Separate collection of household bio-waste became mandatory across the European Union in 2024, increasing the use of biodegradable paper and plastic liners for kitchen waste. While these materials improve source-separation and hygiene, their behavior during Anaerobic Digestion (AD) remains insufficiently understood and may affect plant performance and digestate quality. This study evaluated five commercially available collection bags – three paper-based and two biodegradable plastic types – under mesophilic batch AD conditions. Paper bags increased methane and biogas yields by approximately 5–20 %, while biodegradable plastics resulted in similar or slightly reduced yields compared to controls. Neither material showed substantial structural degradation, but paper provided additional substrate and surface area, supporting modest efficiency gains. In contrast, persistent plastic fragments in the digestate may limit its agricultural use under strict EU fertilizer regulations, leading to higher post-treatment costs. These findings highlight that paper liners are more compatible with AD-based waste management systems, informing municipalities, policymakers, and operators in selecting collection tools that optimize resource recovery and regulatory compliance.