Refuse Bags Market - Strategic Insights and Forecasts (2026-2031)

Refuse Bags Market Size:

Refuse Bags Market is projected to grow at a 4.42% CAGR, increasing from USD 8.422 billion in 2025 to USD 10.919 billion in 2031.

Refuse Bags Market Trends:

Refuse bags, commonly known as garbage bags or trash bags, are flexible containers designed for the collection, containment, and disposal of various types of waste materials. Typically made from materials like polyethylene or polypropylene, these bags come in different sizes, capacities, and thicknesses to accommodate diverse waste volumes and types. Refuse bags play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness, facilitating proper waste management, and preventing the spread of waste-related issues. They are used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings to collect and transport garbage, contributing to organized waste disposal practices and environmental hygiene.

The refuse bag market encompasses the production, distribution, and sale of specialized bags designed for waste collection, containment, and disposal. These bags cater to a range of industries, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, providing essential solutions for efficient waste management. The market's growth is driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, stricter environmental regulations, rising awareness about sustainable practices, and the need for hygienic waste disposal methods. As businesses and households seek effective waste containment solutions, the refuse bag market continues to expand to meet these evolving demands while contributing to cleaner and more organized waste disposal systems.

Refuse Bags Market Growth Drivers:

• Urbanization and Population Growth: Rapid urbanization and population expansion lead to increased waste generation, necessitating efficient waste management solutions, including refuse bags, to maintain cleanliness and prevent environmental hazards.

• Stringent Environmental Regulations: Growing environmental consciousness and government regulations mandating proper waste disposal drive the demand for refuse bags as businesses and individuals seek compliant waste containment solutions.

• Rising Awareness of Sustainability: The global shift towards sustainable practices fuels the demand for eco-friendly refuse bags made from biodegradable or recyclable materials, as consumers and industries prioritize minimizing environmental impact.

• Expansion of E-Commerce and Packaging: The surge in online shopping amplifies the need for packaging materials, including refuse bags, to safely transport goods. The rise of e-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer deliveries significantly contributes to the demand for these bags.

• Growth of Food Industry and Takeout Services: The food industry's expansion, coupled with the rise of takeout and delivery services, drives the demand for specialized refuse bags that can securely hold food waste, contributing to sanitation and hygiene.

• Industrial and Manufacturing Activities: Industries generate substantial waste that requires efficient disposal. Industrial and manufacturing sectors rely on robust refuse bags to handle diverse waste streams, contributing to the market's growth.

• Hygiene and Disease Prevention: Proper waste containment through refuse bags is crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of diseases caused by improper waste disposal, particularly in densely populated areas.

• Tourism and Hospitality Sector: Locations with high tourist footfalls require effective waste management solutions, including refuse bags, to handle the increased waste generated by visitors.

• Innovations in Bag Design and Technology: Advancements in bag design, such as easy-to-tie closures, odor control features, and tear-resistant materials, enhance the appeal and functionality of refuse bags, driving their adoption.

• Waste-to-Energy and Circular Economy Initiatives: Refuse bags play a role in waste-to-energy programs and circular economy models where waste is repurposed. These initiatives contribute to the market's growth by emphasizing responsible waste disposal and resource utilization.

List of Top Refuse Bags Companies:

Products offered by key companies:

• Grove Bags: Grove Bags are compostable refuse bags made from plant-based materials. They are also BPA-free and phthalate-free.

• Eartheasy Reusable Produce Bags: These reusable produce bags are made from organic cotton and are a great alternative to single-use plastic bags. They are also machine-washable and come in a variety of sizes.

• BioBag: BioBag is a Swedish company that makes a variety of compostable refuse bags. Their bags are made from renewable resources and are certified compostable in commercial and home composting facilities.

Refuse Bags Market Segmentation Analysis:

• Major growth in the food and beverage segment of the refuse bag market:

The "Polyethylene (PE)" material segment within the refuse bags market is experiencing noteworthy growth. This growth can be attributed to the material's versatile properties that cater to a wide range of applications across the "Commercial," "Industrial," and "Residential" end-user segments. Polyethylene offers durability, tear resistance, and water-repelling qualities, making it ideal for containing various types of waste, including wet and heavy refuse. With an increasing emphasis on waste management, hygiene, and environmental consciousness, PE refuse bags are becoming the preferred choice for waste disposal. Additionally, the convenience of PE bags in various capacities, from smaller sizes for households to larger ones for industrial settings, contributes to their widespread adoption. The versatility and practicality of PE as a material drive its significant growth within the refuse bags market.

Refuse Bags Market Geographical Outlook:

• The Asia-Pacific region is expected to hold a significant share of the refuse bag market:

The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to hold a prominent share of the refuse bag market. This expectation arises from the region's combination of rapid urbanization, population growth, and increasing consumption. As urban areas expand, so does the need for efficient waste management solutions, including reliable refuse bags for household, commercial, and industrial waste. The escalating focus on environmental sustainability, coupled with evolving regulations for waste disposal, drives the demand for high-quality and durable refuse bags. With its large and diverse population, the Asia-Pacific region is set to be a significant contributor to the refuse bag market, addressing the growing waste management challenges across various sectors.

Refuse Bags Market Developments:

• October 2025: Eco-Products® (Novolex brand) won the 2025 Balpex Innovation Center Award for its Veda™ reusable containers, advancing sustainable waste management solutions in foodservice operations.

• September 2025: Reynolds Consumer Products faced legal scrutiny over recyclability claims on certain polyethylene refuse bags, prompting packaging label updates and transparency improvements.

• May 2025: The Hefty® brand (Reynolds Consumer Products) launched Hefty® Ultra Strong™ trash bags with a new Fabuloso® Watermelon scent, combining trusted strength with continuous odor control technology.

• April 2025: Novolex brand Eco-Products received the Bronze Stevie Award for its Veda line of reusable and compostable containers, reinforcing the company's 2025 pivot toward circular waste management solutions.

Refuse Bags Market Scope:

Refuse Bags Market Segmentation:

• By Material

  • Polypropylene (PP)

  • Polyethylene (PE)

    • Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)

    • High-density Polyethylene (HDPE)

    • Linear low-density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

  • Others

• By Type

  • Drawstring Bags

  • Gusseted Bags

  • Star-sealed Bags

  • Flat Bags

• By Capacity

  • Up to 10 gallons

  • 11 to 25 gallons

  • 25 to 40 gallons

  • 41 to 55 gallons

  • Above 55 gallons

• By End-Users

  • Commercial

  • Industrial

  • Residential

• By Geography

  • North America

    • United States

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

    • Others

  • Europe

    • United Kingdom

    • Germany

    • France

    • Spain

    • Others

  • Middle East and Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Others

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Taiwan

    • Others

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