Eco-Friendly Cleaning 

Is Compostable Better Than Biodegradable? The Real Difference

Written by Kay Baker, MS, OTR/L — CEO & Co-Founder • Reviewed by Matthew Keasey, Ph.D. — Chief Science Officer • Last reviewed: February 9, 2026.

Transparency note: This article cites government sites, standards bodies, and peer-reviewed sources wherever possible. Educational only, not medical or legal advice.

Is your recycling bin filled with "eco-friendly" plastics that you hope are doing the right thing? The terms "biodegradable" and "compostable" are plastered on everything from coffee cups to trash bags, but they are often used interchangeably—and incorrectly. This confusion is a marketer's dream and a planet's nightmare.

If you have ever stood over your trash cans holding a fork made of cornstarch, paralyzed by indecision, this guide is for you. Let’s strip away the marketing fluff and look at the science of decomposition.

The "Biodegradable" Trap

Here is the hard truth: Everything is biodegradable.
A banana peel? Biodegradable. A cotton shirt? Biodegradable. A radioactive uranium rod? Technically biodegradable... if you wait a few billion years.

The term "biodegradable" simply means that a material can be broken down by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). It does not specify how long that takes.

• A "biodegradable" plastic fork might take 500 years to break down.

• It might leave behind toxic microplastics.

• Without a timeframe, the label is meaningless.

The "Compostable" Promise

"Compostable" is the gold standard. It is a regulated term with a deadline.
For something to be certified compostable, it must:

1. Break Down Quickly: Usually within 90 to 180 days in the right conditions.

2. Leave No Trace: It must turn into nutrient-rich soil (humus), carbon dioxide, and water. No toxic residue. No microplastics.

3. Support Life: The resulting soil must be healthy enough to grow new plants.

Home Compost vs. Industrial Compost (The Fine Print)

This is where it gets tricky. Just because it says "compostable" doesn't mean you can toss it in your backyard pile.

1. Industrial Compostable (The "High Heat" Stuff)

Many bioplastics (like PLA cups) need the intense heat (140°F+) of a commercial facility to break down. If you throw these in your backyard bin or the ocean, they will sit there just like regular plastic.

• Look for: The BPI Certified logo.

2. Home Compostable (The "Backyard" Hero)

This is the holy grail. These materials will break down in the lower temperatures of a simple backyard pile.

• Green Llama’s Choice: Our refill pouches are made from paper and are home compostable. You can tear them up, toss them in with your veggie scraps, and they will become soil for your garden.

The Green Llama Packaging Philosophy

We don't play word games. We believe in circularity.

• Glass Bottles: Designed to be reused infinitely.

• Paper Refill Pouches: Designed to rot (in a good way).

• Cardboard Boxes: Recyclable and plastic-free tape.

We avoid "biodegradable plastics" because we don't want to contribute to the microplastic crisis. If it doesn't turn into dirt, we don't use it.

The "Trash Test": Where Does It Go?

Let’s play a quick game of "Bin It."

Now that you can tell the difference between a 'biodegradable' marketing trap and a truly compostable pouch, it’s time to see what’s actually in your bins. Take the next step with our 30-Day Zero-Waste Audit Checklist to uncover the hidden plastic in every corner of your home. 

The Bottom Line

Don't be fooled by the "B-word." If a product claims to be biodegradable but doesn't have a certification or a timeframe, treat it with skepticism. Look for Compostable—specifically Home Compostable, if you want to ensure your waste actually returns to nature.

Ready to create less trash? Switch to Green Llama’s Refill System. Our packaging doesn't just disappear; it becomes food for the earth.