Pawsitive Earth’s 20-count liner is the one to buy if you want compostable litter box liners that survive a week of claws. It’s 36 x 19 inches, 2 mil thick, and rated for 24 lb of used litter. Five liners made our shortlist, and this guide covers where each one fits, what “compostable” means once cat waste is involved, and how to size and use a liner without a blowout.
Most of these bags are PLA, PBAT and corn starch. What changes is size (36 x 19 versus 36 x 18 inches), thickness (1.2 mil up to 2 mil), pack size (6 to 20 counts, plus one 60-count box), and fit for LR3 and LR4 self-cleaning units. The fine print matters more than the green label on the front. If you want to compare other styles too, see our guide to the best litter box liners.
Updated October 10, 2026. We earn a commission if you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you. Scores are based on listing specs, material, size and buyer feedback, not lab testing.
⚡ Quick Verdict
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| If you need… | Buy this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The best all-rounder | Pawsitive Earth, 20 count | 2 mil walls, 24 lb rating, 36 x 19 inch bag |
| A jumbo liner without a big box of them | Pawsitive Earth, 6 count | Same bag, lower commitment |
| A liner for LR3, LR4 or a self-cleaning box | Biodegradable Liner Bags for LR 3, 4 | Made for those units, 60 per box |
| A purchase that gives to pet rescue | Plant-Based Home Compostable Liners, Jumbo | A portion of sales goes to nonprofits |
| A home compost certification | Tailhead Innovations 100% Compostable Liners | OK Compost Home, 40 micron |
List of Compostable Litter Box Liners
| Image | Product | Best For | Score | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Pawsitive Earth Compostable Cat Litter Box Liners, Drawstring, 20 Count 🏆 Editor’s Pick |
Large boxes, multi-cat homes | 8.6/10 | View on Amazon Check current price on Amazon |
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Pawsitive Earth Compostable Cat Litter Box Liners, Drawstring, 6 Count 🥈 Runner-Up |
Trying the jumbo fit first | 7.1/10 | View on Amazon Check current price on Amazon |
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Biodegradable Cat Litter Liner Bags Compatible with LR 3, 4 | LR3, LR4, self-cleaning boxes | 7.0/10 | View on Amazon Check current price on Amazon |
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Plant-Based Home Compostable Cat Litter Box Liners, Jumbo Size | Buyers who want to give back | 6.9/10 | View on Amazon Check current price on Amazon |
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Cat Litter Box Liners – 100% Compostable – Drawstring Closure | Home composters who want a cert | 6.9/10 | View on Amazon Check current price on Amazon |
📋 How We Evaluated
We scored each liner on four things, then checked the numbers against Amazon rating signals and buyer feedback.
- Build: material, thickness in mil or microns, and tear resistance.
- Fit: flat bag size against common box sizes, and the weight rating.
- Closure and cleanup: drawstring design and how clean the lift-out is.
- Value and proof: price per liner, pack size, and any compostability certification.
Compostable vs Biodegradable vs Degradable: What the Label Means
Marketing copy blurs these words on purpose. A bag labeled “biodegradable” can be anything from a certified plant-based liner to ordinary plastic with an additive. Only the compostable and home compostable labels point to a testable standard.
| Label | What it means | Where it breaks down | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compostable | Meets a composting standard such as ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 | Industrial facility; home only if also certified for it | A certification logo, not just the word |
| Home compostable | Certified to break down in cooler, backyard conditions (OK Compost Home is one label) | Backyard pile, with warmth and moisture | Shelf life; these bags are less durable than thicker plastics |
| Biodegradable | Can be broken down by living organisms, with no set timeframe | Depends entirely on conditions | How long, and where. The label alone doesn’t say |
| Degradable | Breaks into smaller pieces, often microplastics | Anywhere, slowly | Treat it as ordinary plastic |
| Landfill biodegradable | Plastic with an additive that speeds breakdown in landfill | Landfill | It’s a different product from compostable liners |
Look for ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 (industrial composting) and OK Compost Home (backyard conditions). The BPI mark is the one US composters tend to ask about. If the box has none of these, the word “compostable” is a claim without a receipt.
Can You Compost Cat Litter Box Liners With the Waste Inside?
