Compost bags bridge the gap between your kitchen counter and the compost bin, keeping things cleaner and less odorous during collection. The best options are certified compostable, meaning they break down along with the food scraps inside them rather than contaminating your finished compost with plastic. Whether you need bags for a countertop caddy, a backyard bin, or a municipal pickup program, these five picks cover the range.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| BioBag 3-Gallon Compostable Bags | Countertop bin lining | 4.7/5 |
| Glad Compostable Tall Kitchen Bags | Large kitchen bins | 4.5/5 |
| If You Care Certified Compostable Bags | Curbside programs | 4.6/5 |
| EcoSafe-6400 Compostable Bags | Commercial use | 4.4/5 |
| UNNI 100% Compostable Bags | Value multipacks | 4.5/5 |
BioBag 3-Gallon Compostable Bags - Best Overall
BioBag is the standard reference in certified compostable bags. The 3-gallon size fits most countertop kitchen composters perfectly, and the bags are certified by BPI and meet ASTM D6400. Made from Mater-Bi, a bioplastic derived from plant starches, they feel more like thin film plastic than paper but break down in industrial composting facilities alongside food scraps. No plastic film odor, no off-gassing. Accepted by a wide range of municipal curbside programs across North America. The bags hold up to 5 to 7 days of typical kitchen scraps without leaking or softening, provided you are not storing them in a very humid environment.
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Glad Compostable Tall Kitchen Bags - Best Large Bin Option
For households with larger kitchen bins (13-gallon size), Glad’s Compostable line offers a familiar tall-kitchen-bag format with ASTM D6400 certification. These are the easiest swap for anyone already using standard Glad bags — same tie-flap closure, same generous capacity. The material holds heavier loads than thinner certified bags and resists puncture from sharp scraps like broken eggshells or small bones. Accepted by most US municipal programs. Slightly higher cost per bag than some competitors, but the added thickness is worth it for households generating significant daily food waste.
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If You Care Certified Compostable Bags - Best for Curbside Programs
If You Care is a brand that focuses specifically on sustainability certifications, and their compostable bags are BPI-certified and EN 13432-compliant, which covers European curbside programs in addition to North American ones. The bags are made from GMO-free cornstarch and are unbleached. The material is thinner than Glad’s option, making them best for lighter food waste rather than heavy, wet scraps. They are available in sizes from 2.6 to 8 gallons. If your municipality’s program has strict requirements on bag standards, If You Care is a safe choice that covers the broadest range of acceptance criteria.
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EcoSafe-6400 Compostable Bags - Best for Commercial Use
EcoSafe-6400 bags are designed for higher-volume commercial and institutional food service environments. The 6400 designation refers to ASTM D6400 certification. These bags are sold in case quantities and come in a range of sizes up to 55 gallons for large-scale operations. The material is thicker and more puncture-resistant than consumer-grade options. For home users, the cost per bag is higher, but for restaurants, cafeterias, or community composting programs, the bulk pricing and heavy-duty construction make them the practical choice.
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UNNI 100% Compostable Bags - Best Value Multipack
UNNI offers ASTM D6400 and BPI-certified bags in large multipacks that bring the per-bag cost down significantly compared to competitors. The 100-count packages in 2.6, 3, and 13-gallon sizes give households a full season’s worth of bags in one purchase. The material quality is comparable to mid-range options — not as thick as Glad, but thicker than the thinnest cornstarch bags. The tie-style closures work reliably. For budget-conscious households that go through bags quickly, UNNI delivers the best per-unit value while maintaining legitimate compostability certifications.
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How to Choose Compost Bags
The most important factor is certification. If you use a curbside municipal program, check whether your city requires BPI certification, ASTM D6400, or EN 13432 — not all programs accept all standards. Using the wrong bag type can get your bin rejected at collection.
Match size to your container. A 1.3-gallon bag works for a small countertop caddy; 3-gallon fits most standard countertop bins; 13-gallon covers full kitchen trash-can setups. Thickness matters if you are collecting heavy, wet scraps — go thicker to avoid leaks. Thinner bags are fine for coffee grounds, eggshells, and dry vegetable trimmings.
For more composting help, see our guide to /articles/best-compost-bin-for-kitchen-waste and /articles/best-compost-accelerator. Our /methodology covers how we assess every category.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between compostable and biodegradable bags?+
Compostable bags meet specific standards (ASTM D6400 or EN 13432) guaranteeing they break down in a certified composting environment within a set timeframe, leaving no toxic residue. Biodegradable is a broader, less regulated claim -- biodegradable bags may take much longer to break down and can leave microplastic fragments. For curbside compost programs, look specifically for ASTM D6400 or BPI-certified bags to ensure acceptance.
Can I use compost bags in a home backyard bin?+
Yes, but results vary. Certified compostable bags break down fastest in hot industrial composters. In a home bin, they may take considerably longer than food scraps themselves. Many backyard composters skip the bag entirely and line their countertop bin with newspaper. If you use bags in a home bin, ensure the pile stays consistently moist and hot, and cut or tear the bags to speed breakdown.