Why Are There Different Colored Garbage Bags?

Garbage bags come in a variety of colors: green, black, yellow, blue, red, white, and even clear trash bags. However, these colors are not just for aesthetics. When used properly, each color has specific functions that contribute to the efficient waste management and environmental sustainability movement.

Knowing which color of garbage bag to use and when can help you contribute to this movement. Using the appropriate colored garbage bag eases the garbage collection system, prevents pile up in landfills, and protects handlers from potential health risks associated with manually sorting large amounts of waste. Now, let’s discuss colors and what they mean.

Green Garbage Bags

Green garbage bags are used to dispose of biodegradable waste. So, when you have to dispose of food scraps, garden waste, and other compostable materials, use green trash bags.

Sometimes, green trash bags do not always come in the color green. The term “green trash bags” covers all garbage bags that are 100% biodegradable. You will often find these bags in restaurants, outdoor parks, and other businesses that operate in the hospitality industry.

Clear Garbage Bags

Clear bags are used to dispose of lightweight waste like cardboard and paper. Their transparency makes the job of the sanitation department easier, as they can sort the contents of the bag more quickly. This is especially helpful when they have to sort recyclable items like cans and bottles.

Black Garbage Bags

The most commonly used garbage bags are black trash bags, typically used in residential areas to dispose of non-recyclable waste. Black garbage bags hold waste and prevent clutter, making it easier for collectors to pick them up on scheduled collection days.

Blue Garbage Bags

Blue is the color code for garbage bags used for disposing of recyclable items. You use them to dispose of items like glass, plastic, and metal. When collectors see blue garbage bags, they immediately know that it goes to recycling.

Blue garbage bags are also commonly used in hospitals, hotels, and other businesses in the hospitality industry to store soiled linen. When these bags arrive at a cleaning facility, staff immediately know how to handle them based on the color.

Red Garbage Bags

Red garbage bags are not very common. Unless you work in the healthcare industry, you could go an entire lifetime without using or coming across one. They are used to dispose of medical waste, including potentially infectious materials, pathological cultures, and bodily fluids.

Yellow Garbage Bags

A yellow code in waste management indicates that the contents of the garbage bag require special handling. These bags are used to dispose of infectious, hazardous, or biohazardous waste materials. In some cases, it may not involve hazardous materials but could contain items like glass, where extra caution is needed to ensure the safety of those handling the waste.

White Garbage Bags

White garbage bags are often used in household kitchens and bathrooms. Depending on your region, they may not be used for any special purpose or may not pass any special messages to the collectors. They are mostly used for aesthetics —to give garbage a cleaner, softer look.

Conclusion

That's everything you need to know about the functions of different colored garbage bags. By now, you should know when and where to use each color for effective waste management.