Quick Answer: Commercial bin liners are specified by three variables: capacity in litres (matched to your actual bin dimensions, not nominal size), film thickness in microns (30–40 microns for light office waste; 50–70 microns for heavy or sharp waste; 80–120 microns for industrial/construction waste), and closure type (flat top for light use; star-sealed base for heavy loads; tie handles for easy closing). Branded or custom-coloured bags cost only marginally more and help businesses manage waste stream segregation.
Bin liners and disposal bags are among the most frequently purchased consumable items in any commercial operation — and among the most under-specified. Most businesses buy whatever is cheapest and available, without considering whether the specification actually matches their waste type, bin size, and handling process. The result is bags that tear under load, bags that are too small to reach the rim of the bin, or bags that are significantly oversized, wasting material on every single use.
This guide covers the practical decisions that make commercial bin liner procurement sensible rather than purely reflexive.
Start With Your Actual Bin Dimensions
The nominal capacity printed on a bag (in litres) rarely corresponds precisely to the dimensions of real-world bins. A bin labelled 120 litres may have a different diameter and height than another bin with the same nominal capacity — and a bag sized for one may fit poorly in the other.
The most reliable method is to measure the circumference of the bin opening in centimetres and divide by 2 — this gives the correct bag width. Bag length should be the bin height plus at least 15 cm to allow for a full overhang at the rim. Specifying bags by measured dimensions rather than nominal litres eliminates the trial-and-error of testing multiple sizes.
Film Thickness by Waste Type
| Waste Type | Recommended Thickness | Typical Setting |
| Light paper / office waste | 25–35 microns | Office, hotel rooms, meeting rooms |
| Mixed food and light waste | 35–50 microns | Restaurant kitchens, canteens, cafés |
| Heavy or wet food waste | 50–70 microns | Commercial kitchens, food processing |
| Sharp or heavy waste (glass, cans) | 70–90 microns | Bars, recycling stations, light industry |
| Industrial / construction waste | 80–120 microns | Factories, workshops, building sites |
| Medical / clinical waste | 100–120 microns (colour-coded) | Healthcare, dental, veterinary |
Table 9: Commercial bin liner thickness recommendations by waste type and setting.
Closure Types and Their Practical Differences
Flat-top bags are the simplest and most cost-effective option — the top of the bag is open and is tied manually or tucked in. They are practical for light waste streams and low-traffic locations, but become inconvenient when bags need to be changed frequently by multiple staff.
Star-sealed base bags have a star-shaped weld at the bottom rather than a flat seam. This distributes the weight of the bag contents more evenly across the base and sides, dramatically reducing the risk of the base seam splitting under load. They are the recommended choice for any heavy or wet waste application. The top remains open for manual tying.
Tie-handle bags have integrated loop handles at the top, allowing the bag to be closed and carried in one motion. These are particularly popular in hospitality, healthcare, and any setting where bags are changed frequently and need to be closed quickly and hygienically.
Custom Colours and Waste Segregation
Waste segregation regulations require businesses in many sectors to separate different waste streams — general waste, recyclables, food waste, clinical waste, hazardous materials. Colour-coded bags are the standard method of ensuring the right waste goes into the right container throughout a facility.
RB Plast produces bin liners in custom colours, allowing businesses to implement a consistent colour-coding system across their entire operation. Standard colour conventions include black for general waste, blue for recycling, yellow for clinical or hazardous waste, and green for food waste — though these vary by country and sector, so confirm the applicable convention for your operation.
Bulk Procurement and Cost Efficiency
Bin liners are a high-frequency consumable — a single hospitality site or food processing facility can use hundreds of bags per day. The cost difference between a correctly specified bag bought in volume directly from a manufacturer and an oversized or over-specified bag bought in smaller quantities from a distributor is significant over a year.
RB Plast supplies bin liners and disposal bags in bulk directly from production in Kocherinovo. Volume pricing is available for regular procurement, and custom specifications — including custom dimensions, colours, and printed text — are available with standard minimum order quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I measure the correct size bin liner for my bins?
A: Measure the circumference of the bin opening in centimetres and divide by 2 — this is the bag width you need. Add 15 cm to the bin height to get the bag length. Ordering by measured dimensions is more reliable than ordering by nominal litre capacity.
Q: What is the difference between a flat-seal and a star-seal bin bag?
A: A flat-seal bag has a simple horizontal weld at the base. A star-seal bag has a star-shaped weld pattern across the base, which distributes weight more evenly and significantly reduces the risk of base seam failure under heavy or wet loads. For any commercial application involving heavy or wet waste, star-seal is strongly recommended.
Q: Can RB Plast produce bin liners in custom colours?
A: Yes. RB Plast produces bin liners in custom colours to support waste segregation colour-coding systems. Custom printing is also available. Contact sales@rbplast.bg to discuss colour options and minimum order quantities.
Q: What is the strongest type of bin liner for industrial use?
A: For industrial, construction, or workshop waste — where bags may contain sharp objects, heavy materials, or abrasive waste — specify a polyethylene bag of 80–120 microns with a star-sealed base. HDPE bags offer more puncture resistance per micron but are stiffer; LDPE bags are more flexible and stretch rather than tear. RB Plast’s technical team can advise on the best specification for your waste type.
For bin liner specifications, custom colours, and volume pricing, contact RB Plast at sales@rbplast.bg or +359 887 584 300.
