"
"Alright, my fellow dog parents, let’s talk about a daily ritual that’s perhaps not the most glamorous, but undeniably one of the most important for responsible pet ownership: the pick-up. Every morning, or afternoon, or evening, the scene is the same in my household. Blackie, my energetic and endlessly lovable Labrador mix, prances to the door, leash in mouth, tail wagging like a metronome gone wild. Treats are stashed, water bottle filled, and then, the crucial accessory: the dog waste bag. We head out, full of enthusiasm, ready to conquer the neighborhood sidewalks and sniff out every interesting scent. And then, inevitably, Blackie does his business.
This daily act, repeated multiple times a day, every single day, for years, has started to weigh heavily on my environmental conscience. I used to just grab whatever plastic roll was cheapest, thinking nothing of it. But then I started adding it up. How many bags does Blackie go through in a year? Hundreds, easily. In his lifetime? Thousands upon thousands. The thought of all those plastic bags, each holding a small, brown offering, sitting in a landfill for centuries, untouched by time, leaving microplastics in their wake, became a nagging guilt. It felt like a betrayal of the beautiful world we were walking in.
That growing unease sparked a quest. I decided it was time to find a better way, an eco-friendlier alternative to the ubiquitous plastic bag. My sights were set specifically on "compostable" dog waste bags. I wanted to see if these greener options truly lived up to their promise. I have spent months, perhaps even longer, putting various brands and types of these bags to the test, navigating Blackie's daily deposits with a critical eye and a notebook ready. I am finally ready to share my honest, no-holds-barred findings on whether these compostable claims hold water, or rather, hold poo, as advertised.
Many products proudly declare themselves "biodegradable," and on the surface, that sounds wonderful. It implies that the material will break down naturally. However, "biodegradable" often means "will break down eventually under some conditions." These conditions are frequently unspecified, and in a typical, oxygen-deprived landfill environment, "eventually" could still mean hundreds of years. Worse, many so-called biodegradable plastics simply break down into smaller and smaller pieces, becoming microplastics that persist in the environment and can enter our food chains. It is a term that lacks strict regulation and can be quite misleading.
"Compostable," on the other hand, is the gold standard when it comes to true environmental breakdown. A product labeled "compostable" means it will break down into natural components – carbon dioxide, water, and biomass – within a specific timeframe and under specific conditions, leaving no toxic residue behind. Crucially, this process typically requires very specific environments, most commonly industrial composting facilities where temperatures are high and microbial activity is optimal. To ensure a product truly meets these standards, look for certifications like ASTM D6400 in North America or EN 13432 in Europe. These certifications mean the product has been rigorously tested to ensure it fully breaks down without leaving harmful residues.
Why does this matter so much? Because it sets the stage for realistic expectations regarding how your "eco-friendly" dog waste bag will actually decompose. If your bag is compostable, but you throw it in a regular landfill bin, it likely will not break down as intended, due to the lack of proper conditions.
**A. The "Yes, But..." Conclusion:**
Yes, for containment: Without a doubt, the better quality compostable bags (like the starchy ones and especially the thicker, plant-based ones) certainly pick up poo just fine. They are strong enough, generally contain odors well, and are perfectly functional for their primary purpose of waste collection. From a pure usability standpoint, many of them perform as well as, or even better than, traditional plastic bags.
But, for "compostable": Here is where the major caveat lies. The *true* compostability of these bags relies almost entirely on access to industrial composting facilities. As my home composting attempts confirmed, they are generally *not* designed for home composting. Your backyard pile, while wonderful for vegetable scraps and leaves, typically does not reach the sustained high temperatures and specific microbial balance required for these certified bags to fully break down. Furthermore, and this is a critical point, if these "compostable" bags end up in a typical landfill, which is an oxygen-deprived environment, they are unlikely to break down significantly faster than regular plastic. They will simply sit there, perhaps taking a bit less time than virgin plastic, but not fulfilling their true "compostable" promise.
**B. The Environmental Impact:**
Despite the landfill caveat, I still believe that certified compostable bags are a better choice than virgin plastic bags. Why? Because they are made from renewable resources, primarily plant-based materials like corn starch, potato starch, or other bioplastics. This means their production reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which is a significant environmental benefit in itself. While their end-of-life scenario might be imperfect without industrial composting, the upstream impact (how they are made) is undeniably better. They *can* biodegrade into natural components in the right environment, unlike traditional plastic bags which never truly biodegrade but rather fragment into microplastics. It is a step in the right direction, even if the infrastructure has not caught up everywhere.
