Rubbish! It’s a subject that most people spend very little time thinking about. However, if you are a cleaning contractor, facilities manager or organisation managing waste across multiple commercial sites, when it comes to rubbish bags, bin liners, refuse sacks – whatever you want to call them – choosing the right ones for your business should be given more consideration. Without it, you may find yourself with egg on your face, or as least all over the floor. 

Spending a little time reflecting on some of the most Important questions relating to refuse sacks such as, ‘What size do I need?’, ‘What thickness is best?’, and ‘Do I need different colour bags for different waste streams?’, will save you and your business time and money, not to mention the hassle of clearing up the mess a poor can leave behind.  

In this article, we wade through the most frequently asked questions about waste management that you never knew you would need the answers to. 

What size bin liner do I need? A Simple Guide to Measuring for Sacks, Bags, and Bin Liners

At AUK Hygiene, we have a comprehensive range of bin liners, refuse sacks, and rubbish bags encompassing various sizes, thicknesses, colours and material compositions to accommodate different waste types and volumes. From standard black bin bags and clear refuse sacks for recycling, to swing bin and pedal bins liners. We even have bags for clinical and hazardous waste management, as well as compostable bags for the environmentally conscious business owner. 

How to calculate bag size:

For Bags with Gussets (the extra material on the sides):

1. Measure the Face Width: Lay the bag flat and measure across the front.
2. Measure the Open Width: Open the bag fully and measure across the widest part. You can do this by gently pulling the sides apart. This measurement accounts for the gusset.
3. Measure the Length: Measure the height of the bag.

Here is an example:

• Face Width: 457 mm
• Open Width: 737 mm
• Length: 965 mm

The final size for this gusseted bag is typically written as: (Face Width) x Open Width x Length, which in your case is (457) x 737 x 965 mm.

For Bags Without Gussets (flat bags):

1. Measure the Open Width: Lay the bag flat and measure across the opening.
2. Measure the Length: Measure the height of the bag.

Here is an example, if the bag wasn't gusseted:

• Open Width: 737 mm
• Length: 965 mm

The final size for this non-gusseted bag would be: Open Width x Length, which is 737 x 965 mm.

The final size for this gusseted bag is typically written as: (Face Width) x Open Width x Length, which in your case is (457) x 737 x 965 mm.

For Bags Without Gussets (flat bags):

1. Measure the Open Width: Lay the bag flat and measure across the opening.
2. Measure the Length: Measure the height of the bag.

Here is an example, if the bag wasn't gusseted:

• Open Width: 737 mm
• Length: 965 mm

The final size for this non-gusseted bag would be: Open Width x Length, which is 737 x 965 mm.

How to calculate bag size for a circular bin:

Measure the highlighted blue parts.

 

1. Find the Width of the Open Bag:

• Measure around the top of your bin. This is the circumference. You can do this with a tape measure.
• OR, measure across the top of your bin (the diameter). Then multiply this measurement by 3.14 (which is π). This gives you the circumference.
• Divide the circumference by 2. This number is the width your bag needs to be when it's open and flat.

2. Find the Length of the Bag:

• Measure the height of your bin.
• Add a little extra to this height. A good rule of thumb is to add about half of the bin's diameter to the height. This extra length allows you to fold the bag over the top and have enough room when it's full.

Putting it Together:

Here is an example to make it even clearer:

• π (Pi) : 3.14
• Diameter of your bin: 462.5 mm
• Height of your bin: 660 mm

Calculating the Open Width:

1. Circumference: 462.5 mm (diameter) x 3.14 = 1451.75 mm (approximately 1452 mm)
2. Open Width: 1452 mm / 2 = 726 mm

Calculating the Length:

1. Half of the Diameter: 462.5 mm / 2 = 231.25 mm (approximately 231 mm)
2. Bag Length: 660 mm (height) + 231 mm (extra) = 891 mm

Understanding Gusseted vs. Non-Gusseted Bags:

• Non-Gusseted Bag: This is a simple flat bag. The size would be approximately 726 mm (width) x 891 mm (length).
• Gusseted Bag: These bags have folds on the sides (gussets) that expand when you open them, giving them more volume and a more boxy shape. The first number in your example "(475)" likely refers to the folded width of the bag due to the gussets. The other dimensions relate to the open width and length we calculated.

So, for your circular bin, you're looking for a bag that is roughly 726 mm wide and 891 mm long. If you need a gusseted bag, the manufacturer will often provide dimensions that account for the folded gussets.

How to calculate size for a rectangular bin:

Measure the highlighted blue parts.

1. Measure the Inside of Your Bin (in mm):

• Depth: Measure straight across the bottom from front to back.
• Width: Measure straight across the bottom from side to side.
• Height: Measure from the bottom inside to the top inside rim.

2. Calculate the Bag Dimensions:

• Open Width (for a flat bag): Add the Depth and the Width together. This is how wide the top of the bag needs to be to fit over the opening.
  • Example: 300mm (Depth) + 275mm (Width) = 575mm
• Length (for a flat bag with overhang): Add the Height and the Width together. The extra width allows the bag to fold over the top of the bin.
  • Example: 330mm (Height) + 275mm (Width) = 605mm

3. Your Bag Size:

• Non-Gusseted Bag (flat): You'll need a bag that is at least 575mm (wide) x 605mm (long).
• Gusseted Bag (with folded sides): The dimensions are often listed with the depth first. So, a gusseted bag would be around (300mm) x 575mm (wide when open) x 605mm (long). The "(300mm)" indicates the depth of the gusset.

In short: Measure inside the bin, add depth and width for the bag's width, and add height and width for the bag's length (to have extra to fold over)

How thick should my refuse sacks be?

