A trash bag is a trash bag, right? Not so fast. Although trash bags may all seem alike, different types of trash bags are designed for different types of trash. The best questions to ask when choosing a trash bag: What type of trash are you throwing away? Check out the best trash bags to use for your daily trash, yard waste, recycling, and more to streamline your trash collection routine.
Chances are, you probably haven’t thought much about the type of trash bags you use for your everyday household waste.
The fact of the matter is that there are dozens of trash bags that are used for specific trash purposes. Color, thickness, stretchiness, odor control, and price are just some of the factors to consider when choosing your trash bag.
It’s important to use the correct trash bag in many circumstances, such as regular household waste versus collecting yard waste. This will help your local residential trash pick-up service correctly sort garbage.
The Regular Trash Bag
Regular trash bags are commonly used in the kitchen and tend to be between 10 and 20 gallons in size. They are sold in a variety of colors including white, black, grey, and clear. For the most part, regular trash bags can take care of most of your household needs.
Regular trash bags are likely the type you have been buying already. With these bags, you’ll be able to choose between drawstring, flap, or twist tie. You also have other options depending on the brand you buy. Some options include trash bags with stretch technology to prevent tearing and odor control .
The Heavy Duty Trash Bag
Heavy duty trash bags are typically sold in the color back used for heavy-duty and liquid waste.
Heavier trash may break the thinner texture of regular trash bags. These trash bags are designed to manage large, heavy amounts of trash and are commonly used at construction sites and commercial kitchens.
Heavy duty trash bags can also be used for residential use. Some may not realize that most liquid waste, like oil and grease, used oil, or hazardous liquids are supposed to be disposed in a heavy duty trash bag. Yard is also commonly disposed in heavy duty trash bags. Waste isn’t the only reason to use heavy duty trash bags. These can also be used for items that need to be kept clean in storage or for donation items during transport.
Recycling Trash Bag
Recycling trash bags are often seen in office or commercial settings, but can be used at home too. In general, there are two types of recycling trash bags that are used: green bags and blue bags. Green trash bags are most often used for paper recycling goods, including cardboard. Blue trash bags are typically used for glass and metal.
Depending on the rules of your residential trash pick-up service, it may be a good idea to separate your recyclable waste into different colored bags. This will help to ease the trash sorting process. Many people find that recycling trash bags are more convenient. They can help to sort recyclables along the way and keep your recycling trash cans clean.
Compost Trash Bag
Compost trash bags are commonly used in residential settings. These trash bags are typically green and made of compostable materials. This allows the trash to break down without adding pollution to the environment. If your home collects a lot of yard waste, then having compost trash bags is often a good idea.
Yard and kitchen waste, such as coffee grounds, peels or fruits and vegetables, and other compostable food waste can be added to a compost trash bag. Be sure to check with your residential trash pick-up service about adding food waste to your compost trash bags.
The Paper Trash Bag
Paper trash bags are also a good option for people who recycle often.
These trash bags are usually most appropriate for lightweight recyclable goods and some types of cardboard. However, these trash bags are not as durable as plastic and may be harder to come across. Be sure to check with your residential trash pickup company as some may not support the use of paper trash bags.
Small Trash Bags
Small trash bags may also be appropriate for your needs, especially for an at home office or bathrooms.
These trash bags are typically between two and six gallons and come in a variety of colors, scents, and closure types. Contrary to popular belief, you can usually throw small trash bags away individually as part of your residential trash pickup.
Odorless and Scented Trash Bags
Odorless and scented trash bags are additional options for regular trash bags. They are often a preference for many people to control odor.
An odorless trash bag will block any odors from escaping your trash can, which can be very helpful for bathroom and kitchen waste. You may also opt for scented trash bags to make trash collection a bit more pleasant. Usually, odorless and scented trash bags are accepted by residential trash pick-up services without any issues.
Where Should You Put Your Trash?
Regardless of the type of trash bag used, you should always try to fit all trash into your trash can for pick-up.
Most residential trash cans are large enough to hold one to two weeks of garbage per household. If you have a compost or recyclable trash can, you should sort your trash into the correct can for residential pick-up.
Special Residential Trash Rules
Your residential trash pick-up service may have special rules that you need to follow if you have more trash than expected.
Your trash pick-up service may have additional charges for the collection of any bags that do not fit in their designated trash cans. This means you can set out several trash bags on your curb for trash pick-up, but you will likely be billed for the number of additional bags you have.
When To Not Use Trash Bags
There may be times when you are not allowed to use trash bags.
If you have rented a roll-away dumpster, there are special rules for these dumpsters that do not allow you to use any trash bags unless otherwise specified. By not using trash bags, you will simplify the sorting process for your trash pick-up service and avoid additional charges.
When it comes to selecting the best trash bag for your needs, pick the trash bag based on the type of waste you have. Most residential trash pick-up services appreciate proper garbage sorting, which means using the correct bags for certain trash. Recyclable bags should be used for recycling, heavy-duty trash bags should be used for heavy items and liquids, and regular trash bags should be used for everyday household waste.
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