Black 180 Gauge Refuse Sacks

Features & Benefits

• Black 180 gauge refuse sacks made from polythene
• 180-gauge material thickness
• Approximately 45 microns thick
• Medium-duty construction for everyday waste collection
• Thicker than our 120-gauge refuse sacks
• Suitable for light to medium-weight general refuse
• Opaque black finish helps conceal the contents
• Gusseted design provides additional internal capacity
• Open-top construction allows quick fitting and filling
• Flexible material adapts around soft and irregularly shaped waste
• Helps contain general refuse, dust and workplace rubbish
• Suitable for commercial, hospitality, retail and workplace use
• Stores flat before use for convenient stock management
• Compatible with appropriately sized bins and sack holders
• Measures 18 × 29 × 39 inches
• Approximately 457 × 737 × 991mm
• Supplied in boxes of 200 refuse sacks

Common Uses

Our 180-gauge black refuse sacks are suitable for collecting:

• General office waste
• Paper and lightweight cardboard
• Used tissues and paper towels
• Non-recyclable workplace rubbish
• Retail-floor waste
• Light warehouse waste
• Housekeeping waste
• Hotel-room rubbish
• Café and restaurant back-of-house waste
• Dry catering waste
• Washroom-bin waste
• Classroom and educational waste
• Exhibition and event rubbish
• Cleaning cloths and disposable wipes
• Soft plastic packaging
• Empty product wrappers
• Light manufacturing waste
• General commercial refuse

However, always consider the weight, shape, temperature and condition of the waste before selecting a refuse sack.

180 Gauge Medium-Duty Black Refuse Sacks

Our 180-gauge black refuse sacks provide a practical and dependable solution for collecting everyday light to medium-weight general waste. Their medium-duty polythene construction makes them suitable for offices, shops, schools, hotels, restaurants, warehouses, cleaning operations and other commercial environments.

The opaque black material helps conceal the contents and, therefore, provides a neat and discreet appearance. Furthermore, the sacks help contain loose rubbish, dry waste and general workplace refuse while bins are in use.

Each sack features a gusseted construction that expands when filled. As a result, the bag can accommodate bulky and irregularly shaped waste more effectively than a completely flat sack of a similar face width.

The open top also allows staff to fit the sack over a compatible bin or waste container quickly. Once full, users can gather and secure the top using a suitable tie or knot, provided sufficient material remains above the waste.

Each box contains 200 refuse sacks, making this format particularly convenient for organisations requiring a regular supply of medium-duty bin bags.

180 Gauge Black Refuse Sack Size and Specification

The product specification is:

• Size: 18 x 29 x 39 inches
• Approximate metric size: 457 x 737 x 991mm
• Measurement order: face width × open width × length
• Thickness: 180 gauge
• Approximate thickness: 45 microns
• Colour: black
• Material: polythene
• Duty: medium duty
• Box quantity: 200 refuse sacks

We show the sack dimensions as face width × open width × length.

The imperial measurements form the primary product specification. Meanwhile, the metric dimensions are approximate conversions. Therefore, please use the inch measurements when you require the closest match to the stated size.

Understanding the 457 × 737 × 991mm / 18 × 29 × 39-Inch Measurements

The 18-inch / approximately 457mm measurement represents the face width of the sack while it lies flat.

The 29-inch / approximately 737mm measurement represents the total open width, including the material contained within the side gusset. Consequently, this measurement shows the approximate width available when the sack opens and expands.

The 39-inch / approximately 991mm measurement represents the overall length from the sealed bottom to the open top.

Because part of the sack’s width forms the gusset, the bag will not necessarily fit a rigid item measuring the complete stated open width. Additionally, the contents will use some of the available length as the sack expands around bulky waste.

Therefore, always allow additional clearance rather than selecting a sack that only just matches the dimensions of the bin or intended contents.

180 Gauge / 45-Micron Medium-Duty Thickness

These refuse sacks use 180-gauge polythene, which is approximately 45 microns thick.

