Hey, that's a great question! It's awesome that you're thinking about more sustainable options for waste disposal in the city. The short answer is: it depends entirely on your local city's waste management program and the specific type of trash can.
First, check the bin itself. Many urban public trash cans are labeled. If you see "Landfill Only" or a general waste symbol, it means everything inside goes to a landfill. In this case, using a biodegradable bag isn't very beneficial. These bags need specific conditions found in industrial composting facilities to break down properly. In a sealed landfill, they often don't degrade much faster than regular plastic.
However, if the bin is clearly marked for "Compost" or "Organics," then you are absolutely encouraged to use certified compostable bags! These are designed to break down in commercial composting systems. Using the right bag in the right bin helps the entire recycling and composting process.
So, the best practice is to always look for labels on the bin. When in doubt, assume it's for landfill waste. For your own home compost bin, biodegradable bags are a fantastic choice. Thanks for making the effort to be more eco-conscious