Bags
Best 60 Gallon Garbage Bags: Types, Materials & Buying Guide
Looking for heavy-duty waste management solutions? Our shopping guide for 60-gallon garbage bags has you covered. Perfect for large households, commercial spaces, or big cleanup projects, these spacious bags offer durability and convenience to tackle the toughest jobs. Discover key features, top brands, and tips to choose the right bag for your needs—making cleanup quicker, cleaner, and more efficient!
Comparing 60 Gallon Garbage Bag Types: An At-a-Glance Table
| Type | Material | Duty Level | Closure Style | Color Options | Ideal Use Cases | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 60-Gallon | Plastic (LDPE, HDPE) | Regular to Heavy | Drawstring, Twist Tie, None | Black, Clear | General waste, commercial bins | Affordable, versatile |
| Contractor/Heavy Duty | Reinforced Plastic (LDPE) | Extra Heavy | Flat, Twist Tie | Black, Gray | Construction, yard waste, sharp debris | Tear/puncture resistant, 3-4 mil+ |
| Compostable | Bioplastic, PLA | Regular | Coreless rolls | Green | Food waste, organics | ASTM D6400 compostable, BPI certified |
| Clear Trash Bags | Plastic (LDPE) | Regular to Heavy | Twist Tie, Flat | Clear | Recycling, visibility needs | See-though for easy sorting |
| Scent-Free Indoor | Plastic (LDPE) | Regular | Twist Tie | Clear, White | Office, schools, scent-sensitive areas | No added fragrance |
Types of 60 Gallon Garbage Bags
Choosing the right 60 gallon garbage bag starts with understanding the main types available. Each type suits different environments, levels of waste, and user preferences.
Standard 60-Gallon Trash Bags
The standard option, these classic bags are made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They generally balance strength, flexibility, and affordability, making them a good fit for:
- Schools, offices, hospitals, and retail environments
- General waste: paper, light packaging, everyday trash
Heavy Duty/Contractor Bags
If you expect to deal with rough debris, sharp edges, or excessive weight, heavy duty 60 gallon bags are your best choice. Key features:
- Manufactured from thick, reinforced LDPE, often 2-4 mil thick
- Designed to withstand construction waste, heavy cleanups, or sharp trash
- Superior tear and puncture resistance
Compostable (Eco-Friendly) Trash Bags
For those committed to sustainability, compostable 60 gallon bags offer a green solution:
- Made from renewable materials like bioplastics (e.g., PLA, cornstarch blends)
- Certified compostable (look for ASTM D6400 or BPI certifications)
- Often used in food service, large food waste bins, or organics recycling
Clear vs. Opaque Bags
The choice between clear and opaque (black, gray) bags is more than aesthetics:
- Clear bags are essential for recycling, security protocols, or sorting needs. You can easily identify contents and avoid contamination of recyclables.
- Opaque bags (black/gray) conceal the waste, providing a clean appearance. Preferred for general waste and where discreetness matters.
Specialty Options
Some 60 gallon bags come with unique features or purposes:
– Scent-free or unscented: Ideal for sensitive indoor environments.
– Coreless rolls: Prevent waste and make storage easier.
– Reinforced seams or star-sealed bottoms: Minimize leakage risk, especially with wet or heavy loads.
Material Choices Explained
The material of your 60 gallon garbage bag directly affects its strength, flexibility, and environmental impact. Here’s how to compare your options:
Polyethylene (Plastic) Bags
- Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Flexible, stretchable, excellent for preventing tears and punctures. Most common for heavy duty bags.
- High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Thinner and lighter, but surprisingly strong. Often used for lightweight trash, office bins.
Thickness (Mil Gauge)
- Thickness is measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch).
- 1 – 1.5 mil: Standard office waste, paper, light garbage.
- 2 – 3 mil: General commercial use, moderate weight, occasional sharp objects.
- 3 – 4+ mil: Construction, renovation, debris, heavy/pointy trash.
Reinforced vs. Regular
Heavy duty options reinforce the bottom and seams, which prevents rips, especially when dragging bags.
Biodegradable & Compostable Materials
- Bioplastic/Compostable: Made from plant-based materials, decompose in commercial composting environments.
- Certified by organizations such as the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).
- Perform similarly to standard bags, though maximum weight or puncture resistance may be less than thick plastic.
Specialty Additives
Odor control, UV inhibitors, or antimicrobial properties may be added to specialty bags for enhanced performance in specific settings.
Usage Occasions: Where and How to Use 60 Gallon Garbage Bags
Understanding where to use each type ensures you get the performance (and value) you need.
Residential Use
- Spring cleaning, bulk yard waste, big family gatherings: Large capacity makes them ideal for temporary storage, big cleanups, or outdoor trash bins.
- Use clear options for donating items (allows charities to see contents).
- For yard debris, pick heavy duty or contractor bags.
Commercial & Institutional Use
- Offices, schools, hospitals: Standard or odor-free bags suit large shared bins and custodial carts.
- Restaurants, hotels, food courts: Choose compostable bags for food waste programs, opaque for general trash.
- Retail, event venues, gyms: Large bins in public areas benefit from reinforced or star-sealed varieties for leak prevention.
Construction & Industrial Use
- Renovation/cleanout projects, job sites: Go for extra heavy duty (3-4 mil), reinforced bottom bags.
- Black or gray bags are generally preferred to hide debris.
