Biodegradable Bags Do Not Put In Recycling Biodegradable bags should never be placed in the recycling bin or returned to retail locations with other film plastics. They are usually made from vegetable starches, such as corn or potatoes, and are not compatible with other plastic bags, which are made from petroleum and are not biodegradable. Some local composting programs accept certain kinds of biodegradable bags, but always check with your organic materials hauler or local compost operator to see if the biodegradable bags you plan to use will be accepted or not. (CLICK HERE to view of map of food scraps drop-off and collection services across the state.) Biodegradable bags should not be placed in home composting systems because small-scale compost piles do not get hot enough to effectively break down biodegradable bags. Finally, if you do not yet have access to a local composting option, biodegradable bags should be disposed of in the trash. Ways to Reduce Use Reusable Bags Even if a bag is truly biodegradable, it’s always better to reuse it than to use it once and throw it away. Did You Know? Backlash Against Biodegradable Bags Since they started to become popular several years ago, there has been a major backlash against biodegradable bags. Certain studies revealed that they may not degrade as well as advertised, and may even leave toxic chemicals behind. Biodegradable bags also require more raw materials to make and discourage reuseable or recyclable options. Unfortunately, confusion continues over how eco-friendly biodegradable bags are. To learn more, read these articles from Earth 911 and the American Chemical Society, or watch the video above from NowThis Earth on compostable plastics. Composters from Oregon also provided this helpful breakdown on why they did not accept compostable packaging or serviceware. PLA Plastic vs. PET Plastic PET plastic is a petroleum-based plastic while PLA plastic is a bioplastic typically made from fermented plant starch. While PET plastic can be easily recycled, PLA is more difficult to recycle and requires a special facility in order to be composted. Before disposing, avoid contaminating your recycling by double-checking whether your item is PET or PLA and the current disposal instructions for that material.