The 6 Best Compostable Dog Poop Bags, Tested and Reviewed

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The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

Picking up after your dog with a compostable poop bag can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in a landfill while turning your dog’s digested food into nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Composting is the process of recycling organic matter, such as food scraps, leaves, and even pet waste, into fertilizer that can be used to enrich soil and plants. To safely compost dog poop—at home or at a composting facility—a bag needs to be made out of bioplastic, which is a type of plastic made from non-petroleum sources—often corn or tapioca—instead of fossil fuels.

A reliable compostable dog should have all the qualities of a standard poop bag–easy to open, large enough to hold your dog’s load–in addition to their sustainable bonafides. We tested 13 bags made from bioplastics under real-world conditions, using volunteer testers and their dogs.

Our overall favorite are Unni 100% Compostable Extra Thick Pet Waste Bags, which adhere to theU.S. compostable standard ASTM D6400and various European standards, including the rigorous OK Compost Home certification.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Unni 100% Compostable Extra Thick Pet Waste Bags

Unni Poop Bags

Amazon

What We Like
  • Made from vegetable-derived bioplastic (non-petroleum)

  • Suitable for at-home composting

  • Soft texture

  • Multiple national and international compostable certifications

What We Don't Like
  • Can start to degrade in less than a year if stored for too long, so bulk buying is not recommended

  • A little hard to open sometimes

Combining a standard poop bag design with the most comprehensive composting certifications, the Unni 100% Compostable Extra Thick Pet Waste Bags are the best compostable dog poop bags for most people.

Packaged as rolls with easy-to-tear perforated lines separating each pouch, the Unni 100% Compostable Extra Thick Pet Waste Bags maintain the look and design of conventional dog poop bags, so they fit inside most leash attachment holders. While testing the bags on walks with an English Setter mix and a miniature Golden Doodle the compostable bags seamlessly fit into their existing routine and gear.

Even if composting is not an option in your area, the bioplastic bags are made from corn oil instead of fossil fuels, allowing you to divest from petroleum sources. Unni bags adhere to theU.S. compostable standard ASTM D6400堆肥的市政基金会罕见的实效ity, even in major urban areas.

However, Unni poop bags can also be composted at home, according to the certification standards set by Austrian testing company TÜV, which established the OK Compost Home certification in 2003,setting standardsthat have shaped biodegradable plastic policies throughout Europe and in Australia. The certification tests for bags that can be turned into useful compost at the lower temperatures found in home compost systems. Composting pet waste comes with some unique challenges, but if you've safely incorporated pet waste into your home composting system, then Unni bags should work for you.

Each bag is 9 by 13 inches and 0.8 millimeters thick which provides ample space for your dog’s waste and will sufficiently separate the fresh contents inside from your skin. The durable bags feel softer than their polyethylene counterparts, but we found them to be slightly tricky to open at times–common among poop bags. Unlike, non-ethylene dog bags, these bags start to degrade if stored for too long (about a year), so we do not recommend buying in bulk.

Price at time of publish:$17 (270 bags)

Size:9 x 13 inches |Material: Corn and plant starch-based plastic |Colors:Green

Best for Small Dogs

BioBag Standard Pet Waste Bags

BioBag Pet Waste Bags

Amazon

What We Like
  • Unscented

  • Durable construction

  • Pull-through hole at the top of each bag for secure tying

  • Black bags fully conceal contents and stench

What We Don't Like
  • Not compatible with most leash attachment pouches

BioBag Compostable Pet Waste Bags are slightly smaller than other compostable dog poop bags that made our list, so they are ideal for scooping up after little dogs who expend less matter during their potty sessions.

Each bag is eight by 11.4 inches providing sufficient space to hold waste, and 0.92 millimeters thick, so they are durable and capable of supporting the weight of dog poop. A pull-through hole at the top of the bag makes it easy to secure and knot the bag, fully concealing the contents and its associated aroma.

Similar to a notepad, these black bioplastic sacks come in packs connected at the top with a perforated line separating each pouch. Unlike conventional poop bags packaged in a roll, these bags aren’t designed to be carried in a leash attachment pouch so it’s not as seamless to swap the BioBags into an established walking routine.

Price at time of publish:$29(200 bags)

Size:8 x 11.4 inches |Material: Starches of plants, vegetable oils, and compostable polymers |Color:Black

Best for At-Home

beyondGREEN Compostable Dog Waste Bag Refill Rolls

Chewy beyondGREEN Compostable Dog Waste Bag Refill Rolls

Chewy

What We Like
  • Easy to open with less static than conventional poop bags

  • Unscented, but some pet parents detect a slight popcorn smell

What We Don't Like
  • At home composting is not for beginners

If you are an experienced composter in search of dog poop bags to facilitate the composting process–which is not easy, BeyondGreen Compostable Dog Waste Bags are our top pick.

