Choosing the right can liner seems like a simple task for any business owner. It’s not complex, but there are several things to consider to ensure you are using the right product and not spending unnecessarily.
Below are a few things to consider before purchasing can liners for your business.
Q: What's the difference between a can liner and a trash bag?
A: Functionally, they're the same product. Can liner is the commercial industry term, typically applied to higher-volume, commercial-grade bags. "Trash bag" is the more common consumer term. When sourcing for business use, searching can liners or commercial trash bags will return more relevant commercial-grade options.
Q: How thick should a commercial can liner be?
A: Thickness is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch).
- Light-duty liners run 0.35–0.5 mil;
- Medium-duty 0.7–1.0 mil;
- Heavy-duty 1.2–2.0 mil or more.
For most commercial environments, 0.9–1.5 mil LLDPE or a comparable HDPE liner will cover the majority of applications.
If you are unsure what size is right for your business, ask your Mission representative.
Q: Do I need different liners for recycling and general waste?
A: Yes. Using separate liner colors for different waste streams is both a best practice and a compliance requirement in many industries and municipalities. Clear or white liners for recycling and black for general waste is the most common and widely recognized standard.
Q: Are bin liners required in commercial facilities?
A: In most commercial environments, yes — by best practice if not by regulation. Liners protect waste containers from contamination, extend their useful life, reduce cleaning frequency, and ensure safe handling of waste. In food service, healthcare, and industrial settings, proper liner use is often a regulatory requirement.
Q: How do I order can liners for multiple locations?
A: Buy Direct from Mission is designed for multi-location commercial customers. Contact our team to discuss account setup, delivery scheduling, and bulk pricing for high-volume or multi-site orders.
One thing that might make determining the right can liner before making a purchase is running through this quick check list.
Before you order can liners, review these business questions:
- Size: Liner extends 3–4 inches over the container rim
- Material: HDPE for dry/outdoor/high-volume; LLDPE for sharp/wet/food service/healthcare
- Seal: Star seal for commercial use; flat or gusset only for light dry waste
- Color: Coded by waste stream and consistent across your facility
- Volume: Purchasing in bulk quantities to maximize savings
- Source: Ordering from a trusted supplier with guaranteed pricing
Mission Linen Supply has served businesses across the Western United States for over 95 years. Buy Direct from Mission is our online store, offering commercial-grade janitorial and facility supplies with 20% off every order and free delivery in CA, AZ, NM, OR, and TX.
Shop can liners and more at Buy Direct from Mission today!