In the UK we have a selection of bins, one for the plastic + metal + glass and another for the paper/cardboard. To go with that we also have a food waste bin. There is no need to buy anything that won't fit in one of those bins and therefore no bin bags are required.

I had a bit of difficulty persuading an American housemate to recycle, it was my turn to buy bin bags, I bought clear ones and after the neighbours complained and shamed my housemate for trashing tonnes of cardboard (they could see what was in those black bags when they were transparent) a change of habit was made.

All waste should be clean plus factories such as the Honda factory in Swindon can exist on a zero waste basis then so can anyone.

Take pride in your recycling and having squeaky clean bins!