Let’s cut to the chase (pun intended) – biodegradable poop bags are hogwash. Or actually, they’re greenwash. We know that’s different from what a lot of poo bag companies, co-founders, and companies in the pet waste business will tell you. But here’s the thing – your dog’s poop, in most cases, isn’t safe for composting. In nearly all places where we sell products, putting pet waste in with compost waste is illegal. And if you’re sending it to a landfill (which you should be), you want it in a bag that helps prevent methane emissions and eliminates the risk of leaks and odours, even when filled with your pup’s waste. Excuse us while we get a bit sciencey…

We know it might seem weird to send poo to a landfill, but dog poo isn’t like other organic waste. It can contain pathogens, which are risky for human and environmental health, and can make things worse for natural and home environments if not disposed of properly. Most people throw their dog poo bags in the trash, so using the right bag is crucial. Home composting dog waste is not recommended because the compost must reach temperatures of at least 60°C to reduce pathogens. Although these conditions can be achieved in most community compost programs, concerns about occupational health and safety and the quality of the final compost (especially if it’s going to be used to grow food) mean that many compost operators don’t accept pet waste.

Now let’s talk about landfills. They’re actually anaerobic environments, meaning biodegradable bags will break down without oxygen. And methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide, is released as they break down into the atmosphere. Landfills can become filled with dog poo and bags, with entire areas overwhelmed by the sheer volume of waste, making proper disposal and bag choice even more important. On the other hand, plastic in a landfill degrades so slowly that it’s considered sequestered (aka captured) and minimises negative climate impact.

All this to say, if waste is going to a landfill, plastic is the more sustainable option. (Surprising, we know.) Still, we don’t like the idea of making new plastic just to throw it away (which is how most plastic poo bags are made). Especially since over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, and just a small fraction of them are turned into new items. The business of pet waste management has a significant economic and environmental impact, so every sustainable choice matters.

That’s why we made our pet poo bags from 100% recycled plastic. The material is thick and durable to prevent tearing and leaks. Plus, the bags are unscented – perfect for dog owners who prefer fragrance free options. And of course, they’re suitable for pups of all sizes.

Whether you’ve got a Great Dane or a Chihuahua, the importance of material and thickness can’t be overstated—they help eliminate leaks and ensure durability, especially on looong walks... Trust us, it takes a good amount of force to tear these babies, so you can trust them to do the job. What’s more, they’re affordable and come in fun designs that make cleanup less of a chore – and less of an eyesore. (Oh, and by the way, if you’re not picking up your dog’s poo, what the heck!?)

Introduction to Dog Waste Management

(Aka, picking up poop.) If you've got a furry friend running around your place, you already know the deal – scooping poop is just part of the gig. But here's something that might blow your mind: how you handle that daily deposit can actually make a real difference for our planet. With the crazy amount of poop bags flooding the market – including compostable options – it's honestly pretty overwhelming. Some bags are shouting about being eco-friendly, others are waving their sustainable materials like a flag, and tons of them promise to shrink your carbon footprint. But let's be real – which ones actually walk the walk?

In this guide, we're going to break it all down for you, from picking the right bags to figuring out what actually happens to your pup's business after you toss it in the bin. We'll dig into the real deal with compostable, biodegradable and recycled bags, and explain why the stuff you choose genuinely matters. Whether you're a seasoned dog parent who's been at this for years or you're just starting this wild ride, you'll walk away with some solid, no-nonsense tips to help you make choices that are better for your dog, your neighbourhood, and, honestly, the whole planet.

Understanding Biodegradable Options

Biodegradable poop bags have become the go-to choice for dog owners who want to do right by Mother Earth (and honestly, who doesn't want to feel a little less guilty about their pup's daily contributions to the world?). But what does "biodegradable" actually mean when we're talking about the bags that hold your dog's business? In short, these bags are made from plant-based materials, like corn starch or sugarcane, that are designed to break down naturally over time. They're often marketed as the eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic, with promises to vanish without leaving a trace (kind of like that perfect weekend that goes by way too fast).

Now, here's where it gets real: not all biodegradable bags are created equal, and we're not just being picky here. Some bags wear the "biodegradable" label like a trendy hat, but they don't actually break down completely, especially if they end up sitting in a landfill (which, let's be honest, is where most of them go). Compostable bags, on the other hand, are the overachievers of the waste bag world – they're designed to break down into nutrient-rich soil under the right conditions, actually helping to nourish plants and improve soil health. If you're looking for truly compostable dog waste bags that walk the walk, keep an eye out for certifications like OK COMPOST HOME or EN 13432—these labels mean the bags have passed some pretty strict tests for compostability and biodegradability (no participation trophies here). By understanding the difference, you can choose bags that are genuinely better for your dog, your yard, and our shared planet.

The Problem With Biodegradable Poop Bags

Look, we get it, biodegradable poop bags feel like the no-brainer choice when you're trying to be that responsible dog owner. But here's where things get a bit messy: dig into the details, and you'll find some pretty serious plot holes in this feel-good story. A lot of those "biodegradable" bags? They're actually made from Oxo-degradable plastics, which sounds fancy but really just means they crumble into tiny microplastics instead of actually disappearing. You could say we're nerds about this stuff, but those microplastics stick around like that one friend who never gets the hint, polluting soil, contaminating water, and generally making life difficult for wildlife.

Even when you find the real deal made from plant-based materials, the reality check hits pretty hard. These bags don't vanish as quickly as you'd hope, especially in landfills where there's about as much oxygen as a sealed Tupperware container (which is to say, very little). Instead of doing their disappearing act, they hang around for years, sometimes burping out methane as they slowly break down. And if you're thinking about tossing them in your backyard compost bin – well, pump the brakes on that idea. Most biodegradable bags aren't designed for home composting and might leave you with a gnarly mess instead of that rich, garden-ready soil you were hoping for. When it comes to dealing with your pup's business, it pays to look past the shiny marketing and choose options that actually walk the walk on environmental impact. 

The Impact of Dog Waste on Local Ecosystems

Leaving your dog's business behind isn't just an eyesore that makes your neighbours cringe. It can actually mess with the environment in ways that might surprise you. When dog waste just sits there on the ground, it gets washed straight into your local waterways. It’s like giving streams, rivers and lakes an unwanted care package full of harmful bacteria and nutrients it didn’t ask for. This runoff doesn't just disrupt aquatic life – it can actually make swimming areas unsafe for both people and their four-legged friends.

Here's where things get really interesting (and by interesting, we mean concerning): dog poop is basically a tiny ecosystem disruptor with a big attitude. It can actually change the chemistry of the soil, rolling out the red carpet for invasive plants and throwing the natural balance of local ecosystems completely out of whack. And those harmful pathogens like E. coli? They're not just passing through; they stick around in the soil like unwanted houseguests, creating risks for both humans and wildlife. That's exactly why it's so important to always pick up after your furry friend and use the right dog waste bags – ideally our sturdy, 100% recycled dog waste bags that actually keep odours and mess where they belong (hint: not on your hands). By taking care of your dog's waste the right way, you're not just being a good neighbour – you're actively protecting your community, your local parks, and, honestly, Mama Earth as a whole.