Intro: An overview of 60-gallon trash bags and their benefits
Taking out the trash is a chore that comes around often. To make it easier, having the right size and quality of trash bags is key. 60-gallon trash bags are a popular choice for many households and businesses because of their large capacity and durability.
Compared to smaller 13 or 30-gallon bags, 60-gallon trash liners allow you to collect more waste between changes. This means fewer trips out to the dumpster or curb. The thicker plastic and reinforcements also help prevent rips, leaks and spills.
But not all heavy duty 60-gallon trash bags are created equal. The right one for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. As you shop around, there are several factors to consider:
Toughness and Leak Protection
Durability is often the top priority. After all, no one wants their bag breaking open on the way to the trash can and spilling garbage everywhere. Look for bags made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). These materials are flexible yet strong.
Try to avoid thinner plastic blends that are more prone to ripping and bursting at the seams. Check thickness ratings in microns – higher numbers indicate thicker and more puncture resistant plastic.
Double or triple sealed seams are also important for preventing leaks from small holes or tears. Some brands reinforce stress points like the drawstring area for added toughness.
Odor Control
Another common concern is containing smells from garbage, especially food waste. Some 60-gallon trash liners have special odor blocking technologies to keep foul smells at bay.
Activated carbon is commonly used to adsorb and neutralize odors. Antimicrobial agents prevent bacterial growth that causes bad smells. And scented bags use fragrances to mask odors.
If smells are a big issue, consider trying out bags with odor controlling properties. Just keep in mind that scents may fade over time.
Drawstring or Star Sealed
Drawstring closures allow bags to be quickly cinched shut for mess-free transport. But the dangling strings can get bothersome when trying to tie off the tops of full bags.
Star sealed bags form a star shape when closed instead. No drawstring to deal with. However, some find it trickier achieving a tight seal this way.
There are pros and cons to each method. Drawstrings offer easier closing but can rip out if pulled too hard. Star seals take more effort but create very secure closures when done right.
Quantity and Packaging
For households, bundled multi-packs are popular for the convenience and cost savings compared to individual boxes. Common configurations are 20, 50 or 100 bags per pack.
Businesses and offices often need bags in larger quantities. Bulk boxes of 250, 500 or even 1,000 bags are efficient. You can also find 60-gallon trash bags bundled on rolls for dispensers.
Pay attention to the packaging too. Slide out plastic dispensers allow easy access without removing the whole box. Hand holes on boxes make carrying easier. These little touches add convenience.
Major Brand Names
There are a few major manufacturers producing most of the 60-gallon trash liners on the market:
- Hefty – Ultra Strong and SteelSak brands
- Glad – ForceFlexPlus and Tall Kitchen brands
- Kirkland – Made by Glad exclusively for Costco
- Simplehuman – Commercial grade bags
- Contractor – Construction and lawn bags
Sticking with brand names provides some assurance of quality control and customer service if issues arise.
Pricing Factors
Pricing for 60-gallon trash bags ranges widely from less than 10 cents up to 30 cents per bag. What accounts for these cost differences?
The thickness of the plastic film is the biggest factor. Thicker bags over 3 mils with tough construction cost more.
Unique features like odor control or reinforced seams also boost the price. And convenience comes at a cost too – individual boxes versus bulk bundles makes a difference.
Shop sales and compare unit pricing to find the best bang for your buck. For light household use, cheaper bags may suffice. Heavy duty commercial use requires a more rugged and expensive option.
Use Cases
Here are some of the most common scenarios where 60-gallon trash liners come in handy:
- Kitchen – For large amounts of food waste from cooking and leftovers.
- Yard Work – Quick cleanup of leaves, branches and other yard debris.
- Office – Handling heavy paper loads, packaging materials, recycled documents.
- Janitorial – Collecting trash from multiple wastebaskets or receptacles.
- Construction – Disposing of small scraps, drywall dust, flooring offcuts.
- Auto Shop – Oil filters, rags, worn parts and general refuse.
The oversized capacity lets you take on bigger trash hauling tasks less often. Just be sure to double up bags when they contain sharp or excessively heavy objects to prevent punctures.
As you can see, there are a number of factors that come into play when selecting 60-gallon trash liners. Prioritize the features that matter most for your intended use. Durability and leak protection are usually top concerns for most customers. Odor control provides added convenience in many situations as well.
