Do you want to have a clean & tidy garden to sit and relax in every day? No need to rush into the house to dispose of leaves, trimmed hedges, and other rubbish. If having a neat and clean garden makes you feel relaxed, then you have your yard waste bags to thank.

When it’s time to shape your garden for the warm season, leaves, sticks, grass cuttings from mowing, or even dug up dirt can find their way into your garden, and this is where the best yard waste bags come in handy. This buying guide was designed to help you narrow down your options because shopping online can be challenging. So many choices, so little time! Yet, if you want to learn which one is the best for you and your needs, keep reading. Let’s find out together why they are a must-have and what to look for before purchasing one. 

Why do you need Yard Waste Bags?

A yard waste bag is a must-have bag amongst your average paraphernalia of garden tools such as garden shredders and lawn scarifiers. If you are invested in upgrade your garden and patio, purchasing a garden trolley, a storage box and of course a yard waste bag are solid investments. Our guide highlights and explains the key factors that go into choosing the kind of waste bag you need, whether it is a strong yard waste bag or a reusable waste bag, based on your needs.

Many people shy away from purchasing a yard waste bag because they think typical refuse sacks can perform the same task at a cheaper cost. But, waste bags have some advantages that set them apart from your average bin bag. Garden bags are bulky, heavy-duty, harder to carry, and reusable.

• They are perfect for difficult tasks. 

Garden refuse consists of many items ranging from dry garden leaves, weeds, grass cuttings, sticks, and even dirt waste. These items are small but bulky. Therefore, they require something like a strong garden bag that is larger, holds shape, does not tear, and lasts longer than flimsy bin bags or bin liners that may tear when you are transporting garden waste from one place to the other.

Also, waste bags or garden sacks tend to have wider openings in comparison to the average bin bag. This allows you to shovel in garden refuse much more quickly, and you won't have to struggle with a narrow opening. In addition, the waste bags are reusable and have collapsable storage, which means you can roll them up or fold them when they are not being used. This is a good storage solution strategy.

• They are lightweight but strong. 

Another advantage of garden sacks is their weight. They are made up of lightweight material, making them easier to carry around, especially when they are filled with waste. Furthermore, it is imperative to note that being lightweight doesn't mean they are flimsy. These bags are made with strong materials such as tear-resistant polypropylene. Perfect to use after you use your leaf blower.

• They have a big capacity.

Garden waste bags have a different structure which means that they have larger capacities made to accommodate tonnes of waste. The average waste bag can accommodate up to 100 litres of garden waste. In addition, you can also opt for large waste bags that can accommodate up to 250 litres of waste at a time.

• There are different types to choose from.

Garden bags come in different styles and types. They can be collapsible for easy storage, perfect if you have limited storage space. Simply store them in a storage box or in the garden shed, as they take up so little space. Some come with drawstring closures to assist you during transport. Some waste bags even have a pop-up style. Just in seconds, they are ready to use! 

What to look for when buying Yard Waste Bags?

There are different features you should consider when you are searching for a yard waste bag. Here is our list: 

1. Capacity 

Your garden bin or garden refuse bag should have a large room. The bag should be lightweight but bulky, which is available in spacious varieties. Jumbo-sized bags have a larger capacity. Smaller capacity waste bags are suited for smaller items like twines or branches, which are great for waste from landscaping and other activities.

2. Size 

The size and capacity of the bag aren't the same things. A large strong garden sack may be smaller in size but have a  big capacity. It is recommended to opt for a bag that is wider as opposed to one which is taller. This is because wide waste bags can be filled up easily when you are shovelling rubbish inside using hand tools. You can also use wide-lipped tools to fill them up, which makes the job easier and quicker. If the bag is narrow and long, not only is it harder to fill up with waste, it is also harder to lift them up and manoeuvre them around.

3. Material

In most cases, the bag is made from polypropylene, which is affordable, lightweight, and resistant to wear and tear. Some variations have been coated with water-repellent PE, which makes them waterproof as well. This option is an elevated waterproof strong version of the average garden refuse sack. Bags are also made from woven fabric which is thick and resistant to tearing from manoeuvring and heavy handling. 

Similarly, the market also offers more environmentally friendly options such as jute or waterproof two-ply paper, which is compostable and biodegradable. Ultimately, the bag you choose should be durable and sturdy enough to take on rough handling, hauling around, and heavyweight. Lastly, in some cases, bags have a UV resistant coating as well. These bags can be left out in the sun and not get too hot.

