The biodegradable pet product market has exploded — but not all claims are equal. Here's how to navigate the labels and find products that genuinely break down.
Biodegradable vs. Compostable: Critical Difference
'Biodegradable' has no legal definition in the US — any product will eventually break down. 'Compostable' requires meeting specific standards (ASTM D6400 for industrial, ASTM D6868 for home) with defined timeframes. Always look for compostable certification over vague biodegradable claims.
Certified Products to Look For
Look for: BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certification, OK Compost HOME or OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certification, ASTM D6400 certification. These indicate third-party testing and verified breakdown rates.
Top Categories of Biodegradable Pet Products
Litter liners (compostable certified), pet waste bags (compostable, not just oxo-degradable), cat litter (plant-based types), food packaging (some brands use compostable pouches), cat toys (natural material only), grooming tools (bamboo handles, natural bristles).
Red Flags in Greenwashing
Watch out for: 'eco-friendly' without certification, 'plant-based' that doesn't mean compostable, 'oxo-degradable' plastic (fragments into microplastics, not compostable), 'natural' materials that are synthetically processed.
Pawsitive Earth Compostable Litter Liners (100-pack)
Pawsitive Earth liners are certified compostable — not just marketed as eco-friendly. That's the difference between genuine sustainability and greenwashing.
Check Price on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Look up the product on BPI's certified compostable products database at bpiworld.org, or check the Din CERTCO database for European certification.
No. Oxo-degradable plastics just fragment into smaller plastic pieces under UV exposure — they don't genuinely biodegrade and may be worse for the environment than regular plastic.
Cat litter and litter liners create the highest-volume waste stream for cat owners. Switching both to certified compostable options has the biggest impact.
Last updated: 2026-03-26. We test and research products independently. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.