Why Is My Trash Always Leaking? (And How To Fix It)

Trash cans are where we put items we no longer want to see, smell, or think about. For the most part, they are relatively simple to operate and don’t require much upkeep. But if you notice your trash is constantly leaking, then you will want to find out why and fix this problem before the leaking becomes unbearable.

If your trash can is always leaking, there is a chance you are putting too many liquids in it. Alternatively you could be overfilling it, or adding sharp objects that poke holes in the bag. Rodents can chew through plastic, especially in outdoor trash. Cheap garbage bags and non-plastic ones tend to leak more often. Use quality bags, and be careful what you put in them.

Leaking trash is no laughing matter. It can leave a gross puddle in your trash can that you need to clean up before it attracts maggots. You may also find yourself leaving a trail of wet garbage liquid each time you empty it. To ensure you never have to deal with these problems and worse scenarios, keep reading to learn all the reasons why trash leaks and how to stop it from happening.

Seven Reasons Why Your Trash Is Leaking

1. There Is Too Much Liquid In Your Trash 

One of the main reasons trash leaks is due to what’s inside the trash bag. Trash is meant for solids, not liquids. If you are dumping too many liquids in your trash, don’t be surprised if it leaks. All it takes is one tiny hole near the bottom of a trash bag to cause the contents to leak.

Remember, trash doesn't leak if it is solid, only liquids. The more liquids that reside at the bottom of a trash bag, the more likely it is to burst open and leak everywhere.

2. You Aren’t Using The Right Type Of Trash Bag

Another common reason why trash leaks is due to the type of trash bag. There are dozens of different trash bag options in any store, but they don’t all serve the same purpose. Heavy-duty plastic trash bags are designed to prevent leaks. Most durable kitchen bags are also decent at preventing leaky trash.

If you use some eco-friendly trash bags, recycled plastic, and paper bags, you need to be very careful with how you handle the bags and what you put inside. If you need a durable and heavy-duty bag, then that is what you must buy.

3. You Are Overfilling Your Trash

Another common reason why trash leaks is that there is too much in it. Even strong plastic bags have a threshold. If you stuff a trash bag so full that it begins to expand, then there’s a good chance it will rip and then leak.

If your bag is so heavy when you lift it that you feel it stretching, then it is too full, and much more likely to leak.

4. There Are Too Many Pointed Objects In The Trash

If you are unaware that it’s a bad idea to put sharp and pointed objects in your trash, then this may be the cause of your leaky trash. Pointed objects can easily puncture a hole in your trash bag

All it takes is one of these holes for liquid and even solids like coffee grounds and other powdery substances to leak out. If you notice your leaky trash bag has holes in it, then pointed objects may be the culprit.

5. Rodents Are Chewing The Bags

If it’s your outside trash that is always leaking, then there’s a chance rodents are to blame. Rodents have very strong teeth, and they are quite talented when it comes to getting into hard-to-reach places.

If you leave trash containing food scraps outdoors, and it isn’t properly sealed, then mice and rats can find their way in and chew holes in the bags. This will cause the trash to leak, and can also cause all sorts of damage and destruction inside your trash can.

6. The Trash Bags You’re Using Are Cheap

Another common reason why trash leaks is that the bag in question is cheap and poorly made. Just as there are many types of trash cans, there are also many different levels of quality bags to put them in. If you buy the cheapest trash liners you can find, then they are likely made from thin plastic and might not be well constructed.

Combine this with liquids, overfilling them, or adding sharp objects, and there is a very good chance that a cheap trash bag will leak.

7. You Aren’t Tying The Trash Bags Properly

Lastly, remember that trash may not always leak from the bottom. Sometimes trash leaks from where you tie it at the top. This is often the case when your trash is leaking from your outdoor trash can.

When you tie up your trash, diligently tie it tightly. This will prevent any solids or liquids from escaping the trash bag. It will also keep insects and maggots out of your trash can.

Six Ways To Prevent Your Trash From Leaking

1. Avoid Putting Sharp And Pointed Objects In The Trash

One thing you should always do to prevent leaky trash and also to stay safe is to never put pointed and sharp objects in a trash bag. Sharp objects like glass and broken plates should never, under any circumstances, go into your trash.

For one, they can cause leaks, but they can also cut you when you lift the trash out of the can. Also, avoid adding anything pointed, like branches and flowers with thorns.

2. Use High-Quality Trash Bags

If the reason why your trash is leaking has to do with the type of trash bag or its quality level, then buy better trash bags. There are all sorts of anti-leak kitchen garbage bags on the market. There are also plenty of heavy-duty bags.

Ensure you buy the right trash bag for your purposes. Buying a stronger trash can liner will mean you don’t need to worry so much about what you put into your trash.

3. Don’t Overfill Your Bags

Overstuffing trash bags is one of the leading causes of leaky trash. Therefore, you should stop overfilling your trash, especially if you notice your trash keeps leaking. As a rule, if you can’t close the lid of your trash can, then it’s too full.

Make it a habit to being your trash out more frequently. This will keep smells, insects, and other pests out of the home. It will also reduce the risk of a leaky trash bag.

4. Stop Putting Liquids In Your Trash

Since most trash leakage is liquid, the best way to stop trash leaks is to stop putting liquids in your trash. Sure, some things like oil must be discarded in the trash, rather than down the sink. Still, there are ways to reduce the risk. 

Use old paper towels to absorb the liquid before tossing the oil in the trash. Eliminating liquids from your trash bin will all but guarantee a solution to your leaky trash.

5. Double Bag Your Trash When Necessary 

If you are hosting a holiday feast or plan on doing a ton of cooking and cleanup, then plan your trash can options ahead. Any time you know you will be throwing a lot of garbage away, double-bag your trash. 

Having a second trash liner will give you an extra barrier in case the first one fails. It will also make transporting your heavy trash from the bin to the curb much safer.

6. Keep Outdoor Trash Securely Covered

If your outdoor trash is the one that’s always leaking, then rodents or other pests are likely to blame. To eliminate this threat to your trash, ensure your outside trash cans are securely covered. If you have a sturdy and securely fastened lid on your trash bin, then no rodents should get in and nibble their way into your trash bags.

Wrapping Up Why Your Trash Is Leaking (And How To Fix It)

Leaky trash can be a gross and annoying problem. Trash leaks can occur if you put too many liquids in your trash, overfill it, or add sharp objects that poke holes through the liner. Ensure you use high-quality trash bags and double bags as necessary. Keep outdoor trash bins closed securely, and be mindful of what and how much you put in each trash bag.

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