4. Usability

Another factor to bear in mind is how well you can handle the bag. How comfortably can you carry the bag around the lawn? Whether you're going to be taking it on your back or you want to use the convenient, sturdy handles. Also, you need to consider if you can throw the garbage on your own or you’ll need help. 

5. Multipurpose functionality

Lastly, you must ensure that your bags can be used for other purposes as well. They can also double as laundry bags or even as a sack for your smaller garden tools, fertiliser, or other materials. You can also use your bag as a planter by watching some DIY videos online. This is a convenient item to have around your house, as it is functional for inside or outside the house.

What are the types of Garden Waste Bags?

The types of garden bags vary in terms of shape, style, and material. Here is all you need to know about yard waste bags: 

• Shapes

Garden bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. The three most commonly found shapes on the market are traditional sack shapes, a square shape, and a cylindrical variation. Cylindrical options may also be UV resistant and waterproof. Less commonly, one can find dustpan style bags that are flat on one side, allowing you to sweep in leaves and dust easily.

• Compostable waste bags

While these are commonly made with polypropylene, some garden waste sacks are made up of biodegradable, environmentally friendly materials. There are various paper compostable waste sacks options in the market to choose from. These are a good replacement for plastic garden waste sacks and are great for an eco-conscious household. 

• Style and Design

Apart from shapes, yard waste bags have varying designs. Dustpan waste bags have a semi-circle shape. The bag lies flat on the ground lengthways, allowing you to sweep up debris from the ground. Another option is pop-up waste bags which can be propped up when you're using them and collapsed, folded, and stored flat when you do not need them. 

These bags are perfect for people who do not have a lot of space in their shed. Bags also come with various closures; some bags have drawstring closures, some can be zipped up, and some do not close at all. Bags also have additional small elements which set their style apart; for example, some bags have built-in steel ring support and handles at the bottom and top to make the emptying process seamless. Some bags also have ribbing to hold bags up, and this is perfect for the moments when you are shovelling waste in bulk using your hands or feet and need a bag that won't give away when it is under pressure.

How can you dispose of garden waste in the UK?

In general, you can dispose of garden waste in normal waste bins instead of garden waste bins. But, it is advised to dispose of garden waste at garden waste points or collections. Since garden waste can be composted, professionals advise utilising it for that. This is much more sustainable than throwing garden waste in a regular bin. Specific to the UK, some councils and boroughs have a designated collection spot or bin.If they do not, you need to contact and drop off waste at a recycling centre that accepts it. Usually, such centres are nearby, and you can look them up easily. It is advised to compost as much as possible in a compost bin so that you are doing your bit to create a safer, healthier, and greener planet Earth.

How much should you spend on a Garden Waste Bag?

Garden bags fall into two major categories. They are either affordable or high-end. Either type has key differences in terms of design, style, and material chosen. Pick one based on your needs and wallet. Let’s have a closer look at what you can find: 

• Affordable 

Affordable waste bags fall in the range of £10 to £20. Bags that fall into this category are on the lightweight side, and they have smaller capacities. In addition, they have a simplistic style, without the pomp and fair of ribbings and hoops. The bags are also made with flimsier material that may not be as heavy-duty as one would like. But, the bags are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, which is a pro for ecologically conscious people.

• High-end waste bags

These bags fall in the range of £20 to £30. These bags have extra features which make them a long-lasting worthwhile investment. Some are made from durable canvas material and feature rubber handles for effortless manoeuvring. In addition, some also have a PVC elastic band in the rim, which helps it keep its shape and makes it easier to fill up. 

Others are made from heavy-duty cloth that is abrasion-resistant. It features a built-in steel ring support, making it more durable and long-lasting compared to other options. You can opt for high-end options when you want a solid and long-lasting bag so that you can reuse the bag over and over without having to worry about it falling apart in the middle of a task.

Closure

Summing it up, many different kinds of garden bags are available on the market to choose from. These come in varying shapes, sizes, materials, and options. Ultimately, it comes down to which type of bag you need, the features you want in your bag, and the values you align yourself with. If you want something environmentally friendly, you can opt for two-ply paper or jute choices. But, if you want to make a solid one-time investment, you need something which falls in the high-end bracket and is made from solid materials such as canvas or oxford cloth.

In general, investing in a garden waste bag is a smart choice because it is sustainable and allows you to keep your little slice of heaven clean and well-maintained. Have you found yours in the products above? Add to cart and spruce up your garden effortlessly this season!