Hello, dear pooch parents! Today, we’re diving nose-first into a question that’s been nipping at our heels: How long do biodegradable dog poop bags take to decompose? If you’ve been sniffing around for a straight answer, grab your leash because we’re about to embark on a journey to ‘unleash’ the truth.

‘Tail’ Tale of Two Bags: Compostable vs. Biodegradable

If you’ve been following our blog, you’ll know that not all biodegradable dog poop bags are created equal. The term ‘biodegradable’ is often a marketing term used to pull us into thinking we’re making eco-friendly choices. However, if the poop bags are only advertised as biodegradable, chances are they’re probably plastic in disguise.

Companies find ways to make these plastic bags break down more quickly, all in the name of appearing green. The ‘poo’d reality? These bags are simply breaking up into millions of microscopic pieces of plastic, or microplastics.

Microplastics: A Dog’s Breakfast for Mother Earth

Environmental watchdog Greenpeace points out that all the plastic ever created is still lingering around in the world today, just in tinier, more insidious forms. And unlike an uninvited cat at a dog party, these microplastics aren’t just unwelcome; they’re harmful, infiltrating our ecosystems and even our food chain.

How Long Do Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags Take to Decompose?

Biodegradable dog poop bags will decompose at ‘some point’, but they will just break down into microplastic, so even though you can’t see them anymore, they will never truly break down. 

Compostable Dog Poop Bags: The ‘Paw’fect Solution?

However, if you’ve had your tail between your legs worrying about the environmental impact, don’t despair! When you see compostable dog poop bags, you’re looking at a ‘pawsome’ alternative.

These bags have passed rigorous government tests for composting. To get their ‘goodie’ badge, a dog poop bag needs to be 90% decomposed in 12 weeks and completely gone in 180 days. Only then can it proudly carry the compostable certification in Australia, represented by AS 5810 for home composting and AS 4736 for commercial composting.

You will know it’s a compostable dog poop bag when you see these logo’s on them: 

Conclusion: The ‘Barking’ Truth About Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags

Unearthing the truth about how long biodegradable dog poop bags take to decompose might seem like digging up a buried bone. But the truth is pretty straightforward: only compostable bags, like those we offer at Oh Crap, are designed to fully decompose in a way that’s kind to our earth.

So, next time you’re scooping up after your pup, remember: with the right compostable bag, you’re not just cleaning up after your furry friend; you’re also doing your part to keep Mother Earth clean too. Now, that’s something worth ‘wagging’ about!

Image by Birgit from Pixabay