Finding Sustainability in Trash Can Liners

Can liners serve a very important role in modern society – not only do they help to protect public health and safety, but they also help to make waste management easier and more efficient.

However, plastic can liners are made from polyethylene – a valuable but non-renewable resource that does not readily biodegrade or break down in a landfill or the environment.

For customers looking for more sustainable options, what are the choices that can be made?

Post-Consumer Recycled Content

Using can liners that contain post-consumer recycled content can help to reduce the total amount of virgin plastic resin used to manufacture can liners, which helps to conserve natural resources.

When sourcing can liners with post-consumer recycled content, a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycled content is recommended to meet the EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for Post-Consumer Recycled Content.

Can liners with 10-30% post-consumer recycled content (or more) can also potentially be Green Seal^® certified and help contribute to a project pursuing LEED® certification, or a campus pursuing AASHE STARS^® rating or Healthy Green Schools & Colleges certification, or an organization pursuing ISSA CIMS-GB certification.

Other Ingredients

Using can liners that contain other ingredients can also help to reduce the total amount of virgin plastic resin used to manufacture can liners, also helping to conserve natural resources. When sourcing can liners using natural mineral reinforcement and combining this total with post-consumer recycled content, the total amount of virgin plastic resin can be further reduced.

Certified Compostable

Using can liners that are certified compostable to hold materials like food scraps that are also compostable can help to divert waste from the landfill. By using can liners that meet the ASTM D6400 or D6868 requirements and are certified by BPI® to compost in commercial compost facilities helps to distinguish products that are designed to biodegrade quickly, completely, and safely when composted in a well-run municipal or commercial compost facility.

Post-Consumer Recycled Content Packaging

Using can liners that are packaged in corrugated boxes that contain at least 30% post-consumer recycled content and are themselves recyclable help to minimize the use of natural resources and divert waste from the landfill.

Please consult your BradyPLUS Account Consultant for more information on can liners and green cleaning product solutions!