Each year, the average American uses around 365 disposable plastic bags. In Denmark, that number drops sharply to only four bags annually. These bags leave problems lasting many generations. Choosing between plastic vs biodegradable garbage bags requires careful thought.
Why Plastic Bags Remain Common
For many years, plastic garbage bags have been the most common waste solution. Most are made from polyethylene, a material produced using fossil fuel resources. Homes and businesses continue using them because alternatives rarely match their practicality.
1. Strong and Reliable Design
Plastic bags resist tears and moisture, even when holding heavy or sharp waste. Leaks happen less often, which keeps trash bins cleaner and easier to manage.
2. Low Cost Advantage
Plastic bags remain the cheapest option for homes and businesses. Low cost is a heavy consideration when comparing plastic vs biodegradable garbage bags.
3. Everyday Ease of Use
Lightweight construction allows simple storage and quick access when needed. After shopping bag bans, trash bag sales increased, proving their everyday usefulness. Still, these benefits bring serious environmental consequences that cannot be ignored.
The Environmental Damage Caused by Plastic
Plastic bags last far longer than their short time of use suggests. One bag can remain in nature for hundreds of years without breaking down. Instead of decomposing, plastic slowly turns into tiny microplastic particles. These impacts spread across ecosystems and human life.
Plastic production depends on fossil fuels and requires large amounts of energy. This process releases greenhouse gases that worsen climate change globally. Animals often mistake plastic waste for food, leading to injury or death. Microplastics now appear in food, water, and even the air. Less than ten percent of plastic waste is successfully recycled worldwide. Plastic bags frequently clog recycling machines and slow sorting operations.
Understanding Biodegradable and Compostable Bags
Many people group biodegradable and compostable bags together incorrectly. Each type behaves differently and requires specific disposal conditions.
Biodegradable Bags
These bags can break down naturally, but timing varies widely. Sunlight, oxygen, and moisture strongly affect the breakdown speed. Poor landfill conditions may cause methane gas release instead.
Compostable Bags
Compostable bags follow stricter standards and clear breakdown timelines. They are often made from corn or potato starch materials. Certified bags fully decompose into safe organic matter in compost facilities. Both options fail when thrown into regular landfills without oxygen.
Weighing Eco-Friendly Bag Options
Switching away from plastic offers benefits but introduces new challenges. These bags break down faster, reducing long-term environmental pollution. Plant-based materials lower dependence on fossil fuel resources. Certified compostable bags leave no toxic residue behind.
Industrial composting facilities are not available in all communities. Greener bags tear more easily when holding wet or heavy waste. Higher production costs make these options more expensive to purchase. Incorrect disposal removes most environmental benefits completely.
Choosing the Right Bag Wisely
No single garbage bag works best for every situation. Choosing between plastic vs biodegradable garbage bags depends on waste type and disposal access. Traditional plastic suits heavy, wet, or sharp household trash. Compostable bags work best for food scraps and organic waste. Biodegradable bags serve as a limited middle option for light waste.
Where to Buy Biodegradable Garbage Bags?
Urban Plastic produces durable garbage bags from recycled HDPE and LLDPE, available in widths from 60-120 cm and thicknesses of 20-60 microns, perfect for homes, offices, hotels, and industries. These strong, eco-friendly bin liners simplify waste management by containing various waste types securely, reducing leaks and odors effectively.
For more information about Garbage Bag please contact: Whatsapp/Mobile Phone: +62 811 1721 338 (Ms. Ais) or Email : info@urbanplastic.id.