Why does the color of a plastic bag matter at a catered event?

As event planners, coordinators, hosts, and caterers plan for an event, we all have a checklist or packlist of items that are absolutely needed to ensure the success of the soiree. When our list gets to the Sanitation section, we are usually given the option of either black or clear plastic garbage bags. We may wonder, what's the difference? Don't they function the same? These are a few our guidelines for each:

Black:
When to use:
- Use the black garbage bags for general trash (including food waste and trash from swept floors).
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When NOT to use:
- Do not use when lining drinking ice bins at the bar - this will dye the ice black : ( 

Clear:
When to use: 
- When breaking down an event, clear plastic bags are to be used to store rental crates (plates, cups, etc) and linens so the various types can be seen and kept track of.
- Clear bags are to be used for the broken glass box set up in the sanit area.
- Clear bags are the ones to use when lining drinking ice bins when setting up a satellite bar.
- Recycling

When NOT to use:
- Do not use the clear bags for general garbage - the black ones are the ones to use for this purpose.