The 10 Best Yard Waste Bags
Special Honors
Uline Lawn/Leaf Bags If you're looking to buy in bulk, you could do far worse than the Uline Lawn/Leaf Bags, a sturdy choice made from two-ply kraft paper. They represent a good value for the price; each stands nearly three feet tall and can hold up to 50 pounds, so you shouldn't use them up too quickly. uline.com
Leaf Burrito The Leaf Burrito is a clever landscaping tool that replaces bags and tarps to make picking up lawn debris a breeze. It lies flat for collection but rolls up and zips shut securely, allowing you to move it in a flash with the strong, ergonomic straps. leafburrito.com
Gempler's Landscaping Bag The Gempler's Landscaping Bag might make a big dent in your lawn care budget, but unlike many, they're designed to be puncture- and tear-resistant to last over the long haul. Even though they're lightweight, they stand up on their own, then collapse flat for storage in tight spaces. gemplers.com
Editor's Notes
May 04, 2020:
We've kept a variety of bags at this time, some reusable and some not, but keep in mind that yard waste collection rules vary from city to city. Most have restrictions on the size and type of bags they will accept; for instance, a few areas will no longer accept yard waste in black bags because of unseen hazards. That's why we've added the Toughbag Clear, in fact, which give you the sturdiness of a 3-millimeter contractor bag but in a see-through construction. But black bags, like the Hefty Strong and the Husky Contractor Clean-Up, remain a popular choice. Of the two, the latter is the thicker, tougher model, but they also tend to be more expensive. For those who are truly feeling a budget crunch, we added the Solimo 39 Gallon. They can't take as much abuse as some, but for light tasks, they'll get the job done.
If you're looking for a reusable choice, the Sleek Garden Smart and the Glorytec Bagster remain good options to consider. The Glorytec is larger at 132 gallons, but the Sleek Garden has more "fancy" features, including drainage holes in the bottom and a drawstring closure at the top. Plus, you can choose between two sizes, 30 and 45 gallons. There's also the Fiskars Kangaroo, which pops up for use in a flash. But no matter which you choose, they all stay open relatively well and pair nicely with a pair of leaf grabbers.
Finally, a word about safety. You may have heard that it's not a good idea to store bags of yard waste in your garage. That's because lawn debris, especially grass clippings, has the potential to spontaneously combust when bagged tightly and left to sit. Instead, leave the bags open, and dispose of them in a timely fashion, following the regulations set forth by your local city or county.