As pet owners, you already help save the environment by picking up after your dog when on walks. While that does a lot for making public health better and improving the aesthetics of your environment, it doesn’t do quite enough for conservation.
The unfortunate result of using plastic bags for your dog poop is that you have tons of individually wrapped dog doody piling up. You think you are going green by reusing your grocery store bags, but they’re unable to degrade because the bag is plastic.
This is where the importance of getting biodegradable poop bags comes in. However, there are so many currently on the market that it can be hard to make a decision. That is why we have compiled a list of some of the best biodegradable dog poop bags of 2021 – just for you.
1. Overall Best Environmentally-Friendly Biodegradable Poop Bags
Doggy Do Good Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags
The bags are 20 microns (0.8 ml) thick. You can use them to grab onto your pet droppings without worrying about any leaks or stains. They are also super durable and sturdy enough to withstand even the toughest task without tearing.
If you have a really sensitive nose, the artificial smell of scented bags may make you feel sick. These come unscented, but still manage to keep the nasty odor out.
The bags may be a little pricey, but you will be saving the environment for a good value for your money. A portion of your purchase price goes to reputable animal rescues and no-kill shelters.
The Doggy Do Good poop bag is perfect for those who are very environmentally conscious. The best part is that if, for any reason, you don’t like the bags you can get a full refund for your purchase. It’s a win-win, risk-free situation for customers.
Pros
- Made with biodegradable, decomposable, and environmentally friendly materials that will break down in 90 days
- Extra thick, leak-proof design prevents accidental spills
- Money-back guarantee makes it a risk-free experience
- Neat separation perforations make them easy to tear off and use
- Fits into any standard dispenser
Cons
- Very pricey
This is our favorite eco-friendly dog poop bag because it is plant-based and completely biodegradable. It will break down within 90 days without leaving a trace behind.
2. Best Biodegradable Poop Bags For Medium-Sized Dogs
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags
We all know that the smell of dog doody is not so pleasant. The lavender smell of this bag disguises the stench so you don’t offend the noses of passersby, especially on long walks. The best part is that the smell of lavender is not overpowering.
The Earth Rated poop bags are fairly priced, and should last you a decent amount of time – unless your dog has very active bowels or you have more than one canine companion. They also have more than enough room to accommodate the droppings of medium-sized dogs.
If you have a dog that prefers to do its business on mulchy ground, these bags are extra handy. Their thickness can withstand wood chips, rocks, or other mulch components without ripping or leaking.
The bags are also easy to separate, open, and secure. This may come in handy when you have to quickly clean up an embarrassing mess before anyone else notices. Each bag roll can also comfortably and discretely fit into your pocket.
Of all the many perks of the Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags, the most important is that it is biodegradable and the packaging and roll cores are made with recycled materials. That way, you don’t have to worry about the environmental impact of your dog taking a dump.
Pros
- Easy to open and use
- Thick enough to grab your dog’s doody without the icky feeling
- Lavender scent masks the offensive odor of poop
- Opaque and colored design makes you almost forget what its contents are
- Nicely sealed seams and separation perforations prevent leakages
- Great for scooping up large droppings
Cons
- Not compostable
This is our favorite biodegradable dog poop bag for small to medium-sized dogs for obvious reasons. While it is large enough to scoop all the droppings in one bag, there is enough space left to secure the contents of the bag and ensure your hands remain clean.
3. Best Budget-Friendly Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags
Pogi’s Poop Bags
The bags are also large and thick enough to hold even the largest droppings from your dogs without leaving behind any messes. It is leak-proof, and has the smell of fresh baby powder to mask the nasty odor from the bag contents.
The bags are readily accessible with their easy-to-open design. They also have a helpful sticker that marks which end of the bag is meant to be opened. The bags have enough space at the top for you to easily tie them up after picking up your dog’s “business.”
The packaging and cardboard cores are made from recycled materials. They are reusable too, which takes a load off the environment.
