Approved Compostable Bags
Plain uncoated (no shine) paper bags and compostable bags are good ways to contain and carry food scraps to your food and yard waste cart. Compostable bags are made of plant-based materials that break down in the composting process. They are not plastic. Plastic bags do not break down and will ruin the compost. Even “biodegradable” bags may simply break down into small pieces of plastic. Plastic and “biodegradable” bags are not accepted in food and yard waste cart.
Only the following bag brands, approved and tested by our composting facility, are accepted. This logo also identifies compostable bags accepted in Seattle’s food and yard waste carts.
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| AL-Pack Bag-to-Nature BioBag BioSak BioSave | BioStar BioTuf Code Green Comp-Lete EcoChoice | EcoGuard EcoSafeGlad Natur-Bag |
Purchase these bags at most retail stores (pdf) or online from the manufacturer or other online sources.
For multi-family and community living facilities only: Recommended replacement bag sizes for indoor* bins distributed by Seattle Public Utilities to high rises and facility kitchens:
- 23 Gallon Slim Jim (pdf)
- 13 Gallon Green-wheeled Cart (pdf)
- 10 Gallon Billi Bin (pdf)
*Outdoor carts are automatically re-lined by the driver each week with service. No replacement bags are needed.
Most compostable bags will not break down into compost in backyard compost bins, recycling carts or garbage cans.