**C. Cost versus Conscience:**
Yes, compostable bags are generally more expensive than their traditional plastic counterparts. Sometimes significantly so. Is the higher price tag justified for the peace of mind, even with the caveats about their decomposition in a landfill? For me, often yes. The knowledge that I am supporting companies that use renewable resources, and that if by some chance they *do* end up in an industrial compost facility, they will break down completely, is worth the premium. It is a personal choice, of course, but one I feel good about.
My hope for the future is that we see better and more widespread composting infrastructure across our towns and cities. Imagine a world where every dog owner could confidently toss their certified compostable bag into a municipal compost bin, knowing it would return to the earth as intended. Until then, we do our best with the options available.
Now, it is your turn! What are your experiences with compostable bags? Have you found any brands you absolutely love or hate? How do you manage your dog’s contributions responsibly in your area? Share your thoughts and wisdom in the comments below!
"Alright, my fellow dog parents, let’s talk about a daily ritual that’s perhaps not the most glamorous, but undeniably one of the most important for responsible pet ownership: the pick-up. Every morning, or afternoon, or evening, the scene is the same in my household. Blackie, my energetic and endlessly lovable Labrador mix, prances to the door, leash in mouth, tail wagging like a metronome gone wild. Treats are stashed, water bottle filled, and then, the crucial accessory: the dog waste bag. We head out, full of enthusiasm, ready to conquer the neighborhood sidewalks and sniff out every interesting scent. And then, inevitably, Blackie does his business.
This daily act, repeated multiple times a day, every single day, for years, has started to weigh heavily on my environmental conscience. I used to just grab whatever plastic roll was cheapest, thinking nothing of it. But then I started adding it up. How many bags does Blackie go through in a year? Hundreds, easily. In his lifetime? Thousands upon thousands. The thought of all those plastic bags, each holding a small, brown offering, sitting in a landfill for centuries, untouched by time, leaving microplastics in their wake, became a nagging guilt. It felt like a betrayal of the beautiful world we were walking in.
That growing unease sparked a quest. I decided it was time to find a better way, an eco-friendlier alternative to the ubiquitous plastic bag. My sights were set specifically on "compostable" dog waste bags. I wanted to see if these greener options truly lived up to their promise. I have spent months, perhaps even longer, putting various brands and types of these bags to the test, navigating Blackie's daily deposits with a critical eye and a notebook ready. I am finally ready to share my honest, no-holds-barred findings on whether these compostable claims hold water, or rather, hold poo, as advertised.
II. Understanding the Lingo: Biodegradable versus Compostable
Before we dive headfirst into the nitty-gritty of my reviews, it is absolutely crucial to clarify a distinction that often causes a lot of confusion: the difference between "biodegradable" and "compostable." These terms are frequently used interchangeably, but they are far from the same thing, and understanding the difference is key to managing your expectations and making truly informed choices.Many products proudly declare themselves "biodegradable," and on the surface, that sounds wonderful. It implies that the material will break down naturally. However, "biodegradable" often means "will break down eventually under some conditions." These conditions are frequently unspecified, and in a typical, oxygen-deprived landfill environment, "eventually" could still mean hundreds of years. Worse, many so-called biodegradable plastics simply break down into smaller and smaller pieces, becoming microplastics that persist in the environment and can enter our food chains. It is a term that lacks strict regulation and can be quite misleading.
"Compostable," on the other hand, is the gold standard when it comes to true environmental breakdown. A product labeled "compostable" means it will break down into natural components – carbon dioxide, water, and biomass – within a specific timeframe and under specific conditions, leaving no toxic residue behind. Crucially, this process typically requires very specific environments, most commonly industrial composting facilities where temperatures are high and microbial activity is optimal. To ensure a product truly meets these standards, look for certifications like ASTM D6400 in North America or EN 13432 in Europe. These certifications mean the product has been rigorously tested to ensure it fully breaks down without leaving harmful residues.
