High Density vs Low Density Commercial Trash Bag Uses

High Density vs Low Density Commercial Trash Bag Uses

By AAA Polymer | Certified Destruction

Mar 04

When it comes to commercial trash bags, there's much more than what meets the eye. In fact, depending on the type of trash bag, there are a number of different commercial trash bag uses as well as applications. And the can liner you choose should be heavily based on how you will use the bag. 

All too often we find business owners who overspend on trash bags or don’t purchase the proper trash bag for their specific warehouse, distribution center, or office building. This oversight can result in substantial waste of resources, spills, safety hazards, and the list continues. Fortunately, the team at AAA Polymer can help. 

We're an experienced group of plastics specialists who will match your unique needs to the best solution. In the process of choosing a trash bag, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether you should opt for high density vs low density commercial bags. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common high density and low density commercial trash bag uses. 

High-Density vs Low-Density...What’s The Big Deal?

Chances are, you’ve seen more than your fair share of trash bags in your lifetime, but can you identify the type of plastic used? Trash can liners are identified based on the two types of resins available for their production: 

  • High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and
  • Low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

Understanding the differences between the two allows you to choose the better type of trash bag for your specific needs. Let’s dive right in.

HDPE Commercial Trash Bags Uses 

High-density trash bags are thinner and not as puncture resistant when compared to low-density trash bags, but are still effective. HDPE bags are an economical option for businesses that have a lot of light trash to dispose of. In addition, HDPE trash bags are temperature resistant and excellent at keeping in odors, perfect for trash that can be a bit...smelly.

To put it simply, these bags are…

  • Cost effective
  • Exceptional for light loads of trash
  • Prone to sharp edges
  • Not able to stretch well

High Density Commercial Trash Bag Uses Include...

  • Papers from office buildings
  • Bathroom waste
  • Towels and rags
  • Any non-sharp objects

LDPE Commercial Trash Bags Uses 

While high density trash bags are known for light trash usage, low density bags are known for storing heavier types of waste. These heavy-duty trash bags are ideal for restaurant food waste, janitorial needs, building maintenance, construction sites, and warehouses. 

These bags come in a variety of different thicknesses (or gauges) that are measured in mil (one thousandths of an inch), making them highly customizable. Although they typically come in black, feel free to research the different types of colored trash bags available too.

In addition to their strong textile strength, they can withstand stretching significantly better when compared to high density trash bags. This means you won’t have to worry about sharp objects piercing the bag or liquid bursting at the seams; headaches we would all like to avoid. Low density bags also don’t “zipper” the way high density bags do, meaning in the even that a tear or hole does happen, it won’t continue to tear and open up the entire trash bag.

To put it simply, these bags are…

  • Ideal for large and medium heavy-duty tasks
  • Resistant to rips and tears
  • Malleable
  • Strong, durable trash bags
  • At a higher cost compared to low density trash bags

Low Density Commercial Trash Bag Uses Include...

High Density vs Low Density Trash Bag: Which Should I Choose? 

Low density and high density can liners each have their place when it comes to getting rid of waste, meaning it's all about identifying the different types of trash in order to pick the right resin.When it comes to bathrooms, offices, and clerical areas, HDPE can liners are less expensive and suitable for the type of lightweight waste created in these areas. 

If you are creating lots of heavy waste such as in a warehouse or construction area, LDPE can liners are the better choice. In either case, it's ideal to always choose the right can liner based on the use or application. By doing so, you can save money and ensure you always have the right tool for the job.

For instance, if you're looking to save a buck and use an HDPE trash bag in an instance where a more durable bag will be used, it can lead to costly and potentially dangerous spills, which may expose you to lawsuits. On the other hand, using a thinner HDPE bag can prompt your employees to double, triple, or quadruple bag the trash to prevent spills. 

And this can drive your costs significantly higher than it would from using the right LDPE bag in the first place. The moral of the story is to understand the proper high density and low density commercial trash bag uses and select the best one for your application.

Contact AAA Polymer

At AAA Polymer, we understand that choosing the best trash bag can be confusing. To help we've created an easy-to-use tool to guide you through the process from start to finish! Learn how to choose a can liner in four easy steps. And if you need more personalized assistance or would like to explore your options, don't hesitate to reach out to the experienced team at AAA Polymer. Contact us today to learn more about choosing the best trash bag. 

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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