Even with the best intentions and plastic-reducing methods in our everyday lives, it’s likely that you’re producing some trash that can’t be repurposed or recycled. We all know that plastic carry bags are terrible for the environment – taking decades to photo degrade and eventually becoming microplastics that continue to pollute our oceans for years to come.
Plastic trash bags are no different, but thankfully there are some more eco-friendly alternatives out there that are made from recycled materials or are compostable.
Saying that, there’s no better solution than 1 – try not to create the trash in the first place, and 2 – don’t use a trash bag at all if you can.
Biodegradable Versus Compostable Garbage Bags
There’s often confusion over the terms biodegradable and compostable, so it can be difficult to know which is best.
Biodegradable is where an object breaks down naturally when interacting with bacteria, fungi or microbes. Generally, most things are biodegradable, but it’s how long they take to degrade that’s important and whether the materials it’s made of will release toxic gasses into the environment during the process.
Compostable is where organic products degrade completely without releasing any toxic components during the process. Food scraps and garden waste are great for home composting to recycle into quality fertilizer, but items such as bio-plastics require the right conditions (water, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen) to fully decompose in an industrial composting centre.
Many garbage landfills do not expose trash to these conditions, so using compostable garbage bags for non-organic waste is pretty useless, as it’s likely to take years to break down and can even release methane during the process.
Eco-Friendly Garbage Bags
Stout by Envision EcoSafe-6400 Compostable Trash Bags
Image Credit: Stout
If you have a large family or work in the catering business, chances are you’ll be creating a lot of food waste, so you may want to check out these compostable trash bags that come in a variety of sizes. These Stout EcoSafe compostable bags biodegrade in less than 6 months (in industrial conditions) without leaving behind any toxic residues.
Image Credit: Planet Wise and Walmart
Although this liner is made of plastic, it’s washable and reusable for years to come. Water resistant and leak-proof, any wet waste won’t get into your trash can and the anti-bacterial material will keep your trash can smelling fresh in between washes. If you have the capability to decant your rubbish into a collection bin then this is a great option to single-use bags and they come in a range of colors and designs.
Grove 100% Recycled Plastic Trash Bags
Image Credit: Grove
Grove trash bags are made from 100% recycled plastic that would have otherwise ended up in landfill. Available in 13 and 30 gallon sizes, these drawstring bags are sturdy and don’t contain any new plastic at all. A certified B Corporation, Grove also supports the removal of plastic bags from U.S. waterways with every purchase.
Green Paper Products Biodegradable Trash Bag
Image Credit: Green Paper Products
These heavy-duty trash bags for organic waste are available in a variety of sizes and are made from renewable plant based proprietary resin. Depending on the waste you’re collecting, they are commercially compostable in 50-100 days and are fully certified to ASTM D6400 standards. The translucent material means that you can double check the contents are fully compostable before disposal.
Hippo Sak Ocean Plastic Trash Bags
Image Credit: Hippo Sak
These garbage bags are made from plastic rescued from developing nations that would have otherwise entered our oceans. Good for the planet and for communities, Hippo Sak provides job opportunities for developing countries such as Haiti, employing over 9,000 plastic bag collectors. Super strong and with 4-ply handles, Hippo Saks are guaranteed to not rip or tear, keeping your trash can clean.
GreenPolly Drawstring Trash Bags
Image Credit: GreenPolly
Using recycled materials reduces the amount of plastic that is sent to landfill or requires incineration. GreenPolly’s range of trash bags are made from 80-90% (depending on the product) post-consumer recycled plastic and 10-20% of green polyethylene made from sugarcane (a renewable material). GreenPolly has also donated over 200,000 GreenPolly trash bags to clear up the trash in different communities.
Evolution Bags Kitchen Trash Bags
Image Credit: Evolution Bags
Evolution Bags are made from 70%-94% post consumer recycled materials in sizes 13, 32, or 42 gallons. These trash bags are made in the U.S. and are UL ECOLOGO Certified and EPA compliant. Evolution Bags is part of the 1% of the Planet model, donating 1% of its revenue on its Tall Kitchen Trash Bags and White Rhino Super Tough Trash Bags towards environmental causes.
Boba & Vespa Home Compostable Dog Poop Bags
Image Credit: Boba & Vespa
Boba & Vespa’s dog poop bags are made from vegetable oil and maize flour and are certified for home composting and industrial composting where accepted by your local authority. Sturdy and durable, you won’t have any accidents when picking up after your pet and you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re reducing your single-use plastics. Purchase a starter kit and you’ll receive a cotton poop bag holder.
Image Credit: Seventh Generation Trash Bags
These Seventh Generation Trash Bags are made from 65% post-consumer plastic, so they are better than non-recycled bags, but still do contain 2 layers of virgin plastic. Thick, durable, and with a draw-string, you’ll have no problems carting these to your main trash disposal once you’re done with them.
If You Care 13 Litre Trash Can
Image Credit: If You Care and Amazon
If You Care tall kitchen bags are made from 89% post-consumer recycled plastic and the packaging is also made from 100% recycled carboard, processed without chlorine. These 13-gallon trash bags are super strong and have a drawstring for easy closing.
No Comments