Usually not in a backyard bin. The liner is made to break down, but cat feces can carry Toxoplasma gondii and other pathogens, and a typical home pile doesn’t get hot enough for long enough to kill them. Sources that cover pet waste composting cite figures such as 131°F held for three days, and some put the number nearer 150°F. Most backyard piles don’t hold that reliably.
Safety rule: never put used cat litter or cat waste on compost that goes onto vegetables, herbs or any edible plants. Wash your hands after every litter change, and keep the box away from food prep areas. If you’re pregnant, ask your doctor about handing litter duty to someone else.
Three realistic paths, in order of reliability:
- A commercial or municipal program that accepts pet waste. Call first. Many programs refuse it, and the rules differ by city.
- A dedicated pet waste composter that reaches pathogen-killing temperatures, with the finished compost kept off edible plants.
- The regular trash. Tie the liner and bin it. You still skip the polyethylene bag, and a compostable liner in landfill is no worse than the plastic one it replaced, though it won’t break down quickly there either.
Know the limit of the claim, too. Compostable plastic needs heat, oxygen and moisture to break down. In a landfill it won’t behave like it does in a composting facility, so the environmental win depends on where yours ends up.
Detailed Reviews
Pawsitive Earth Compostable Cat Litter Box Liners, Drawstring, 20 Count🏆 Editor’s Pick
| Material Composition | PLA, PBAT, corn starch |
| Size | 36 x 19 inches |
| Thickness | 2 mil |
| Weight Capacity | 11 kg (24 lb) |
| Pack Size | 20 count |
What We Found
The blend is PLA, PBAT and corn starch, so there’s no polyethylene in the bag. Each liner is 36 x 19 inches flat and fits boxes up to 24 x 18 x 17 inches, with enough left over to fold across the rim.
At 2 mil, the walls shrug off claw scratches, and the listing rates them for 11 kg (24 lb) of used litter. A drawstring runs through both sides, so you cinch the bag shut and lift out the whole load instead of scooping it into a second bag.
It’s mint green and unscented. Cats that sulk about perfumed litter won’t mind, though you give up a little odor masking. The 20-count pack is the best value of the five, but it isn’t Prime eligible at the time of writing, so shipping can run slower.
💬 My Take
Buy this one first. It’s thick, it’s sized for big boxes, and 20 liners covers about 20 weekly changes, which is roughly four and a half months for one cat.
Who It’s For
Pick it if you have a large or high-sided box, more than one cat, or a cat that digs hard. The extra material drapes over the rim and keeps the liner from slipping into the litter. It also pairs well with a litter mat, since a clean lift means fewer crumbs on the floor. For more big-box options, see our guide to jumbo litter box liners.
You’ll want access to a commercial composting program, or you’ll tie the bag and bin it. More on that in the composting section below.
✅ Pros
- Plant-based blend with no polyethylene in the bag
- 20 liners cuts the reorder cycle for multi-cat homes
- Drawstring lets you lift out the full load in one go
- 2 mil walls hold 24 lb without leaking
❌ Cons
- Not eligible for Amazon Prime, so shipping can be slower
- Needs a commercial composting program to break down properly
- Unscented, so it won’t mask odor
Pawsitive Earth Compostable Cat Litter Box Liners, Drawstring, 6 Count🥈 Runner-Up
| Material Composition | PLA, PBAT, corn starch |
| Size | 36 x 19 inches (13 gallons) |
| Thickness | 2.0 to 2.1 mil |
| Pack Size | 6 count |
What We Found
Same family as the top pick, in a smaller box. The material is PLA, PBAT and corn starch, the bag is 36 x 19 inches, and the walls run 2.0 to 2.1 mil. That’s enough to fit large, high-sided boxes and resist scratches.
A drawstring closes the bag so you can lift the whole load out without scooping it. It’s unscented and mint green, same as the 20-count version.
💬 My Take
Same bag, fewer of them. Buy it to test the fit before you commit to 20.
Who It’s For
This is the pick for single-cat homes, people who change the box once a month, and anyone who wants to check the fit on a jumbo box before buying in bulk. The bag holds up to 24 lb, so it copes with heavy use.
Disposal is the same story as the top pick. The liner needs a commercial composting program, and cat waste shouldn’t go on a pile that feeds edible plants.
