5 Eco-Friendly Alternatives To Trash Bags
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When I first started my low-waste journey, trash bags were one of the things I found most frustrating to buy. It just didn’t make sense.
I started thinking of trash bag alternatives, and ways in which I could avoid buying trash bags, and how to dispose of household garbage without using plastic bags.
After trying out different options, I found out which ones work best and which – not so good.
So, without further chit-chat, here are the 5 alternatives to plastic garbage bags that WORK:
1. Use a reusable trash bag
One of the easiest swaps is using a reusable trash bag you already have – like a sturdy tote, fabric sack, or even a big shopping bag.
I use a large Ikea bag to collect paper waste. Since paper is usually clean and dry, there’s no mess, and I don’t need to wash the bag often.
Once it’s full, throw away the trash in the nearest recycling bin and then reuse the bag. If you collect things that may leak or can make the bag dirty, you can wash it in between uses.
2. Line your bin with newspaper
Lining your bin with old newspaper is a classic, eco-friendly alternative to trash bags. Here’s why it works:
- Simple to fold, biodegradable, quick to replace, and a clean method for disposing of dry waste.
- If you get free community newspapers or have access to old ones, it’s practically free.
Don’t have newspapers? Ask friends, neighbors, or local cafés. You can also use paper packaging, flyers, or junk mail. See how to fold your newspaper bin liner:
3. Reuse what you already have
A great alternative to plastic garbage bags is repurposing containers and packaging that you already have at home. Here are a few examples:
- Pet food bags – They’re sturdy and already headed for the bin.
- Bulk product packaging – Like protein powder bags of 1-2 kg, or rice bags.
- Toilet paper wrap – If it’s plastic, reuse it for trash.
- Shipping boxes – Great for collecting recyclables like paper, glass, or aluminum.
This option requires no new purchases and helps you repurpose single-use packaging in a useful way.
4. Go bagless
Most efficient and easy method, and I’ve done it for years. If you make minimal waste, going bagless is not only doable but surprisingly easy. Here’s how:
- Separate your waste: Have designated containers for food scraps, plastics, paper, glass, etc.
- Keep it clean: Rinse containers and let items dry before tossing them in. This prevents smells and makes cleaning the bin easier.
I keep a metal bin for recyclables like plastic and aluminum – no liner needed.
5. Opt for recycled plastic bags
If you’re not ready to give up trash bags entirely, consider switching to bags made from recycled plastic. While not a perfect solution, it’s still a more sustainable trash bag option:
- Look for bags with high recycled content.
- Avoid those labeled “biodegradable” or “oxo-degradable” – these still break down into microplastics.
If you’re transitioning to a low-waste lifestyle, this can be a realistic first step.
Extra tips for a zero waste trash system:
Separate your trash
Organizing your waste makes going bagless or using reusable liners much easier. Here’s how I do it:
- Paper → in a big Ikea bag
- Glass bottles → in a sturdy box
- Plastic & aluminum → in a washable metal bin
I rinse containers (like yoghurt pots or bean cans), let them dry, and sort them properly to avoid contamination.
Remember: Even in the same country, recycling rules vary by city. Check your local guidelines!
Start composting
Composting your food scraps drastically cuts down on what you send to landfill — especially if you eat a plant-based or veggie-heavy diet.
You don’t need a garden to start! There are indoor composting options too. Start here:
👉 7 Ways to Compost in an Apartment
Don’t be fooled by “biodegradable” trash bags
Most so-called biodegradable plastic bags are made from fossil-based synthetic polyesters. They require specific industrial conditions to break down, which landfills don’t provide.
Worse, using a “biodegradable” bag to throw away non-biodegradable trash defeats the purpose entirely.
👉 What is Biodegradable Plastic Made Of?
Final thoughts
Choosing an eco-friendly alternative to trash bags isn’t about achieving perfection, but about making small, meaningful changes that add up over time.
Whether you’re reusing what you already have, lining your bin with newspaper, or going completely bagless, every step you take helps reduce waste. And the benefits go beyond the bin: you’ll save money, conserve valuable resources, and help protect wildlife from harmful plastic pollution.
Find what works for your lifestyle, stick with it, and you may never need to buy a plastic trash bag again.
Got your own favorite trash bag alternatives? Share them in the comments – I’d love to hear what’s working for you!
Alternatives To Trash Bags Infographic:
NJ will no,longer allow markets to pack groceries in plastic bags. To me this is an exercise in nonsense Those of us who have been recycling grocery bags for ourown garbage use will now be buying new plastic garbage bags at the same stors, Take a look at Amazon to see the hundreds of garbage bag ifferings….not cheap either, This ban is like throwing a dog a bone. For the moment the dog will be happy…..Until he is hungry again!
I totally get your frustration, Estelle! Personally, I just don’t use plastic bags at all. I put trash directly into the bin. To keep it clean, I rinse off anything that could leak or make a mess (like bean cans) before tossing them. And if the bin ever gets dirty or smelly, I simply wash it in the bathroom. It takes a little extra effort, but it works well for me and cuts down on plastic waste. I know this approach isn’t for everyone, but just wanted to share another perspective! 😊
Please, more information is required to guide residents of condominium apartments about how to dispose of garbage. Garbage cannot be thrown in the chute without a proper bag.
I’m still looking for the magic solution for how to stop using plastic grocery bags for the kitchen garbage. If I didn’t need plastic grocery bags for kitchen garbage, it would be easy to avoid using plastic bags at the grocery store, ie, by using reusable bags (cloth, etc) instead.
I’m hesitant about putting a cloth bag from the kitchen garbage into the washing machine. Our clothing goes into the washing machine.
For that matter, I have never put any of my dozen, idle, cloth shopping bags into the washing machine. I wouldn’t mind, as long as they don’t have kitchen garbage on ’em. Pretty much, my washing machine has never seen anything that dirty. I guess the worst case is the “styrofoam 🙄 and plastic wrap” from meat and chicken.
But, my mind works slowly. I’m thinking that I can use the occasional plastic bag when there’s meat-wrapping. But maybe for everything else, there’s no other dirt that would be objectionable to put into the washing machine. That would be more than a 90% reduction in plastic bag consumption.
Glad I wrote. In the process, I figured out a scenario that isn’t perfect, but it’s way superior. I’ll bet you a dollar that back in Walmart, someone’s going to ask me how I survive without collecting plastic bags for my kitchen trash.
And yes, it’s hard to argue against vegetarianism.