Why does this matter so much? Because it sets the stage for realistic expectations regarding how your "eco-friendly" dog waste bag will actually decompose. If your bag is compostable, but you throw it in a regular landfill bin, it likely will not break down as intended, due to the lack of proper conditions.
III. My "Poo Patrol" Criteria: What I Looked For in a Bag
When embarking on this journey of waste bag testing, I knew I needed a rigorous set of criteria to evaluate each brand fairly. It was not just about the eco-claim; the bag still had to perform its primary function flawlessly. Here is what made my list for a truly successful poo patrol experience:
A. Strength and Durability:
This is non-negotiable. There is nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, worse than a bag that rips or tears mid-scoop, or, heaven forbid, allows an accidental finger poke through to the contents. The bag needed to be robust enough to handle Blackie's contributions without compromise, from collection to the final drop in the bin. No flimsy, translucent films would pass this test.
This is non-negotiable. There is nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, worse than a bag that rips or tears mid-scoop, or, heaven forbid, allows an accidental finger poke through to the contents. The bag needed to be robust enough to handle Blackie's contributions without compromise, from collection to the final drop in the bin. No flimsy, translucent films would pass this test.
B. Smell Containment:
Once the deed is done and the bag is tied, it often needs to travel a little distance back to a public waste bin or home. This means the bag needs to be an effective odor barrier. Does it truly mask the less-than-pleasant smells, or does it merely delay the inevitable waft until you are uncomfortably close to the disposal point? A good seal and material thickness were key here.
Once the deed is done and the bag is tied, it often needs to travel a little distance back to a public waste bin or home. This means the bag needs to be an effective odor barrier. Does it truly mask the less-than-pleasant smells, or does it merely delay the inevitable waft until you are uncomfortably close to the disposal point? A good seal and material thickness were key here.
C. Ease of Use:
Imagine standing outside in the cold, or with gloves on, fumbling with a bag that refuses to open. Frustrating, right? I looked for bags that were easy to tear off the roll, simple to open, and big enough to comfortably maneuver. They also needed to fit snugly on my standard leash dispenser – because convenience matters when you are on the go. Tying a secure knot was also a must.
Imagine standing outside in the cold, or with gloves on, fumbling with a bag that refuses to open. Frustrating, right? I looked for bags that were easy to tear off the roll, simple to open, and big enough to comfortably maneuver. They also needed to fit snugly on my standard leash dispenser – because convenience matters when you are on the go. Tying a secure knot was also a must.
D. The "Compostable" Factor (The Big Question):
This was, of course, the core of my investigation. Did I try home composting them? Yes, I did, with limited and mostly unsuccessful results. I explain why shortly, but typically, home composting piles do not reach the sustained high temperatures or have the specific microbial communities required for certified compostable bags to break down properly and quickly. They might degrade a little, but often not completely. More importantly, I investigated whether municipal or industrial composting facilities were even an option in my area. For many, this is the only *true* way these bags will break down as intended. Unfortunately, in many communities, this infrastructure simply does not exist for pet waste. Finally, I considered the landfill scenario: what happens if these bags inevitably end up there anyway? The reality is that in an oxygen-deprived landfill, their decomposition rate may not be significantly faster than traditional plastic bags, though their production impact is still lower.
This was, of course, the core of my investigation. Did I try home composting them? Yes, I did, with limited and mostly unsuccessful results. I explain why shortly, but typically, home composting piles do not reach the sustained high temperatures or have the specific microbial communities required for certified compostable bags to break down properly and quickly. They might degrade a little, but often not completely. More importantly, I investigated whether municipal or industrial composting facilities were even an option in my area. For many, this is the only *true* way these bags will break down as intended. Unfortunately, in many communities, this infrastructure simply does not exist for pet waste. Finally, I considered the landfill scenario: what happens if these bags inevitably end up there anyway? The reality is that in an oxygen-deprived landfill, their decomposition rate may not be significantly faster than traditional plastic bags, though their production impact is still lower.
E. Cost:
While I was willing to pay a premium for a more environmentally friendly product, I still needed to assess if the cost was significantly higher than traditional plastic bags. Was the peace of mind worth the extra cents per bag? This was a practical consideration for a long-term switch.
