it’s easy to assume they’re all pretty much the same. But there’s more to the story. Essentially, there are two types you’ll come across:

First off, let’s talk about non-lined paper bags. At a glance, they appear to be the perfect choice for eco-conscious individuals, but there’s more to consider. These bags are not leak-proof. Anyone who’s tried to dispose of moist or wet compostables in them has likely encountered a soggy situation—they soak through and can break through easily, leading to a nasty mess on the way to the green bin. Moreover, these bags often require multiple layers of virgin paper for their construction, which means more trees need to be cut down to produce them.

Then, there are paper bags that come with a special compostable lining. These are the clever ones designed to keep leaks at bay. This lining is where things get interesting because it’s often made from the same type of materials as compostable film bags. Yes, the very material that some people are unsure about when it comes to composting is being used right here, inside paper bags, to prevent leaks and maintain integrity.

This lining’s composition and functionality spotlight an important point: the materials used in both lined paper bags and compostable film bags have a lot in common. In many cases, it’s the exact same type of compostable resin. This similarity raises a question: If we’re okay with using this material as a lining in paper bags, why the hesitation with compostable film bags that use the same technology to be eco-friendly? It’s food for thought as we navigate our choices in green waste management.

The Misunderstood Nature of Compostable Film Bags

Compostable film bags often get a bad rap, mainly because they look so much like their less eco-friendly cousins, traditional plastic bags. But beneath the surface, their environmental impacts are worlds apart.

So, what exactly are compostable film bags made of? They’re crafted from materials that can break down completely with the heat and organism present in commercial composting. Unlike traditional plastics, which are derived from petroleum and can take hundreds of years to decompose, compostable film bags are designed to transform into humus, water, and CO2 within a compost facility, leaving no harmful residue behind. This means they contribute to the nutrient cycle, enriching the soil instead of polluting the planet.

Certified compostable bags are a testament to the incredible strides made in materials science, which has developed bioplastics that can do just about everything traditional plastics can—without the enduring environmental damage. These advancements mean we now have an alternative that not only performs similarly to plastic bags in terms of strength and versatility but also aligns with our goals for a sustainable future. Compostable film bags represent a crucial step forward in minimizing our environmental footprint.

The Composting Process and Material Breakdown

Composting is a natural process that turns organic waste into valuable fertilizer, enhancing soil health and reducing our environmental footprint. At its core, composting involves the breakdown of organic materials by microorganisms, which thrive in the warm, moist conditions of a compost pile. Over time, these microorganisms consume the waste, transforming it into humus—a nutrient-rich material that benefits soil.

Let’s dive into how different materials, specifically compostable paper bags (both lined and unlined) and compostable film bags, break down in this environment.

Compostable Paper Bags: Both lined and unlined paper bags are designed to break down in composting settings. The unlined bags, made purely from paper, typically break down quickly as they’re readily consumed by the microorganisms. Lined paper bags, which have a compostable liner to prevent leaks, also decompose efficiently. The key is that the liner is made from materials similar to those in compostable film bags, allowing it to integrate smoothly into the composting process.

Compostable Film Bags: Despite their appearance, compostable film bags are made from materials that microorganisms can digest. These bags are designed to break down into carbon dioxide, water, and humus within a specific timeframe under composting conditions, just like compostable paper bags. The process underscores the technological advances in creating materials that offer the convenience of plastic without its long-term environmental impact.

An essential aspect of ensuring that these materials break down as intended is proper certification and labeling. Certification by recognized standards (such as ASTM D6400 in the United States) confirms that the products meet specific criteria for compostability, including breaking down at a rate similar to other organic materials and leaving no toxic residue. This labeling is crucial for consumers and compost facilities alike, as it guarantees that the materials added to compost piles will indeed contribute to the creation of high-quality compost rather than pollute the environment.

The Impact on Compost Facilities

One of the biggest hurdles for compost facilities is accurately identifying compostable materials. With products ranging from paper bags to film bags that closely resemble traditional plastics, the task is far from straightforward. This is where standardized labeling and certifications become invaluable. Certifications like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) in the US or the Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA) serve as a beacon of trust, ensuring that a product has been rigorously tested and meets stringent compostability standards. Such labels help facilities streamline their sorting processes, ensuring that only genuinely compostable materials make it into the compost pile.

Accepting compostable paper bags while rejecting compostable film bags presents an environmental dilemma. Rejecting compostable film bags that are designed to break down in industrial composting settings means missing an opportunity to divert more waste from landfills. This selective acceptance can undermine the broader goals of composting programs, which aim to capture as much organic material as possible.

The journey towards fully integrating compostable materials into our waste management systems is ongoing. By emphasizing the importance of certifications, adopting standardized labeling, and learning from the successes of pioneering compost facilities, we can overcome the current challenges. Such efforts will not only enhance the efficiency of composting operations but also support our collective environmental sustainability goals.

Moving Towards Inclusive Composting Practices

As we journey towards a more sustainable future, it’s clear that our approach to composting needs to evolve. Embracing inclusivity in composting means acknowledging that both paper and film bags, when properly certified as compostable, play a vital role in our environmental efforts. This shift towards inclusivity not only expands the types of materials that can be composted but also significantly increases our ability to divert waste from landfills.

The path to inclusive composting is paved with education, regulation, and innovation. Public awareness campaigns are essential for educating consumers and businesses about the benefits of compostable products and how to properly dispose of them. Regulation plays a critical role in setting standards for what can be labeled as compostable, ensuring that only materials meeting these criteria end up in compost bins. Meanwhile, innovation in compostable materials and composting technologies can help overcome some of the practical challenges, making it easier for compost facilities to process a wider variety of materials.

Practical Tips for Consumers and Businesses: There are several ways individuals and companies can support and engage in responsible composting practices:

1. Look for Certifications: Always choose products with recognized compostability certifications like BPI and CMA. These labels are your assurance that the product will properly break down in a composting facility.
2. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about what can and cannot be composted in your local area, and share this knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues. Education is a powerful tool in changing behaviors. Download our Compostable Cheat Sheet.
3. Support Businesses That Compost: Patronize businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability by composting their waste. Your support encourages more businesses to adopt green practices.
4. Advocate for Composting Programs: If your community lacks a composting program, advocate for its implementation. Local governments are more likely to establish such programs if there is a clear demand from their constituents.
5. Compost at Home: Consider starting your own composting system at home if you have the space. Home composting can be a rewarding way to manage your organic waste and create rich soil for your garden. Please note that neither paper or compostable film bags are suitable for home composting.

By adopting a more inclusive approach to composting, we can significantly increase the amount of organic material we return to the earth, enriching the soil and reducing our environmental impact. It’s a collective journey that requires the involvement of everyone—consumers, businesses, and compost facilities alike. Together, we can create a more sustainable world, one compostable bag at a time.

Our Collective Call to Action

In exploring the roles of compostable paper and film bags, it’s clear we must rethink what materials our composting facilities accept. Embracing certified compostable products is not just beneficial; it’s essential for a sustainable future.

Let’s champion change in our communities by urging local composting facilities to adopt broader, more inclusive policies. Supporting companies that produce certified compostable items shows our dedication to environmental responsibility.

The potential for composting to dramatically cut waste and positively impact the environment is huge. By embracing comprehensive composting practices, we can greatly reduce landfill waste, enrich our soil, and take a significant step towards combating climate change.

Together, we can drive the shift towards a more sustainable world. It starts with our choices and our voices, advocating for a system that welcomes all certified compostable materials. Let’s make our actions count for a healthier planet.