Trash Can Liner Buying Guide

Trash Can Liner Terminology

It is important to know a little about trash can liners to help you determine which trash can liner will work best for your particular application.

Resin

Resin is the basic raw material used in manufacturing trash can liners. The two basic types of resins utilized in trash can liner manufacturing are High Density and Linear Low Density.

Linear Low Density Trash Can Liners

Linear Low Density can liners are made from high quality resins that are highly resistant to puncturing and tearing. The exceptional strength and stretch properties of Linear Low Density trash can liners make them a great option for kitchen trash that may include glass or sharp, irregularly shaped objects. Various resins that comprise Linear Low Density polyethylene include butane, hexene and metallocene.

For the environmentally conscious, we also carry a line of Biodegradable Low Density Trash Can Liners, which are manufactured with at least 60% recycled post industrial scrap plus a degradable additive.

High Density Trash Can Liners

High Density can liners are made from high molecular density resins. High Density trash can liners are great for the office, restroom, or any type of trash that does not include sharp edges. High Density trash can liners are also less expensive per unit than low density trash can liners.

Gauge

Gauge is a term used in the trash can liner industry to describe the thickness of a liner. Gauge is typically stated either in mils or microns.

Mil

A mil is a measurement based on a thousandth of an inch (.001). Linear Low Density trash can liners will range from .30 to 2.0 mils. Improved resin technologies have allowed manufacturers to produce thinner trash can liners that are much stronger than the trash can liners of the past.

Micron

A micron is a measurement based on one hundred thousandths of an inch (.00001). High Density trash can liners range from 6 to 24 microns.

Trash Can Liner Formulas

To Convert Microns to Mils: divide the micron by 25.4 to arrive at a true mil thickness. (9 micron / 25.4 = 35 mil)

To Convert Mils to Microns: multiply the mil by 25.4 to arrive at a true micron thickness. (35 mil x 25.4 = 9 micron)

Types of Seals

Star Seal

Star Seal trash bags are manufactured by folding the bottom of the trash can liner over several times and then sealing it. These trash bags will virtually eliminate leaks. They also conform better to the shape of the waste receptacle by spreading refuse around the trash can liner.

Gusset Seal

Gusset Seal trash bags are a flat style trash can liner that is manufactured with both sides tucked in to form gussets. The outer edges of the trash bags where there are indentations is sealed with four layers of film, while the middle are sealed with only two layers. Trash bags made with gussets have a tendency to leak with wet trash.

Flat Seal

Flat Seal trash bags are manufactured by simply sealing the bottom edge. Trash bags made with this type of seal are somewhat leak-proof and do not compromise the length of the trash can liner. Trash bags made with a flat seal do not conform well to the waste receptacle, making them difficult to utilize.

Step 1: Determine the proper can liner for your application

Linear Low Density (LLD) Trash Can Liner Advantages

• LLD can liners have superior stretch properties making them highly puncture and tear resistant
• LLD trash bags are an excellent choice for waste with sharp and jagged edges
• LLD trash bags strength and stretch properties make them a great multi-purpose can liner

High Density (HD) Trash Can Liner Advantages

• HD trash trash bags are an excellent economical choice for heavy, wet trash and soft refuse as long as there are no sharp or irregular shaped objects
• HD trash can liners have a superior vapor and moisture protections, and are USDA and FDA approved for food use
• HD trash bags have smaller, lighter cases, which lower freight, storage and warehousing costs
• HD trash can liners are more temperature resistant (-40 degrees to +212 degrees)

Step 2: What size trash bag do I need?

Each container should have a gallon capacity, or size printed on it. Just match the picture to your receptacle and it will tell you which size trash bag you need.

Bag Width: To calculate the proper width of the trash can liner for your container, simply divide the circumference of your container by 2.

Square Container Circumference: Circumference = sum of all four sides added together.

Round Container Circumference: Circumference = diameter multiplied by 3.14.

Bag length: (round & square containers) add the height of the container, plus 4-5 inches for overhang.

Step 3: How much weight does the trash can liner need to hold?

To determine the strength needed for your trash can liner, estimate the average weight of a full trash can liner in your application and match it to the max load capacity listed for each liner.