Selecting the right thickness of bin liner depends largely on the type and weight of waste you'll be disposing of. The standard metric unit used for measuring the thickness of plastic films is Microns (µm). The higher micron count, the thicker and stronger the liners are. However, you won’t always find the Macron count when searching for products online. Instead, you will find references to light, medium, heavy and extra heavy duty. 

Here is a breakdown of what duty you should select for different types of rubbish:

Light Duty for holding up to 5kg (5-25 microns / 20-100 gauge[MB1] ):

• Suitable for lightweight, non-sharp waste like paper, office waste, and some bathroom waste.
• Most commonly used for office bins where bins are often only part-filled.

Medium Duty for holding up to 10kg (25-50 microns / 100-200 gauge[MB2] ):

• Ideal for general waste.
• This is a our most popular bin bag gauge for everyday use.

Heavy Duty for holding up to 15kg (50-100 microns / 200-400 gauge[MB3] ):

• Best for heavier waste, for example food waste
• Provides good resistance to tearing and punctures.

Extra Heavy Duty for holding up to 20kg (100+ microns / 400+ gauge)[MB4] :

• Designed for very heavy, sharp, or bulky waste
• Offers the highest level of puncture and tear resistance. Often called "rubble sacks."

What colour bin bag do I need to buy? 

Every council and waste collection agency will have their own rules and guidelines on the use of coloured sacks. However, and perhaps not so helpfully, these can change from region to region. That said, if you are ever unsure about what colour bin liner to purchase there is some simple logic that can be applied that will probably keep you on the right path.

For General Waste and Recycling:

• Black: Typically used for general, non-recyclable waste that will go to landfill or incineration.   
• Clear or Light-Coloured: Sometimes used for mixed dry recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastics, cans, glass) to allow waste collection agencies to see the contents.   
• Blue: Often designated for paper and cardboard recycling.
• Green: Frequently used for garden waste (grass cuttings, leaves, etc.) and sometimes for glass recycling. In some areas, it can also be for food waste.
• Brown: Can be used for mixed recycling or specifically for glass, or sometimes food waste.
• Red: May be used for certain types of plastics or other specific recyclables.
• Yellow: Sometimes used for mixed recycling or specific materials like textiles.

For Clinical/Healthcare Waste:

• Yellow: For infectious clinical waste that needs to be incinerated. This might include contaminated dressings, swabs, and items with body fluids.   
• Orange: For infectious clinical waste that can be treated by alternative methods (not incineration). Examples include soft waste contaminated with bodily fluids.   
• Red: For anatomical waste (body parts, organs).   
• Purple: For cytotoxic and cytostatic waste (related to chemotherapy drugs).    
• Blue: For medicinal waste (non-hazardous drugs).
• White: Often for dental waste (amalgam, gypsum).   
• Yellow and Black Striped ("Tiger" bags): For offensive, non-infectious waste (e.g., nappies, sanitary products).
• Black: For general, non-clinical waste.
• Clear: For non-infectious, non-offensive waste where the contents need to be visible.

What material should my bin liner be made from? 

When deciding on the material for your bin liners, you may want to take into consideration the type and weight of your waste, your budget and local council requirements, and whether you have any environment concerns about how your waste is managed. Here is a quick guide to the most common materials used for refuse sacks and bin liners to help you make an informed decision on your next purchase:

1. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Lightweight, strong, and cost-effective. Often less flexible and can tear if over stretched.
2. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Thicker, more flexible and more tear resistant than HDPE. Can be more expensive than HDPE.
3. Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE): Offers similar flexibility and tear resistance to LDPE but can be made thinner while maintaining strength, making it a good balance.
4. Recycled Plastic: Environmentally friendlier and can be surprisingly strong and durable depending on the source of recycled plastic. May not always be suitable for very heavy or sharp waste. 
5. Compostable Polymers (e.g., PLA, PBAT, Mater-Bi®): Made from plant-based materials (like cornstarch or vegetable oils), designed to break down in commercial or home composting environments. A more sustainable option for organic waste. They don't release microplastics as they decompose. Can be less durable and more prone to tearing or leaking if overfilled or used for non-compostable, heavy, or very wet waste. 
6. Biodegradable Plastics: Designed to break down over time through biological activity but might still leave microplastics behind.
7. Paper: A natural and compostable option. Not suitable for wet waste.

Commercial waste management solutions

Whether you manage a bustling office, a busy retail space, or any other demanding industrial or commercial facility, our robust and reliable waste disposal products can help streamline your operations and maintain a clean, professional environment.

Our products are available in bulk quantities, offering a cost-effective solution for your business. Partner with us for a consistent and dependable supply of quality waste disposal essentials, and benefit from the AUK Promise.

 The AUK Promise

At AUK Hygiene, we pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional customer experience at every touchpoint. 

Core Stock Guarantee
We work hard to ensure the products you need most are always in stock, so you can count on them being available 24/7.

Innovative Account Management
Our customer portal empowers you to manage your products, orders, users, delivery sites, budgets and financials quickly and easily through one user-friendly portal.

Easy Ordering – even across multiple sites 
Our unique Easy Access QR Code ordering system enables site workers to order from pre-approved collections of products, making the administration of multi-site stock management straightforward. 

Personalised Delivery Service
We operate a fleet of delivery vehicles, offering a personalised delivery service to businesses across the South West and further afield. All our drivers are security checked and can make deliveries to secure sites. 

Next Day Delivery anywhere in the UK
We deliver next day to most of mainland UK (and to the British Isles, subject to transportation links) using our own delivery network, or a carefully selected courier service. 

Smart Scheduling Software
We’ll keep you updated with your order status and delivery schedule every step of the way. 

Excellent Customer Service
Our dedicated UK-based Customer Care team is available by email or telephone to assist you with any queries throughout your purchasing experience.