While I was willing to pay a premium for a more environmentally friendly product, I still needed to assess if the cost was significantly higher than traditional plastic bags. Was the peace of mind worth the extra cents per bag? This was a practical consideration for a long-term switch.
IV. The Field Test: Blackie's Poo Bag Performance Review
Alright, it is time for the main event: the real-world, paw-on-pavement performance review of the compostable bags I have tested. Blackie, of course, remained blissfully unaware of his crucial role in this scientific endeavor.
A. Brand/Type 1 (The Starchy Ones):
My first foray into compostable bags was with a popular brand that felt distinctly "starchy" to the touch, almost like a thick paper bag but flexible. They often had a slightly opaque, off-white appearance.
Initial Impression: The texture felt sturdy and robust, which immediately put my finger-poke fears at ease. They tore easily from the roll and were quite large, which was good for Blackie's larger deposits.
Performance: Strength was excellent; I never experienced a rip or tear. They handled his contributions admirably. Smell containment was decent, though not perfect; you could still catch a faint whiff if you held it too close, but it was certainly better than flimsy plastic. Ease of use was good; they opened fairly easily, even in colder weather, and tied securely.
Compostability Observation: I did try burying a few of these in my active home compost pile. After a few weeks, they were softer and a bit discolored, but they were still very much intact. This confirmed my research: home composting is not typically the right environment for them. They felt like they *could* decompose, given the right conditions, but those conditions were not in my backyard.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Very strong, good size, relatively easy to open.
Cons: Not truly home compostable, smell containment only decent, sometimes felt a little stiff.
My first foray into compostable bags was with a popular brand that felt distinctly "starchy" to the touch, almost like a thick paper bag but flexible. They often had a slightly opaque, off-white appearance.
Initial Impression: The texture felt sturdy and robust, which immediately put my finger-poke fears at ease. They tore easily from the roll and were quite large, which was good for Blackie's larger deposits.
Performance: Strength was excellent; I never experienced a rip or tear. They handled his contributions admirably. Smell containment was decent, though not perfect; you could still catch a faint whiff if you held it too close, but it was certainly better than flimsy plastic. Ease of use was good; they opened fairly easily, even in colder weather, and tied securely.
Compostability Observation: I did try burying a few of these in my active home compost pile. After a few weeks, they were softer and a bit discolored, but they were still very much intact. This confirmed my research: home composting is not typically the right environment for them. They felt like they *could* decompose, given the right conditions, but those conditions were not in my backyard.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Very strong, good size, relatively easy to open.
Cons: Not truly home compostable, smell containment only decent, sometimes felt a little stiff.
B. Brand/Type 2 (The Thicker, Plant-Based Ones):
Next up were bags advertised as made from a combination of corn starch and other plant-based polymers, feeling noticeably thicker and a bit more pliable than the first type. They often had a slightly greener or darker tint.
Initial Impression: These felt almost rubbery in a good way, very flexible and substantial. They inspired confidence just by touch.
Performance: Strength was outstanding – easily the best of the bunch. They were incredibly durable and stretch-resistant, never threatening a breach. Smell containment was also excellent; the thicker material seemed to do a better job of trapping odors. Ease of use was mostly good, though the thicker material sometimes made them a tiny bit harder to initially separate and open compared to the starchy ones, but once open, they were a breeze to use and tie.
Compostability Observation: Similar to the first type, these did not break down in my home compost. They showed signs of softening but remained largely intact. Again, highlighting the need for industrial facilities.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Superior strength and durability, excellent smell containment, good size.
Cons: Can be a tiny bit harder to open due to thickness, also not for home composting.
Next up were bags advertised as made from a combination of corn starch and other plant-based polymers, feeling noticeably thicker and a bit more pliable than the first type. They often had a slightly greener or darker tint.
Initial Impression: These felt almost rubbery in a good way, very flexible and substantial. They inspired confidence just by touch.
Performance: Strength was outstanding – easily the best of the bunch. They were incredibly durable and stretch-resistant, never threatening a breach. Smell containment was also excellent; the thicker material seemed to do a better job of trapping odors. Ease of use was mostly good, though the thicker material sometimes made them a tiny bit harder to initially separate and open compared to the starchy ones, but once open, they were a breeze to use and tie.
