Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Traditional plastic bags are an environmentally-destructive, outdated method of waste disposal, and of bagging technology in general. At beyondGREEN™ we want to provide you with an alternative, ecologically-efficient pet waste disposal method. The plastic in a common bag is derived from oil or natural gas, i.e. through the use of a non-renewable resource. The materials that make up a beyondGREEN™ bag are from extrusion-grade bioplastic and are a compound cereal flours and biodegradable polyesters. Plastic bags glut landfills for centuries before they degrade, and their production does not support cycling of resources. Additionally, most plastic bags contain color additives and chemicals that further pollute the environment. Our bags are made from biobased material: the ingredients that go into making one of our bags are naturally sourced, and can be produced again and again (through crop growing) without harming the environment. Finally, biobased materials return to nature, sustaining the renewable material life cycle, rather than polluting the environment with plastic byproducts.

beyondGREEN™ bags are made from a new generation material called a bioplastic. Our bioplastic compound is created from non-GMO cereal flour (maize) and biodegradable polymers, and allows us to substitute fossil fuels (and their byproducts), increasing resource efficiency. More specifically, our product falls under the sub-heading of compostable plastics: Called biobased/compostable polymers, these formulations are made from biomass/plant feed stocks (in our case cereal flour) and are designed to break down in a controlled environment into a nutrient-rich humus, which can be used as natural fertilizer and to replenish depleted soil.

The answer is both yes and no. The proprietary material that makes up our bags is biodegradable; it is plant-based and produces non-toxic byproducts, such as humus (the organic compound of soil). Nevertheless, we respect, and adhere to, the FTC Green Guide regulations and California environmental marketing guidelines, stating that claims of 100% degradation or biodegradation are difficult to prove. Therefore, to adhere to California’s Green Guidelines, we are not claiming or marketing our bags as ‘biodegradable’ or ‘degradable’. Consumers should be wary of any product that claims to be 100% degradable or 100% biodegradable, because, in short, the current infrastructure of our communities (e.g. landfills, municipal dumps) does not promote/aide complete biodegradation. If our bags end up in a landfill, they can degrade in the anaerobic (sealed landfill) conditions of traditional landfills. Because beyondGREEN™ bags are made from biobased renewable resources, they degrade at the same rate as other natural/organic compounds found in the landfill, such as paper, yard waste, or food. Yet, even in this less-than-optimal setting, our bags have an environmental value that only a bioplastic product like ours can provide. For more information on this subject please visit our Federal and State Regulations page, which has links to the laws we site and adhere to.

First and foremost, our bags do not retain any of the harmful, unsustainable properties of traditional plastics. Our beyondGREEN™ bags come from biobased renewable resources that are grown, rather than processed. The base ingredient of our bags is maize, which is a non-GMO cereal flour that, during its life cycle, consumes harmful CO2 while producing oxygen for the environment. In contrast, the polyethylene that goes into traditional plastic bags is manufactured, producing harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, our bags are thoroughly compostable. Our product can break down into organically viable compounds within a time period equal to the duration that an organic compound (such as food waste) would take to break down in the same environment. Composting reduces the amount of waste that gets directed to landfills. Through composting, the organic matter is transformed into a useful fertilizer, thus returning nutrients to the nutrient cycle.As a result, fewer raw materials are added to the production/nutrient cycle cutting down the energy consumption that is associated with current climate change.

Our beyondGREEN™ bags are designed to be composted. Once the bag has been used, we suggest that it be put into a backyard composter, or taken to a local facility that has a bio-solid composter. If there is no compost facility or anaerobic digester in your area, you may be able to work with your municipality, or waste disposal company, to help develop this infrastructure. We continually promote the movement toward “Zero Waste to Landfill”, and want to inform people that biological materials such as dog waste do not need to end up in the trash bin. However, we understand that composting is not available or viable for everyone. Even when disposed of at a traditional landfill, our bags are still the better choice, because our bags will break down into an energy-rich biogas in a short amount of time, unlike plastic dog waste bags, which take centuries to break down in anaerobic digestion (meaning “without oxygen”).

Our bags have been tested to hold up to 4 lbs. of dog waste. They will not rip, tear, or puncture without sustained force. And yes, our bags are meant to break apart, but not before they live a long, reliable life as a pet waste pick-up product. When properly stored, our bags retain full strength for their intended use.

Due to the organic nature of the materials that make up beyondGREEN™ bags, it is recommended that the bags not be exposed to direct sun light or extreme temperatures (above 80deg. F) for a prolonged period of time. That said, our bags perform without fail when stored in common environments such as one’s home, garage, vehicle, or place of business, and when used within 1 year of purchase date.

Yes. beyondGREEN™ bags can be used as a safe and sustainable method for the disposal of compostable materials (such as food waste, leaves and grass clippings, and food-soiled paper/cardboard). beyondGREEN™ bags are ideal for home-composting, because they will degrade alongside the organic materials inside of them. We encourage the use of a beyondGREEN™ bag where ever the size of the content allows for it. Each time you use one of our biobased bags, you are aiding in the conservation of natural resources, and keeping a traditional plastic bag out of the waste stream.

