Low density vs. high density trash bags
If you aren’t aware of the different types of low-density and high-density trash bags or trash can liners available, then you might be throwing money away.
Knowing what makes each type of trash bag unique will help you choose the right one to use for certain applications so you can avoid waste and save money from your facility’s total operating budget. Learn about can liner materials and their advantages to help you keep your facility’s money from going in the trash.
What is high density vs. low density?
There are three main types of materials, or resins, used to manufacture can liners: linear low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene and high density polyethylene. These materials have unique characteristics that are derived from differences at the chemical level.
Linear low-density polyethylene liners
Liners made from linear low-density polyethylene, or LLDPE, are very flexible, strong and offer more resistance to punctures and tears from sharp objects.
Applications include small to large trash receptacles, indoor or outdoor use where trash contains sharps such as sticks, glass, cardboard, wood, metal, plastic eating utensils, and food with rough edges. In addition to their function, they are also offered in a variety of colors.
High-density polyethylene liners
High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, is one of the sturdiest types of polyethylene available. HDPE liners are stiffer and feature less stretch to offer a strong lift strength and can also withstand extreme temperatures compared to the other liner materials. Because of its strength, can liners made from HDPE do not need to be as thick as other liners.
Applications include small to large receptacles, primarily used indoors where materials are soft such as food, laundry, paper, and rags. HDPE liners do not require as much material to construct, so they offer excellent value because they help save on shipping and storage costs.
Low density polyethylene liners
Low-density polyethylene, or LDPE, is flexible, lightweight and often available at a lower upfront price point than other liners. The LDPE savings do come at a cost as these liners are not as strong, dense or tear-resistant as the other materials.
These liners would not be able to stand up to heavy, bulky items or waste with jagged edges compared to HDPE. As such, the best way to use these liners is for small, gentle waste items that do not require durability.
Sustainable can liner trash bag options
Many facilities are looking for ways to support sustainability initiatives without sacrificing performance. One way to do that is by selecting can liners made with recycled content that have been independently verified.
SCS Certified can liners are certified for recycled content through the SCS Recycled Content Certification program, providing third-party verification of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. These liners can help facilities meet sustainability goals while complying with state requirements for higher levels of post-consumer resin content where applicable.
Whether you're managing a hotel, apartment complex, school, or other commercial building, choosing the right SCS Certified can liners can support both your environmental objectives and your operational needs. Download our SCS-Certified bags flyer to view the full selection of options made with up to 75% reprocessed resins and 30% post-consumer recycled materials.
Trash bags and total cost of ownership
By realizing the fact that all trash can liners are not created equal, facility owners and operators can better understand their total cost of ownership, or TCO. Instead of considering the upfront cost for a product, TCO can account for the actual costs associated with using that product.
TCO calculates indirect expenses such as shipping, storage, replacement, and labor costs. As mentioned above, LDPE can liners may have a lower upfront cost than their LLDPE or HDPE counterparts, but if they’re being used for the disposal of bulky items and are not able to stand up to the job, their TCO is actually going to be higher than other liners.
It’s better to invest in can liners based on their intended application instead of their upfront cost.
Partner with Ferguson for low- or high-density liners
Ferguson Facilities Supply is here to help you keep your facility running at full speed. Find the right type of trash bags you need for your facility.