Pros
- Cost-effective and affordable
- EPI Technology makes it degrade faster than regular plastics
- Fresh powder smell masks the nasty odor of the bag’s content
- Anti-leak design protects your hands and belongings from unfortunate accidents
- Packaging is made from recycled materials and is reusable
Cons
- Not compostable
We love this biodegradable dog poop bag because it is economical. Barring any extenuating circumstances, a single purchase should last for 6 months or thereabouts.
4. Best Extra-Large Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags
Doggy Do Good Extra-Large Biodegradable Dog Poop Bag
They are made with decomposable, biodegradable plant-based materials, and are ASTM D6400 approved. They will completely break down within 90 days. The bags also have no plastic, OXO, or EPI additives, which makes them safe for the environment.
Unlike the other sizes that come in smaller rolls, this comes in a single large roll. It is lightweight, yet durable. Part of its durability comes from its 0.80 ml thickness. The handles on the bag make it easy to grab and tie up or open, as the need arises.
The bags are scentless, but can effectively trap any offensive odors from their contents. This is a great pick if you have big dogs or if your dog likes to leave large piles of surprises behind them.
Although the bags are a little pricey, it is to be expected from extra-large bags made completely with eco-friendly materials. They have a full refund policy to reduce risks if you end up not liking them.
Pros
- Handles make the bags easy to carry and tie off
- Vegetable-based & eco-friendly, so they will decompose after 90 days
- Scentless and smell-proof design makes it perfect for sensitive noses
- Bags easily dispense from a roll and are easy to use
- Very large size makes them perfect for large dogs and large droppings
- Full refund policy for a risk-free experience
Cons
- Quite expensive
- A little moisture-permeable at the bottom
This is perfect for people with really large dogs or dogs that are guilty of dropping off huge loads at once.
5. Best Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags For Sensitive Dogs
Pets N Bags Environmentally Friendly Dog Poop Bags
The bags are really thick, strong, and resistant to leaks or tears. It also has a water-resistant coating that makes it perfect for those times your dog leaves behind some less-than-solid bits. This extra coating keeps moisture out and locks odors in.
The bags are simple to open and use. They easily fit into any standard dispenser and glide out of the roll smoothly. They come with a free, reusable dispenser that will keep the bags safe and free from holes.
The Pets N Bags Environmentally Friendly Dog Poop Bags also have a convenient wristband that makes long walks easy. Their allergy-free, odorless design makes them a good fit for sensitive dogs.
The best part is that they are long enough to have extra space for you to safely tie a knot at the end while keeping the contents of the bag secure.
Pros
- Free, reusable dispenser included
- 100% oxo-biodegradable and ASTM D6954-04 compliant
- Easy to detach and open due to its easy tear off design
- Allergy and odor-free for sensitive dogs
- Water-resistant coating makes it perfect for both dry and wet waste
- Fits into standard poop bag dispensers because of its compact roll size
Cons
- The separating perforations could be better
This is our favorite for sensitive dogs because it is allergy-free and its water-resistant coating ensures that liquid waste remains in the bag without seeping out.
What Is the Difference Between Biodegradable, Compostable, and Oxo-Biodegradable Poop Bags?
To an extent, these words are used interchangeably. However, they don’t mean the same thing. The major difference is in how they are disposed of, and how they eventually break down.
Given enough time, almost everything is biodegradable. Although the amount of time taken for that process to happen, and the degree of degradation, is heavily reliant on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
So, simply just slapping the term “biodegradable” on any eco-friendly poop bag might cause a little confusion. You have to be careful or this confusion can have serious implications.
Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags
Biodegradable dog poop bags are bioplastics that are manufactured to begin to break down rapidly once exposed to oxygen, sunshine, and natural compounds like water, carbon dioxide, and compost.
Biodegradable dog poop bags can either be made from petroleum products or vegetable products. Either way, the most important thing is that they break down with the help of microorganisms into compounds that are not harmful to the environment.
Compostable Dog Poop Bags
Most compostable waste bags are plant-based and made with agricultural products. Some of the most common materials used to make these bags include corn starch, soy protein, and tapioca.
