There’s a common belief that plastic always = bad. But when it comes to anything going to landfill, biodegradable bags are actually worse for the environment. This eco stuff – it’s complicated!

Now ideally, we all limit the amount we send to landfill. Between recycling, composting and good old-fashioned buying less, there are a lot of ways to reduce your waste. Still, it’s impossible to be perfect, so landfills are (right now) a necessary evil.

Landfills are unique places

Here’s the thing about landfills – they’re actually anaerobic environments, meaning biodegradable bags will break down slowly and without oxygen. And methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide, is released as they break down. 

You know what’s known for its ability to not break down? Plastic. Usually that’s a bad thing. But in this instance, it’s one of plastic’s superpowers. Still, we don’t like the idea of making new plastic just to throw it away (which is how most traditional rubbish bags are made). Especially since over 400 million tonnes of plastics are produced each year, and just a small fraction of them are turned into new items. 

Enter: post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR). PCR is made from 100% recycled materials and, in a landfill, degrades so slowly that it’s considered sequestered (aka captured) and minimises negative climate impact. 

The best way to throw out rubbish

That’s why the best garbage bags are made from 100% recycled plastic. It’s strong and sturdy like regular plastic, reduces dangerous methane emissions, and gives plastic the second life it deserves.