EN 13592 Plastic Bags for Household Waste Collection - Types, Requirements and Test Methods

The European standard “EN 13592 Plastic bags for household waste collection - Types, requirements and test methods” describes the general characteristics, test methods and requirements for sacks, bags and garbage bags made of plastic film used for household waste collection or selective household waste collection (including collection of biodegradable waste for organic recycling).

Within the scope of this standard, biodegradable and compostable sacks, including any ties, are those that comply with the EN 13432 standard.

This standard applies only to sacks, bags and garbage bags whose primary purpose is household waste collection or selective household waste collection.

The sacks are identified using the following information:

Intended use, i.e., household waste collection bags, selective household waste collection bags, specific test loads (if any), and other information if an agreement exists between the supplier and the customer.
Dimensions are in millimeters (mm).
Tip:
Standard sacks
Airtight sacks
T-shirt bags
Hanging sacks
Four-lid sacks
Star-sealed sacks

This list of sack types is neither exhaustive nor comprehensive.

The abbreviated name of the plastic material from which the sack is made, in accordance with the EN ISO 1043-1 standard, and the color of the sack. Color is essential information for identifying a sack, e.g., black, blue, green, white. When no pigment, filler, or colored base mixture is added to the resin, it is called neutral. When a more accurate color description is required, it should be stated in the contract by referring to the relevant specification or standard.
The nominal thickness of the film is given in micrometers (µm).
This is a reference to the standard (EN 13592).
A reference to the EN 13432 standard for bags for the separate collection of biodegradable waste for organic recycling (biodegradation and composting).

The dimensions of the sacks are agreed upon between the supplier and the customer, unless otherwise specified in this standard. The dimensions of the sacks are given by two separate numbers: the first number gives the usable width in millimeters, and the second number gives the usable length in millimeters.

The EN 13592 standard specifies the requirements and relevant test methods for bags used for collecting household waste, excluding the separate collection of biodegradable waste for organic recycling (biodegradation and composting).

This standard also sets requirements for bags used for the separate collection of biodegradable waste for organic recycling (biodegradation and composting), taking into account the characteristics of biodegradable waste and organic recycling.

In short, this standard is designed for the following:

Household waste collection
Household selective waste collection
Including separate collection of biodegradable waste for organic recycling (biodegradation and composting).

This standard applies particularly to products whose primary purpose is household waste collection or selective collection. It covers both conventional plastic bags and those designed to be biodegradable/compostable (the latter must comply with relevant standards such as EN 13432 for compostability).

This standard does not apply to industrial or commercial waste bags unless they meet the criteria for household use.

This standard is structured as follows:

Scope: Defines what it covers (plastic film bags for household waste, including biodegradable types).
Normative references: List the basic relevant standards.
Terms and definitions: Basic terms such as different bag types and capacities.
Description: How the bags will be classified and labeled.
Dimensions: Nominal dimensions, width, length, tolerances for bellows.
General requirements: Essential characteristics applicable to all types.
Bags used for general household waste collection (excluding biodegradable waste)
Strength, impact resistance, leak tightness, and drop test requirements.
Types with drawstring closure, tie handles, and star-shaped sealed bases.
Bags used for the separate collection of biodegradable waste for organic recycling.
Additional or specific requirements for compostable/biodegradable films (e.g., compatibility with organic recycling processes).
Includes trash can liners and similar products.

This standard defines performance criteria to ensure that sacks are fit for purpose during collection and transport:

Impact resistance (drop test from a specified height).
Puncture resistance.
Tensile strength and elongation.
Leakproof (no leakage under specific conditions).
Weld strength (for seams and soles).
Capacity and nominal volume.
For biodegradable versions, compliance with compostability criteria and not interfering with organic recycling are important.

In certain critical tests (e.g., average and individual values in sampled bags must meet limits), defective units are not permitted.

In conclusion, the EN 13592 standard,

It ensures that plastic waste bags are reliable, safe and suitable for municipal collection systems across Europe.
It helps manufacturers produce products of consistent quality.
It assists waste management authorities in identifying acceptable bags.
It promotes environmental considerations (especially for biodegradable options used in separate organic waste streams).

Household plastic waste bags are used daily in waste collection systems by millions of people across Europe, and without standardized minimum performance levels, various practical, safety, environmental, and operational problems arise. The main reasons for the existence of this standard are as follows:

Ensuring reliability during collection and processing.
Protecting public health and worker safety.
Ensuring consistent municipal waste management across Europe.
Supporting the separate collection of biodegradable/organic waste.
Preventing market chaos and low-quality products.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN 13592 standard.