"Compostable" plastic garbage bags: A well-intentioned problem for the organic waste bin

They can be found in almost every supermarket: compostable plastic garbage bags, often made from corn or potato starch. Many environmentally conscious people use them, believing they are doing something good for nature. But what is advertised as a sustainable solution often turns out to be a disruptive factor for the recycling system in practice.

The desire to act in an environmentally conscious way is right and important. However, on the path to truly sustainable solutions, so-called "compostable" plastic garbage bags are often a dead end. In fact, many waste management companies and even the German Federal Environment Agency advise against disposing of them in the organic waste bin. We explain why.

Why "compostable" doesn't always mean compostable

The label "compostable," often accompanied by an official seal (e.g., the seedling logo according to EN 13432), suggests trouble-free disposal in organic waste. While manufacturers are complying with a valid standard, the reality in German composting facilities is quite different.

The problem lies in the differing timeframes. The European standard stipulates that the bags must decompose by at least 90% within 12 weeks. The remaining particles must not be larger than two millimeters.

However, industrial composting facilities operate in much shorter cycles. The composting process, in which microorganisms decompose organic waste at temperatures above 60° Celsius, often lasts only four to six weeks. In this short time, the film bags certified as "compostable" cannot be completely broken down.

The consequence: Partially decomposed film remnants remain in the finished compost. Furthermore, since sorting facilities often cannot distinguish between conventional plastic bags and certified biodegradable film bags, they are frequently sorted out as contaminants and end up in residual waste or incineration. Therefore, in practice, complete composting is often not possible.

A nutrient dilemma

Even if future technology were to enable the complete decomposition of biodegradable plastic bags, a fundamental problem remains: they do not contribute to the quality of the compost. According to the German Federal Environment Agency, they primarily decompose into water and CO₂. They do not supply the soil with valuable nutrients or humus, which is the actual purpose of composting.

In the worst case, incompletely decomposed plastic particles – so-called microplastics – contaminate the finished compost, which is later spread on fields and in gardens.

Paper organic waste bags: The proven and safe alternative

If you are looking for a truly sustainable and functional solution, paper compostable waste bags are the best choice.

• Rapid decomposition: Paper decomposes easily in composting facilities within the short composting times.

• No contaminants: It leaves no plastic residue and becomes valuable organic matter.

• Supporting the compost: Paper provides carbon, which serves as food for microorganisms and promotes humus formation.

• Resource-saving: They are often made from recycled paper, which closes the ecological cycle.

Of course, you can also collect your organic waste loosely in a bucket or wrap it in old newspaper. However, if you appreciate the convenience of a garbage bag, paper bags are the most reliable and environmentally friendly option for your organic waste bin.

Change begins with ourselves

So-called compostable plastic garbage bags are often a well-intentioned but problematic approach from an ecological perspective. Paper bags, ideally made from recycled paper and without any printing, offer a significantly better solution.

If we want to preserve our ecosystem, it's crucial that we take responsibility and choose solutions that work in practice. It's time to rethink our lifestyles and raise awareness of truly sustainable alternatives. With a little foresight, we can all make a big difference. Paper garbage bags offer a wonderful and, above all, environmentally friendly way to protect nature without sacrificing convenience when disposing of waste.