With quality construction and smart features, the best 60-gallon trash bags should provide reliable service for all your heavy duty waste disposal jobs.
Durability: Why thickness and materials matter for heavy duty use
When it comes to heavy duty trash bags, durability is key. You need a bag that can stand up to the rigors of hauling heavy, bulky waste without ripping or bursting open. For 60-gallon trash liners designed for demanding use, the thickness and material composition of the plastic film makes a big difference.
Look at the measurements in microns or mils to compare thickness between brands. Thicker bags over 3 mils are ideal for toughness. The plastic itself matters too – low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) films are more flexible and puncture resistant than cheaper blends.
Why does thickness and material increase durability? It comes down to the properties of the plastic polymer. Thicker plastic can stretch further before reaching its breaking point. The LDPE and HDPE materials are also less prone to becoming brittle and cracking over time.
Manufacturing processes further enhance durability. Bags made using blown film extrusion tend to be tougher. Some brands incorporate multiple layers of plastic for improved strength. And features like double or triple sealed seams prevent leaks from small punctures.
When filled to capacity, 60-gallon trash bags can weigh over 60 pounds. The forces exerted on the plastic are substantial. With heavy, sharp or abrasive contents, the risk of rips and tears skyrockets.
I once had a cheaper thin bag burst open while taking it out to the dumpster. The spillage was a smelly, unsightly mess that took forever to clean up. Ever since, I always pay close attention to thickness and material ratings before purchasing new bags.
Here are a few examples of high quality, durable 60-gallon trash liners designed for heavy duty use:
- Hefty Ultra Strong – 4 mil LDPE with double seam
- Glad ForceFlexPlus – 3.2 mil LDPE with reinforced drawstring
- Kirkland Tall Kitchen – 3 mil LDPE with leak barrier seals
- Simplehuman Commercial – 3.5+ mil proprietary plastic blend
A few extra cents per bag is worth it for the reliability and peace of mind. And you avoid the hassles and mess of breakage failures. When evaluating options, do some research to confirm they meet your durability needs.
In short, thickness around 3 mils or higher using durable LDPE/HDPE plastic makes for the toughest 60-gallon trash liners. Don’t settle for thin, cheap bags if hauling heavy loads. The extra durability brings great value by minimizing messy failures.
Leak Protection: Features like double seams prevent messy leaks
Even small leaks or drips when taking out the trash can create unpleasant messes. For heavy-duty 60-gallon trash bags, manufacturers use special design features to prevent leaks and enhance durability.
One common protective technique is double or triple sealed seams. This provides two or three overlapping welded seams along the sides instead of just one. The redundancy helps stop leaks from seam failures or tiny punctures.
Some brands also place extra welded seams at high stress points prone to tearing – like near the drawstring or along the bottom. Reinforcing vulnerable areas in this way adds leak protection.
Thicker plastic films inherently resist leakage better too. With 3 mil thickness or more, small holes or cracks don’t propagate as rapidly under load. The bag can safely contain waste despite minor imperfections.
I tried out a value brand once that skimped on seam welding and thickness – big mistake. The side seams split open halfway to the dumpster, spilling dirty diapers everywhere. What a nasty cleanup job that was.
Here are a few of the top 60-gallon trash liners with excellent leak protection:
- Glad Tall Kitchen – Triple seam, drawstring reinforcement
- Hefty The Gripper – Quad seal, leak barrier strips
- Kirkland Outdoor – Double seam, 3.2 mil thick plastic
- Simplehuman Commercial – Proprietary seam technology
Leaks make taking out the trash significantly messier and less pleasant. Investing in well-constructed bags with reinforced seams and thicker plastic pays off by containing waste securely inside.
In summary, dual or triple sealed side seams are effective at leak prevention for 60-gallon trash liners. Coupled with robust materials like 3+ mil LDPE plastic, the best bags form reliable barriers against messy drips, drops and spills.
Odor Control: Special linings can contain smells better
One of the downsides of taking out the trash is having to deal with unpleasant garbage odors. For 60-gallon trash bags used with smelly waste, odor control can make the job less objectionable.
Manufacturers use different technologies to limit odors escaping from the bag. Activated carbon linings adsorb and neutralize many volatile scent compounds. Antimicrobial finishes inhibit bacteria growth that causes odors.
And some brands simply include perfumes or fragrances to mask bad smells. Lavender, citrus and pine scents are commonly used to overpower foul odors.
