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Posted December 30, 2008

Q: Dear Charlie,

Can compostable plastic bags go in our food and yard waste can? Where can I buy them and what brand should I get?

Milan

A: Dear Milan,

Plastic bags are among the most ubiquitous of modern conveniences: cheap, light weight, water resistant, odor reducing. But did you know that traditional plastic bags can sit in the landfill for over 1,000 years before they decompose?

Good news! Several companies now produce compostable plastic bags, and yes, these are perfect for use in kitchen composting pails. Instead of polyethylene, these products are made from corn or recycled food and yard waste, so they decompose in a matter of months. Using a compostable plastic bag as a liner in your kitchen compost will allow you to easily and frequently empty your countertop pail into your yard waste cart, reducing mess and odor.

In King County, Cedar Grove has approved the following 100% biodegradable kitchen bags for recycling food scraps and food soiled paper in your curbside yard waste cart:

BioBag

BioSak

EcoGuard

Nature Friendly

EcoSafe

If you live outside King County, check with your local waste hauler to find out which brands are currently accepted for collection.

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