This medium-duty specification provides additional material thickness compared with lighter 80-gauge and 120-gauge refuse sacks. Consequently, it offers improved resistance to stretching and puncturing during normal everyday use.

However, gauge describes the approximate material thickness rather than a guaranteed carrying capacity. The amount a sack can safely hold also depends on several other factors, including:

• The type and formulation of the polythene
• Bottom-seam construction
• Weight of the waste
• Distribution of the contents
• Presence of sharp or abrasive edges
• Temperature of the contents
• Condition of the sack
• Handling method
• Distance carried

Therefore, do not rely on gauge alone when assessing suitability. A sack may provide sufficient volume for bulky waste while still being unsuitable for the weight, temperature or shape of that waste.

Gusseted Construction

The side gusset remains folded inside the sack while it is stored flat. However, when the bag opens, this material expands to provide additional internal capacity.

Consequently, the sack can adapt around bulky, soft and irregularly shaped refuse more effectively than a completely flat bag. This construction is particularly useful for paper towels, packaging film, lightweight cardboard, wrappers and other general workplace waste.

Before fitting the sack, open the gusset carefully and check that the material has separated correctly. Otherwise, an unopened fold may prevent the sack from sitting properly inside the bin.

Although the gusset adds useful capacity, it does not reinforce the sack against exposed sharp objects. Therefore, protect or separately contain pointed waste before disposal.

Suitable Light to Medium-Weight Waste

These 180-gauge sacks are designed for medium-duty general refuse.

Suitable waste may include paper, lightweight cardboard, tissues, disposable towels, wrappers, soft packaging, empty containers and routine non-hazardous workplace rubbish.

Additionally, the sacks can accommodate soft or bulky items that occupy considerable space without creating excessive weight. Their 45-micron construction also makes them more appropriate for mixed everyday waste than lighter refuse sacks.

Nevertheless, users should avoid compressing waste too firmly, as this may force sharp corners or rigid objects against the polythene.

The suitability of a sack depends on the complete waste stream rather than the bin size alone. Therefore, inspect the typical rubbish produced by your premises before ordering in quantity.

If your waste is consistently heavy, dense, sharp, abrasive, hot or wet, select a stronger specialist sack or rigid container designed for that application.

Waste These Sacks Should Not Contain

Do not use these refuse sacks for:

• Broken glass
• Unprotected sharp metal
• Exposed blades or needles
• Rubble and building materials
• Bricks, tiles or concrete
• Large quantities of soil or gravel
• Heavy industrial waste
• Hot ashes or embers
• Hot cooking equipment
• Large quantities of liquid
• Solvents or corrosive chemicals
• Clinical or infectious waste
• Hazardous substances
• Batteries requiring separate disposal
• Electrical equipment
• Waste requiring a regulated disposal sack

Sharp, hot, hazardous or clinical materials require suitable specialist containers and disposal procedures. Furthermore, never place liquids or leaking containers into the sack, as the open top does not provide a watertight seal.

How to Choose the Correct Refuse Sack Size

Measure the external width, depth and height of the bin before selecting a refuse sack.

For a round bin, measure across its widest point and consider the complete circumference of the opening. For a rectangular bin, measure both the width and depth so that the sack can extend around every side.

Additionally, allow sufficient material to fold over the rim. This extra material helps hold the sack in position and, subsequently, makes removal easier.

The sack should also be long enough to reach the bottom of the bin without stretching. However, excessive material at the base can become trapped beneath the waste and may make removal more difficult.

Because the contents use part of the available width and length as the sack expands, a bag that appears large enough while flat may fit tightly once filled. Therefore, request a sample if your bin dimensions are close to the stated sack measurements.

How to Fit a 180 Gauge Black Refuse Sack

First, remove one sack and locate the open end. Next, separate the sides carefully without pulling sharply against the seams.

Open the gusset fully and lower the sack into the empty bin. Then, push the base gently towards the bottom without stretching or puncturing the material.

