Earth Rated vs Benko Poop Bags in Canada 2026: Eco Waste Bag Comparison

Poop bags are the single most-repurchased product dog owners buy, and in 2026 more Toronto pet parents than ever want an eco-friendly option that doesn't leak or tear. Two Canadian-friendly brands dominate that conversation at our store: Earth Rated and Benko. Both are stocked in our dog accessories aisle, and both promise thicker, more responsible waste bags. This guide compares them head to head so you can pick the right roll for your dog and your conscience.

Our team at Ashario Pets sells thousands of poop bag rolls a year from our North York store, so we've watched which ones customers keep coming back for. If you want to skip straight to buying, browse our dog supplies collection — but read on first, because "compostable," "biodegradable," and "recycled" mean very different things.

What's the difference between Earth Rated and Benko poop bags?

Earth Rated and Benko both make thick, leak-resistant dog waste bags, but Earth Rated is the larger, more widely available brand offering unscented, lavender-scented, and certified compostable lines, while Benko is a value-focused Canadian brand emphasizing extra-thick, dye-free bags at a lower cost per bag. Both are stocked at Ashario Pets in North York.

Key Takeaway: Choose Earth Rated if you want a certified home-compostable option and a proven leak-proof track record. Choose Benko if you want thick, no-frills bags at a friendlier per-bag price. Both outperform generic dollar-store bags on thickness and tear resistance.

Here's what matters. A standard cheap poop bag runs about 12–15 microns thick. Earth Rated's core bags measure roughly 18 microns, and their bags are 9 x 13 inches — large enough for a Great Dane deposit. Benko bags are similarly generous at around 22 x 33 cm with a comparable wall thickness. Both roll into pocket-sized dispensers, and both fit the standard leash-clip dispenser design.

Are these bags actually compostable or just "biodegradable"?

This is where the marketing gets confusing. Earth Rated makes a specific certified home-compostable line (made largely from plant-based materials) alongside its standard recycled-content bags. Benko markets its bags as extra-strong and often dye- and fragrance-free, with recycled-content and degradable options depending on the SKU. Always read the box: "oxo-degradable" is not the same as "certified compostable."

If true compostability matters to you, only bags carrying a recognized compostability certification (like ASTM D6400 or BPI) will break down in a proper composting environment. The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine and municipal green-bin programs both note that most Canadian curbside green-bin programs do NOT accept dog waste regardless of bag type, so check your City of Toronto guidelines before composting at home.

Earth Rated vs Benko: side-by-side comparison

For most GTA dog owners, Earth Rated is the safer all-round pick for reliability and eco-certification, while Benko wins on price-per-bag and thickness for large-breed dogs. The table below breaks down how they compare on the factors customers ask us about most.

In our store we see customers with small dogs — think the many condo-dwelling Yorkies and Shih Tzus around Yonge-Finch — gravitate to Earth Rated for the lavender-scented rolls that mask odour on a walk. Owners of big dogs like Labs and Shepherds often reach for whatever's thickest and cheapest per bag, which is where Benko earns its loyal following. Both brands ship in refill packs, so you buy the dispenser once and reload for years.

Which bags are less likely to tear or leak?

Leak resistance comes down to two things: wall thickness and seam quality. We've tested both brands in-store by filling bags with water, and both held up far better than 12-micron discount bags, which frequently pinhole. Earth Rated's double-ply seal at the bottom seam is its signature strength. Benko's extra-thick wall gives it excellent puncture resistance against sharp gravel and ice — a real Ontario-winter concern when you're picking up frozen waste on frosty sidewalks.

Pet owners tell us the biggest tear complaint isn't the bag itself — it's yanking the bag off the roll too fast. Both brands feed cleanly from a leash-clip dispenser, which we also carry in our dog accessories section.

Do eco poop bags matter, and what should Toronto dog owners know?

Eco poop bags reduce the volume of conventional plastic entering landfills, but the environmental benefit depends entirely on the certification and on how the bag is disposed of. As of 2026, certified compostable bags only break down properly in industrial or well-managed home composting — not in a sealed landfill, where even "compostable" plastic can persist for years.

Bottom Line: If your goal is genuine environmental impact, buy a certified compostable bag AND compost it correctly (never in the green bin unless your municipality explicitly allows dog waste). If your goal is simply using less virgin plastic, a recycled-content bag from either brand is a solid step up from generic grocery bags.

The ASPCA and municipal environmental programs both stress that responsible pet waste management protects local waterways — dog waste carries bacteria and nutrients that harm streams like those feeding into the Don River watershed. Whichever bag you choose, the act of consistently picking up is the single biggest win for the environment.

How many poop bags does a dog owner actually go through?

A typical dog defecates 1–2 times per day, meaning an average owner uses roughly 400–730 bags per year. Multi-dog homes double or triple that. At that volume, per-bag cost genuinely matters — a $0.02 difference per bag adds up to $8–15 a year per dog. This is exactly why our North York customers care about both brands: Earth Rated for peace of mind, Benko for the math.

Because you'll buy these repeatedly, it's worth checking our price match guarantee so you're never overpaying on a staple you can't skip.

Which should you buy: Earth Rated or Benko?

Buy Earth Rated if you want a certified home-compostable option, scented choices, and a brand with a long, reliable track record in Canada. Buy Benko if you want maximum thickness at the lowest per-bag cost, especially for large dogs. Many of our customers actually keep both: Earth Rated compostables for home, Benko value packs for the car and backup dispensers.

Our nutrition experts at the North York store often remind customers that the "best" bag is the one you'll consistently carry. A bag that's too thin to trust, or too expensive to restock, ends up unused. For a deeper look at one of these brands specifically, read our full Earth Rated Dog Waste Bags Canada 2026 review.

Both brands, plus leash-clip dispensers and matching walk gear, are available in our dog supplies collection. Pair them with a sturdy leash and harness for the complete walk kit — everything's under one roof at Ashario Pets, 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Earth Rated bags actually compostable in Canada?

Earth Rated's certified compostable line breaks down in home or industrial composting environments, but not in a sealed landfill or in most Canadian curbside green bins. As of 2026, the City of Toronto and many GTA municipalities do not accept dog waste in green-bin programs regardless of bag type. Always check your local bylaws before composting pet waste. Both Earth Rated and Benko are stocked at Ashario Pets in North York.

Which poop bags are cheaper, Earth Rated or Benko?

Benko generally offers a lower cost per bag, making it the value pick for high-volume or multi-dog households. Earth Rated sits at a mid-tier price with the trade-off of certified eco lines and scented options. With an average dog using 400–730 bags per year, even a small per-bag saving adds up, which is why we suggest checking Ashario Pets' price match guarantee before restocking.

How thick should a good dog poop bag be?

A quality dog waste bag should be at least 18 microns thick to resist tearing and pinhole leaks. Generic dollar-store bags often run 12–15 microns and fail more easily. Both Earth Rated and Benko meet or exceed the 18-micron mark, with Benko's extra-strong wall performing especially well against gravel, ice, and Ontario winter conditions.

Can I flush dog poop bags down the toilet?

No. Neither Earth Rated nor Benko bags are flushable, and flushing any plastic-based bag can clog plumbing and municipal systems. Some brands sell separate flushable-liner products, but standard compostable and recycled poop bags are not among them. For guidance on responsible pet waste disposal, consult resources from the American Veterinary Medical Association and your local municipality.

Where can I buy Earth Rated and Benko poop bags in North York?

You can buy both Earth Rated and Benko poop bags at Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7, open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year. We also offer GTA delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan, plus free in-store pickup. Call us at +1-647-564-4433 to confirm current stock.