Introduction
Dog waste is an inevitable part of having a pet dog. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are over 90 million pet dogs in the United States alone. With that many dogs comes a lot of dog waste that needs to be cleaned up and disposed of properly.
For decades, plastic bags have been the go-to choice for picking up and containing dog poop. However, plastic bags contribute to pollution and can take a very long time to break down. This has led to an increase in biodegradable and compostable dog waste bags as eco-friendly alternatives.
But how long do these different types of dog poop bags take to decompose? This article will examine the most common kinds of dog waste bags, factors that affect decomposition rates, proper disposal methods, and the environmental impact of dog waste.
Types of Dog Waste Bags
There are three main types of dog waste bags:
Standard Plastic Bags
Standard plastic bags are made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) which is a type of plastic that is not biodegradable. These bags do not break down over time when disposed of in a landfill or elsewhere in the environment.
Biodegradable Bags
Biodegradable bags are made from plant-based materials like corn starch rather than traditional petroleum-based plastics. They can break down through natural biological processes, but the timeframe can vary greatly depending on environmental conditions.
Compostable Bags
Compostable bags meet specific standards for breaking down through commercial composting processes. They are made from plant-based materials like polylactic acid (PLA) derived from corn starch. To decompose, they require the higher temperatures and controlled conditions of industrial composting facilities.
How Long Each Type Takes to Break Down
The time it takes for dog waste bags to decompose depends on the material they are made from.
Plastic Bags: Traditional plastic bags can take anywhere from 10 years to 1000 years to break down. Plastic does not biodegrade, but instead breaks down into tiny fragments over time. These microplastic fragments then persist in the environment.
Biodegradable Bags: Biodegradable bags are designed to decompose in landfill conditions. They can break down in anywhere from a few months up to 3 years.
Compostable Bags: Compostable bags will breakdown quickest, usually in 2 months to 1 year. The timeframe depends on the conditions. Compostable bags need to be disposed of in a commercial composting facility in order to fully decompose.
Factors Affecting Breakdown Time
There are several key factors that affect how quickly dog poop bags break down:
Material Thickness – Thicker plastic materials take longer to decompose than thinner ones. Thinner bags have less plastic content and more air exposure.
Exposure to Light and Air – Greater exposure to UV light and oxygen accelerates the breakdown process. Bags buried deeper in landfills decompose slower than those closer to the surface.
Temperature and Moisture – Warmer and wetter environments encourage microbial activity which speeds up biodegradation. Colder or drier conditions slow the process.
Type of Bacteria – The specific microorganisms present affect decomposition rates. Some produce enzymes that break down plastics more quickly.
Proper Disposal Methods
With all types of dog poop bags, proper disposal is important to minimize environmental impact. Some communities have specific guidelines for dog waste disposal, but in general there are a few recommended methods:
Landfills – Most garbage bags, including plastic dog bags, end up in landfills. Landfills are designed to safely contain waste, but plastic bags take years to breakdown. Landfilling dog waste bags should be avoided when possible.
Municipal Compost – Some municipalities accept compostable dog waste bags in curbside compost bins. The industrial composting process generates enough heat to break down compostable bags. Check with your local waste department to see if compostable dog bags are accepted.
Backyard Compost – Compostable dog bags can potentially breakdown in backyard compost bins, but may require ideal conditions. Make sure bags are BPI-certified compostable. Bury bags deep in the compost and allow several months to decompose.
Environmental Impact
Dog waste bags made of plastic materials like polyethylene and bioplastics contribute significantly to environmental pollution if not disposed of properly. Plastic bags can take anywhere from 10 to 1000 years to decompose in landfills. As they break down, tiny plastic particles known as microplastics are released into the soil and waterways, harming wildlife through ingestion and entanglement.
Plastic bags filled with dog waste that end up in landfills also become a major source of methane emissions as the waste decomposes anaerobically. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is 30 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Uncollected dog waste left on streets and in parks releases methane directly into the air as well.