Compostable dog poop bags are tested to be compliant with international standards like the ASDM D6400 in the U.S. All compostable poop bags are biodegradable while not all biodegradable poop bags are compostable.
Certified compostable dog poop bags will begin to disintegrate within 12 weeks. After 180 days in a composting facility, about 90% of their components should have been biodegraded.
The remaining 10% will be processed into valuable compost that is free from toxins and ready to use. Unless otherwise stated, your used compostable dog poop bags should be taken to a municipal composting facility and not disposed of at home.
Oxo-Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags
Oxo-biodegradable dog poop bags are regular polyethylene, polystyrene, or polypropylene bags that have had additives incorporated in them.
Unlike regular plastic bags, once these oxo-biodegradables have been exposed to oxygen, the process of degradation begins. Hence, the name. Exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight will catalyze the entire process.
The result is that complex chemical chains are broken down into smaller fragments called microplastics that are then further biodegraded by microorganisms to form water and carbon dioxide.
The rate at which these compounds will break down depends on environmental conditions like exposure to oxygen, temperature, and exposure to UV light. The plastics can visually disappear within 2 months but linger invisibly for a year and a half before full degradation.
Oxo-biodegradable dog poop bags should not be disposed of in a landfill. They will not get enough oxygen to initiate the degradation process. They are also not compostable, but can be recycled like regular plastic bags.
Things You Need To Know Before Making Your Purchase
In addition to choosing the best biodegradable dog poop bags, you will want to make sure you are choosing a brand that will give you your money’s worth. Some of the things to look out for include:
1. Materials
Avoid choosing products made with cheap, thin materials. There is no greater regret than reaching for a hot pile, thinking you have the protection of the bag, only to feel your fingers slip through holes. Major disaster!
2. Size
These biodegradable bags come in different sizes. Some of the bags are better suited to smaller dogs while others are best for large dogs. Buy ones that will meet the needs of your dogs, and still have enough space to tie up at the end.
3. Convenience
Most dog poop bags come in rolls while some are flat. If you will be using a dispenser, choose bags that can fit into the standard-sized dispensers easily so you can easily store and carry them out for a walk.
4. Durability
Don’t sacrifice quality for quantity. Choose bags that are durable enough to pick up dog poop without breaking, tearing off, or leaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for biodegradable dog poop bags to decompose?
The best biodegradable dog poop bags take between 3-6 months to fully decompose. However, the rate of decomposition depends on the means of disposal and environmental factors.
Can I bury the wrapped dog poop in my backyard?
That is not a good idea. Apart from the fact that you would be cutting off all the necessary conditions that promote degradation, dog poop also contains harmful microorganisms that could affect water and soil quality.
Is a compostable dog poop bag better than a biodegradable or oxo-biodegradable one?
In terms of the environmental implications, yes. A compostable dog poop bag takes the shortest time to completely decompose. It also leaves behind a non-toxic solid matter that can be used as humus to improve the soil profile.
Conclusion
If you care about the environment as much as you care for your pets (which you should), the best decision you can make is to choose the best biodegradable dog poop bags to clean up after them.
They are eco-friendly, and decompose alongside their contents to leave behind little-to-no carbon footprints. Everybody wins with this solution – you get to drink cleaner water and breathe fresher air, and your dogs benefit from your continued good health.
It is the least we can do to protect our environment and everything that we love about it. If we had to choose one product, we would pick the Doggy Do Good Biodegradable Bag because it fully embodies everything a biodegradable dog poop bag should have.
If you want to enjoy more helpful pieces of content like this, feel free to look through my collection of articles.
And as always, Live, Love, Laugh, and Scratch our bellies often!
Love you guys,
JTB
P.S. If you’re new to this world, you may want to check out my Ultimate Guide for First Time Dog Parents. It’s a great reference to get you started on this journey.
This article has been reviewed by our Editorial Board and has been approved for publication in accordance with our Editorial Policies.