✅ Pros
- Jumbo 36 x 19 inch size suits large or high-sided boxes
- Low commitment pack for testing the fit
- Drawstring closure gives a clean, quick lift-out
❌ Cons
- Only 6 liners per box, so you’ll reorder often
- Needs commercial composting to break down
- Not for compost that goes on edible plants
Biodegradable Cat Litter Liner Bags Compatible with LR 3, 4
| Material Composition | Corn-based, PBAT, PLA |
| Compatibility | LR3, LR4, most self-cleaning boxes |
| Thickness | 1.2 mil |
| Capacity | 15 lb |
| Pack Size | 60 count |
What We Found
These are made for LR3, LR4 and most self-cleaning boxes, which makes them the only pick here aimed at that crowd. The material is corn-based PBAT and PLA, and the listing says the bags break down in a backyard compost bin within 180 days.
At 1.2 mil with a non-heat-sealed bottom, they hold up to 15 lb. The drawstring closes the bag for removal. The listing also pitches them for 5-gallon trash cans and kitchen scraps, so a 60-count box has a second use.
💬 My Take
The right choice for a self-cleaning box, with one condition. Plan to swap the liner every 2 to 3 days.
Who It’s For
Owners of a Litter-Robot style unit who want to drop the plastic waste drawer liner. Check the dimensions against your exact model before you order, because fit varies between self-cleaning boxes.
They’re thinner than the jumbo liners above. That’s fine in a waste drawer. It’s a poor match for a heavy, open-top box.
✅ Pros
- Made for LR3, LR4 and most self-cleaning boxes
- 60-count box means fewer reorders
- Drawstring keeps litter from scattering during disposal
❌ Cons
- Needs replacing every 2 to 3 days
- May not fit every box, so check the dimensions
- At 1.2 mil, it’s thinner than the jumbo options
Plant-Based Home Compostable Cat Litter Box Liners, Jumbo Size
| Material Composition | Renewable plant-based materials |
| Size | 36 x 19 inches |
| Certification | Home compostable |
What We Found
A portion of sales goes to pet rescue and environmental nonprofits, which is the main reason to pick this over the Pawsitive Earth options. The bag is plant-based, 36 x 19 inches, and fits most standard and high-sided boxes.
A drawstring closes it for hands-free cleanup, and the listing describes the walls as extra thick. We couldn’t confirm a mil rating, so check the listing before you buy. The listing carries a home compostable certification.
💬 My Take
Choose it if the donation matters to you and you don’t mind paying more.
Who It’s For
Buyers who want their purchase to support animal welfare and who have a large box or several cats. The jumbo size gives you room to fold over the rim.
Home compostability depends on your pile’s conditions, and cat waste still shouldn’t go anywhere near food crops. Treat the certification as a statement about the bag, not about what’s inside it.
✅ Pros
- A portion of sales supports pet rescue and environmental nonprofits
- Jumbo size fits most litter boxes with extra overhang
- Drawstring allows easy, hands-free disposal
❌ Cons
- Premium pricing
- No mil rating confirmed, so check before buying
- Stock can be limited
Cat Litter Box Liners – 100% Compostable – Drawstring Closure
| Material Composition | 100% compostable biodegradable material |
| Size | 36 x 18 inches |
| Thickness | 40 micron (1.6 mil) |
| Certification | OK Compost Home |
| Pack Size | 20 count |
What We Found
Tailhead Innovations’ liner carries OK Compost Home certification, the clearest third-party claim of the five. At 40 microns (1.6 mil), it sits between the thin LR3/LR4 bag and the 2 mil Pawsitive Earth liners.
The bag is 36 x 18 inches, an inch shorter on the width than the jumbo picks. The drawstring closes it for disposal and the scent-free design suits sensitive pets.
💬 My Take
A solid pick for home composters who want a certification they can point to. It just doesn’t beat the top pick on thickness.
Who It’s For
Eco-minded owners with standard or large boxes who care about the OK Compost Home label. The 20-count box balances quantity and price.
Measure first. The 36 x 18 inch size won’t suit every box, and home composting needs warm, active conditions to finish the job.
✅ Pros
- OK Compost Home certified
- 40 micron thickness resists scratches, tears and leaks
- Drawstring closure gives quick, clean disposal
❌ Cons
- Size may not fit every box
- Home composting needs the right conditions
- Scent-free, so no odor masking
How to Pick the Right Liner Size?
