Poly Liners / Trash Bags

- Selecting the correct size bag for the container
- Selecting the best gauge (thickness)
- Selecting the correct type of liner, low or high density
- Selecting the correct size liner for the right container

Nine out of 10 users buy the incorrect size or gauge bag for their application:

Selecting the correct size bag for the container

Look at the container to determine if the proper size bag is being used. Most often observed is excess overhand or the necessity of double bagging. With correct sizing and thickness, excess buying can be avoided.

Bags are purchased by width and length:

Determining the bag width: Use ½ of the container's outer circumference (completely around the container).

Determining the bag length: Use the height of the container, plus ½ of the diameter of the container bottom, plus 3 inches. For square or rectangular containers, use the container's diagonal (from corner to corner), rather than the diameter.

Selecting the best gauge (thickness)

- Trash liners line the can, keeping the container clean.
- Trash bags are used as the container, requiring heavier duty bags.

- If the trash is taken to the dumpster in the container, a lighter liner can be used.
- If the bag itself is taken to the dumpster, a heavier bag should be used.

- Paper, dry trash
- Glass, sharp objects
- Wet trash, heavy trash
- Are there any current problems with bags now used?
- Leaking or splitting
- Double bagging needed

Selecting the correct type of liner, low or high density

Think of a bag as having two measures of defense against breakage.

The first being any failure, whether a puncture or tear in the bag wall.

The second has to do with the integrity of the bag once the hole is there. That is, does the bag collapse, split, zipper and loose all or does it maintain integrity around the initial break.

High Density (HMW-HDPE) bags have a better initial line of defense, but a much poorer second line. Once you break the film, the integrity of the bag usually collapses.

Low Density (LLDPE) bags generally take second place to the first line of defense, but maintain their integrity around the break and therefore can withstand greater abuse.

High Density liners are measured in microns (based on 100,000s of an inch (0.000000)) and will stretch. Low Density liners are measured in mils (based on 1,000s of an inch (0.000)) are thicker, but have less stretch and will tear.

So, for situations where trash is typically paper, plastic, nonsharp and not heavy or wet, the High Density bags are perfectly adequate; situations like restaurants, fast food or food service, sport stadiums, hotels, convention centers.

But, Low Density rules for the other applications!