Is it safe to use scented trash bags in the kitchen?
Based on 2 peer-reviewed studieshome
Verdict: Avoid
Not ideal. Scented bags off-gas VOCs, including phthalates used as fragrance carriers.
What's actually in it
Scented trash bags are LDPE plastic with added fragrance compounds. Opening the lid releases a puff of VOCs into the kitchen. The bag also touches food waste and can transfer fragrance chemicals onto food-contact surfaces nearby.
What the research says
A 2025 screening study in Environ Sci Technol flagged fragrance chemicals across household product categories. A 2025 study linked fragrance VOCs to airway inflammation.
Use unscented trash bags. For odor, take out the trash more often or sprinkle baking soda in the bin.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical signatures for household consumer products. | Environ Sci Technol | 2025 |
| Toxicological evaluation of VOCs emitted from scented candles. | Front Public Health | 2025 |
What to use instead
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