Size trips up more buyers than thickness. A liner that’s too short pops off the rim the first time your cat digs. One that’s too long just bunches up, which is a smaller problem. For a full walkthrough, read what size litter box liner you need.
- Measure your box: length, width and height, in inches.
- Compare the box to the flat bag size. The top pick’s 36 x 19 inch liner fits boxes up to 24 x 18 x 17 inches, with extra to fold over the rim.
- Leave several inches of overhang on every side so the rim holds the liner in place.
- For a self-cleaning unit, check the liner’s listed compatibility against your exact model, not just “LR3/LR4”.
| Liner | Flat size | Thickness | Rated load | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pawsitive Earth, 20 count | 36 x 19 in | 2 mil | 24 lb | 20 |
| Pawsitive Earth, 6 count | 36 x 19 in | 2.0 to 2.1 mil | 24 lb (family rating) | 6 |
| LR 3, 4 compatible liners | Check listing for your unit | 1.2 mil | 15 lb | 60 |
| Plant-Based Home Compostable, Jumbo | 36 x 19 in | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Check listing |
| Tailhead Innovations | 36 x 18 in | 40 micron (1.6 mil) | Not confirmed | 20 |
How to Use a Compostable Litter Box Liner? (Step by Step)
- Empty and wipe the box if it’s the first liner, so the bag sits flat.
- Open the liner and drape it over the box, with the drawstring pulled loose and the overhang folded around the rim.
- Add litter at your usual depth. Press the liner into the corners as you pour.
- Scoop clumps daily as normal into a separate waste bag.
- On change day, pull the drawstring tight, tie it off, and lift the bag out with the litter inside.
- Dispose of it by your local rule (see the composting section), wash your hands, and fit a fresh liner.
Want more detail on setup and changing day? See our full guide on how to use litter box liners.
Tips to Stop Leaks, Tears and Slipping
- Stay under the weight rating. That’s 24 lb for the top pick and 15 lb for the 1.2 mil LR3/LR4 bag.
- Trim claws. Compostable films puncture a little more easily than thick polyethylene, and a hard digger exposes that. See do cats scratch through litter box liners for more on this.
- Don’t overfill. A full bag stretches at the drawstring and tears when you lift it.
- Store the box cool and dry. Compostable bags have a shelf life. Manufacturers of similar products suggest using them within about a year.
- Use a litter mat. It catches the grains that fall out when you lift the bag.
- Change thinner liners more often. The 1.2 mil bag asks for a swap every 2 to 3 days.
Compostable Liners vs Plastic Liners vs No Liner
| Compostable liner | Standard plastic liner | No liner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | PLA, PBAT, corn starch | Polyethylene | None |
| Cleanup | Tie and lift out the litter | Tie and lift out the litter | Scoop out, then scrub the box |
| Durability | 1.2 to 2 mil in this roundup; slightly more puncture-prone | Thick and cheap | Not applicable |
| After use | Commercial compost if your program takes pet waste, otherwise trash | Trash | Trash, plus a lot of rinse water |
| Shelf life | Limited; use within about a year, stored cool and dry | Long | Not applicable |
| Cost | Higher per bag | Lowest | Free, but more labor |
If your cat shreds liners and you only change the box monthly, plastic or no liner may save you money and frustration. Compostable liners make the most sense for owners who already want to cut plastic and can reach a program that accepts the bag. For a closer look at skipping liners altogether, see litter box liners vs no liners, and if you’re wondering about a cheaper swap, read can you use trash bags as litter box liners.
Compostable Litter Box Liner Buying Checklist
Run through these before you click buy. A listing that fails two or more isn’t worth the risk.
- ☐ Fits your box. Measure it and compare against the flat bag size, with overhang.
- ☐ Thickness is stated. Look for a mil or micron figure. 2 mil is sturdy, 1.2 mil is light.
- ☐ Weight rating covers your litter. Clay litter is heavier than pine or paper.
- ☐ Certification named. ASTM D6400, EN 13432 or OK Compost Home, not just “eco-friendly”.
- ☐ Drawstring on both sides for a balanced lift. Our guide to drawstring litter box liners explains what to look for.
