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If you’re trying to be a good steward of the Earth, you might be thinking about swapping your regular plastic dog poop bags with biodegradable ones. But does this actually contribute to a healthier planet? Are biodegradable poop bags really biodegradable?

Unfortunately, there’s something stinky in the world of “biodegradable” poop bag manufacturers. Due to unregulated guidelines and misleading packaging, it’s possible the poop bags you’re using aren’t as earth-friendly as they seem.

According to the FTC, marketers of dog waste bags “may be deceiving consumers with the use of their unqualified ‘biodegradable’ claim.” If, for example, a product says it’s biodegradable, consumers like you and me probably think it will break down in the trash or composting bin within a year or so. But this isn’t always the case.

So what’s a responsible dog parent to do? Is there such a thing as a poop bag that’s good for the environment? We’ve got the scoop on how biodegradable bags break down, why this process is often impeded, and how dog parents can best deal with their pup’s business.

Why Not All “Biodegradable” Poop Bags Biodegrade

Unlike regular plastic bags that linger in the environment for decades (centuries, even), biodegradable poop bags are designed to break down naturally over a shorter period of time. But, as it turns out, this process can be hindered if the conditions aren’t just right.

ASTM International standards determine the level to which plastics are biodegradable. But even poop bags that meet the ASTM’s most stringent criteria are only able to break down in the right environment, usually at an industrial pet waste composting facility or a dog waste-only composting bin. “The conditions for ‘biodegradable’ plastic to biodegrade are pretty specific and not often achieved in the natural environment,” explains Mariane Ferencevic, Director of Business Operations at Fitec Environmental Technologies.

In order to break down, these bags require precise levels of moisture, air, and heat. This means that tossing them in the backyard to let nature work its magic will leave you with an ever-growing (and increasingly stinky) pile. Even the very best, most scientifically-proven biodegradable plastics won’t degrade in a landfill, where compression and lack of oxygen lead to “mummification” of garbage.

“Even municipal composting facilities do not always accept biodegradable or compostable plastics if their systems or methods do not allow for its proper degradation,” Ferencevic adds.

To get the best results from earth-friendly poop bags, you have to dispose of them correctly. Regrettably, this crucial piece of information isn’t included on most poop bag packaging. What’s more, most people who want to bring their biodegradable poop bags to a composting facility will find it impossible to do so, as there are only a handful of programs in the U.S. willing to take pet waste.

What’s the Best Way To Dispose of Dog Waste?

It takes a little extra legwork to maximize a poop bag’s earth-friendliness, but our planet will thank us for it in the end.

First, whatever method you choose, it’s essential to clean up after your pup—not only for the sake of your neighbors’ nostrils but also for the environment.

“We definitely want to pick up dog waste rather than leave it spread out around our environment, but we also need to make sure the nutrients don’t leach into our waterways and that the pathogens are contained or properly destroyed,” says Ferencevic.

The ideal disposal method will depend on your location, local municipal waste systems, and access to a backyard. More environmentally friendly disposal methods include creating a home compost pile, flushing dog poop down the toilet, burying dog poop, transporting it to a municipal composting facility, or skipping using single-use bags. But it’s important to know how to do all of these things correctly.

Create a home compost pile

One earth-friendly way to deal with your dog’s doo is tossing it in a compost bin—just be sure it’s a separate bin designated solely for your dog’s number twos. There are several commercial options like the Doggie Doo on the market, but you can also make your own with supplies available at your local home and garden store.

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This is the best approach if you know what you’re doing, but Ferencevic warns that these digesters don’t always reach high enough temperatures to destroy pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, or roundworms. And while pet waste compost can make a fine fertilizer for decorative gardens, it should never be used on edible plants.

Flush it down the toilet

Yup, depending on where you live, you can flush dog poop unbagged, straight down the toilet—or in water-soluble waste bags, like Doodie Flush™ Dog Poop Bags.

“Flushing in the toilet does mean the waste is treated in the municipal wastewater system, but this has obvious disadvantages since the waste has to be carried into the house,” Ferencevic points out.

If you go this route, just be sure to check with your municipal sewage guidelines, triple-check that your bags are the right kind, and never flush pet waste into a septic tank.

Bury it

This option works best if you live in a rural area with space away from the house. Waste should be buried at least six inches underground, away from vegetable gardens and water sources.

Transport it to a municipal composting facility

For those fortunate enough to live near an industrial composting facility that accepts pet waste, this is an excellent course of action. However, such facilities are far and few between in the United States. There are a few smaller programs at dog runs and parks, including Battery Park City’s Dog Waste Compost. Canada, on the other hand, is far ahead in the poop composting game, with far more regions where dog poop is accepted in composting facilities.

Skip single-use bags entirely

Of course, you can also forgo the bag completely. Using a hand-held scoop or shovel to transfer dog waste from the ground to a composting bin, toilet, or hole in the ground may be the most earth-friendly option. The Jaw Dog Pooper Scooper by Nature’s Miracle, for example, employs spring-action handles and a nonstick scoop for easy pickup around the yard.

But let’s be realistic: for those of us living and working in densely populated areas, the poop bag is the way to go. We just need to use them correctly.

Are Some Biodegradable Dog Bags Better Than Others?

“Absolutely,” says Ferencevic. “There are no policed requirements for the use of the term ‘biodegradable,’ so it is important to research a company and at least see how long they claim it would take for their bags to break down.”

The best biodegradable bags will give a clear timeframe for expected decomposition. Pet parents should also look for certifications from organizations like BPI or TÜV AUSTRIA, which verify a bag’s ability to break down.

Even if composting is out of the question, it’s still preferable to use a bag made from plant-based starch over regular plastic. As Ferencevic explains, this is because a plant-based product, like Pogi’s Compostable Poop Bags, has a smaller chance of ending up as microplastics down the road.

There are also paper bags to consider. Plastic-free PoopShark waste bags, for instance, are made with paper pulp and naturally biodegrade in about six weeks. Of course, these may be unrealistic on long walks or hikes when seepage is likely. And they come with some inconveniences—they’re more expensive, not waterproof, and have no way to seal—but they can be a good answer to the plastic problem when used for backyard cleanup or in urban areas where access to waste bins is close at hand.

Another option is reusing bags that would otherwise be destined for the landfill like produce bags or bread bags. And while they’re not biodegradable or compostable, GreenPolly Pet Waste Bags are made with a minimum of 90% post-consumer recycled polyethylene, diverting extra materials from piling up in landfills.

It’s wise to look beyond biodegradability, too. Consider products with minimal packaging and eco-friendly ink, and support companies that prioritize sustainable manufacturing.

At the end of the day, a little investigating can guide you in the right direction—and to the right poop bag. “Pet parents need to remember that the onus is on them to read the packaging carefully and look into the supplier’s story to make sure they know what they are buying,” says Ferencevic.

How We Chose

The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews, and an interview with environmental expert Mariane Ferencevic. We prioritized waste bags that met ASTM standards and those made from plant-based materials. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

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