Last Updated: December 29, 2022

The 8 best eco-friendly trash bags.

WRITTEN BY Grove Collaborative • 13 min read

When it comes to choosing trash bags, who knew there were so many options. The main criteria for a good trash bag is that it holds up when filled, that it fits your trash can, and maybe that it doesn't leave more waste in the landfill than it has to. We've dived into the world of trash bags to find you the best eco-friendly trash bags that are sturdy and come in multiple sizes.


Not only have we at Grove tested these out, but our Grove members have given their real ratings about how they work too. This list features their favorites based on their reviews. Plus, we'll explain how to select the right trash bag size for your trash can and if that TikTok inside-out trash bag hack is really true. Happy reading!


This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.

1. Grove Co. 100% Recycled Plastic Trash Bags - Drawstring Top

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Durable drawstring trash bags sustainably crafted from reclaimed plastic that was bound for the landfill.

  • DURABLE BAGS MADE OF 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC
    Our drawstring recycled plastic garbage bags are durable and made entirely from single-use plastic waste that would otherwise go to the landfill. No new plastic is used in any part of the bag. …

(1311)
1 Roll
$6.99
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2. Grove Co. 100% Recycled Plastic Trash Bags - Easy Tie Top

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An easy-tie trash bag sustainably crafted from reclaimed plastic that was bound for the landfill.

  • DURABLE BAGS MADE OF 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC
    Our easy-tie recycled plastic garbage bags are durable and made entirely from single-use plastic waste that would otherwise go to the landfill. No new plastic is used in any part of the bag.

  • TWO …

(503)
1 Roll
$7.99
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3. Grove Co. Kitchen Compost Bags

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Whether you’re an experienced composter or just looking to start, these biodegradable-certified bags are the perfect addition to any kitchen. Use them to store your food scraps and any other compostable items, and you’ll reduce waste by giving nutrients back to the earth.

Made in partnership with WasteZero, a Certified B Corporation dedicated to …
(142)
1 x Roll of 2.6 Gallon Compost Bags - 25 Count
$7.99
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4. BioBag Small Food Scrap Compost Bag (3 Gal)

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If you’re starting to make the leap to compost, or if you’ve already been in your composting groove, these BioBag Small Food Scrap Compost Bags (3 Gal) can really help get the job done. They’re made from plant- and vegetable-based materials, making them both biodegradable and compostable. These compostable bags breathe without leaking and ensure …

(128)
25 Count
$5.49
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5. Full Circle Fresh Air Compostable Waste Bags

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If you don’t already live a green lifestyle, why not start today? These Full Circle Fresh Air Compostable Waste Bags are ASTM D6400-certified, biodegradable, and compostable, and they work to reduce messes and odors associated with your composting process. These composting waste bags allow heat and odor to escape, which helps reduce the amount of …

(110)
25 Count
$6.99
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6. Seventh Generation 13 Gal Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags

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With Seventh Generation 13 Gal Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags - 20ct, reliable, mess-free transport from the kitchen trash bin to the outdoor garbage can is in the bag! If you've ever had the misfortune of a trash bag breaking apart when you go to take it out, you'll truly appreciate the strength and durability of Seventh Generation's …

(210)
20 Count
$6.99
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7. Seventh Generation Trash Bags w/ Twist Tie, 13 Gal Tall Kitchen

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These Seventh Generation 13 Gal Tall Kitchen Trash Bags w/ Twist Tie - 30ct make sure you don't get trashed when taking out the garbage. We've all been there, done that. You pick up your kitchen trash bag and it breaks leaving you with another mess to deal with, and really, who has time for that? Enter Seventh Generation tall kitchen trash bags. …

(112)
30 Count
$6.99
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8. Full Circle Scrap Sacks

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Make composting less of a headache with these Full Circle Scrap Sacks. These composting scrap sacks save space on your counter or in your kitchen compared to other bulky composting bins. Plus, they keep the smelliness at bay. Just keep a sack out to toss your food scraps in and roll down the top and seal it up until it’s filled. They’re …

(9)
10 pk
$16.99
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FAQs

Can you recycle trash bags?

Most trash bags are not truly recyclable. Here are a couple of reasons why:


  • Trash bags are usually made from recycled materials and plastics, and plastics can only be recycled a finite number of times.
  • If you use a trash bag to hold ... trash, it's going to get real dirty, wet, and grimey. Unwashed items usually can't be recycled.
  • If you use a trash bag to hold your recylable items (i.e., it's not getting dirty and grimey from trash), and you put it in the recycle bin, most recycling centers will assume the bag is full of trash and waste (non-recyclable items) and throw it away

There are trash bags that are compostable or biodegradable which means they will break down in the landfill naturally. This is the best bet if you're looking for a more eco-friendly trash bag.


What size trash bag do I need?

It may seem simple but choosing the right trash bag size for your trash can actually require a bit of math and thought. Don't worry, it's not too much math (we got a little scared, too)!


First, you'll need to determine the gallon size of your trash can. It should be on the bottom of the can or in the product description if you look it up online. Your trash bag should be roughly 20 gallons bigger than your trash can. For example, if you have a a 35 gallon trash can, you should go with the 55 gallon trash bag.


However, once you start getting to the bigger trash can sizes (64–95 gallon trash cans), you don't have a lot of trash bag options so for the best fit, stick close to your trash can gallon size when choosing trash bag sizes. For example, for a 64 gallon trash can, your best bet is to use a 65 gallon trash bag (95 gallon will be a bit too big).


For more info, check out this bag size reference chart for a great breakdown of trash can sizes and trash bag sizes.


Do trash bags come inside out?

Recently, there's been some talk about how to put trash bags into your trash can the right way. Tiktok is why. One user, ch0zi, showed the world their hack for putting trash bags into the can: Put the top of the bag over the trash can rim without shaking it out and push it through. She also claimed that trash bags come "inside out" in the package and that's why you should put them in your can this way (seams on the inside).


But is this true? Snopes investigated and found out that it's not, in fact, true. Trash bags don't come inside out in the package. But, that doesn't mean the Tiktok hack above doesn't work. You can insert trash bags into your can that way (the inside-out way) or shake them out normally and insert them into the can, wrapping the top around the rim at the end, like all us old folk did for so long.


One reason you may not want to use the inside-out method is because the scented and odor-eliminating trash bags actually have their scent on the inside, so if you turn it inside out the scent no longer is in contact with the smelly trash.


What is Grove Collaborative?

At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.


If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.

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