Reusable Bin Liners (for dry waste)

Moonie Reusable Bin Liners are a good option for ‘dry waste’ (you can’t wash them, as this would release microplastics). But they have seamless bottoms and are easy to empty into refuse trucks, and use again.

The smaller versions area ideal to store swim shoes, cloth nappies or gym gear, or even keep as a portable trash bag for the car. 

For normal waste, read about biodegradable bin liners.

Do You Have to Use Bin Bags?

Technically no. Most councils use mechanical lifters to empty bins into trucks, so refuse workers won’t be touching your rubbish. Bin liners simply prevent ‘ickiness’. If you choose reusable over disposable, you could end up with a ‘dry bin’ and not need liners.

What About Gull-Proof Sacks?

Gull-Proof Sacks are made from thick woven plastic, the idea that they are emptied into refuse trucks, then returned to you, for use again. The Velcro closing is designed to stop wildlife ripping bags apart.

They are good inventions, if kept indoors until collection day, and only used for dry waste. Some councils have trialled theme but cancelled the trials. As empty bags kind of act like parachutes, filling with air and blowing down the street.

And as with ‘reusable bin liners’, they are at risk of vermin, if used for wet waste (and you need a microfiber filter to wash them, to stop synthetic microplastics escaping the machine, and going out to sea).

• Only use for ‘dry rubbish’ (no food waste or dirty nappies!)
• Keep them indoors (brought in immediately after collection)

Of course the real answer is to give seagulls back their natural homes (at the seaside, where they eat fish) and don’t drop lots of litter or over-fill bins). All creatures are opportunistic eaters. And if there was not lots of leftover food waste in the first place, these unwelcome visitors at your bin, would not be there!