Biodegradable dog poop bags are indispensable for days out with your dog. Lightweight and compact, carry a few bags in your pocket or dog walking bag when you go walkies. Falling foul of the law can result in a £1,000 fine in the UK, so pick up your dog's poo. More convenient than a poop scoop, these bags allow you to carry the waste until you find the nearest bin. Pick it up, seal it, bin it - simple.
A popular accessory at Crufts this year, biodegradable, compostable or degradable bags break down naturally once disposed of. Opting for biodegradable products is a win-win. As Earth Day 2023 is upon us, there's a wonderful quote, attributed to Maya Angelou: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better". As we face a climate emergency, making small sustainable changes in our daily routines can add up. When it comes to caring about the environment we can all do better.
Best biodegradable dog poop bags shortlist:
• Best biodegradable poop bags for value: Pets at Home Value Degradable Dog Poop Bags - 200 pack
• Best scented biodegradable dog poo bags: My AlphaPet Compostable Rose - 120 pack
• Best compostable dog poop bags for containing odours: Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags Compostable Unscented - 60 pack
• Best biodegradable poop bags for small dogs: Tidyz Degradable Poop Bags - 100 Pack
• Best bulk buy biodegradable dog poo bags: GREENER WALKER Poo Bags for Dog Waste
Nobody likes the unpleasant task of picking up dog poop, but it has to be done. Larger dogs mean larger bags - so look for sturdy and spacious products with easy access. And the good news is you can buy in bulk. Also, some of these eco-friendly alternatives are scented so nasty odours get masked. The benefit of a poop bag is that you don't come into direct contact with faeces and it's easily portable, so you can dispose of it at your convenience. Most have tie handles so they can be easily sealed. Finally, remember poo poses a health hazard, with an infection called Toxocariasis - this can be harmful to humans.
For more information about the law on public dog fouling, more scoop on poop bags, and the rules on stools when you holiday with your pet - scroll down to the FAQs. Without further a-do-do, here are the best biodegradable dog poop bags that do their job.
Best biodegradable dog poop bags
Best biodegradable poop bags for value
www.petsathome.com
Suitable for dogs of any size, Pets at Home Value Degradable Dog Poop Bags is a great value own-brand offering from the pet superstore. Get 200 environmentally friendly degradable poop bags for less than £2. If you've got a big dog, you'll appreciate these spacious dog waste bags. Also, the tie handles make them easy to close and carry. They are not the sturdiest so you might have to double-bag. And being thin they can tear. But for quick dispensing and simple scooping, these non-toxic poop bags are great. They will completely break down over the course of 24-36 months.
Customer review: "Always get these when I can; very cheap, biodegradable, compact. Can be slightly difficult to get to separate at times, but not a big issue."
Pros
- Excellent value
- Non-toxic
- Tie handles
- Large bags
Cons
- Thin
Best scented biodegradable dog poo bags
If your pooch is a bit of a fashionista, you'll love these rose-themed My AlphaPet Compostable Rose dog waste bags. A stylish biodegradable option - you and your doggy can look good saving the planet. Leakproof, scented, made from corn starch and biodegradable… what's not to love? The rose scent subtly masks odour. Pair them with a pretty dispenser for convenient usage and make picking up smelly poo more pleasant.
Customer review: "Poo bags, good graphics too make light that your picking up animal excretion. I have a Boston terrier so these are ample big enough for his little lawn cigars."
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Scent is pleasant and not too powerful
- Fun design
Cons
- Write-off the first bag on the rolls because it tears when you remove the sticker
Best compostable dog poop bags for containing odours
www.jollyes.co.uk
These particular Earth Rated poop bags are certified compostable. While others in the range are made from recycled plastic, these are made from vegetable starches. Earth Rated guarantee these unscented bags are leak-proof and they are thick (15 microns) so there's less need to double-bag. Just so you know, there's a compatible dispenser that's produced by Earth Rated.
Customer review: "Easy and convenient. They tear off the roll easily and the bags don't tend to tear themselves, so quite robust. Fairly easy to open."
Pros
- Compostable
- Leak-proof
Cons
- Not many bags on a roll
Best biodegradable poop bags for small dogs
www.jollyes.co.uk
Great for beach walks, camping or walkies - Tidyz Degradable Poop Bags fit in your pocket. These dog waste bags are bright, eco-friendly, convenient and great quality. So, make picking up less messy and smelly, with poop bags designed to make the task a bit more pleasant. You'll be picking up a lot of poop in your dog lifetime so finding a brand that's good value for money is essential. Tidyz is a pretty good shout.
Customer review: "These bags are a good size for smaller dogs. Bags are a bit smaller than expected and not as strong a plastic as one would hope for as fingers could go through them if you are not careful. I have started using them as double bags to save me from that kind of accident. Love the fact that they don't have that awful sickly smell of vanilla which was why I bought them. Vanilla dog poop is fooling no one."
Pros
- Great value
- Bright
Cons
- Thin - long finger nails will puncture them
Best bulk buy biodegradable dog poo bags
It's important to ensure there are always a few clean bags on hand in case your dog does more poos than normal. This makes buying in bulk a good idea. If you are looking for an eco-friendly option, these GREENER WALKER Poo Bags for Dog Waste are better for the environment than regular plastic bags as they are made from corn starch, also their cores contain recycled materials. Get a whooping 540 bags at a very reasonable price at never get caught short again.