I first tried scented bags, but the perfume wore off quickly. Now I use Simplehuman with an embedded activated carbon layer. It keeps the kitchen trash from smelling up the room even with food waste in the bag.
Here are a few top options for odor controlling 60-gallon trash liners:
- Glad OdorShield – Febreze scented
- Hefty Freezer Bags – Activated carbon
- Kirkland Drawstring – Odor neutralizer
- Simplehuman – Carbon impregnated plastic
For homes and offices, odor containment in the bag keeps rooms fresher. In commercial and industrial settings, reducing smells creates a better workplace environment.
If odors are an issue, investing a few extra cents in 60-gallon trash bags with activated carbon, antimicrobial agents or long-lasting fragrances can pay off. Taking out the trash becomes less unpleasant.
In summary, technologies like embedded activated carbon liners work best to contain smells from garbage in 60-gallon trash liners. Perfumed bags help mask odors temporarily but scents fade over time.
Drawstring: The pros and cons of different closure methods
Sealing up 60-gallon trash bags for transport requires a secure closure method. Drawstrings and star sealed designs are two main options, each with pros and cons.
Drawstring bags cinch tight with a pull of the cord for quick and easy sealing. But dealing with the dangling drawstring during tying off can be bothersome, and cinching too forcefully risks breakage.
Star sealed bags close by tucking in the bag top in an overlapping star pattern instead of using a drawstring. No bothersome cord, but getting a tight seal takes more effort and practice.
I used standard drawstring bags at first. The constant fiddling with the drawstring to tie off bags got on my nerves. I switched to Glad ForceFlex bags with the Powerband star seal design – tighter and easier once I got the technique down.
Here’s a quick comparison of drawstring versus star sealed 60-gallon trash bags:
Drawstring Bags
Pros: Easy cinching closed. Quick seals. Drawcord provides handles for carrying.
Cons: Can rip out at high loads. Annoying dangling string while tying off.
Star Sealed Bags
Pros: No drawstring to deal with. Allows very tight seal when done properly.
Cons: More difficult to initially learn sealing method. Not as fast for quick seals.
For most households, the convenience of simple drawstring closure makes it the winner. But for heavy commercial use, learning to properly star seal bags can pay off long-term.
In summary, consider ease of use versus potential durability when weighing drawstring versus star sealed 60-gallon trash bags. And don’t underestimate the frustration potential of dealing with clingy drawstrings!
Quantity: Bulk options vs cost savings of multi-packs
When purchasing 60-gallon trash bags, the quantity you buy makes a difference both in convenience and costs. For light household use, value multi-packs offer savings over individual boxes. But for heavy commercial use, buying in bulk brings efficiency.
Bundled multi-packs for households contain anywhere from 20 to 100 bags, often separated into inner bags of 5-10 for grab-and-go use. While more costly per bag than bulk, the smaller quantities cater towards home needs.
For businesses and industrial facilities, high volume boxes of 200+ bags reduce the hassle of constantly reordering. Buying bulk brings the per bag cost down too.
I used to buy boxes of 50 bags from the supermarket when needed. But for my business, I now order 500-count bulk cases shipped once a quarter – cheaper and far more convenient.
Here are some example quantities and configurations for 60-gallon trash liners:
- Household: 20, 50, 100 count multi-packs
- Commercial: 250, 500, 1000+ count bulk boxes
- Dispenser Rolls: 500-2,000 count continuous rolls
Also consider storage and transportation. Slide-out boxes, carry handles and dispenser compatibility allow easier use of large bulk quantities.
In summary, buying 60-gallon trash bags in larger bulk quantities saves money for high volume users, while smaller multi-packs cater to household convenience. Consider your usage and storage logistics when choosing.
Brand Name: Main manufacturers of 60-gallon trash liners
When it comes to 60-gallon trash bags, there are a handful of major brand name manufacturers that dominate the market.
Hefty and Glad, owned by Procter & Gamble, account for a large share of household trash bag sales. Their Ultra Strong and ForceFlex lines are popular.
Kirkland Signature bags sold at Costco are also commonly used. They are produced by Glad manufacturing but under the Kirkland private label.
Simplehuman makes premium commercial-grade liners used by many businesses and offices. Their proprietary plastic blends aim for maximum durability.
Contractor is another commercial brand that focuses on construction industry disposal bags. Their orange bags are a familiar sight on job sites.
