5 Tips For Choosing The Right Garbage Bags

30 Dec.,2024

 

5 Tips For Choosing The Right Garbage Bags

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        Highlights

     

      • Garbage bags come in various types, including compostable, traditional plastic, biodegradable, scented, heavy-duty contractor, drawstring, recycling, and biohazard bags. Each type is designed for a particular use and waste disposal needs.

      • Choosing the right garbage bag is crucial for efficient waste management and avoiding issues like waste overflow and torn bags. Factors to consider to help you choose the right garbage bag include size and capacity, material and environmental impact, strength and durability, handle options, and odor control.

    5 Tips for Choosing the Right Garbage Bags

    Let's talk about something we all use daily for waste management'garbage bags. Also known as trash bags, bin bags, rubbish bags, bin liners, or refuse sacks. Garbage bags are used for collecting, storing, and disposing of waste.

    Unsurprising, this may be the fundamental knowledge you have about these bags.  Do you know there are different types of garbage bags, each designed for a specific purpose? 

    In this article, we've explained the things to consider in choosing the right garbage bag. But before that, let's look at the different types of garbage bags.

    Types of Garbage Bags

    With a wide variety of garbage bags available, each designed for a particular use and waste disposal needs, you can feel confident in your ability to choose the right one. Whether you're dealing with everyday household waste, heavy-duty construction debris, or recyclable materials, there's a garbage bag designed to meet your needs. 

    Compostable Garbage Bags

    Compostable garbage bags are designed to decompose in a composting environment. So, if you're looking for an eco-friendly garbage bag, a compostable garbage bag is that bag!

    What's more? Compostable garbage bags are perfect for compostable organic waste, such as leftover foods and green yard waste.

    Traditional Plastic Garbage Bags

    These types of garbage bags are the ones you probably use the most at home for your everyday household waste. What are they made of? They are usually made from Polyethylene(PE)'HDPE or LDPE. 

    When it comes to when to use them, traditional plastic garbage bags are perfect for office trash, kitchen waste, and general household waste. 

    Biodegradable Plastic garbage Bags

    Like traditional plastic garbage bags, these garbage bags are made from plastic, with special additives that help them break down faster than regular plastic trash bags. Biodegradable garbage bags can decompose in just a few months, leaving no harmful residue behind. This makes them more environmentally friendly and perfect for your everyday waste, especially if you wish to reduce your environmental footprint.

    Scented Garbage Bags

    Want to keep your garbage area smelling fresh and pleasant every day? Scented garbage bags are the perfect option! These bags come with added fragrances to help cover up offensive smells.

    What material are these types of bags made of? Scented garbage bags are made of polyethylene mixed with scent agents. They are perfect for your kitchen waste or any waste that might get smelly.

    Heavy Duty Contractor Garbage Bags

    As the name suggests, these are heavy-duty garbage bags made for construction and renovation projects and heavy-duty cleanups. These bags are incredibly strong and resistant to tearing, so you can use them for the sharpest and heaviest waste without worrying about them ripping.

    When to use them? They are perfect for the disposal of bulky household items, construction debris such as bricks, tiles, and concrete, and for your yard clippings.

    Drawstring Garbage Bags

    These are convenient trash bags with in-built drawstring for easy sealing and carrying. Drawstring garbage bags are fantastic for collecting waste from your kitchen and bathroom. 

    All you need to do is pull the drawstring, and the bag will seal tightly. What next? Just carry them to your curbside bin. Such a quick and hassle-free disposal bag, right?

    Recycling Garbage Bags

    If you want to sort your trash into recyclable and non-recyclable materials, then recycling bags is your go-to helper. These are special bags for collecting recyclables such as plastic, glass, metal, and paper. Recycling garbage bags are often made of clear or blue-tinted polyethylene so you can easily see what's inside and sort them accordingly.

    As the name suggests, they are made using recycled plastic. Do you know why this is great? Using them helps reduce the production of new plastic, which is fantastic for reducing waste and conserving resources.

    Biohazard Garbage Bags

    Biohazard garbage bags are designed for safe disposal of medical and hazardous waste that may pose a health risk to humans. You find these bags in hospitals, labs, and other medical facilities.

    Tips for Choosing the Right Garbage Bags

    Choosing the right garbage bags might not seem like a big deal. But did you know that buying the wrong garbage bag can leave you with avoidable problems such as waste overflow and torn bags?

    You might be wondering how you can make the right choice from so many options in the market. But do not panic! 

    To make this easier, we have outlined vital factors you need to consider before picking a garbage bag. When you take time to consider these factors, you can  make choices that keep your waste management hassle-free and efficient in the long run:

    If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Biodegradable Hazardous Waste Bags Supplier.

    Size and Capacity

    When picking a garbage bag, the first things you should consider are its size and capacity. Ensure the bag size matches your trash bin's dimensions so you can easily put it in and take it out without making a mess. Since every trash bin varies, you should measure yours to find the correct dimension.

