How to Select the Proper Can Liner for Your Facility

End-users do not often think much about the trash can liners they use, but it can have a significant effect on their custodial supply budget.  Selecting the correct can liner for your receptacles is a simple 3 step process.

Step 1- Type of can liner- Determine what type of can liner is right for your trash collection needs.  High density and low density can liners both have characteristics that make them a better fit for certain types of trash.  Consider if your refuse is wet, dry, heavy, has sharp edges, etc... to determine which is right for your situation.  You may find that a combination of liner types works best for your various trash needs.

Step 2- Correct size of liner-   Next you will need to determine the proper size can liner for your trash receptacles. Below is a diagram of how to properly measure your trash can to determine the best size can liner.  Also, the potential savings for choosing a smaller size can liner can significant, so make sure you pick the size appropriate for your cans.

Step 3- Determine the proper gauge-   The majority of end-users "over-gauge" their can liners, meaning they are much thicker than they need to be for the type of refuse in their facility.  High density liner thickness is measured using microns and low density liners are measured using mils.  A 2 micron difference in a high density liner is a 15-17% increase in the cost of each can liner.  Select a can liner gauge that works for you 100% of the time in normal conditions, but that is not thicker than it needs to be to handle your refuse.

The opportunity for savings following these 3 simple steps can be significant.  It has not been uncommon for me to save an end-user between 10-30% on their overall can liner expenditures by helping them select the correct can liner.  Next time you walk by your trash cans, ask yourself if you are using the right can liner for your facility.