Compostability Observation: Similar to the first type, these did not break down in my home compost. They showed signs of softening but remained largely intact. Again, highlighting the need for industrial facilities.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Superior strength and durability, excellent smell containment, good size.
Cons: Can be a tiny bit harder to open due to thickness, also not for home composting.
C. Brand/Type 3 (The Super Thin Ones):
My third test involved a brand that claimed to be compostable but felt incredibly thin, almost like a standard plastic grocery bag, just with a slightly different texture. They were often a very light green or blue.
Initial Impression: My first thought was, "Uh oh." They felt flimsy right out of the box, and my finger-poke anxiety immediately spiked.
Performance: Predictably, strength was an issue here. While they did not rip *every* time, I had a couple of close calls and one definite tear during a very unfortunate scoop. This was a deal-breaker for me. Smell containment was also poor due to the thinness; odors permeated fairly easily. Ease of use was good in terms of opening, as they were so thin, but tying them securely felt less reliable.
Compostability Observation: Given their thinness, I actually expected these to break down *more* easily in my home compost, but they behaved much like the others – partial softening, but no full disintegration.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Easy to open.
Cons: Prone to tearing, poor smell containment, still not home compostable, less reliable overall. I quickly abandoned these.
My third test involved a brand that claimed to be compostable but felt incredibly thin, almost like a standard plastic grocery bag, just with a slightly different texture. They were often a very light green or blue.
Initial Impression: My first thought was, "Uh oh." They felt flimsy right out of the box, and my finger-poke anxiety immediately spiked.
Performance: Predictably, strength was an issue here. While they did not rip *every* time, I had a couple of close calls and one definite tear during a very unfortunate scoop. This was a deal-breaker for me. Smell containment was also poor due to the thinness; odors permeated fairly easily. Ease of use was good in terms of opening, as they were so thin, but tying them securely felt less reliable.
Compostability Observation: Given their thinness, I actually expected these to break down *more* easily in my home compost, but they behaved much like the others – partial softening, but no full disintegration.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Easy to open.
Cons: Prone to tearing, poor smell containment, still not home compostable, less reliable overall. I quickly abandoned these.
V. My Overall Verdict: Do They *Really* Work?
After months of dedicated poo patrol and testing, my overall verdict on compostable dog waste bags is a resounding "Yes, but..." It is a nuanced answer, as is often the case with environmental solutions.**A. The "Yes, But..." Conclusion:**
Yes, for containment: Without a doubt, the better quality compostable bags (like the starchy ones and especially the thicker, plant-based ones) certainly pick up poo just fine. They are strong enough, generally contain odors well, and are perfectly functional for their primary purpose of waste collection. From a pure usability standpoint, many of them perform as well as, or even better than, traditional plastic bags.
But, for "compostable": Here is where the major caveat lies. The *true* compostability of these bags relies almost entirely on access to industrial composting facilities. As my home composting attempts confirmed, they are generally *not* designed for home composting. Your backyard pile, while wonderful for vegetable scraps and leaves, typically does not reach the sustained high temperatures and specific microbial balance required for these certified bags to fully break down. Furthermore, and this is a critical point, if these "compostable" bags end up in a typical landfill, which is an oxygen-deprived environment, they are unlikely to break down significantly faster than regular plastic. They will simply sit there, perhaps taking a bit less time than virgin plastic, but not fulfilling their true "compostable" promise.
**B. The Environmental Impact:**
Despite the landfill caveat, I still believe that certified compostable bags are a better choice than virgin plastic bags. Why? Because they are made from renewable resources, primarily plant-based materials like corn starch, potato starch, or other bioplastics. This means their production reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which is a significant environmental benefit in itself. While their end-of-life scenario might be imperfect without industrial composting, the upstream impact (how they are made) is undeniably better. They *can* biodegrade into natural components in the right environment, unlike traditional plastic bags which never truly biodegrade but rather fragment into microplastics. It is a step in the right direction, even if the infrastructure has not caught up everywhere.
**C. Cost versus Conscience:**
Yes, compostable bags are generally more expensive than their traditional plastic counterparts. Sometimes significantly so. Is the higher price tag justified for the peace of mind, even with the caveats about their decomposition in a landfill? For me, often yes. The knowledge that I am supporting companies that use renewable resources, and that if by some chance they *do* end up in an industrial compost facility, they will break down completely, is worth the premium. It is a personal choice, of course, but one I feel good about.
