Drawstring bags are convenient, but the string adds cost to every bag. For small and medium bins, many homes, offices, salons and hotels use flap-tie trash bags instead: bags with the top cut into handles or tie flaps, so you can carry or knot them without a separate string. At TP Plastic USA these come in three cuts, called T, V and S flaps, all with a star seal bottom and packed on coreless rolls.
This guide shows what each flap looks like, how they differ in daily use, and which one to choose.
What Are Flap-Tie Trash Bags?
A flap-tie bag is a regular trash bag whose opening has been die-cut into two ends. Instead of pulling a string, you lift the two ends and tie them together, or carry the bag by them. Because there is no drawstring, the bag is simpler to make and usually costs less per bag, while the tie ends still close the bag securely.
Our flap bags also use a star seal bottom. The bottom is folded and sealed in one line, so there are no side gussets or corners where liquid can collect. When the bag opens, the bottom spreads out to fit round bins and shares the weight more evenly. You can read more in Star Seal Trash Bags: Why They Hold More Weight.
Flap-tie bags suit small bins that are emptied often.
T Flaps: Handle-Style Bags
T flaps are cut like a T-shirt bag, giving two loop handles.
The T flap is cut like a T-shirt shopping bag. The top of the bag has two loop handles with a scoop cut between them. That makes T flap bags the easiest to use:
- The handles hook over the rim of the bin, so the bag stays in place.
- When the bag is full, you lift it by the handles and tie them in a single knot.
- The loops make the bag easy to carry to an outdoor container.
T flap sizes: Size S, 6–7 gallon, 18 x 26 in, 13 mic, 40 bags/roll; Size M, 10 gallon, 22 x 26 in, 13 mic, 30 bags/roll; and Size L, 13 gallon, 26 x 30.7 in, 13 mic, 20 bags/roll.
V Flaps: Two Pointed Tie Ends
V flaps: a V-shaped notch creates two pointed tie ends.
The V flap bag has a V-shaped notch cut into the top, which leaves two long, pointed ends. The ends fold over the rim of the bin to hold the bag and are long enough to tie a double knot.
- A good choice when the bin has a lid, because flat flaps sit under the lid more easily than loops.
- The longer ends give a tighter closure for kitchen and food waste.
Size: V flaps, Size S, 6–7 gallon, 18 x 26 in, 15 mic, 40 bags/roll.
S Flaps: Curved Tie Ends
S flaps: a curved cut leaves two rounded tie ends.
The S flap bag is cut with a curved, S-shaped line. The result is two rounded tie ends that are wide at the base. They wrap neatly around the rim and knot easily, and the rounded shape avoids thin points that could tear when pulled.
Size: S flaps, Size S, 6–7 gallon, 18 x 26 in, 15 mic, 40 bags/roll.
T vs V vs S Flaps at a Glance
| T flaps | V flaps | S flaps | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top shape | Two loop handles | Two pointed tie ends | Two rounded tie ends |
| Holds on the rim by | Hooking the handles | Folding the flaps over | Wrapping the flaps |
| Best for | Open bins, carrying bags outside | Lidded bins, kitchen waste | Round bins, easy knotting |
| Sizes available | S (6–7 gal), M (10 gal), L (13 gal) | S (6–7 gal) | S (6–7 gal) |
| Thickness | 13 mic | 15 mic | 15 mic |
Flap-Tie vs Drawstring Bags
Drawstring bags close with one pull and are the most convenient for heavy, full bags. Flap-tie bags are the better value when bins are emptied often and loads are light to medium, such as office and bathroom bins, hotel rooms, nail salon stations and household bins. Many businesses use both: drawstring bags in the kitchen and flap-tie bags everywhere else. Compare our drawstring trash bags if you need a string closure.
Tips for Using Flap-Tie Bags
- Match the size to the bin. An 18 x 26 in bag fits most 6–7 gallon bins with room to fold over the rim.
- Do not overfill. Leave enough of the flaps above the waste to tie a knot.
- Tie flaps diagonally. For V and S flaps, tie the two ends across each other for a tighter closure.
- Keep the roll near the bin. Coreless rolls are compact, so a roll can sit in the bottom of the bin under the new bag for quick changes.
Hotels and offices use flap-tie bags in rooms and restrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “coreless roll” mean?
The bags are rolled without a cardboard tube in the middle. The roll is smaller, lighter and leaves no core to throw away.
Which flap type holds the most weight?
Weight capacity depends mainly on size, thickness and the bottom seal. All three share the star seal bottom; V and S flap bags are 15 mic, slightly thicker than the 13 mic T flap bags.
Can I buy flap-tie bags in bulk?
Yes. All sizes are sold by the case, and distributors can request a quote for larger orders. See the full range under S-V-T trash bags and star seal trash bags.