On the other hand, compostable plant-based bags like those made from corn starch or cellulose degrade much more quickly in industrial composting facilities. When manufactured sustainably, these bags have a lower carbon footprint and pose less risk of plastic pollution compared to plastic bags.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to cost, there can be a big difference between biodegradable, compostable, and regular plastic dog waste bags. Here’s a look at the price differences:
Regular plastic dog waste bags are generally the cheapest option. You can find a roll of 200-300 bags for $5-10. The thin plastic used keeps costs low.
Biodegradable dog waste bags cost a little more than regular plastic bags. Expect to pay about $8-15 for a 200-bag roll. The biodegradable materials add some cost.
Compostable dog waste bags are usually the most expensive. A 200-bag roll generally costs $15-25. The plant-based and compostable materials used are more costly than plastic.
For dog owners who use 1-2 bags per day, a 200-bag roll will last 3-6 months. So the annual cost difference between regular plastic and compostable bags would be $30-60 per dog.
While compostable bags are more expensive upfront, some view this added cost as an investment in reducing plastic waste and environmental impact. But for those on tight budgets, regular plastic or biodegradable bags may be more viable options.
Performance Comparison
When comparing the performance of biodegradable and standard plastic dog waste bags, there are a few key factors to consider:
Durability
Standard plastic bags tend to be more durable and less likely to break or leak during use. The thicker plastic can withstand more stress before tearing. Biodegradable bags may be more prone to ripping, especially when picking up dog waste that contains sharp objects or moisture.
Leakage
Related to durability, standard plastic bags are less likely to leak liquid or waste contents. The thicker plastic does a better job of fully containing messes. Some biodegradable bags have been known to leak, especially cheaper options, so it’s important to choose a high-quality brand.
Strength Differences
Standard plastic bags can generally hold more weight and larger amounts of waste without the bottom falling out. Biodegradable bags may lack the same strength and reinforcement along the sides and bottom. When picking up especially heavy loads, a standard plastic bag may be the safer option to avoid spills.
Overall, standard plastic bags tend to offer better performance in terms of durability, leakage prevention, and strength. However, high-quality biodegradable options continue to improve on these metrics. It’s about weighing convenience and performance against environmental impact when choosing waste bags.
Recommendations
When it comes to choosing dog poop bags, there are a few factors dog owners should consider:
When Each Bag Type Makes Sense
Biodegradable bags make the most sense for daily walks and routine cleanups. Since they break down relatively quickly, they have less impact on the environment. Standard plastic bags are a good choice for storing waste temporarily before disposing of it properly. Compostable bags work well if you have access to commercial composting facilities.
Considerations for Dog Owners
First, look at how you tend to dispose of waste. If you use outdoor trash bins, biodegradable bags are the best option. If you have your own compost pile, compostable bags are optimal. Also think about cost – compostable bags tend to be more expensive. Biodegradable bags are often the most affordable. Make sure to review bag strength as well, as thin bags can rip or leak. Lastly, properly dispose of any bag type according to your local regulations and facilities.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of whether dog poop bags dissolve depends on the type of bag. Traditional plastic bags do not biodegrade at all and remain intact for hundreds of years. Oxo-biodegradable bags break down into microplastics over time. Compostable bags made from plant-based materials fully biodegrade in composting facilities within several months. Home compostable bags need high heat and moisture to decompose.
The key takeaways are:
- Standard plastic bags do not dissolve and persist in landfills.
- Oxo-biodegradable bags break down into microplastics that contaminate soil and water.
- Compostable bags biodegrade completely in industrial composting facilities.
- Home compostable bags require specific conditions to decompose.
- Proper disposal method depends on the type of dog waste bag used.
- Biodegradable bags have less environmental impact but cost more.
Overall, compostable plant-based bags are the best choice for reducing plastic waste from dog poop bags. Just be sure to dispose of them properly by composting or using designated municipal green waste collections.