You’ve probably seen biodegradable plastic bags advertised as being more environmentally friendly than regular plastic bags. But what does that mean? Are biodegradable plastic bags recyclable? Do they break down in the environment? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about biodegradable plastic bags.

What are biodegradable plastic bags?

Biodegradable plastic bags are made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch or new paper pulp. They are designed to break down into smaller pieces over time, eventually becoming part of the soil. Unlike regular plastic bags, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, biodegradable plastic bags will typically degrade within a few months to a few years. 

Are biodegradable plastic bags recyclable? 

The answer to this question is a bit more complicated than you might think. While most recycling facilities are not equipped to recycle biodegradable plastic bags, some cities have started collecting them separately so that they can be sent to commercial composting facilities. However, it’s important to check with your local waste management company to see if they have a program in place for recycling biodegradable plastic bags. 

Do biodegradable plastic bags break down in the environment? 

This is where things get a bit more complicated. Under the right conditions (warmth, moisture, and oxygen), biodegradable plastic bags will indeed break down in the environment. However, if they end up in a landfill where those conditions are not present, they will not degrade. In fact, because landfills are designed to prevent organic matter from breaking down, there’s a good chance that a biodegradable plastic bag that ends up in a landfill will actually take longer to decompose than a regular plastic bag. 

So, are biodegradable plastic bags recyclable? The answer is yes… sort of. While most recycling facilities cannot recycle them, some cities have started collecting them separately so that they can be sent to commercial composting facilities. However, it’s important to check with your local waste management company to see if they have a program in place for recycling biodegradable plastic bags before you put them in your recycling bin.

Biodegradable plastic bags are recyclable, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, not all recyclers accept biodegradable plastic bags. Second, even if a recycler does accept them, the bags need to be clean and dry before they can be recycled. Finally, biodegradable plastic bags take up more space in the recycling bin than regular plastic bags, so make sure to flatten them before putting them in the bin.

While biodegradable plastic bags are recyclable, they don’t break down in the environment as easily as you might think. If you’re looking for a truly eco-friendly option, reusable bags are the way to go.

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to regular plastic bags, biodegradable plastic bags are a good option. Just be sure to check with your local recycler to see if they accept them before you put them in the bin.

And, if you’re looking for an even more eco-friendly option, reusable bags are the way to go.