Recently, legislation was passed here (what are the rules in YOUR city/state?) that all yard waste must be placed in either a bin specifically for yard waste or in compostable bags.
It seems that people were angry over this. Compostable bags are not as strong; cost more money; etc. Apparently it worked: Minneapolis doesn’t need to comply until 2013.
However, as individuals we can still do “the right thing” and use a compostable bag. What does that mean? Essentially, a compostable bag will turn into dirt, just like the grass clippings and leaves, in a relatively short amount of time (in an industrial composting facility) and in a longer time in your backyard composter.
These bags are also available for kitchen size. Yeah!
What about the biodegradable bags?? I think my favorite chain store says their bags are biodegradable, so I can safely use as many plastic bags as I want, right?? I don’t have to make the switch to more convenient, sturdier, reusable canvas bags?? Well, you might want to think again. Biodegradable bags are still plastic and will never turn into dirt. They will break down into teeny tiny little pieces, but those pieces will remain in the landfill, on the beach, on the side of the road, etc. for thousands of years.
Consider using the mulching function for your grass clippings or composting your leaves if you can. If you have to bag them up, try the compostable bags!
