Compostable bags definitely more eco-friendly than 'biodegradable' plastic bags

More reasons to buy compostable BioBag Dog waste bags!

A recent study highlights why you should make sure that the dog waste bags that you buy are truly compostable (i.e. starch based) if you are thinking of the environment, on top of the fact that the materials are based on fossil fuels. 'Biodegradable' plastic bags don't break down as quickly as believed and may not be as environmentally-friendly as they sound, according to Government-funded research. A study into these 'oxo-degradable' plastics, often labelled as degradable or biodegradable, found there was uncertainty about their impact on the natural environment. The process of biodegrading, which can only happen once the plastic has initially broken into smaller fragments, takes place slowly - many times slower than for compostable bags. Made from common plastics with small amounts of chemicals to speed up breakdown, they are also not suitable for recycling with other plastics, reuse or composting. The additives did not improve their environmental performance and 'potentially gives rise to certain negative effects'. In the open UK environment they are likely to degrade over 2 to 5 years, but they don't degrade in the absence of oxygen so are unlikely to break down in landfill, where much of the plastic would end up. All the more reason to buy BioBag Dog or other waste bags based on plant starch which will genuinely compost in a short period of time!