These green-colored bags are manufactured in the United States and made out of plant-based biopolymers to fully decompose while composting. These BeyondGreen bags have certification from various trusted organizations in America and Europe to meet the standards for composting at home.

Packaged in rolls, each pouch is easy to separate, with less static than conventional plastic bags, so they open up without a struggle. They are sturdy and capable of supporting the weight of a dog’s poop all the way back home for composting.

Price at time of publish:$30(240 bags)

Size:9 x12 inches |Material: Plant-based biopolymers |Color:Green

Best for Big Dogs

Lucky Dog Ultimate Poop Bags

Amazon Lucky Dog Ultimate Poop Bags

Amazon

What We Like
  • No center core in roll

  • Very durable with a rubber-like quality

  • Easy to tear from the roll and open

What We Don't Like
  • Will start to deteriorate if stored for a long duration

  • Slightly see-through, white coloring of the bags does not hide the contents

Lucky Dog Ultimate Poop Bags have a rubber-like texture designed to endure heavy loads and prevent puncture holes even when used on pointy outdoor terrain. During our testing period picking up after a 60-pound Golden Doodle, one bag was capable of holding a hefty amount of number two.

每个core-less卷包含15 m可降解的袋子ade from GMO-free plants and corn. With biodegradability and composting certification in the United States, Canada, and Europe, these bags are suitable for most facilities where pet waste is accepted and processed. The bags are white but not completely opaque so there is no hiding what’s inside, but they do conceal the off-putting aroma of dog poop once securely tied in a knot.

Like our pick for Best Overall, Unni 100% Compostable Extra Thick Pet Waste Bags, these bags will begin to deteriorate if stored for a long period of time. We recommend purchasing the minimum amount of bags you need at a given time and refreshing your stash regularly throughout the year.

Price at time of publish:$30(240)

Size:9 x 13 inches |Material: GMO-free plant-based resin |Color:White

Best Budget

Pet N Pet Compostable Dog Poop Bags

Amazon Pet N Pet Compostable Dog Poop Bags

Amazon

What We Like
  • Unscented

  • Suitable for at-home composting

  • Easy to open

What We Don’t Like
  • Slight scent after initial unboxing

Pet N Pet Compostable Dog Poop Bags are priced affordably and certified for home composting in the United States and Europe. The green-colored bags are made from cornstarch and easily fit into a standard leash attachment.

Each bag is easy to separate from the roll along a perforated line, and we found them easier to open than other compostable bags we tested. The bags offered sufficient space for picking up after a 38-pound hound dog mix with extra slack to tie at the top. They remained intact across a variety of outdoor surfaces and cold weather conditions.

The bags are unscented but we noticed a slight scent after unboxing that dissipated after a few days.

Price at time of publish:$24 (240 bags)

Size:9 x13 inches |Material: Cornstarch bio-based material |Color:Green

Best Sheets

Pooch Paper Biodegradable Dog Waste Sheet

Pooch Paper

Orvis

What We Like
  • Very durable, difficult to puncture

  • Plastic-free, PFAS-free, and made from non-chlorine bleach recycled paper fiber

  • Corn-based coating on sheets keeps grease away from hands

  • Compostable and biodegradable

What We Don't Like
  • Watery waste can be difficult to contain

  • Larger dogs may require more than one sheet per session

Using previously-discarded, recycled paper, Pooch Paper Biodegradable Dog Waste Sheets are square-shaped sheets designed to keep hands clean while scooping poop. Made in the United States using renewable energy, the unscented sheets are completely free of plastic and PFAS-S—the manmade substances commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," which break into microplastics instead of decomposing.

Similar to using parchment paper to select a muffin at a bakery, you use each sheet to protect your hand while picking up poop. The unconventional shape might take some time to get used to, but they are easy to use once you get the hang of it. After you pick up your dog’s poop, the four corners come together and can be twisted shut, forming a pouch for disposal. The tan-colored sheets are coated with a corn-based substance to keep the grease and bacteria from your dog’s poop away from your hands. But even the twisted pouch can't keep these for leaking, so they're more appropriate for the dog park than carrying waste around for the rest of a walk.

Pooch Paper sheets come in two sizes: 12-inch squares and larger. While Pooch Paper sheets are easy to stash in a pocket before going on a walk, they're not compatible with standard leash poop bag holders. Instead, check out thePooch Pouchif you're looking for a portable storage solution.

Price at time of publish:$13 (50 sheets)

Size:12 x 12 inches (regular); 14 x 14 inches (large) |Material: Recycled, unbleached paper |Color:Tan

Final Verdict

Our top choice is theUnni 100% Compostable Extra Thick Pet Waste Bags, which can be composted at home and are made from corn-derived bioplastics instead of petroleum. We also really likePooch Paper Biodegradable Dog Waste Sheetsmade out of bleach-free recycled paper and designed to deteriorate along with the doggie poop you scoop up. Even if you don’t plan to compost, both of these options are more environmentally friendly than traditional plastic poop bags.

