Biodegradable Bags Trash Bioplastic “compostable” bags are accepted in the organics container, but they must be CLEAR or translucent-green, and contents inside the bag must be visible. Although we “accept” these bags, they will be ripped open to liberate the contents, and will not be recycled or composted (no matter the material type or certification). No other bioplastics are allowed in the Organics Container. Never place compostable bags in the recycling container. Don’t Compost Bioplastic Bags at Home Bioplastic does not belong in your home compost pile, regardless of whether it’s biodegradable or compostable. Bags made from bioplastic require very specific conditions in order to fully break down. Find out what to do with compostable (bioplastic) bags and compostable cups, plates & utensils. Not Recyclable Biodegradable bags are plastic, but possess non-plastic materials that become contaminants in the recycling stream. Put them in your garbage instead. Did You Know? Backlash Against Biodegradable Bags Since they started to become popular several years ago, there has been a major backlash against biodegradable bags. Certain studies revealed that they may not degrade as well as advertised, and may even leave toxic chemicals behind. Biodegradable bags also require more raw materials to make and discourage reuseable or recyclable options. Unfortunately, confusion continues over how eco-friendly biodegradable bags are. To learn more, read these articles from Earth 911 and the American Chemical Society, or watch the video above from NowThis Earth on compostable plastics. Composters from Oregon also provided this helpful breakdown on why they did not accept compostable packaging or serviceware. PLA Plastic vs. PET Plastic PET plastic is a petroleum-based plastic while PLA plastic is a bioplastic typically made from fermented plant starch. While PET plastic can be easily recycled, PLA is more difficult to recycle and requires a special facility in order to be composted. Before disposing, avoid contaminating your recycling by double-checking whether your item is PET or PLA and the current disposal instructions for that material.