VI. Recommendations and Blackie's Woof-Woof Wisdom
So, what is a responsible dog owner to do? Based on Blackie's extensive testing and my own research, here are my recommendations:
A. If You Have Access to Industrial Composting:
Absolutely, without a doubt, go for certified compostable bags. This is where these bags truly shine and fulfill their environmental promise. Check with your local waste management services to see if they accept pet waste in their municipal composting programs. If they do, then these bags are the perfect solution.
Absolutely, without a doubt, go for certified compostable bags. This is where these bags truly shine and fulfill their environmental promise. Check with your local waste management services to see if they accept pet waste in their municipal composting programs. If they do, then these bags are the perfect solution.
B. If You Do Not Have Access:
This is the more common scenario for many of us. Even without industrial composting, certified compostable bags are still a better production choice because they rely on renewable resources instead of fossil fuels. However, you must manage your expectations about their decomposition in a landfill. They will likely not disappear quickly. In this scenario, consider alternative solutions if practical for your situation, such as dedicated "Poop Scoopers" for your own yard (though less practical for walks), or specialized in-ground pet waste disposal systems that act like mini septic tanks for pet waste.
This is the more common scenario for many of us. Even without industrial composting, certified compostable bags are still a better production choice because they rely on renewable resources instead of fossil fuels. However, you must manage your expectations about their decomposition in a landfill. They will likely not disappear quickly. In this scenario, consider alternative solutions if practical for your situation, such as dedicated "Poop Scoopers" for your own yard (though less practical for walks), or specialized in-ground pet waste disposal systems that act like mini septic tanks for pet waste.
C. What to Look For When Buying:
Always check for certifications! Look for ASTM D6400 (North America) or EN 13432 (Europe) logos on the packaging. These are your guarantees that the bag will actually break down under the right conditions. Read online reviews for durability and ease of use – remember my experience with the super thin ones! And whatever you do, do not be fooled by "biodegradable" alone; that term is simply not enough.
Always check for certifications! Look for ASTM D6400 (North America) or EN 13432 (Europe) logos on the packaging. These are your guarantees that the bag will actually break down under the right conditions. Read online reviews for durability and ease of use – remember my experience with the super thin ones! And whatever you do, do not be fooled by "biodegradable" alone; that term is simply not enough.
D. Blackie's Final Thoughts (via me, of course):
Blackie, if he could talk beyond barks and tail wags, would probably agree with me. It is not a perfect solution for every single person or every single situation, but it is a definite step in the right direction. Every little bit helps when it comes to reducing our environmental footprint. If we can make small, conscious choices every day, like opting for a more responsibly produced poo bag, it adds up to a significant impact. He is a happy dog, and a happy dog means a happy planet, or at least a slightly less polluted one.
Blackie, if he could talk beyond barks and tail wags, would probably agree with me. It is not a perfect solution for every single person or every single situation, but it is a definite step in the right direction. Every little bit helps when it comes to reducing our environmental footprint. If we can make small, conscious choices every day, like opting for a more responsibly produced poo bag, it adds up to a significant impact. He is a happy dog, and a happy dog means a happy planet, or at least a slightly less polluted one.
VII. Conclusion: Continuing the Eco-Journey
To summarize, compostable dog waste bags do work effectively as a cleaner alternative for containing Blackie’s daily contributions. They are sturdy, reliable, and a functional replacement for traditional plastic. However, their full "compostable" benefit is truly unlocked only when they are disposed of in specific industrial composting facilities, a luxury not yet available to all of us. If you do not have access to such facilities, while their end-of-life benefit is diminished, their upstream environmental impact (using renewable resources) still makes them a more responsible choice than virgin plastic bags.My hope for the future is that we see better and more widespread composting infrastructure across our towns and cities. Imagine a world where every dog owner could confidently toss their certified compostable bag into a municipal compost bin, knowing it would return to the earth as intended. Until then, we do our best with the options available.
Now, it is your turn! What are your experiences with compostable bags? Have you found any brands you absolutely love or hate? How do you manage your dog’s contributions responsibly in your area? Share your thoughts and wisdom in the comments below!
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