Fold the open edge over the bin rim while keeping the sack evenly positioned. If necessary, use a compatible sack-retaining band or bin system to hold it securely.

Before adding waste, make sure the bag is not caught on sharp edges, damaged bin fittings or rough surfaces. Additionally, avoid stretching the sack too tightly across the bin opening, as this may place unnecessary pressure on the material and seams.

Filling the Sack Safely

Place waste into the sack gradually and distribute it as evenly as possible.

Avoid dropping rigid or heavy items directly into the bag, particularly from a height. The resulting impact may damage the bottom seam even if the item does not have a sharp edge.

Furthermore, do not compress the contents using your hands or feet. Hidden sharp objects may cause injury, while excessive pressure can puncture or split the sack.

Stop filling before the waste reaches the top edge. This leaves sufficient material for gathering, closing and handling the sack safely.

Although the 180-gauge construction provides greater thickness than lighter alternatives, it should not be overloaded. If the contents become heavier than expected, remove some of the waste or divide it between two sacks.

Never drag a loaded sack across the floor, as rough surfaces can weaken or puncture the polythene.

Closing and Removing the 180 Gauge Black Refuse Sacks

When the sack is ready for removal, gather the open top carefully. Then, close it using an appropriate sack tie, cable tie or knot where the available material allows.

These sacks do not include an integral drawstring or adhesive closure. Therefore, ties must be purchased separately if required.

Lift the sack carefully while supporting the base when necessary. Do not rely solely on the gathered top when the contents are bulky or moderately heavy.

Moreover, avoid dragging the sack across concrete, rough flooring or external surfaces, as abrasion may puncture the polythene.

Finally, dispose of the sealed sack through the waste stream designated by your organisation, local authority or commercial waste contractor.

Black Finish for Discreet Waste Collection

The opaque black finish helps conceal the contents, providing a tidier appearance in customer-facing, workplace and communal environments.

As a result, these sacks are useful for bins in offices, shops, hotels, schools, cafés, restaurants, warehouses and event venues.

However, black sacks may not suit recycling or segregated-waste systems that require transparent bags, coloured sacks or printed identification. Therefore, always follow the colour-coding and separation procedures used by your organisation or waste contractor.

Never use a black sack to conceal waste that requires specialist identification, controlled handling or separate disposal.

Commercial and Workplace Applications

The combination of a familiar refuse-sack format, medium-duty material and a box quantity of 200 makes these bags suitable for regular commercial use.

Cleaning contractors can distribute boxes across different sites, while facilities teams can store them in central supply areas. Similarly, hospitality, retail and educational premises can keep stock near waste-handling points for convenient replacement.

Because the sacks store flat, they require relatively little space before use. Nevertheless, store each box in a clean and dry location to protect the material from heat, sunlight and contamination.

For workplaces with several waste streams, clearly label bins and train staff to use the correct sacks. This helps prevent recyclable, hazardous or specialist waste from entering the general-refuse collection.

Boxes of 200 for Regular Use

We supply these 180-gauge black refuse sacks in boxes of 200 bags.

This quantity provides a practical stock level for businesses, cleaning teams, hospitality venues and other organisations that replace refuse sacks regularly.

Additionally, boxed storage keeps unused sacks together and helps protect them from dust and everyday handling. Store opened boxes in a designated stock area and rotate supplies so that older stock is used first.

The sales unit is one complete box containing 200 refuse sacks. Therefore, check the required number of boxes carefully when placing your order.

Why Choose Our 180 Gauge Medium-Duty Black Refuse Sacks?

Our 180-gauge black refuse sacks provide a dependable solution for routine light to medium-weight waste collection.

The 18 × 29 × 39-inch / approximately 457 × 737 × 991mm size offers useful capacity for compatible bins and sack holders. Meanwhile, the gusseted construction allows the sack to expand around bulky and irregularly shaped waste.

Furthermore, the approximately 45-micron material provides greater thickness than lighter 80-gauge and 120-gauge alternatives. The opaque black finish also helps conceal the contents for discreet general-waste collection.

