What Are the Best Trash Bag Options for Heavy-Duty Foodservice Waste?

Choosing the right trash bags for heavy-duty foodservice waste is essential to ensure hygiene, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in commercial kitchens. With the wide range of waste types—such as food scraps, liquids, packaging, and broken disposables—durability and capacity must be top priorities.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags are the most common types for foodservice operations. LDPE trash bags, known for their superior puncture and tear resistance, are typically recommended for sharp or heavy waste. They’re ideal for back-of-house waste bins that handle broken cutlery, bones, or packaging. Meanwhile, HDPE bags offer cost-efficiency and strength for lighter, less abrasive trash such as paper napkins or food scraps.

For extremely heavy-duty needs, a commercial-grade can liner with star-sealed bottoms is preferred. These seals provide maximum leak resistance, making them ideal for wet kitchen waste. Sizing also matters—commonly used capacities include 33-gallon and 55-gallon liners, depending on bin dimensions.

KSI recommends black or clear commercial-grade LDPE liners with a minimum 1.5 mil thickness for optimal performance. Color coding waste with specific bag types can also streamline disposal practices and ensure compliance with waste separation regulations.