Faced with the myriad of trash bags on the market, selecting practical and safe ones has become a challenge for many consumers. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide to choosing bin bags.
How many types of garbage bags are there? The top of the garbage bags can be flat, vest or drawstring, while the bottom can be flat or folded. We will set aside these styles and classify them solely based on the raw materials used in the garbage bags. Garbage bags are classified into two main types: ordinary plastic garbage bags and degradable garbage bags.
Key Points for Selecting Plastic Trash Bags
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Balancing Price and Quality
When purchasing trash bags, price is often the first factor consumers consider. However, an excessively low price often comes at the cost of quality. Based on shared experiences, the price of a high-quality 4-gallon trash bag should be around $0.15, and a 30-gallon trash bag should cost around $0.3. Although the unit price of garbage bags is affected by factors such as order quantity, size, thickness, and printing patterns, products priced significantly below this range are likely to be of substandard quality. These low-quality trash bags are prone to tearing, which is inconvenient to use and can lead to waste spillage, making cleaning difficult.
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Thickness Determines Durability
The thickness of a trash bag is a key indicator of its durability. Generally, 1 mil (0.0254 mm) is the most common thickness for standard trash bags. However, for greater reliability, it is recommended to choose bags with a thickness of at least 3 mil, preferably 4 mil or 6 mil for heavy-duty or contractor use. These thicker contractor bags are more robust and less likely to tear or puncture when handling sharp objects.
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Optimal Capacity for Garbage Collection
The trash bag should be slightly taller than the trash can to allow folding over the rim. If your kitchen trash can holds 13 gallons, a 13-gallon bag (standard) or a 16-gallon bag (for extra overhang) would work.
To better understand size selection, here are common garbage bag specifications and their applications:
Small trash bags: 4-8 gallon trash bags. Ideal for small bins in bathrooms, offices and bedrooms.
Medium-sized trash bags: 10-13 gallon trash bags. The most versatile size for household use.
Large trash bags: 20-30 gallon trash bags. Suitable for Large kitchen bins, outdoor garbage cans.
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Avoiding Non-compliant Trash Bags
There is a large number of non-compliant (no brand, no production license, no quality certification) trash bags on the market. These products often have unstable quality and may even contain harmful substances. When purchasing, opt for products with brands and production license information to avoid pitfalls. Additionally, colored trash bags are more conducive to garbage classification.
Red & Yellow Trash Bags: Harmful substances or medical waste.
Blue Trash Bags: Recyclable and reusable waste, such as plastic and paper.
Green Trash Bags: Organic or biodegradable waste, such as food scraps and fallen leaves.
The use of these colors helps enhance environmental awareness and the correct way to handle garbage.
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Purchasing from Formal Channels
To ensure the purchase of reliable-quality trash bags, it is recommended to source products through verified channels such as major retailers Walmart and Amazon.com, or search for authorized wholesalers via Google. When shopping online, use specific search terms like “1 mil trash bags” or “heavy-duty plastic trash bags”. Always verify the product’s compliance with national standards and look for quality certifications in the product descriptions.
In many regions, governments have begun banning non-degradable plastic bags. Consequently, an increasing number of consumers are switching to compostable alternatives for their daily needs. (Click here to learn about: Bulk order compostable bags)
Guide to Selecting Compostable Trash Bags
To ensure compostable garbage bags are truly compostable, you need to consider several key factors beyond the standard parameters (like thickness, durability, and size) used for regular garbage bags.
Verify the Compostability of Trash Bags:
Certified Compostable Trash Bags: Compostable Trash bags have been rigorously tested and meet specific standards for biodegrading in a composting environment. Look for certifications that guarantee they will break down into compost, leaving no harmful residues. They are designed to be broken down in a home compost pile or a commercial composting facility.
Key Certifications to Look For:
- BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute): This is a widely recognized certification in North America. The BPI certification ensures that the bag meets ASTM D6400 standards, meaning it’s suitable for commercial composting.
- European Certifications (e.g., EN 13432, OK Compost): EN 13432 is a European standard that specifies the requirements for compostability. OK Compost also certifies the bags for different composting systems.
A compostable bag should clearly display the certification logo. Look for terms like “compostable,” “certified compostable,” and the specific certification logo (e.g., BPI logo). Don’t rely on vague claims like “eco-friendly” or “environmentally friendly” alone. Always look for a recognized certification logo.
Matching the Right Compostable Bag to Your Composting System
The type of bag you need depends on how you compost.
- Backyard Composting: Choose bags certified for home composting. Opt for moderately thick bags, as overly thick ones may decompose more slowly. To facilitate breakdown, cut or tear the compostable bag into smaller pieces before adding it to your compost pile. Ideally, bury the bag in an active area of the pile and mix it with other organic materials, such as leaves and food scraps. However, avoid overloading the pile with too many bags at once, as this could disrupt the composting process.
- Commercial Composting Facilities: Bags certified for commercial composting facilities are essential. First, contact your local composting program to confirm which certifications they accept (e.g., BPI). This step ensures your bags meet the facility’s requirements and avoid contamination issues.
General FAQs about Compostable Trash Bags
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Are compostable bags really better than plastic?
Yes, when used correctly, compostable bags significantly reduce landfill waste and contribute to soil health, unlike traditional plastic bags.
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Can I compost anything in a compostable bag?
Yes, the bags are designed for composting food scraps and other compostable materials. Be sure to check with the bag’s guidelines.
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What about the bags that claim to be “biodegradable”?
Be cautious! Biodegradable bags break down over time, but the term “biodegradable” does not automatically imply “compostable.” In fact, these bags may fragment into microplastics or degrade in ways that offer no soil benefits. The label “biodegradable” is broad and vague. It does not guarantee that the bag will fully decompose into nutrient-rich compost. Some biodegradable bags rely on chemical additives to facilitate degradation, which can leave behind harmful residues. Additionally, many manufacturers use traditional plastics blended with additives intended to speed up breakdown. Consequently, consumers should exercise extreme caution. These bags are rarely suitable for composting, and using them risks contaminating home compost piles or municipal composting programs.
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What materials are commonly used for compostable bin liners?
PLA (Polylactic Acid): Derived from plant-based sources like corn starch or sugarcane. PLA offers good strength and clarity, making it a popular choice. PLA is a Renewable resource and is often transparent or translucent. However, it may require higher temperatures for complete breakdown, especially in backyard composting systems.
PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate): A biodegradable polymer often used in conjunction with PLA. More flexible and degradable than PLA. But sometimes feel less sturdy than PLA bags.
Other plant-based and biodegradable materials: You might encounter compostable trash bags made from other plant-based starches or blends. These vary depending on the specific material. While certified compostable trash bags are designed to break down, their breakdown time can vary. They may take longer in a backyard composting system and may need to be cut or torn to help them break down efficiently.
Conclusion
Although garbage bags are small items, they are crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. When purchasing trash bags, we should comprehensively consider factors such as price, quality, thickness, brand, and usage scenarios to avoid pitfalls and select the right styles. Whether choosing ordinary trash bags or compostable trash bags, it is essential to buy from formal channels and select reliable-quality products. Only in this way can we use them with greater peace of mind and confidence.
