Trash Bags & Garbage Bags

Whether you have a two-person office or a much larger staff, a single-person household or a large family, waste is an inescapable part of life. For responsible waste management, you need to find a suitable trash bag for your needs.

Trash bag types

Different types and sizes of garbage bags are available to suit different needs, and they can be packaged as coreless rolls or flat packs. There are biohazard bags for medical waste, large contractor bags for construction debris, industrial garbage bags for factories and manufacturing plants, tall kitchen trash bags for food waste, lawn and leaf bags for yard waste, and bags designed for recycling. Some trash bags are even made more environmentally friendly and are available in compostable options or options created from recycled content.

Securing your trash

Once you have decided on the type of garbage bag you need, you should consider how you want to keep your trash secure. Drawstring trash bags have a drawstring that cinches the bag closed, and trash can liners are designed to fit perfectly inside a trash can. The drawstring secures the can liner to the bin while in use and then cinches the bag closed when it is time to take out the trash. Flap tie garbage bags have flaps that you can tie shut. Another aspect of securing your trash to consider is the odor control qualities of a trash bag. If you are storing waste for an extended period of time, you might want to consider using a scented, odor-control trash bag. These trash bags have a scented additive that helps mask and control trash's inherent smelliness.

Trash bag strength

You also have to decide whether you want a standard trash bag or a heavy duty garbage bag. Heavy duty trash bags are made of high-density plastic and are thick, flexible, and highly resistant to tearing. A high-density, heavy duty garbage bag is perfect for construction waste, industrial kitchen trash, and any other type of jagged, sharp, or heavy garbage. Standard trash bags are typically made with lower density plastic that is thinner and less resistant to puncturing but still excellent for home kitchens and office breakrooms.

FAQ

How do I know what size trash bags to buy?

Measure your trash can to determine the right size of trash bag. For the width, measure across the bottom of the can, then measure the sides for height. If your trash can is a typical circular kitchen size, you will need bags with about 13 to 30 gallons capacity. For small bathroom bins, 4-gallon bags are usually sufficient.

What do different colors of trash bags mean?

Different colors of garbage bags often indicate their intended use. For example, black bags are commonly used for general waste, blue bags are typically for recycling, red bags can signal hazardous or medical waste, and clear bags might be used where contents need to be visible, like recycling or at security events.

Are trash bags recyclable?

Most trash bags are made from plastic materials like low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and are technically recyclable, but they are often not accepted in curbside recycling programs due to contamination risks. Check with your local recycling program to see if they have special instructions for recycling clean and dry bags.

What sizes do trash bags come in?

Trash bags come in various sizes, often measured by their capacity in gallons. Common sizes include small bags for bathroom and office bins (4-8 gallons), medium bags for kitchen bins (13-20 gallons), and large bags for outdoor and commercial cans (30-60 gallons). When purchasing, always check the volume and dimensions to ensure they fit your specific bin.