Q.Bags
Is it safe to store your kitchen scraps in regular garbage bags before putting into the compost bin? I have a 101 bin on my deck, want to use bags inside in bin to help keep the bin clean, then dump the contents of the bag into the compost when full. Will doing this pose any problems, such as the chemicals from the bag leaching into the food scraps?
Plastic grocery bags are made with HDPE (high density polyethylene) which is not known to leach toxins. You can store kitchen scraps in plastic bags in your refrigerator (to reduce smells) and then empty them out into your compost bin at the end of the day. Garbage bags are typically made with either HDPE and LDPE, with LDPE also not being known to leach chemicals.
Whenever you use plastic for food-related items, always look for the symbol on the plastic to ensure that it is safe to use.
The LiveStrong website has a reference page which outlines the types of plastic that can be safely used:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/158674-which-plastic-containers-can-i-safely-use/
Given your health concerns about the risk of chemicals, I would strongly encourage you to verify the information that has been presented to you here and come up with your own conclusions.