With 200 sacks supplied in each box, businesses can maintain a convenient supply for regular cleaning and waste-management tasks.

What Are 180 Gauge Black Refuse Sacks Also Known As?

People also commonly refer to these sacks as:

• Black refuse sacks
• Black bin bags
• Black rubbish bags
• Black waste sacks
• Medium-duty refuse sacks
• Medium-duty bin bags
• 180-gauge bin bags
• 180-gauge refuse bags
• 45-micron refuse sacks
• 45-micron bin liners
• Gusseted refuse sacks
• Commercial bin bags
• Workplace refuse sacks
• Warehouse waste bags
• Cleaning sacks
• General-purpose refuse sacks
• Polythene waste bags
• Plastic refuse bags
• Black waste liners
• General rubbish sacks

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, refuse sacks can differ in dimensions, thickness, material formulation, construction and carrying performance. Therefore, always check the complete product specification before ordering.

Food Contact Information of 180 Gauge Black Refuse Sacks

These refuse sacks are intended for waste collection. Do not use them to store, wrap or transport unpackaged food.

Furthermore, do not use them as food-preparation surfaces or for any application involving direct food contact unless separate documentation explicitly confirms suitability.

Food businesses may use the sacks for appropriate back-of-house waste, provided they follow their hygiene, waste-separation and pest-control procedures.

If you require confirmation for a particular application or need a Food Safety Certificate, please email sales@expresspackaging.co.uk before ordering.

PPWR Compliance Information

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste, commonly known as the PPWR, applies to packaging placed on the EU market.

We can provide available product specifications and supporting information to help customers complete their compliance assessments. However, polythene construction or potential recyclability alone does not confirm full PPWR compliance.

The responsible economic operator must assess the product and its intended use against all applicable requirements, including packaging minimisation, substances of concern, recycled content, recyclability, labelling and technical documentation.

Customers intending to place these products on the EU market should email sales@expresspackaging.co.uk to request the latest available documentation and confirm suitability for their application before making a PPWR compliance claim.

Material and Responsible Disposal of 180 Gauge Black Refuse Sacks

These sacks use flexible polythene construction. However, refuse sacks containing general waste are normally disposed of together with their contents through the appropriate waste stream rather than recycled.

Clean and unused polythene film may suit specialist flexible-plastic recycling services, depending on the facilities available in your area. Nevertheless, many household kerbside collections do not accept plastic bags or flexible films.

Contamination with food, liquid, chemicals or general refuse can prevent recycling. Therefore, always follow the guidance provided by your local authority, facilities manager or commercial waste contractor.

Recycled material content may vary according to the product specification and stock batch. Please contact our sales team if you require confirmation of the recycled content of this product.

Important Safety Information

Keep unused refuse sacks away from babies and young children because the material can present a suffocation risk. Never use the sacks as toys, protective clothing or bedding.

Store unused sacks in a clean, dry place away from direct heat, naked flames and prolonged sunlight. Polythene can melt or burn when exposed to high temperatures.

Additionally, never place hot ashes, embers or heated objects into the sacks.

Do not overload the bags or fill them with waste that exceeds the strength of the material or seams. Similarly, protect the polythene from sharp corners, broken objects and abrasive surfaces.

Before lifting, check the sack for punctures, stretching or damage. If the contents are bulky or heavy, support the base or transfer the waste into a more suitable container.

Always follow your organisation’s manual-handling, hygiene and waste-disposal procedures.

Sample Requests

To request a sample, please email sales@expresspackaging.co.uk or call 0121 622 2347.

A small charge applies only to sample bags wider than 600mm. Our sales team will confirm any applicable charge before sending the sample.

Illustration Only

Bins, waste, cleaning equipment and accessories shown in our product images demonstrate potential applications only and are not included with the refuse sacks.

Bins and waste containers vary in width, depth, height and rim design. Therefore, measure your container carefully before ordering and allow sufficient material for the sack to expand, fold over the rim and close after filling.