Arm & Hammer MAX Blackout vs Cornstarch Waste Bags
By Petmate | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Comparisons
Compare Arm & Hammer MAX Blackout and Cornstarch waste bags to find the best fit for your dog walking routine. One prioritizes strength and odor blocking, the other uses renewable materials.
Quick answer
If you need maximum tear resistance and odor control on long walks, choose the MAX Blackout bags. If reducing plastic use is a priority and you walk near a compost facility, the Cornstarch bags are a solid alternative, though they are not as puncture-resistant.
What sets them apart
The main difference comes down to material and strength. MAX Blackout bags are 2X thicker than standard Arm & Hammer waste bags and use activated baking soda to block odors and keep the contents out of sight. Cornstarch waste bags are made from 40% cornstarch, which means they break down more readily than conventional plastic bags, but they are only 2X thicker than grocery bags and may not hold up to sharp items like twigs or rough debris.
Both options fit typical dispensers and include odor-control baking soda. The trade-off is straightforward: go for the MAX Blackout when strength and discretion matter most; go for Cornstarch if you want a bag made from renewable materials and have access to industrial composting.
How to decide between them
- MAX Blackout: Strength & odor lock: Choose when you need maximum security against rips and want to hide the contents. The blackout design and extra thickness make it ideal for bagging waste that may be messy or when you carry the bag for a long stretch. Best for daily walks where durability is a must.
- Cornstarch: Renewable materials: Choose when reducing petroleum-based plastic is a priority. These bags compost in industrial facilities (check local rules). They are still thicker than grocery bags, but less durable than the MAX line. Great for eco-conscious owners who compost or prefer plant-based materials.
- Price and value: MAX Blackout: USD 6.69 (compared to USD 9.99). Cornstarch: USD 8.75 (compared to USD 11.99). Both are priced below their comparison prices, with the MAX Blackout being the more economical choice per bag. MAX Blackout offers more bags per dollar; Cornstarch costs a little more for the renewable material.
Product facts at a glance
- Arm & Hammer MAX Blackout Dog Waste Bags: Arm & Hammer MAX Blackout Waste Bags are 2X thicker than standard Arm & Hammer waste bags and designed to block out the mess with a blackout material. If you walk in areas where the bag may snag on bushes or need to contain smelly waste, the extra thickness and opaque design help prevent tears and reduce visual discomfort.
Arm & Hammer MAX Blackout Dog Waste Bags - Arm & Hammer Cornstarch Waste Bags: Arm & Hammer Cornstarch Waste Bags are made from 40% cornstarch and are 2X thicker than grocery bags. For pet owners looking to decrease plastic dependency, these bags offer a plant-based alternative, but they are less puncture-resistant than the MAX Blackout variant.
Arm & Hammer Cornstarch Waste Bags
Which bag fits your routine?
Best for
- dog owners who walk on trails with brush or sharp plants and need a bag that won't tear
- pet parents who want odor control and prefer not to see the waste through the bag
Not ideal for
- those who need fully compostable bags and have access to industrial composting (consider dedicated compostable options instead)
