Garbage Bags

Waste receptacles are the recipients of a variety of household refuse that may include food waste, paper products, and old produce. In order to reduce the absorption of odor and stains in a trash bin, garbage bags should be purchased and used to line the inside of the receptacles. This aids in trash disposal as well as elongates the life of wastebaskets. Trash bag liners should be utilized in bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom garbage cans as well as in home workshops and recreational rooms where garbage may not be emptied as often.

Garbage Bag Components and Construct

Garbage bags are generally made of low-density polyethylene, and come in a variety of sizes and brands. The polyethylene used in garbage bags is soft, stretchy, and water and air proof. It is formed during a process called extrusion and mixed with coloring agents as well as components that make it pliable. It is then cooled, cut, and sealed on one end.

This type of garbage bag, invented by Canadian inventor Harry Wasylyk in 1950, was initially intended for only industrial use, but quickly became a household staple. Currently, companies even offer trash bags that are infused with components such as odor-fighting fragrances and insect repellant. Bags can also be constructed from recycled materials, and as some bags may take 15 years to disintegrate, recycled constructs are becoming more popular and readily available.

Garbage Bag Capacity

Garbage bags are described in terms of capacity by gallons. Some come in with built in handles for cinching and tying, while others include twist ties for sealing. Larger bags are ideal for bagging yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and other natural refuse, while smaller liners are ideal for bathroom and office garbage.

Garbage Bags as Storage

Garbage bags can also be used for storage purposes as well. Recently, a type of storage called vacuum storage has become popular, with a household garbage bag playing the key role. Clothes, pillows, and bedding are folded and packed into a garbage bag. The bag is then flattened and a vacuum hose is inserted to suck the air from the garbage bag, further flattening and compacting the contents. When the bag is properly deflated, the vacuum is removed, and the end is sealed, leaving items air tight and waterproof.

This will allow for storage capacity and keep moisture, insects, and mold from clothing and bedding as it is seasonally stored. Vacuum storage bags can also be compressed to hold camping equipment such as foods, clothing, and tent supplies to provide for more compressed packing abilities within backpacks, and can be a wise decision during boating and canoeing excursion where capsizing won't mean the drenching of all equipment and clothing.

By Barbara Poelle