    Next, consider the bag's capacity, which is how much waste it can hold, usually measured in gallons or liters. Consider how much trash your household or workplace generates to choose the right size. 

    You don't want a bag that's too small and ends up causing an overflow, nor do you need one that's too big and wasteful. At St. Boniface's Bags, you can find a range of garbage bag sizes to meet your specific needs.

    Material and Environmental Impact

    Another vital thing to consider is the garbage bag material and how it affects the environment. Garbage bags come in various materials, like plastic, biodegradable, and recycled. 

    Plastic bags are affordable and work well, but they're not the most environmentally friendly. Biodegradable bags are more expensive but are a better option if eco-friendliness is your thing. Recycled bags are also a good choice if you want a sustainable option. 

    Strength and Durability

    Garbage bags should be strong and durable enough to hold their contents without leaking or tearing. So before buying one, consider the kind of waste you usually dispose of and pick a bag that's strong enough for it.

    For heavy or sharp items, choose garbage bags with reinforced bottoms or thicker materials. Also, look for puncture-resistant bags to avoid unexpected spills or leaks.

    Handle Options

    Trash bags have different handle options, like drawstrings, tie handles, and reinforced grips. The type you choose can make a big difference in convenience. For instance, drawstrings make it super easy to close and lift the bag, reducing the risk of spills and messes. 

    Tie handles, on the other hand, let you manually tie the bag for a secure seal. What about reinforced grips? They are great for carrying heavier loads, giving you better stability and comfort without straining your arms.

    Odour Control

    To avoid unpleasant odors from your garbage bag, look for ones with built-in odor control, like scented bags. These help mask or neutralize offensive smells, keeping your space fresh and pleasant.

    Looking for the Best Garbage Bags Supplier in Canada and Across the US?

    St. Boniface Bag Company has got you covered! We sell, ship, and deliver garbage bags of any size or thickness you want to anywhere you are in Canada or the United States. Check out our garbage bag options and contact us now to place your order.

    FAQs

    What Garbage Bag Size Should I Use for My Trash Can?

    For the bag width, use half of the outer circumference of the container'This would apply to either square or round containers. Then, for the bag height (concerning round containers), use the container's height plus half of its diameter plus three to six inches (for overhang or tie). For the bag height (concerning square or rectangular containers), use the container's height plus the container's bottom's longer diagonal, plus three to six inches (for overhang or tie).

    Can I Use Garbage Bags For Storing Items Other Than Trash?

    Absolutely! You can use garbage bags to store various items other than trash. You can utilize them to store your dirty clothes and shoes or your seasonal clothing to protect them from dust and moisture. 

    What Materials Are Garbage Bags Made From?

    Garbage bags are made from Polyethylene(PE)'one of the most popularly used commodity plastics. They are available as either low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or High-density polyethylene (LDPE). Some garbage bags are made from plant-based materials such as potato starch or cornstarch  

    Compostable Trash & Kitchen Bags You Must Try: HoldOn ...

    Hold on, wait a minute! It can take hundreds to thousands of years for plastic to break down in a landfill? I can't be the only one that thinks that is insane! 

    And, you know what's even worse? 

    Often, plastic doesn't completely break down ' it ends up in our environment as microplastics ' I am sure you've heard of those micro-guys making their way into our water and even the air! According to National Geographic, micro-plastics have been found in marine organisms, seafood, and drinking water. It also can bind with other harmful chemicals ' creating even more problems for the environment. 

    If you've been hanging around here for a while, you know I have tried to ditch as much plastic as possible, from toothpaste tubes to dog poop bags and everything in between. As I watch the world literally burn, I feel compelled to do whatever I can, and I'm not the only one that feels that way.

    Enter, HoldOn bags!

    They were stopped dead in their tracks because 100 billion plastic bags end up in the landfill annually, making them say, 'Hold on a second!?' So, they set out to create plant-based, non-toxic, compostable trash, sandwich, and gallon bags to do something about it. 

    I've looked at countless biodegradable and compostable bags that tout that the product will break down cleanly, but often, in tiny print, it will say, 'commercial composting only.' Maybe that's ok, but I would feel a lot better if I could just do it at home. HoldOn promises that their bags will break down in your home compost (but also in the landfill and industrial composts) in a matter of weeks, not centuries, and over the last month, I set out to see if that was indeed the case. 

    Some of the links in this article maybe affiliate links. At no cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

    HoldOn Compostable Kitchen Bag Review

    What are HoldOn's Compostable Bags Made Of?

    HoldOn uses PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate), PLC (Polylactic Acid), and corn starch to create their bags. PBAT is a biodegradable polymer that requires less oil to create, and PLC is a monomer that often comes from sugar or corn; and I think you already know what corn starch is! These three ingredients create bags that are not only durable, but also safe for the environment. 

