Biodegradable Bag Buying Guides

Measure a mailer, check the thickness on a quote, or find out which bags your local waste service accepts.

How to Choose a Biodegradable Bag Manufacturer

Two quotes can name the same bag and cover different things. Here’s what to ask about the factory, the sample and the claims on the pack.

What to send when asking for a price, from a sketch with the flap marked separately to the quantity and delivery destination.

A compostable label doesn’t tell you which bin to use. Find out what to ask your recycler or organics collector.

Why a figure from an industrial composting test won’t tell you how long a bag lasts in soil, water or landfill.

Before putting a used bag in an organics bin, check two things: whether the service accepts the bag and whether it accepts dog waste.

One mil is 25.4 microns. See how to convert a film reading and tell whether a quote covers one bag wall or both.

Measure the item after wrapping it. Its depth takes up some of the width of a flat mailer, and the sealing flap needs room of its own.

A bin’s capacity in litres won’t tell you whether a liner fits the rim. Work from the rim measurement, bin height and the cuff you need.

A handle adds height without adding packing space. See where to measure the bag face, gusset and opening.

A bag can be big enough to tie while its roll is too wide for the dispenser. Check the fit of each separately.