Are dog poop bags really biodegradable or compostable?

Picking up dog poop might not be anyone’s favorite activity, but it’s definitely better than stepping in it! While many pet parents diligently clean up after their furry family members, some want to go the extra mile to make the most environmentally friendly choice. So, are dog poop bags biodegradable, and do compostable bags break down in landfill? Let’s get the scoop!

Is dog poop biodegradable?

First, let’s figure out if the stuff inside your dog poop bags is any good for the environment. 

Does dog poop decompose? 

Yes, dog poop is biodegradable and will eventually break down and decompose – it can even be turned into a nutrient-rich fertilizer for soil and plants. However, this is easier said than done, as finding a composting facility that accepts dog waste in the United States can be a challenge. If you decide to compost dog poop at home, be careful to do it correctly and avoid using it in areas with edible plants.

How long does dog poop take to decompose?

So how long does it take for dog poop to decompose? It can take as little as nine weeks for dog poop to break down if the conditions are right – warm, humid weather speeds up the process.

But that doesn’t mean you can just toss it into the woods! Dog poop can harm local ecosystems and contaminate water sources if not disposed of correctly, which is why many pet parents turn to biodegradable or compostable dog poop bags.

Biodegradable vs compostable dog poop bags

While dog poop itself doesn’t take long to decompose, the bags we use to pick it up can take years to break down. Let’s take a look at the difference between biodegradable and compostable dog poop bags and see if they live up to their claims.

Biodegradable dog poop bags

Your typical plastic bag can take centuries to decompose, but are biodegradable bags really any better for the environment? The term “biodegradable” is pretty broad – it means the materials used can take anywhere from a few months to hundreds of years to break down. In fact, everything is biodegradable to some degree.

For a biodegradable bag to even have a chance of breaking down, it needs to have access to oxygen. Unfortunately, the bags of poop you toss into rubbish bins typically end up in tightly packed landfills, where there’s little chance of them getting the oxygen needed to biodegrade. They’re more likely to end up buried under heaps of trash, which can cause them to split open and release harmful methane gas. 

Even in ideal conditions with plenty of oxygen, many biodegradable bags can still break down into microplastics that pollute our environment.

Compostable dog poop bags

Compostable dog poop bags are made from natural, plant-based materials that are designed to break down into organic waste that can be used as compost in 60-180 days. But, just like biodegradable bags, if they end up buried in a landfill without enough oxygen, they won't be able to decompose properly.

So are compostable bags really compostable?

The word “compostable” only holds true if the waste is disposed of correctly. The easiest way to get rid of compostable bags of poop is to take them to an industrial compost facility that accepts pet waste bags. But let’s face it – not every pet parent has one of these on their doorstep, so may turn to dealing with it at home. 

Composting poop at home is the most eco-friendly way to dispose of pet waste, but it can be tricky to do. Dog poop compost must be separated from other food waste to avoid spreading bacteria, and a high temperature must be maintained to kill harmful pathogens found in pooch poop.

Are dog poop bags biodegradable or compostable? 

So, are dog poop bags environmentally friendly or not? If disposed of correctly, compostable dog poop bags can be the most eco-friendly of the two. But the reality is that most end up in landfills, where they’re unable to break down as they should. 

On top of this, making biodegradable and compostable bags can have a bigger carbon footprint than traditional plastic poop bags. This is because growing and processing the plants for these bags can consume a lot of energy and resources, whereas regular plastic bags are cheap and easy to produce. 

So what’s the best option? Reusing bags you already have or choosing paper bags can be great alternatives to dog poop bags. 

Speaking of, remember to arm your in-home dog sitter with plenty of dog poop bags and anything else they may need while you’re away. Stock up on treats, toys, food, and any medications your pup might need. For tips on how to prepare for your dog sitter, a long list of pet sitting supplies, and more, check out our blog. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to ensure your furry friend is well taken care of in your absence!