Compostable Trash Bags

Feels like your ticket to freedom, right?

I know I used to think so. I thought, well if I buy these very expensive bags at least they’ll break down in the landfill and I’m making the best choice. But here’s the thing…

Do you even know where your trash goes? It could be a landfill. Or it could be an incinerator. That’s your first assignment. Find out where your trash goes. It’s the most important step in taking responsibility for your trash. I was really surprised to learn my trash went to an incinerator in Peekskill when I was living in Westchester County, NY. If you’re living in NYC, it’s likely carted out of state. If you’re in Colorado as I am now, it goes to a landfill.

Landfills are designed to be air tight. The process of composting requires oxygen and a particular temperature. Those bags aren’t going to break down, and you just coughed up $6.99 for 12 bags that will live forever underground.

Incinerators burn trash, so those expensive bags will just turn to dust regardless of the material. Is burning compostable bags better than burning plastic? Debatable. And waste to energy plants are a whole other can of worms.

So what’s a girl to do?

Opt for paper bags first. If you are composting and recycling then your trash isn’t very wet.

Use plastic bags you already have that you’d otherwise throw out.

Last, choose recycled plastic bags. Creating demand for recycled plastic materials is an important part of the cycle. If recycled material items aren’t made, then recycling isn’t effective.