Reviewing your can liners can be one of the easiest ways to cut costs at your facility. Many businesses overspend by using liners that are too large, too thick, or unnecessarily double-bagged. In fact, industry audits show that facilities can waste 30% or more on can liners due to improper sizing and over-specification. By implementing a right-sized liner strategy, companies can significantly lower janitorial supply costs while improving operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Overspending on trash can liners is often the result of habit rather than necessity. Staff may default to using oversized bags to avoid potential breakage, or they may double-bag receptacles out of caution. While these practices feel safer, they dramatically increase plastic usage and purchasing costs. When liners hang excessively over the rim of a container or require excessive knotting, it is a clear sign that too much plastic is being used. Over time, this unnecessary material adds up to thousands of dollars in avoidable spending.

Proper sizing is the foundation of reducing liner costs. A well-fitted liner should sit securely in the receptacle without excessive overhang. To calculate the correct bag length, measure the height of the container and add four inches for overhang, plus half of the container’s diameter or width to accommodate the base. If a liner hangs more than four inches over the edge, it is typically too large. Matching gallon capacity to the actual receptacle size is equally important; for example, using a 55-gallon bag in a 30-gallon container guarantees wasted material and unnecessary expense.

Even small sizing discrepancies can create significant waste across an entire facility. Excess overhang means paying for plastic that serves no functional purpose. Similarly, choosing liners based solely on availability rather than measured container dimensions often leads to inflated purchasing volumes and inaccurate measurements for your cans. A simple sizing audit can quickly reveal where adjustments can reduce plastic usage without affecting performance. Small changes to how you shop can leave your company with significant financial gains.

Selecting the correct liner density is just as important as choosing the right size. Using a liner that is too thin for heavy waste results in breakage and rework, while selecting a bag that is too thick for light waste means overspending on unnecessary material. Understanding the difference between high-density and linear low-density liners allows facilities to optimize both durability and cost.

Beyond product selection, operational improvements can reduce costs. Conducting a waste audit helps identify areas where containers may be oversized, underutilized, or unnecessarily duplicated. Consolidating waste streams where appropriate and training staff to avoid routine double-bagging can immediately cut plastic consumption. Small behavioral changes across multiple departments often generate substantial annual savings.