You want to do right by our precious planet, but understanding how to choose environmentally friendly garbage bags can feel like trying to crack a code without the key.
Biodegradable, compostable, recycled, bio-based — what do all these actually mean?
We’re here to demystify the science and so you can spot which garbage bags are better for the planet.
The problem with traditional trash bags
Traditional trash bags are made from virgin plastic. That’s a fancy way of saying they come from brand new plastic, cooked up from fossil fuels like crude oil. Making them uses a heap of energy and, to put it bluntly, they’re a total pain for the planet.
After holding your leftovers for a few days, they spend the next few centuries cluttering up landfills or going for a long, destructive swim in the ocean.
Clearly, traditional bin bags are bad news bears for the environment. But before you throw the first “greener” alternative you see into your shopping trolley, let’s make sense of your options by defining the key terms one label at a time.
Decoding trash bag materials: What do they really mean?
The most common types of environmentally friendly garbage bags are biodegradable, compostable, and made from recycled materials.
Here’s a simple breakdown of these eco-friendly labels so you can tell the truly good eggs from the greenwashed duds.
What are "biodegradable" trash bags?
Ah, the one that sounds the most promising. In an ideal world, biodegradable trash bags would naturally break down into harmless bits and pieces.
The catch? They need very specific conditions to do that — conditions they definitely won’t find buried in a landfill. Instead of disappearing gracefully, they break down without oxygen or sunlight, releasing methane (a super potent greenhouse gas) and leaving tiny bits of plastic behind.
So while biodegradable rubbish bags sound great, this ‘environmentally friendly’ option is often no better than regular plastic bags. They just have a better PR team.
What are compostable trash bags?
Now we’re talking. Compostable bin bags are made of plant matter (like cornstarch) and designed to turn into nutrient-rich soil. Using these plant-based bags for composting is a simple way to turn waste into something wonderful for nature.
Unlike traditional garbage bags, these aren’t made of harmful virgin plastic. And they’re better than biodegradable bags because they break down completely into organic matter.
These Earth-friendly bags are a fantastic option for reducing household waste, but they only work their magic in a proper composting facility (like the ones your local council might provide for food waste). If they’re chucked in the trash, they’ll languish in landfills just like standard bags.
What are "recycled" trash bags?
Meet the unsung hero of the bin bag world. Recycled bin bags are crafted from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic — old plastic that has been collected, cleaned and repurposed.
By reusing plastic that’s already in waste streams, these bags create a closed loop, or a circular economy. They reduce the demand for new fossil fuels, require less energy to produce and keep existing plastic waste out of landfills.
So yes, environmentally friendly plastic trash bags do exist.
Which bin liner is the best choice for the environment?
If you have access to a council food waste or commercial composting program, BPI-certified compostable bags are best for your food scraps. They offer a realistic solution to plastic pollution, turning yesterday’s leftovers into tomorrow’s nutrient-rich soil.
For any waste headed to the landfill, 100% recycled plastic bags take the cake. They tackle the existing plastic problem without adding to the fossil-fuel fire or leaving behind a trail of virgin plastic waste.
What's the deal with black garbage bags?
Here’s the dirty secret about black bin bags: the sorting machines in recycling facilities can’t identify them. Optical sensors can’t identify their carbon black pigment, so they go unrecognised by sorting systems.
As a result, even recyclable bags are booted to the dump. No bueno.
Selecting standard black plastic bags and hoping they make it through the recycling system is like hoping a stealth jet shows up on radar. Why risk those slim odds? Instead, opt for environmentally friendly garbage bags made with 100% recycled plastic trash that sorting machines can easily recognise.
Our solution for trash day
Whether you’re tossing carrot tops or crusty takeaway containers, Who Gives A Crap has the perfect no-nonsense solution for your eco-conscious home.
We offer compostable bags for your family’s food scraps and 100% recycled garbage bags for all the landfill-bound items that can’t be composted or recycled.
Our environmentally friendly rubbish bags live up to their labels, tackling trash without harming the planet further. They punch above their weight in both performance and purpose — plus, they’re a whole lot cuter than your average bin liner.
Conclusion —
Choosing the right trash bags is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your environmental footprint.
The perfect product depends on where your rubbish will end up. Compostable bags are best for food scraps destined for an industrial composting facility, while 100% recycled bags are the ideal solution for general household waste.
With this knowledge, you can cut through the eco-jargon and shop confidently, wisely, and ethically.
Ready to make trash day a little bit better for the planet?
You’ve got this one in the bag.
Shop the kitchen collection for our range of super-strong and delightfully colourful recycled garbage bags.