Bags
Best 64 Gallon Trash Bags: Shopping & Usage Guide
Looking for a reliable solution to handle large amounts of waste? Our guide to 64-gallon trash bags is here to help! Ideal for households, businesses, and yard cleanups, these heavy-duty bags offer ample capacity and durability. Discover how the right trash bags can simplify cleanup, control odors, and keep your space neat—making them a must-have for efficient waste management.
64 Gallon Trash Bags: Comprehensive Shopping & Usage Guide
64 Gallon Trash Bag Types & Applications: Quick Comparison
| Type/Variation | Color | Thickness (Mil) | Gusseted/Flat | Intended Use | Compatible with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Duty Contractor Bags | Black/Clear | 3.0 | Gusseted | Construction, Yard, Large cleanup | Most 64 gal carts |
| Standard Roll Cart Liners | Black/Clear | 1.2-2.0 | Gusseted | Regular household trash, light duty | Most 64 gal carts |
| Compostable Trash Bags | Green | 2.0 | Flat | Lawn/leaves, compostable waste | Most 64 gal bins |
| Toter-Compatible Bags | Black/Clear | 1.5-3.0 | Gusseted | Roll-out carts, city collection | Toter/Rubbermaid |
| Large Rubber Bands (Accessory) | Orange/Blue | — | — | Securing bags to cart rims | All 64 gal carts |
Types of 64 Gallon Trash Bags
Heavy Duty Contractor Bags
These are the robust champions among 64 gallon bags, often 3 mil thick or more. Made for heavy or sharp debris—think renovation waste, bulky yard trimmings, or hauling out garage clutter—heavy duty bags feature reinforced plastic that resists tearing or splitting.
Key Features:
– 3 mil thickness or greater
– Often gusseted for a wider opening
– Hold up under extreme weight or jagged items
– Suitable for contractors, landscapers, and big cleanup jobs
Standard Roll Cart Liners
Designed for everyday residential or light commercial trash, these liners usually range from 1.2 to 2 mil in thickness. They’re great for weekly garbage or bulky household items, balancing strength with economy.
Key Features:
– 1.2–2.0 mil thick plastic
– Gusseted bottom for a secure fit
– Easier to lift and tie
– Budget-friendly for regular use
Compostable & Eco-Friendly Bags
For the environmentally conscious, compostable 64 gallon bags provide the size and convenience with materials that break down in composting environments. Typically at 2 mil or thicker, they work well for yard waste or compostable trash.
Key Features:
– Made from biodegradable plant-based materials
– Strong enough for leaves, clippings, or kitchen scraps
– Comply with many local green waste requirements
– May be slightly less strong than contractor plastic
Toter & Rubbermaid-Compatible Bags
Manufacturers and municipalities often use Toter or Rubbermaid roll-out carts for curbside collection. Specialized bags for these carts are cut to fit their unique shape and size, with strong materials to prevent messes during handling.
Key Features:
– Perfect dimensions for a snug fit in specific carts
– Thicker plastic and reinforced seams
– Can come in both black (for trash) and clear (for recycling) options
– Often come with accessories like extra-large rubber bands for securing
Material Choices for 64 Gallon Trash Bags
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Strong and tear-resistant, HDPE bags are thin but suitable for lighter loads. Best used in situations where sharp or heavy items aren’t common.
- Lightweight
- Cost-effective
- Less suitable for sharp or heavy debris
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Most premium 64 gallon bags are LDPE, offering excellent puncture resistance and flexibility.
- Thicker and stretchier
- Handles jagged and heavy loads
- Preferred for contractors and heavy-duty use
Compostable/Bio-Based Plastics
Eco-friendly choices are made from cornstarch, PLA, or other compostable polymers. They serve yard waste and compost needs, but generally have less tear resistance than LDPE.
- Break down under composting conditions
- Ideal for green waste programs
- Slightly less durable than standard plastics
When and Where to Use 64 Gallon Trash Bags
These oversized bags shine in the following scenarios:
- Residential Curbside Rollout Carts: The most common use. Fits standard city-issue 64-gallon bins, keeping them clean and extending can lifespan.
- Commercial/Industrial Cleanups: Suitable for businesses with high trash volumes, contractor debris, or remodeling jobs.
- Yard & Landscape Waste: Efficient for fall leaves or post-storm brush cleanup.
- Special Events: Useful at parties, festivals, or venues needing rapid, large-volume trash collection.
- Storage Needs: Also used for containing and storing bulky items like seasonal decor or bedding.
How to Match 64 Gallon Trash Bags to Your Needs
Just as with selecting a bag for fashion or utility, you want your trash bag to fit the occasion:
- Large Cleanouts / Heavier Loads: Choose contractor-grade bags (3+ mil) in black. They won’t stretch or split under weight.
- Everyday Trash: Opt for 1.5–2 mil bags in either black or clear. Thick enough for household use without overkill.
