Choosing the Right Trash Can Liner

Simply put, not all types of trash can liners are created equally.

Although it may seem easy and straightforward, choosing the wrong types of liners can lead to inefficiencies.

It is very important, with any trash, that it is properly disposed of. This is particularly relevant with hospitals and other facilities that are constantly getting rid of hazardous waste. They have to get rid of needles and sharp objects all the time. Restaurants and hotel kitchens also have to dispose of old food and liquids. In either case they need the right type of can liner to prevent leaks and tears. If a tear was found in a hospital can liner this puts individuals at risk of infection. How do you know which type of can liner is the best for your application?

High-Density Can Liners:

Ultimately, there are two types of can liners for you to choose from. First there are?high-density can liners.

Features:

High density polyethylene resins are stronger, much more temperature resistant, and offer superior moisture protection. These can liners are the ideal choice for bathrooms, lightweight trash, and paper. However, HDPE liners can tear easily if it's punctured.

A few key advantages of HDPE can liners include:

• Can offer substantial cost savings per liner
• Are approximately three times more durable or stronger than ordinary polyethylene liners of the same thickness.
• These liners require two-thirds less petroleum based raw material to create.
• These liners can reduce your storage, shipping, and warehousing costs
• Offers an extremely wide range of temperature resistance from -40 degrees F to +212 degrees F (boiling).

Low-Density Can Liners:

The second type of can liners are?low-density can liners.

Features:

Linear low density polyethylene is highly tear and puncture resistant. These properties make it the ideal choice for applications where extra stretch and/or strength is needed. This type of can liner works best for waste with jagged or sharp edges.

A few key advantages of LLDPE can liners include:

• Multi-purpose applications
• Offered in an array of colors
• Maximum stretch and puncture resistance
• The most common type of can liner used in the industry today

Can Liner Gauge

The gauge of the bag or film thickness will determine the weight, strength, and price of your bags. Low density bags have a thicker gauge and provide more heft and strength. These bags are best for bulkier or heavier items.

In contrast, high density bags are lighter weight, have a lower gauge, and can save you money. High density bags are best for light to moderately heavy contents. Most importantly, high density bags can save your company money.

Low Density Can Liner Gauge

Low density can liners are measured in mils, which are 1/1000, .001, or one thousandth of an inch. The thinnest LLD bag gauge is .7 mil and the highest is 4.0 mil.

• Use higher mil count for heavier, larger, and more jagged trash.
• Use a lower mil count for smaller, lighter trash.

High Density Can Liner Gauge

As the most cost-effective option, high density bags are not as puncture resistant, but can carry very heavy loads. High density can liners are measured in microns, which is ? of a mil. The thickest mic is 17, while the thinnest mic is 6.

• Use higher microns for heavier trash
• Use lower microns for lighter trash

Choosing the Right Can Liner Seal

The can liner seal is a term used to describe the bottom of the liner. You can choose from three different types of can liner seals: gusset seal, flat seal, and star seal.

Gusset Can Liner Seal

Bags with gusset seals are manufactured with both sides of the bottom edge tucked in to form gussets. These seals are reinforced with four layers of film at the indented outer edges, while the outer edges are sealed with two layers. Bags with gusset seals bags do have a high tendency for wet trash to leak.

Flat Can Liner Seal

As the name would suggest, these seals are manufactured through the sealing of the bottom edge. With flat can liner seals, the length of the can liner isn't sacrificed. These types of seal are excellent for being leak-proof. However, flat can seals can be difficult to handle and do not conform well to the receptacle.

Star Can Seal

As the most common seal used in the industry, star seals are created by folding the bottom of the liner over several times and sealing it. The star seal allows the liner to conform to the shape of the trash can, eliminates leaks, and distributes the refuse evenly around the bag.

Other Aspects to Consider:

Commercial can liner sizes are expressed in two numbers e.g. 33″ x 40″. The first number is the size of the opening of the liner and the second number is the height of the liner. To find the correct size liner, first measure the can’s circumference then measure its height.

When you are trying to figure out the length of the can liner that you should get remember the following:

• Liners should be 3-4 inches taller than the wastebasket
• Bag width = ? the outer circumference of the container
• Bag length = height of the container plus ? diameter of the container bottom