Question:
Which yard waste bag should people use this fall?
Answer:
The RONA ECO Recycled Plastic Garbage Bags.
We tested a variety of bags in order to represent the choices available to the consumer: regular plastic, recycled materials, biodegradable, and stretch bags. Our theory was that a biodegradable bag would not test as well as regular garbage bags. This was true. We were surprised to learn that the recycled garbage bag was at least as good as regular yard waste bags, priced reasonably, and environmentally friendly.
For the strength test, we incrementally added exercise weights into each of the garbage bags. For the puncture test, we filled each garbage bag with branches and twigs, to simulate yard waste disposal, and we examined the bag for holes. For the seepage test, we filled each garbage bag with two litres of water, to simulate wet yard waste, and we threw the bags ten feet over the fence, to simulate disposal and harsh elements.
Product Testing
| Product Name | Tensile Strength* | Tearing Test* | Seepage Test* | Overall Score Total** |
| RONA ECO Compostable and 100% Biodegradable Bags for Garden Waste | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
| Great Value Ty-Up Flaps Regular Outdoor Bags | 4 | 4 | 1 | 9 |
| GLAD ForceFlex Stretchable Strength Easy-Tie Bags | 3 | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Husky Garbage Bags | 3 | 2 | 4 | 9 |
| RONA ECO Recycled Plastic Garbage Bags | 5 | 4 | 5 | 14 |
*(Ranking: 5=Best; 4=Good; 3=Decent; 2=Bad; 1=Worst)
**(Scored out of a maximum total of 15)
The overall score was determined by adding the scores of all three tests. The maximum score possible is 15. The product with the highest overall score total is the product that is most recommended. Conversely, the product with the lowest overall score is the product that performed the worst.
Product Price
| Product Name | Cost per Package | Bags per Package | Cost per Bag |
| RONA ECO Compostable and 100% Biodegradable Bags for Garden Waste | $4.99 | 10 | $0.499 |
| Great Value Ty-Up Flaps Regular Outdoor Bags | $4.47 | 40 | $0.111 |
| GLAD ForceFlex Stretchable Strength Easy-Tie Bags | $4.88 | 15 | $0.325 |
| Husky Garbage Bags | $9.99 | 100 | $0.099 |
| RONA ECO Recycled Plastic Garbage Bags | $4.99 | 40 | $0.124 |
We spoke to industry professionals, who said they were interested in environmentally friendly waste bags, and our focus group agreed. They want bags that are thick enough to do the job, cheap enough that they can afford them, and environmentally friendly would be nice too. RONA ECO Recycled Plastic Garbage Bags fits the bill and is our number one recommendation.
Lovely charts!
ReplyDeleteGo team garbage!