Food Waste 101: What Can and Can’t Go in a Compostable Bag

Starting to compost at home is one of the most impactful (and surprisingly easy) ways to reduce waste. But when it comes to using compostable bags—like Owlpack’s Yucksack Bags—knowing what can and can’t go in them makes all the difference. Tossing in the wrong items can contaminate your compost pile or slow down the process entirely.

Let’s break it down: here’s your quick-start guide to smart composting with compostable bags.

✅ What Can Go in Your Compostable Bag

These items are organic and compost-safe, meaning they’ll naturally break down and contribute nutrients to soil:

Fruit & Vegetable Scraps

• Peels, cores, stems

• Wilted greens

• Citrus rinds (in moderation)

Coffee & Tea

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Tea bags (unbleached, no staples)

Grains & Bread (Small Amounts)

• Cooked rice, pasta

• Stale bread and crackers

Plant-Based Leftovers

• Corn cobs, husks

• Nut shells (except walnut shells)

• Old herbs and spices

Paper Products

• Napkins and paper towels (unbleached)

• Shredded newspaper (non-glossy)

• Cardboard egg cartons

Eggshells

Clean, crushed eggshells are a great source of calcium for compost.

🚫 What Can’t Go in Your Compostable Bag

These materials might cause odors, attract pests, or won’t break down properly—even if the bag itself is compostable.

Meat, Dairy, & Grease

• Bones, fish, poultry

• Cheese, yogurt

• Butter, cooking oil

Plastic & Packaging

• “Biodegradable” plastic (unless BPI-certified)

• Coated paper or wax-lined cartons

• Food wrappers and stickers

Large or Hard-to-Break-Down Items

• Corn-based compostable utensils (unless industrial composting is available)

• Large branches or woody stems

• Avocado pits

Cleaning Products

• Chemical wipes

• Dryer lint (if synthetic fibers are present)

Pro Tip: Check Local Guidelines

Municipal composting rules vary. Some cities accept meat and dairy in their green bins, especially if sent to an industrial composting facility. Always check with your local waste management site to confirm what’s accepted.

Compost Smarter with Owlpack Yucksack Bags

Yucksack Bags are made for clean, simple composting. They're durable enough to handle food scraps and leak-prone waste—but designed to break down in home or industrial compost systems. Knowing what to put inside is key to making the most of them.

Final Thought

Think of your compostable bag like a mini ecosystem. The better you feed it, the better your compost will be. Stick to natural, plant-based scraps, and your compost will thank you.