The Simple Way to Calculate the Right Can Liner Gauge

The Simple Way to Calculate the Right Can Liner Gauge

By AAA Polymer | Can Liners

Jan 04

Most business owners buy can liners and never think twice about if the product they’ve paid for is actually in the box. While a small variance in the bag being used and what’s stated on the packaging may seem small, this is hardly ever the case.

In reality, every single penny counts. And when you multiply this seemingly small difference in what you’re supposed to receive and what you actually receive, the difference can quickly climb into the tens of thousands over a year’s time.

Fortunately, you no longer have to take your vendor’s word for it. With AAA Polymer’s simple and effective tool, you can calculate the right can liner gauge yourself in a matter of moments. Continue reading to learn more about how to calculate the right can liner gauge and how the experts at AAA Polymer can help.

Calculating the Right Can Liner Gauge

With our helpful calculator, you no longer have to rely on someone else’s word: you can calculate the right can liner gauge yourself. However, it’s imperative the figures you enter into our calculator are based on your own measurements – not the ones provided on the label. To calculate the can liner gauge you’re actually using, simply:

  • Choose whether you’re interested in low density can liners or high density can liners.
  • Weigh approximately four bags on a scale to find the weight in pounds. If your scale provides weight in ounces, divide this number by 16 to convert it to pounds. If your scale provides weight in grams, multiply the number by .0022 to convert grams to pounds.
  • Measure the width of your current can liner and enter this number into the calculator.
  • Enter the number of bags you weighed in step 2.
  • Once you enter the requested information, your proper can liner gauge will appear to the right.

Use our tool to calculate the right can liner gauge, below:

Low Density vs High Density

The first step in calculating the actual bag thickness you’re using is to choose whether it’s a low density or high density type of can liner.

Low Density Can Liners

Low density trash bags are flexible, thick, and resistant to tearing and puncturing. These types of can liners are the ideal solution for construction debris, kitchen trash, bottle bags, or any trash that includes wood, metal, glass, cardboard or other irregular shaped items. Low density can liners are measured in mils, which equates to one thousandth of an inch (.001). High mil counts mean thicker bags.

High Density Can Liners

In contrast, high density can liners and bags are not as puncture resistant and are thinner. Even so, these bags are strong and can accommodate very heavy loads. High density trash bags are not designed for sharp or jagged edges because they may tear.

You can always tell a high density can liner by its crinkly feel and clearer appearance, such as with custom printed retail bags. Because high density bags use less plastic, they are typically less expensive than their low density counterpart.

Why Is it Important to Calculate the Right Can Liner Gauge?

At AAA Polymer, we’ve been helping business owners and facility managers save money with innovative solutions since 1974. During this time, we’ve unfortunately witnessed several instances where the customer was paying for a more expensive bag than they were actually receiving and using.

Our simple calculator tool is designed to calculate the actual can liner gauge you’re using, which is why we suggest you take your own measurements — not the measurements from the packaging.

Contact AAA Polymer to Calculate the Right Can Liner Gauge

If you're paying for a product that you’re not receiving, it’s past time to consider another vendor. Even if you’re receiving the right product, we may be able to save you money by understanding your needs and potentially suggesting a less expensive and more effective can liner.

After you’ve calculated the right can liner gauge, give us a call to discuss your results.

Contact an expert at AAA Polymer today.

About the Author

AAA Polymer, Inc. was founded in 1974, as a plastic resin and material trading company with an innovative vision to create a company to provide plastic recycling services for industrial/commercial businesses. If you have any questions, we're here for you. Just call us at 718.389.2498.

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