Store brands and generic labels account for a lower cost market segment as well in this product category.
Based on my own experience, I gravitate towards the major brand names like Glad and Hefty for their reliability and product testing. The Kirkland bags from Costco are a good value option too.
Here are the primary 60-gallon trash bag brands to look for:
- Hefty – Ultra Strong, SteelSak
- Glad – Tall Kitchen, ForceFlexPlus
- Kirkland Signature – Drawstring, Odor Shield
- Simplehuman – Commercial Grade
- Contractor – Tough Crew, Trash Bags
While lesser known brands can certainly deliver quality and value, the major brand names have proven track records and comprehensive product lines. For a balance of performance and affordability, established brands are a safe bet.
In summary, Hefty, Glad, Kirkland, Simplehuman and Contractor make up the majority of reliable 60-gallon trash liner options on the market currently.
Price: How cost compares between brands and materials
Prices for 60-gallon trash bags range widely, anywhere from less than 10 cents up to 30 cents per bag. What accounts for these big differences?
The main factors affecting cost are materials, features, and convenience. More expensive bags typically use thicker plastic films, often 3 mils or higher. Unique attributes like odor control also boost the price.
Convenience comes at a premium too. Individual boxed bags are pricier than bulk bundles on a per unit basis. Name brands cost more than generic equivalents as well.
Based on my purchasing experience, I watch for sales on name brand bags around 15 cents per bag for household use. For my business I buy Simplehuman commercial bags at 25 cents each in bulk.
To illustrate the range:
- Basic thin bags – less than 10 cents
- Multi-pack brands – 10-15 cents
- Premium brands – 15-25 cents
- Commercial heavy duty – 25-30+ cents
While cheaper lightweight bags are fine for light loads, heavy duty use calls for more expensive and durable options. Investing a little more upfront can prevent breakage headaches.
Unit pricing and sales can identify deals. Stock up when you find a price/quality/convenience combination meeting your needs.
In summary, several factors like materials, features and packaging format account for pricing differences between 60-gallon trash bag options. Consider your usage levels and needs when factoring cost.
Specific Uses: Ideal scenarios for extra large trash bags
When it comes to taking out the trash, most standard 13-gallon kitchen bags just won’t cut it. For those really big cleanup jobs that generate lots of waste, you need a heavy-duty bag that can handle the load without ripping or tearing. This is where extra large 60-gallon trash bags come in handy.
These oversized trash bags are ideal for a variety of scenarios where you need to dispose of bulky, messy, or large quantities of garbage and debris. Here are some of the best uses for 60-gallon trash liners:
- Spring cleaning – When doing a deep clean of your home, you’ll likely accumulate piles of junk and unneeded items. Large contractor bags simplify clearing out clutter from closets, the attic, basement, and garage.
- Major renovation projects – Remodeling or renovation projects produce all kinds of waste like drywall, wood, flooring, bricks, and roofing material. Jumbo trash bags contain the remnants easily.
- Yard and garden cleanup – Fall leaves, pruned branches, pulled weeds, and other yard debris can quickly fill up standard garbage cans. Oversized bags allow you to collect large amounts of garden and landscaping waste efficiently.
- Storage unit and garage purges – If you’re emptying out a crowded storage unit or garage, you may need to dispose of furniture, boxes, and other bulky items. Massive trash bags make it easy to transport the discarded objects to the dumpster or curb.
- Event cleanup – Hosting a huge party, wedding, or other celebration? Giant trash bags help make quick work of all the plates, cups, decor, and other event waste.
In addition to the scenarios above, extra-large trash bags are great for tree removal services, construction crews, park and street cleanups, and other situations that generate lots of refuse. The key is having a bag that’s big and sturdy enough to handle whatever you throw at it!
What to Look for in Oversized Trash Bags
When selecting 60-gallon trash bags, there are a few important features to consider:
- Thick plastic material – Look for bags made of low density polyethylene (LDPE) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). These rugged materials are much less prone to ripping than standard plastic.
- Reinforced seams – Double-stitched or thermally fused seams provide added durability so bags don’t split open under the weight of debris.
- Drawstring closures – Drawstrings allow you to securely close the giant bags once they’re full of trash.
- Leakproof – A leakproof design prevents messes if you’re discarding wet or liquid waste.