Customer review: "Thus far, these bags have never resulted in a "breach". Let's face it, that's the most important thing. There are cheaper options but when you're knuckle deep in your pup's last meal do you really want to curse yourself for being cheap? Do you? I think not."
Pros
- Fit most dispensers
- Large amount of bags per roll and pack
Cons
- Not scented
Best biodegradable dog poop bags for durability
With a pleasant fragrance that's fresh, not sugary or floral, you won't mind picking up the poop. Miyouli Extra Thick Biodegradable Pet Poop Waste Bags have decent-sized handles that are easy to tie together after filling, preventing you from smelling unpleasant odours as you carry them to the bin. Perfect for taking with you on walkies or cleaning up in the garden, these cornstarch-based bags make light of poop with a humorous design.
Customer review: "For me these are the epitome of poo bags, very thick, strong, durable, tie handles and smell nice... I dislike lavender immensely but these actually smell lovely. I buy over and over they are exceedingly good value."
Pros
- Fresh scent
- Not see-through
Cons
- None
Best large biodegradable dog poop bags
www.jollyes.co.uk
To avoid any nasty accidents, invest in a thick bag. Tidyz Degradable Poop Bags are strong so it means less double-bagging. These biodegradable bags can easily cater for almost all poop sizes and will break down once they are disposed of. For 60-strong bags, this is great value for money and ideal for big jobs from large dogs. With tie handles Tidyz is easy to use, roomy and hygienic for sealing and disposing of your dog's waste.
Customer review: "Strong bags that don't split like others, like your fingers going through the loo roll - great bags."
Pros
- Thick
- Spacious
- Strong
Cons
- Not available on a bigger roll
Best dog poo bag dispenser
Finally, if you need a handy little dispenser, this Pink Bone Shaped Dog Bag Dispenser is a fashionable pick for both owner and pup. The bone-shaped poop bag dispenser will make all the neighbourhood dogs jealous on your walkies, not to mention a sturdy and affordable choice for pup owners. We didn't know a poop bag dispenser could look this cute.
Customer review: "Thick plastic. Lovely baby pink colour. Solid metal carabiner clip. Would recommend."
Pros
- Made from recycled plastic
- Attachable clip
- Affordable
Cons
- Only one colour
FAQs
Can dog poo bags be composted?
There are varying arguments for and against composting your dog's waste, but the main consensus is that if you do, don't use it in areas where you'll be growing edible food and plants. Do not put it in compost heaps or green waste bins.
What's the difference between normal and eco-friendly poo bags?
Your average plastic bag can take hundreds of years to decompose, which is a scary thought. Eco-friendly poo bags, on the other hand, are better for the environment for a whole host of different reasons, depending on the brand. For example, some brands like to use recycled materials or corn starch in the bags themselves, whilst others create recycled packaging and bags that easily biodegrade.
What should I do with dog poo in the garden?
In the garden - remove faeces every day to prevent parasites, bacteria and viruses from infecting people or other pets. Do not flush dog poo down the toilet. According to Anglian Water, it's unsafe to flush animal faeces due to the presence of Toxacara (roundworm). In addition, flushing dog poo bags down the loo can cause blockages.
To dispose of your furry friend's mess you can bury it in a hole (but not near your veg patch). Dog waste can be bagged to go in domestic waste but make sure you double bag it in a strong plastic bin liner to contain smells and prevent the bag from splitting. Alternatively, you could install a dog loo; a special container that's buried in the garden. You need to regularly add an activator to break down the waste. Finally, you could create a wormery with worms that are specifically able to feed on animal waste. It must be kept separately from a normal compost wormery because the worms are not the same as those that feed on human waste.
How many should you bring with you on a walk?
More than you think so you will be less likely to be caught short. Well, you should bring enough to last a whole walk, so the actual number will depend on the distance you intend to travel. That said, it's worth it to bring a couple of extra, either to double-bag it or just in case; no one wants to run out of bags on a walk.
What if I'm taking my dog on holiday?
Taking your dog on holiday - pack poop bags - it's best to check ahead where your dog is allowed to go to the loo and where you can dispose of poo bags. When travelling, stop and give your dog the opportunity to relieve itself. Take poop bags to the nearest public dog waste bin.
What is the law on public dog fouling?
You must carry dog poop bags or a poop scoop. If you get caught fouling you risk an on-the-spot fine from the local council of £50-£80.
The Dog Fouling Act of 2016 places responsibility on "the person in charge of the dog" at the time. This means if you are walking somebody else's dog, and let it foul without clearing it up, you will pay the fine. Registered blind dog owners cannot be fined and are exempt from picking up their guide dog's faeces. Working dogs, such as police dogs, are also exempt while they are working. The UK Parliament House of Commons Library states: "Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100. If the case goes to court this could cost the owner or person in charge of the animal up to £1,000."
In 2019, Nature's Menu unveiled an enormous poo bag sculpture at Crufts. This four-metre-tall pile of poop highlighted the benefits of raw feeding and how it can improve stool quality. Raw feeding aside, it was a huge, steaming visual reminder about dog fouling in public. According to Keep Britain Tidy "8 million dogs [are] producing more than 1,000 tonnes of mess every day in the UK alone." And not everyone is picking up their pet's waste. Just as The Kennel Club runs the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme, sometimes their owners need to do-do better.