If you’re switching to DIRTBAG compostable pet poo bags, you might be wondering what happens to them once you’ve used them. Do they break down safely? What if they end up in a landfill or are incinerated? In the UK, understanding how waste is managed can help you make informed, eco-friendly choices.
DIRTBAG Bags in UK Landfill and Incineration
In the UK, much of the waste sent to landfill is eventually incinerated in energy-from-waste facilities. When DIRTBAG bags undergo incineration, they produce up to 80% less ash than traditional plastic bags. That’s because DIRTBAG bags are made from plant-based materials designed to burn cleaner and leave fewer residues.
If DIRTBAG bags do remain in landfills, they won’t hang around for decades like standard plastic bags or those made from recycled plastics. Instead, DIRTBAG bags will break down completely over time without releasing harmful microplastics into the soil or water, a major environmental benefit over conventional alternatives.
Conventional Plastic Bags (Including Recycled Plastics)
When traditional plastic bags are incinerated in UK waste plants, most of the plastic burns off into gases like carbon dioxide and water vapour. However, the remaining ash contains inorganic fillers and additives. Unfortunately, incineration of plastics can release tiny plastic fragments called microplastics or microbeads. These can linger in the ash or escape into the air as pollution, contributing to environmental harm.
Compostable Bags (Like DIRTBAG)
DIRTBAG bags are made from plant-based biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), which break down into natural mineral components during incineration. The ash produced is mostly harmless residue, like calcium carbonate and cellulose ash, materials naturally found in plants. This means DIRTBAG bags burn cleaner, producing fewer toxic byproducts and no microplastics or synthetic pollutants.
Why Choosing DIRTBAG Matters
By choosing DIRTBAG compostable poop bags, you’re not only making walks cleaner but also helping reduce plastic pollution in UK landfills and waste plants. Whether your bags break down naturally in a landfill or burn cleaner in incineration, DIRTBAG supports a healthier environment.
Plus, every pack of DIRTBAG sold in the UK contributes to JAAN (Jakarta Animal Aid Network), helping protect endangered turtles and marine life.