- Recycling: Use clear 64 gallon bags—often required by municipalities for visual inspection.
- Organic/Yard Waste: Compostable or green-colored bags support easy separation of green waste for compost pickup.
Consider Your Trash Can Brand/Model:
Look for “Toter-compatible” or “Rubbermaid-compatible” in the product description for a snug fit, reducing risk of leaks or slippage.
Practical Tips & Best Practices
- Measure Your Bin: Before buying, measure your cart’s height and circumference. Most 64 gal bags are 50″ wide by 58–60″ long—double-check for the best fit.
- Choose the Right Thickness: For renovation debris, 3 mil bags are essential. For kitchen and bathroom trash, 1.5–2 mils suffice.
- Secure with Rubber Bands: Large elastic bands prevent bag slip, especially with heavy or sharp trash. Many suppliers include these with purchase.
- Avoid Overfilling: To prevent tears, leave enough room at the top to twist, tie, or flap-seal shut.
- Use Color Coding: Black bags for trash, clear for recycling, and green for organic—simplifies sorting and compliance with local rules.
- Check for Gussets: Gusseted bags (with side pleats) expand more and fit round or square carts more snugly.
- Be Eco-Conscious: If possible, choose compostable bags for yard or compostable waste—especially if required in your area.
- Shop in Bulk to Save: Buying bags by the case (10, 25, or 50-count) typically lowers cost per bag.
- Store Properly: Keep bags indoors and away from sun, as UV light can degrade plastic and reduce strength.
- Inspect Before Use: Occasionally, bags can have manufacturing defects—open and check the first few in a box.
Technical Comparison Table: 64 Gallon Trash Bag Key Specs
| Model/Type | Color | Thickness (Mil) | Dimensions (inches) | Gusseted | Compostable | Rubber Band | Intended Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Big Mouth Contractor | Black | 3.0 | 50 x 58 | Yes | No | Included | Heavy debris, construction |
| PlasticMill Contractor | Black | 3.0 | 50 x 60 | Yes | No | Optional | Renovation, large yard work |
| PlasticMill Standard | Black | 1.5–2.0 | 50 x 60 | Yes | No | Optional | Household, commercial trash |
| PlasticMill Compostable | Green | 2.0 | 50 x 60 | No | Yes | Optional | Lawn/yard, compost programs |
| Standard Clear Liner | Clear | 1.5 | 50 x 60 | Yes | No | Optional | Visual inspection/recycling |
| Toter-Compatible w/Band | Black | 1.5–3.0 | 50 x 58–60 | Yes | No | Included | Curbside carts (Toter/Rubbermaid) |
Related Video
Conclusion
Choosing the right 64 gallon trash bag makes disposal—whether routine household trash, massive cleanout, or landscaping—a cleaner, quicker, and less frustrating task. With options ranging from ultra-durable 3 mil contractor bags to eco-friendly compostable liners, there’s a perfect bag for every job. Always consider your load type, can shape, local waste regulations, and preferred features like thickness, color, and fit.
Smart selection and proper use will keep your cleanup efficient, your cart or bin in good condition, and your garbage where it belongs—inside the bag, not on your curb or floor.
FAQ
-
How do I know if a 64 gallon trash bag will fit my cart?
Measure the width (circumference/2) and the height of your cart. Standard bags are 50″ wide and 58–60″ long, but check product listings for compatibility with your specific cart model (e.g., Toter, Rubbermaid). -
What thickness should I choose for construction or yard waste?
Use bags with at least 3 mil thickness for heavy, sharp, or bulky debris. Thicker bags resist tearing and punctures during tough jobs. -
What’s the difference between “mil” and “ply” in trash bags?
“Mil” indicates actual thickness (1 mil = 1/1000 inch). “Ply” refers to layers, not thickness. For strength, always rely on the mil measurement. -
Are compostable 64 gallon bags strong enough for heavy yard work?
Compostable bags, typically 2 mil, are sturdy for leaves or soft yard waste but less resistant to punctures than contractor-grade plastic. Avoid overloading with sharp branches or stones. -
Can I use these large bags for recycling?
Yes. Many cities require clear bags for recyclables to enable inspection at the curb. Check your local recycling program requirements. -
How do I keep trash bags from slipping into the can?
Use large rubber bands designed for roll carts. Some brands include them with purchase, or you can buy them separately. -
What color bag should I use for different waste types?
- Black: Regular trash
- Clear: Recyclables
-
Green or Compostable: Yard or organic waste
-
Are 64 gallon trash bags safe for food use or food-contact waste?
Standard trash bags are not food-safe. For food service, use bags specifically labeled as food-safe or designed for food-contact. -
Is buying by the case more economical?
Absolutely. Buying in bulk lowers cost per bag. Most suppliers offer case sizes from 10 to 50 bags or more. -
Where should I store unopened trash bags?
Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Heat and UV rays can weaken plastic over time, reducing bag strength.
