The Gist Is That BS: Compostable Dog Poop Bags
Feb 11, 2026
Sadie Dingfelder, journalist and author who explores sight and memory, weighs in on compostable dog poop bags and recycled toilet paper. She explains why many compostable bags do not break down and how industrial composting actually works. She compares recycled versus virgin-pulp toilet paper and offers practical tips for eco-minded dog owners.
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Listener's Composting Question
- Listener Joshua asked whether compostable dog bags and recycled toilet paper actually help the environment.
- His mom subscribes to Who Gives A Crap and he feels guilty buying Costco toilet paper.
Compostability Is Conditional
- Most composting centers reject dog and human feces due to pathogen and parasite concerns, even though feces technically composts.
- Compostable bags require industrial composting conditions to break down and often end up unused in landfills.
Check Local Composting Rules
- If you use compostable dog bags, verify your local industrial composting accepts them and that you remove feces first when required.
- Otherwise avoid them because they typically won't decompose in home piles or landfills.