Also Good:

Earth Rated Poop Bag Certified Compostable Poop Bags

Earth Rated Poop Bags, ouroverall top tested pick for dog poop bag, is available as a compost-friendly poop bag. It was not part of our latest round of testing, but we still think it’s a great option for those capable of taking their pet waste to a municipal composting facility. Plus, Earth Rated is aCertified B Corporation, which means it has been independently audited for environmental and workplace standards. Earth Rated alsomakes donationsto a wide variety of animal rescues and sustainability initiatives.

Pogi's Earth Friendly Compostable Poop Bags with Handles

Another top pick fromour dog poop bag testingis Pogi's Earth Friendly Poop Bags with Handles. We have not tested the compostable version from Pogi’s, but they are certified and feature the same convenient handles that might make it easier for you to transport your dog’s poop to the nearest composting facility.

How We Tested

We purchased 13 compostable products designed for picking up dog poop with human hands and sent each one to a real home for real-world testing.

For a week, human testers used their assigned product to pick up after their dog from various outdoor surfaces, including concrete/pavement and grass. Each participant documented their experience and offered insight into the performance of the product. Using our first-hand information paired with the standards set by ASTM International for biodegradable and compostable products in the United States, we ranked and categorized our top picks.

Composting Dog Waste

To dispose of pet waste, the best option for the environment is composting. There are composting facilities located throughout the United States, but not all of them accept pet waste. You canfind your nearest location hereand check their guidelines on what they accept.

Home composting pet waste requires relatively high heat and should only be incorporated into a well-established home compost process. If not handled properly, the risk of spreading bacteria is significant, making composting pet waste better suited for someone with significant composting experience.

For those skilled in the practice of home composting with the proper composter in place, the poop can be used as fertilizer for ornamental gardens. To prevent contamination, pet waste compost should never be used in food gardens that produce fruits or vegetables.

While recommending against the use of pet waste compost to grow crops for human consumption, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has a document (link to PDF) outlining how to safely compost pet waste for other garden uses.

What To Look For in Compostable Dog Poop Bags

Biodegradable

The ability to biodegrade does not make a bag suitable for composting, but all bags suitable for composting will deteriorate during the composting process. Compostable dog poop products (bags and sheets) are made from organic materials, such as recycled pulp and bioplastics, which are materials derived from vegetables or scratches.

Conventional plastic dog poop bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, but even bags with biodegradable claims–often labeled as "oxo-biodegradable" and made of standard plastic with an additive–remain intact for several years.

Oxo-Biodegradable Bags

These bags are made from standard plastic but include an additive designed to make the bag break down when exposed to oxygen and sunlight. This means they are unlikely to decompose in a landfill, but will break down into smaller and smaller parts if left out as litter. The full environmental effects of degrading additives are still unknown, but early research suggests that oxo-biodegradable bags can create environmental microplastics.

We recommend that eco-conscious dog poop bag buyers who are unable to compost opt for bags made from recycled plastic and bioplastics that are made from non-petroleum sources.

Certifications For Bioplastics and Composting

ASTM D6400(American Standard)

EN 13432(European Standard)

TUV OK Compost Home

TUV Ok Compost Industrial

Compost Manufacturing Alliance

FAQ
  • Do compostable dog poop bags break down in a landfill?

    Typically not. While compostable bags are designed to break down under certain conditions, landfills don't often offer the necessary heat and oxygen for compostable bags to degrade. While our favorite compostable bags are made from non-petroleum sources—making them a more eco-friendly initial purchase—they'll act just like normal poop bags if thrown in the trash.

  • Is it safe to use compost made from pet waste as fertilizer in a garden?

    Yes and no. The risk of spreading harmful bacteria in a garden where vegetables or fruits are grown is too high.Fertilizers made with composted pet waste can be used in ornamental gardens, but should never be used in a space with produce.
    "Dog waste compost can be used as a soil additive for revegetation, lawn establishment, and planting beds. It should not be used on crops grown for human consumption," the USDA states in their guidance.

  • How do you dispose of compostable dog poop bags?

    If you use compostable bags,you can dispose of them at municipal facilities(if they accept dog waste) or compost them in a separate bin if they're suitable for home compost. There are also poop disposal symptoms that work as mini septic tanks. You bury them in the ground and then periodically add water and powdered enzymes to speed up the composting process.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets

This roundup was written byAnna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce, who shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Mejorada embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.

The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Fact Sheet: Composting Dog Waste.US Department of Agriculture.