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Feb 01, 2025

Are Flushable Bag Liners Truly Biodegradable?

The topic at hand is about the biodegradability and disposal options for flushable ostomy bag liners. This is a concern for those who have undergone colostomy surgery and are exploring convenient and environmentally friendly ways to manage their ostomy supplies. Here's a breakdown of the advice and insights shared by others on this topic:

1. **Biodegradability Concerns**
- There is uncertainty about whether these liners are truly biodegradable or if they are similar to regular plastic, which can last for centuries.
- Many are skeptical of manufacturers' claims about biodegradability due to a lack of independent studies.

2. **Disposal Options**
- Flushing liners might seem convenient, but it raises questions about whether it's the best environmental choice compared to landfilling.
- Some users have decided against flushing due to potential plumbing costs and instead dispose of liners and pouches in household trash.

3. **Plumbing and Septic System Cautions**
- Experts, including plumbers, advise against flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper to prevent blockages and sewer issues.
- Liners are particularly discouraged for homes with septic systems, as their decomposition is slow or unproven.

4. **Usability and Convenience**
- Many find using liners to be fiddly and time-consuming, especially with an active stoma. Drainable pouches or quick replacement of closed pouches are often seen as more efficient.
- Using a deodorized lubricant inside a drainable pouch can make emptying easier without the need for liners.

5. **Environmental Trade-offs**
- Some users accept landfilling closed pouches as the least stressful option, despite the waste, to prioritize daily manageability.
- A rural member burns household rubbish, including ostomy supplies, and buries the ash to avoid landfill.
- Another user carries flushable/biodegradable dog-waste bags for disposal while hiking and buries the contents to avoid blockages.

6. **Product Specifics**
- Colo-Majic liners are made of Ecovio and are advertised as flushable and biodegradable, but septic-system testing is incomplete.
- Attiva liners are marketed as flushable but are confirmed to be conventional plastic and not biodegradable.
- Some long-term users have had positive experiences with disposable liners/bags, though this is not the majority view.

7. **General Consensus**
- There is a high level of skepticism about the biodegradability claims made by manufacturers.
- Most members advise sealing liners in trash rather than flushing to avoid plumbing and environmental issues.

These insights can help guide decisions on managing ostomy supplies in a way that balances convenience, cost, and environmental impact.
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