Many plastic-free tea bags are made to decompose in the natural environment. Some have wondered how long it takes for a biodegradable tea bag to decompose and what the difference is between biodegradable and compostable.
Here are some facts to clear things up.
What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable?
A biodegradable tea bag is made to break down into organic matter under the right conditions. It is intended to decompose in the natural environment and, thus, may not be suitable for home composting.
A compostable tea bag is suitable for industrial composting. It can also — but not always — mean that your tea bag is home-compostable (i.e., it will break down in your home compost heap).
Read: Biodegradable Vs Compostable: What Are The Top Differences
How long does it take for a biodegradable tea bag to decompose?
Decomposition depends on several factors:
- Temperature: Regulates the growth and activity of microorganisms.
- Aeration: Determines oxygen content. Higher oxygen levels enable the growth of aerobic microorganisms.
- Soil pH: Determines the acidity of the soil, which in turn affects microbial growth.
- Moisture: Water content is responsible for the various physiological processes of microorganisms present in the soil. Thus, higher moisture levels will permit greater growth and activity of microorganisms.
- Location: Due to the irregular conditions, both natural decomposition and home composting will break down organic matter over months, even years. By contrast, industrial/municipal composting facilities will actively control the oxygen, temperature, and moisture levels, resulting in a decomposition process that can take less than 180 days.
Assuming that you are using a cornstarch-type bag, the disintegration period is short. Under the right conditions, the decomposition process should be well underway in two weeks. However, it will take between 3 to 6 months for the bags to fully disintegrate.
When cornstarch biodegradable tea bags decompose, they release only carbon dioxide into the environment. Plants resorb the carbon dioxide, making the entire process carbon neutral.
Here are the decomposition rates of other biodegradable tea bag materials:
- PLA (polylactic acid) — 60 days
- Cellulose — With the right conditions, it can take months or years.
- Bamboo — 3-5 years
- Abaca — Two months
Are there any parts I should remove from biodegradable tea bags before throwing them away?
Staples should always be removed before your plastic-free tea bags are thrown away with food waste or into the composting pile. Likewise, the paper tag should be removed and placed with the paper recyclables.
Cotton strings will biodegrade, so can be placed in food waste bins for industrial composting. However, if the box does not state that it uses 100% cotton strings, it is best to remove it and throw it away with general waste.
Looking for environmentally safe tea bags for a guilt-free tea time? Check out these 25 Plastic Free Tea Bags!