80 Degrees is the suggested temperature for long-term storage of the bags, in general our bags can withstand a temperature of up to 150 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Our bags are thoroughly compostable. Our product can break down into organically viable compounds within a time period equal to the duration that an organic compound (such as food waste) would take to break down in the same environment. They can also degrade in the anaerobic (sealed landfill) conditions of traditional landfills. Because beyondGREEN™ bags are made from bio-based renewable resources, they degrade at the same rate as other natural/organic compounds found in the landfill, such as paper, yard waste, or food.

Biodegradable means that a product can be broken down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass within a reasonable amount of time. ‘Reasonable’ in this definition is not defined clearly and products can take up to 1000 years to break down fully. Compostable means that a product can break down in a controlled environment into carbon dioxide, inorganic compounds and biomass in about 90 days, without leaving toxic residue behind. Compost works because millions of microorganisms consume the waste and transform the leftover material into humus, which can be used to improve soil health and fertilize.

Our bags are higher than the normal plastic bags but are in line with other compostable bags on the market.

Our certifications ensure our customers that are bags are indeed environmentally friendly. A breakdown of each certification is listed below.

USDA Certified Bio-based Product Certification: This certification means that consumers can be assured that the USDA and the Federal Government stand behind the accuracy of the bio-based ingredients as stated on our labels.

Bureau de Normalisation de Quebec: This certification comes from an accredited organization that looks for the utmost compliance with ethical practices regarding products, services, competence, processes, and management systems etc.

Ok Compost Industrial: This certification means that any product with the OK Compost Industrial label is guaranteed as biodegradable in an industrial composting plant. This applies to all components, inks and additives.

Ok Compost Home: This certification means that any product with the OK Compost Home label is guaranteed as biodegradable in a home composting environment. This applies to all components, inks and additives.

Ok Compost Marine: This certification means that any product with the OK Compost Marine label is guaranteed as biodegradable if it were to end up as marine debris. This applies to all components, inks and additives.

Green America Certified: Green America certified businesses adopt principles, policies and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, employees, communities, and the planet.

Composting and Manufacturing Alliance Certification: This certification means that our product had been tested and proven compostable with competent and reliable scientific evidence that all the materials in the items will break down into, or otherwise become part of, usable compost in an appropriate composting facility in the United States of America.

No, our bags are made from bioplastic compounds, which are created from non-GMO cereal flour (maize) and biodegradable polymers. 

These bags are not water soluble, as this would cause a number of issues with the performance of the bags, potentially leaking contents onto consumer’s hands – EW!. Our bags, however, are certified as OK Compost Marine which means that if our bags unfortunately do make it into the ocean as debris, they would fully break down and be eaten by microorganisms.

Our bags perform without fail when stored in common environments such as one’s home, garage, vehicle, or place of business, and when used within 1 year of purchase date.

Yes, our bags are made from food-grade ingredients along with natural and chemical-free ink therefore, the bags are completely safe for any use. Please do not consume the bags.

Yes! Our products are made from food-grade ingredients and just like any other food you leave out in your kitchen, it can attract mold! Our products should be stored in a closed, dry environment for best results. If you experience any mold issues within the first 30 days after purchase, please refer to our returns and exchange policy.

No, the composter is not loud, the motor only turns on for approx. 15 minutes every few hours, all other time it is simply curing the waste with the heat trapped within the machine.

We recommend that the composter is kept outside, but it can also be stored indoors. It does not make noise and does not emit any odors so it can be used indoors or outdoors based on your preference.

Absolutely, this composter goes up to 160 degrees F. which is more then enough to compost kitchen scraps within 1 weeks’ time.

We recommend that you do both at the same time to keep the compost carbon neutral.

The odors are not emitted outside of the unit. The composter is made from durable recycled APPRO material which is designed to trap heat, the odor is trapped within the unit with the heat. You may get a smell when you open the top chamber to add extra waste, but other then that you will not get any smells.

Yes, it works very well and we have many customers share their success stories. The compost made from this machine is completely natural and will be filled with nutrients especially if you use kitchen scraps. The nutrients will help plantation.

People choose this machine over backyard compost because the curation time is almost 10 times faster than a tradition non-electric unit, and they choose it over municipal composting because they can control the nature of the end product.

Yes, the compost which is created from this machines is considered fertilizer, you would store this like you would any fertilizer.

You can dispose of the compost on any vegetation, it is just fertilizer, or you can simply store it for a time of need.

How fast you go through the pellets really depends on how often you are creating compost with high moisture, the quicker you learn to neutralize the compost, the less pellets you will use. Remember, the pellets are only required when the compost is wet as they help soak in the moisture.

The cost of the pellets vary from brand to brand, but remember you do not need to necessarily purchase pellets, you can use anything which will help soak up the moisture. You can use items such as carboard, woodchips, etc. We recommending purchasing baking soda as backing soda can help eliminate any odors you compost may have. No bags are required to use this machine.

The biggest reason we created this composter was to help reduce the amount of dog waste that went into the water ways. It is also a supplementary product to our pet waste bags (beyondGREEN Bags), these bags can be composted so instead of throwing them in the trash, you can simply toss them in the composter.

 No, it is waterproof so you can easily spray it down with a hose.

Yes, it comes with a 1-year factory warranty.