    But, if you don't believe me that they are safe, you should also check out their certifications. 

    All of HoldOn's compostable bags are BPI and TUV certified, which are the highest certifications for composability. The BPI certification means the bags have been rigorously tested in a commercial composting facility and do not leave a synthetic residue. The TUV certification is the most challenging to achieve and means that the bags have passed stringent tests for at-home composting.

    Often with compostable bags that you'll find online, they will either have no certifications (it isn't regulated) or just the BPI certification.

    So now that you have some background on the HoldOn bag lineup let's look at what they have to offer and how they performed. 

    HoldOn Compostable Product Lineup

    Currently, HoldOn offers a kitchen lineup of products that includes compostable tall garbage bags, small garbage bags, zip seal sandwich bags, and zip seal gallon bags. 

    All of the bags can be purchased individually or as a set. If you decide that you want to try out the products, make sure that you use the code VEGGIESABROAD for a free pack of sandwich bags with a purchase of their household staples set.

    Compostable & Biodegradable Garbage Bags

    The first thing that we were excited to try was the garbage bags. In full transparency, we were already using compostable trash bags from another company, but they weren't TUV certified, so I was eager to find out if HoldOn's bags would be able to get the dirty job done. 

    I noticed first that the bags feel really durable, which I didn't expect for something that should break down in a matter of weeks. So, the first week we used them, I was a bit nervous shoveling cat litter and everything else under the sun into them.

    When trash day came, we pulled the bags out with one eye open, half expecting a giant mess, but there was no mess! The bags were still in excellent shape and strong enough to carry a week's worth of household trash plus a whole other bag filled with cat litter ' keep in mind we have three cats, and they are messy, so that wasn't a small nor light bag. 

    We also changed the cat litter, which cat owners reading this know that some bags can't stand up to that amount of weight; the HoldOn trash bags had no issues!

    As for the small trash bags, we used them in a couple of little trash cans (we usually don't use a liner, but for this purpose, we decided to use them). You can also use them in a compost bucket, or the other genius idea I had is for cleaning up after your cat (or maybe even dogs too). When we have a pet sitter, we have a stash of old plastic bags (which breaks my heart) that they use to clean the litter box; these small compostable trash bags would be so perfect for that! You could probably use them as dog poop bags, too ' I love it when you can find multiple uses for things. 

    Compostable & Biodegradable Sandwich & Gallon Bags

    I can't tell you the last time we had sandwich bags in our home! We kicked those to the curb in favor of reusable bags years ago. If I end up with little plastic bags, I always try to wash them and use them until they fall apart ' it drives Matt bananas, but we have to protect Mother Nature, right!? So, I was super excited to test these out.

    We used the bags in various ways ' they went in Matt's lunch, stored cookies and produce, and even traveled with me. Honestly, I didn't notice any difference between these and regular ole evil plastic bags; they kept food fresh, didn't break down, and could easily be rinsed out and used again.

    To test their durability, I took one of the gallon bags, filled it with water, and let it sit in the sink overnight. It was still waiting for me in the morning, with no leaks!

    Now the big challenge would be our home compost. To be fair, we don't have a fancy composter; Matt made one out of old recycling bins ' figured it should get the job done and find a new way to use something that would get trashed. It honestly works surprisingly well, but I feel I should say that because results could vary if you have a fancy bin.

    So, for composting, HoldOn suggests that you cut the zipper seal off before placing it in your compost. Well, I didn't read that until after I buried it in our compost pile! I had planned to let it just sit in there for two weeks, but Matt forgot and turned the compost sooner when I was out of town ' I thought my experiment was ruined, but he said he couldn't find it!

    When I got home, about 10 days after putting it in the compost, I went digging for it. It took me a bit to find it because it had already broken down by about 50% (see photo) ' hooray!

    One note, if you don't have a home compost, no worries! The bags break down regardless of where they end up, even in a landfill or industrial compost.

    Where to Buy HoldOn Compostable Bags

    Hopefully, after reading this, you're inspired to kick those old plastic trash and kitchen bags to the curb! All of their products are only available for purchase online; they also have additional information about the company and helpful FAQs. 

    Check out their full compostable product lineup:

    Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags

    Small Kitchen Garbage Bag

    Zip-Seal Sandwich Bags

    Zip-Seal Gallon Bags

    You can purchase the products individually or as a set (saves you a little money)! If you purchase their household staple set, don't forget to use my code VEGGIESABROAD to get a free package of sandwich bags!

    Looking for Other Plastic-Free & Eco-Friendly Products?

    If you're interested in swapping out more items around your home or in your beauty cabinet, be sure to check out these two articles:

    Zero-Waste & Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Cleancult Review
    12 Everyday Zero-Waste & Eco-Friendly Products

    For more Biodegradable Picnic Bags Supplierinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.