- Odor controlling – Some extra large bags have built-in odor neutralizers or antibacterial elements.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the bag dimensions. Most 60-gallon trash bags are around 34-35 gallons in size. Make sure to get bags big enough to fit your waste removal needs.
Top Rated Oversized Trash Bags
Based on reviews and product specs, here are some of the best 60-gallon trash bags to consider:
Simplehuman’s thick plastic bags are made to handle the heftiest household waste. They have reinforced seams, coated edges to prevent ripping, and thick 0.35mm plastic material. Reviewers say these contractor bags don’t leak or tear easily. The drawstring closure keeps odors contained.
For a budget-friendly option, Husky 60-gallon bags get the job done. They have leakproof seams and can handle up to 90 pounds of debris. The tear-resistant bags also have built-in odor control. Just note that the plastic is thinner than more heavy duty options.
With ForceFlexPlus technology, these Glad contractor bags are designed to resist punctures and tears even when stuffed full. They’re made to handle up to 55 pounds and have leak protection and odor control. Drawstrings keep trash secure. Reviewers say these are some of the strongest kitchen bags around.
Ruffies commercial-grade bags are manufactured from durable, low density polyethylene with thermally fused seams. They can hold over 80 pounds of debris without ripping. The huge bags also have built-in antimicrobial product protection to inhibit odor, mold, and bacteria growth.
For a versatile heavy-duty bag, AmazonBasics oversized trash bags are a reliable choice. They’re made to resist rips and tears even when holding lots of weight. These large plastic bags have leak-proof seams and drawstring closures. Reviewers say they’re surprisingly sturdy for the low price.
No matter which extra-large trash bags you choose, always take precautions when loading the bags. Wear thick gloves to avoid sharp objects poking through, and avoid overstuffing bags to the point that they might burst. With the right 60-gallon trash bags, you’ll be prepared to efficiently handle all those bulky household cleanouts and waste removal projects.
Summary: Key factors to consider when buying 60-gallon trash bags
Taking out the garbage is a chore that no one looks forward to. But having the right extra large trash bags can make the job a little easier. When you need to dispose of bulky waste and debris, 60-gallon contractor bags are a handy solution.
However, not all oversized trash bags are created equal. Certain features make some bags better suited for heavy-duty use. Here are the key factors to keep in mind when selecting 60-gallon trash liners:
Thickness
Look at the thickness or microns of the plastic material. Thicker bags around 0.35 mm are more puncture and tear resistant. Standard kitchen bags tend to be around 0.2 mm. The thicker the plastic, the more abuse the bags can handle before ripping.
Seams
Reinforced, leakproof seams are a must for big contractor bags. Under heavy loads, weak seams are a breaking point. Seek out thermally fused or double-stitched seams to prevent split bags and messy leaks.
Drawstrings
Drawstrings allow you to securely close up stuffed bags of trash. This helps contain smells and prevents critters from getting into bags left outside. Not all oversized bags have drawstrings, so check before buying.
Weight Limit
Check the weight handling capacity for an idea of bag durability. Most 60-gallon bags hold 50-80 pounds or more. Higher weight limits generally indicate thicker plastic material.
Odor Control
Some extra large trash bags have odor neutralizing features or antimicrobial coatings. This helps minimize stinky garbage smells, especially useful for diaper pails or storing waste temporarily.
Brand Reputation
Stick with reputable bag brands like Glad, Simplehuman, Husky, or AmazonBasics. Lesser known manufacturers may cut corners and make flimsier bags. Check reviews to verify quality.
Price
There can be a wide price range for 60-gallon trash bags. In general, expect to pay more for thicker and higher quality bags. But decent budget options are available too.
Intended Use
Think about your intended use case. Using the bags for light yard debris? Standard quality may suffice. Hauling renovation waste or heavy materials? Spend more for ultra-durable bags.
Size
Make sure to check the dimensions – 60-gallon bags are usually around 34-39 gallons in size. Measure your bin or cans to ensure proper fit.
By keeping these key factors and features in mind, you can zero in on the ideal extra large trash bags for your needs. Durability, seam strength, and leak protection are most critical for heavy loads. And don’t skimp on quality to save a few bucks – flimsy bags will cost you more in the long run.
Investing in high capacity contractor bags makes short work of big cleanups and waste removal jobs. Just take care when loading the bags, use handles, and avoid overstuffing them. With the right 60-gallon trash liners, you can haul away debris and clutter with confidence!