These bags are not designed to breakdown in a non-composting environment, as is the case with all certified compostable film bags. The lack of appropriate levels of heat, moisture, oxygen, and microbes mean that a bag thrown on the ground will remain as litter until it is broken down mechanically over time. It is thus important that these bags be disposed of in a commercial composting facility via a food scraps or organic waste collection program. This is the only appropriate end of life for this product.