This is a mini guide to the differences between biodegradable, compostable and degradable products.
Here’s what the different terms mean for the environment, and, how you can make sure you’re buying the right stuff!
What does it mean if something is Compostable?
If something is compostable, it means it is made of organic matter and it can completely break down to make nutrient rich soil in a compost environment. When the item is fully composted, it will have left no toxic residue in the soil.
Composting, is the process of recycling organic waste for reuse. When carried out correctly, goods can be broken down in a few months. It can be quicker (around 12 weeks) if done in an industrial composting facility.
To pass the EU Directive on Packaging Waste tests, the material must industrially compost within 12 weeks, but it can take much longer in home composting.
The time it takes to compost will depend on the conditions it’s degrading in and on the product itself. Things like the correct temperature, the right amount of oxygen and moisture within the heap.
One thing to note though - compostable items must be composted and not just put in with your black bins. As we said, these items need warmth, air and moisture to compost… Something that landfills lack!
Fear not - most councils have industrial waste systems designed to break down your compostable waste, or you can make your own compost at home.
What does it mean if something is Biodegradable?
All compostable items are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable. If something is biodegradable it means that it breaks down into natural materials in the environment.
Naturally biodegradable products and substances will also seamlessly re-enter the earth in the natural environment. However, they’ll take a little longer than compostable materials, again, depending on temperature and moisture. This time, the EU says it should biodegrade within six months.
Things that naturally biodegrade include plant products, leaves, food waste, wood, paper, grass clippings, human and animal waste and the remains of deceased critters!
What does it mean if something is Degradable?
In a sense everything is degradable, you just need to give it enough time. But the manner in which many things degrade can be very harmful to the environment.
For example, pesky plastics. Plastics will degrade, but over the course of hundreds if not thousands of years. They continuously break down into smaller pieces when subject to the elements.
Eventually, they will become microplastics and end up in our oceans and waterways if they haven’t already. So, it’s really important to draw the distinction between things that degrade naturally, and things that don’t. Paper does, plastic does not.
Compostable dog poop bags vs degradable
That moves us on nicely to talk about compostable vs ‘degradable’ poop bags. Most dog poop bags are made from traditional carrier bag plastic that degrades at an incredibly slow rate. If you put it in the dog poo bin down the park it’ll probably end up in landfill. That poop bag will be around for years to come, which is a distressing thought!
If you choose an eco-friendly alternative, such as a poop bag that’s compostable and plastic free (like ours!), you’re taking a huge step towards reducing your plastic usage. Especially if you take your pooch for a walk once a day, every day, that’s a lot of poop and a lot of poop bags! A compostable dog poop bag will break down in a compost pile, leave no toxins behind and do no damage to its surrounding environment. It really is the green choice!
EcoVibe poop bags!
We couldn't let you get away without talking a little bit about our very own poop bags! Ours are compostable and biodegradable as they are made of 100% corn starch, which means they are totally natural and plastic-free! Click the pic below to find out more!