How to Choose the Right Commercial Bin Liners

If you’re a facility manager or premises owner, choosing the right bin liners (also known as black garbage bags or dustbin liners) can contribute to the efficiency, cleanliness, and sustainability of your business. However, it’s easy for waste handling practices to be overlooked.

When you understand the different types of bin liners available, you can make an informed decision, ensuring your waste is contained securely, disposed of safely, and handled in compliance with UK regulations.

Why is it important to choose the right bin liner?

Choosing the wrong type of bin liner for your commercial needs can lead to:

Leaks, causing floor damage, injury risks, and costly clean-ups.
Foul odours, which are especially common with low-grade bags, where waste residue can escape.
Tears, leading to spillages and a higher risk of cross-contamination.
Contamination, which can be a particular problem in food preparation areas and educational or healthcare facilities.
Poor workplace hygiene, which can affect employee health, comfort, and visitor satisfaction.

Selecting the best bin liner for your needs ensures a hygienic and efficient waste management process at all times.

1. Choosing the right bin liner thickness

Bin liner thickness is measured in microns, and every bin liner comes with a unique micron rating. The higher the micron rating, the stronger the bin liner. The micron rating required will depend on what you intend to dispose of.

For example:

10-12 microns (light duty): Suitable for offices disposing of paper waste and other types of low-weight rubbish.
18-22 microns (medium duty): Best suited for mixed commercial waste, such as packaging, food waste, and everyday rubbish.
22-70+ microns (heavy duty): Typically used in industrial environments that handle bulky waste and sharp-edged materials.

At phs, we provide both medium-duty and heavy-duty black bags with a capacity of up to 90 litres per bag to suit a range of commercial environments.

2. How to choose the correct size

Industrial bin bag sizes vary, spanning from liners suitable for small wastepaper bins to those suitable for large-scale warehouse waste containers.

It’s important to select the correct size, as a liner that's too small will cause usability issues, and one that’s too large can result in wasted material and budget.

The most common commercial bin bag sizes include:

30–50L: Suitable for small office bins and disposing of light waste.
60–80L: Ideal for general office, retail, and hospitality use.
90L+: Best for manufacturing plants, warehouses, and high-volume waste locations.

Our black bags measure 18 x 29 x 39 inches with a capacity of 90L, perfect for most general waste containers found on commercial premises.

3. Selecting the best bin bag material

Workplaces must ensure that their bin liners are durable enough to store and transport waste safely under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

Most dustbin liners are made from standard virgin plastic, and while their composition is strong, this isn’t the most environmentally friendly choice for businesses.

For eco-conscious businesses looking to improve their environmental responsibility, biodegradable plastic and recycled plastic bin bags offer an ideal alternative. However, it’s important to note that biodegradable plastic liners are less suitable for heavy waste streams.

Our black bags are made from 100% recycled material, offering the best of both performance and sustainability. They are also designed with a consistent thickness, reinforced seams, and gusseted sides to prevent splits, spills, and tears from heavy loads.

4. Stay compliant with colour coding

Colour coding is an essential part of the UK’s waste management practices. This system ensures that businesses meet their legal obligations under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, and the Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012.

This is especially important for healthcare settings to consider when handling clinical waste. As a guide, the most important bin bag colours to be aware of in the UK include:

Black bags for general waste.
Clear bags for recyclables.
Yellow or orange bags for clinical or infectious waste.
Green bags for compostable food waste.

Enquire today for commercial bin liners and waste management support

At phs, we’re proud to offer expert hygiene advice as well as nationwide delivery of our commercial bin liners, available in cases of 200 bags and supplied in flat pack boxes for easy storage. Our refuse sacks are incredibly versatile and can be used with confidence in almost every industry.

For more information or to talk to one of our waste management experts for advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.