Outdoor & Recreational Settings
- Community clean-ups, festivals, campsite trash: Choose sturdy, weather-resistant bags. Compostable bags if you’re collecting only organic waste.
How to Match 60 Gallon Garbage Bags to Your Bins and Needs
Finding the right fit is crucial for efficiency and hygiene.
Sizing & Fit
- Measure your bin: Circumference should be a bit less than bag width to allow expansion.
- Bag should overhang the bin by at least 3-6 inches to tie off or secure with a lid.
Closure Styles
- Drawstring: Easy to close, convenient for frequent bag changes.
- Twist tie: Reliable, budget-friendly, often comes with clear or contractor bags.
- Flat/top open: For commercial liners where bags are usually tied manually or flipped out of bins.
Matching Color and Material
- Use black/opaque in public or commercial settings to keep a tidy look.
- Use clear bags wherever visibility is necessary for sorting, donations, or security checks.
- For institutions with sustainability initiatives, match with green or compostable bags.
Practical Tips, Advice & Best Practices for Choosing and Using 60 Gallon Garbage Bags
1. Match Strength to the Waste
- Regular office or household waste: 1–1.5 mil or compostable bags work well.
- For construction, renovation, or outdoor debris: 2–4 mil heavy duty bags prevent messy ruptures.
2. Don’t Overfill
- Exceeding a bag’s recommended gallon size or weight capacity leads to tears and spills.
- For heavy materials, use more bags instead of overloading one.
3. Align Bag Type With Waste Disposal Program
- Compostable bags: Only for compostables and where a commercial composting facility is available.
- Clear bags: Required for some recycling programs.
4. Use Reinforced or Star-Sealed Bags for Wet Trash
- These have extra-strong, leak-resistant seams, reducing risk of spills from liquids or food residue.
5. Consider Storage and Accessibility
- Coreless or rolled bags are easier to store and dispense, especially for janitorial or custodial staff.
6. Order in Bulk for Savings
- Large pack counts (50–100 per case) are often much more cost-effective for regular users.
7. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
- Especially important for compostable bags, as humidity or high heat can accelerate break-down.
Technical Feature Comparison Table
| Brand/Model | Size (inches) | Thickness (mil) | Material | Closure | Special Features | Certifications | Bags/Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OX Plastics | 38×58, 47×60 | 1.5 – 4 | LDPE (Contractor) | Flat/Twist | Tear/puncture resistant | N/A | 50-100 |
| BioTuf Compostable | 47×60 | 1 | Bioplastic | Coreless | Compostable, nearly leakproof | ASTM D6400, BPI | 100 |
| Plasticplace | 38×58, 47×60 | 1.2 – 1.5 | LDPE | Flat/Twist | Clear or Black, regular duty | N/A | 50-100 |
| Ultra Plus | 47×60 | N/A | LDPE | Twist Tie | Scent free, clear | N/A | 200 |
Conclusion
Choosing the right 60 gallon garbage bag is about more than just picking a big bag off the shelf. You’ll want to think about where you’ll use it, what type of waste you’ll collect, and how much strength you require. Heavy duty bags excel at tough jobs and large volumes, while compostable options support sustainability in kitchens and food service. Clear vs. opaque, closure type, and fit are all essential considerations.
By comparing types, materials, and features, you can select a 60 gallon garbage bag that fits your needs perfectly—reducing waste, mess, and frustration. Whether for busy offices, bustling restaurants, outdoor events, or heavy-duty construction, there’s a 60 gallon bag tailored for you.
FAQ
What does “60 gallon” mean on a trash bag?
It refers to the maximum capacity the bag can hold—typically fitting trash cans with a volume of about 60 gallons, which are large commercial or outdoor bins.
How do I know what thickness (mil) I need?
Lighter trash (office or household waste) does well with 1–1.5 mil. Heavy, sharp, or construction debris requires 2–4 mil bags for puncture and tear resistance.
Are compostable 60 gallon bags as strong as plastic ones?
Modern compostable bags are much stronger than older generations and approximate regular-duty plastic for many uses. For sharp or very heavy waste, thick plastic is still superior.
Can I use a 60 gallon bag in a smaller bin?
Yes, but expect a loose fit and excess bag material around the rim. For best performance, match the bag closest to your bin size.
Do 60 gallon bags come in different closure types?
Yes—they are available with drawstrings, twist ties, or open/flat tops. The best choice depends on how you plan to change and tie your bags.
Are clear bags necessary for recycling?
Some municipalities require clear bags for recyclables so collectors can visually confirm contents and avoid contamination.
How can I prevent leaks with 60 gallon bags?
Choose bags with star-sealed or reinforced bottoms, and avoid overfilling with liquids or very wet waste. Double-bag if necessary for extra protection.
Are these bags suitable for outdoor use?
Most heavy duty or contractor-grade bags are designed to handle exposure to elements, but direct sunlight and prolonged weather can degrade thin plastic over time.
How should I store extra bags?
Keep bags in a cool, dry area away from sunlight, chemicals, or excessive heat—especially for compostable bags, which can degrade faster under those conditions.
Where can I buy 60 gallon garbage bags in bulk?
They’re available in office supply stores, janitorial supply companies, supermarkets, and online—with bulk packs (50–200+) offering the best per-bag value.
Empower your cleaning, organization, and environmental goals by choosing the perfect 60 gallon garbage bag for your needs!