- ☐ Pack size matches your change schedule. A 6-count box runs out fast on a weekly schedule.
- ☐ Your disposal route exists. A program that takes pet waste, or you accept the trash route.
- ☐ Listing is current. Confirm model, bundle contents, shipping status and return policy on the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are compostable litter box liners made of?
Compostable litter box liners are usually made from plant-based materials such as corn starch and PLA (polylactic acid), blended with PBAT, a compostable polymer that adds stretch and strength. Every pick in this guide uses some version of that mix.
Unlike polyethylene liners, they’re designed to break down in a composting environment. Check the box for a recognized standard such as ASTM D6400 or EN 13432.
Can I compost the liner along with my cat’s waste?
In most cases, no. Cat feces can carry Toxoplasma gondii, and destroying it takes sustained high heat that most backyard piles don’t reach. Never use that compost on edible plants.
If your local municipality accepts pet waste in its compost program, you can send the liner and contents together. Otherwise, tie the liner and put it in the regular trash.
Are compostable litter box liners as strong as plastic ones?
Thick ones hold up well. The 2 mil Pawsitive Earth liners are rated for 24 lb, and the 40 micron Tailhead liner resists scratches. Thinner bags, like the 1.2 mil LR3/LR4 option, hold less and need more frequent changes.
Compostable films can puncture a bit more easily than heavy polyethylene. Trim your cat’s nails and avoid overfilling to get the most from each bag.
How long do compostable litter box liners take to break down?
Certified bags in an industrial composting facility typically break down in about 90 to 180 days under the right heat and moisture. A home pile takes longer and varies with temperature, sometimes up to a year or more.
In a landfill, where oxygen and microbes are limited, breakdown is far slower. The bag still beats a polyethylene liner, but don’t expect it to vanish quickly.
Do compostable liners help with odor?
The liners are generally unscented. They contain waste the way a plastic liner does and keep urine from soaking the bottom of the box, which helps. Changing the whole bag with the litter also resets the box.
Pair the liner with a clumping litter that handles odor well. A liner won’t cover a litter that doesn’t.
What’s the difference between compostable and biodegradable liners?
Compostable means the bag meets a standard for breaking down in a composting environment. Biodegradable has no set timeframe or conditions, so it can describe almost anything.
Degradable bags often break into microplastics. See the label table above for a quick guide.
Will compostable liners fit a Litter-Robot LR3 or LR4?
Some are made for them. The 1.2 mil, 60-count option in this guide lists LR3, LR4 and most self-cleaning boxes as compatible. Check the dimensions against your exact unit, because fit varies by model.
The jumbo 36 x 19 inch liners are built for open-top boxes, not waste drawers.
Do I need a litter box liner at all?
No. Plenty of owners scoop daily and wash the box every few weeks. A liner saves scrubbing on change day and keeps litter off the box walls. If you’re weighing the cost, see whether litter box liners are worth it.
If your cat shreds liners or you change the box rarely, you may do better without one. Our full list of the pros and cons of litter box liners can help you decide.
Can I flush the liner or the waste?
No. Cat waste can carry parasites that water treatment doesn’t fully remove, and the liner can clog pipes. Tie the bag and dispose of it by your local rule.
How should I store compostable liners?
Keep the box in a cool, dry spot away from heat and sunlight. Compostable bags have a shelf life, and manufacturers of similar products suggest using them within about a year. Buying a 60-count box only makes sense if you’ll use them in that window.
🎯 Final Verdict
Pawsitive Earth Compostable Cat Litter Box Liners, Drawstring, 20 Count is the best all-rounder for most people searching for compostable litter box liners. The 2 mil walls, 24 lb rating and 36 x 19 inch size cover big boxes and multi-cat homes, and the 20-count pack keeps the cost per bag reasonable.
Take the 6-count box if you want to test the fit first. Take the LR 3, 4 bags if you run a self-cleaning unit. Take the Tailhead liners if an OK Compost Home certification is your deciding factor. Whatever you buy, plan your disposal route before the first change, because the box you compost into matters as much as the bag.
Written by Mishu
A passionate cat lover and indoor living enthusiast, Mishu is the founder and voice behind Indoor Living Cat – a go-to resource for cat owners who want to create the happiest, healthiest life for their feline companions indoors.
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