Clear Refuse Sacks

Features & Benefits

• Clear refuse sacks made of  high-density polythene construction
• Transparent material helps users identify and inspect the contents
• 120-gauge material thickness
• Approximately 30 microns thick
• Suitable for everyday light to medium-duty waste collection
• Helps support waste separation and recycling procedures
• Useful where opaque black refuse sacks are unsuitable
• Gusseted construction provides additional internal capacity
• Open-top design allows quick and straightforward filling
• Flexible material adapts around soft and irregularly shaped waste
• Suitable for offices, retailers, schools, warehouses and hospitality businesses
• Compatible with appropriately sized bins and sack holders
• Nominal size of 450mm × 730mm × 990mm
• Approximately 17.7 × 28.7 × 39 inches
• Supplied in packs of 100 sacks
• Clean and unused sacks may suit specialist flexible-plastic recycling collections

Common Uses

Our clear refuse sacks are suitable for collecting and separating:

• General office waste
• Paper and cardboard
• Dry recyclable materials
• Empty product packaging
• Plastic wrapping
• Retail waste
• Warehouse waste
• Housekeeping waste
• Hotel-room rubbish
• Light catering waste
• Washroom waste
• Classroom waste
• Exhibition and event rubbish
• Cleaning cloths and disposable wipes
• Packaging offcuts
• Empty wrappers and containers
• Light manufacturing waste
• General non-hazardous commercial refuse

Always confirm that your waste contractor accepts the chosen materials in clear polythene sacks before using them as part of a recycling collection.

Clear Refuse Sacks 120 Gauge

Our clear refuse sacks provide a practical and economical solution for collecting, separating and identifying everyday commercial waste.

The transparent material allows staff, cleaning teams and waste contractors to inspect or identify the contents without opening the sack. Consequently, these sacks can help organisations monitor waste streams, reduce accidental contamination and separate recyclable materials from general refuse.

Unlike opaque black sacks, clear refuse sacks make the contents visible. This makes them particularly useful in workplaces where waste identification, segregation or visual inspection forms part of the organisation’s cleaning or waste-management procedures.

Each sack is manufactured from high-density polythene and has a nominal thickness of 120 gauge, equivalent to approximately 30 microns. The material provides a useful balance between flexibility, capacity and everyday performance for suitable light to medium-duty waste.

The gusseted construction also allows the sack to expand around soft, bulky and irregularly shaped contents. Meanwhile, the open top supports quick filling and can be gathered or secured after use.

We supply these clear refuse sacks in convenient packs of 100 bags.

Clear Refuse Sacks 120 Gauge Size and Specification

The product specification is:

• Nominal metric size: 450mm x 730mm x 990mm
• Approximate imperial size: 17.7 x 28.7 x 39 inches
• Measurement order: face width × total open width × height
• Material thickness: 120 gauge
• Approximate thickness: 30 microns
• Material: high-density polythene
• Colour: clear
• Construction: gusseted refuse sack
• Duty: suitable for light to medium-duty applications
• Pack quantity: 100 sacks

The stated dimensions are nominal manufacturing measurements. Therefore, small production tolerances may apply.

The imperial dimensions are approximate conversions from the metric specification. Please use the millimetre measurements when you require the closest match.

Understanding the Sack Measurements

The 450mm / approximately 17.7-inch measurement represents the face width of the sack while it lies flat.

The 730mm / approximately 28.7-inch measurement represents the total open width, including the material folded into the side gussets. Consequently, the sack expands beyond its visible face width when opened.

The 990mm / approximately 39-inch measurement represents the overall height from the sealed bottom to the open top.

The 730mm measurement does not represent the width of one completely flat front panel. Part of this measurement forms the gussets and provides the additional depth required for the sack to expand.

Furthermore, bulky waste will use some of the available width and height as the material stretches around the contents. Therefore, a rigid object measuring close to the complete stated dimensions may not fit comfortably.

Always allow sufficient clearance rather than selecting a sack that only just matches the dimensions of your bin or intended contents.

Clear Material for Easier Content Identification

The clear polythene construction allows users to see the contents more easily than they could through a conventional black refuse sack.

This visibility can help staff identify incorrectly sorted waste before the sack enters a recycling or general-waste collection. For example, users may be able to spot food waste inside a paper collection or identify recyclable packaging mixed with general rubbish.

Clear sacks can also help cleaning supervisors inspect collected materials without opening or emptying the bag. As a result, they are useful for workplaces that need to monitor waste segregation or maintain visible waste-handling procedures.

However, using a clear sack does not automatically make its contents recyclable. Recycling suitability depends on the materials placed inside and the requirements of the relevant collection service.

Additionally, the film is designed for refuse and recycling applications rather than premium product presentation. Consequently, its optical clarity should not be compared with specialist display or packaging film.

High-Density Polythene Construction

These sacks use high-density polythene, commonly abbreviated to HDPE.

HDPE film can provide practical strength and stiffness at a relatively low material thickness. Consequently, the sacks remain lightweight and economical while offering useful performance for suitable everyday waste.

The flexible film adapts around soft and irregularly shaped items such as paper, packaging, wrappers and disposable cleaning materials.

However, high-density polythene can still puncture when it comes into contact with sharp, pointed or abrasive objects. Therefore, do not assume that the material is suitable for every type of waste simply because the contents fit inside.

Protect exposed corners and sharp edges or use an appropriate rigid container where the waste could puncture the sack.

120-Gauge / Approximately 30-Micron Thickness

These clear refuse sacks have a nominal thickness of 120 gauge, equivalent to approximately 30 microns.

This specification suits many everyday light to medium-duty waste and recycling applications. Nevertheless, gauge describes the approximate thickness of the material rather than a guaranteed carrying capacity.

The amount a sack can safely contain depends on several factors, including:

• The formulation of the polythene
• The construction of the bottom seam
• The weight of the contents
• How evenly the waste is distributed
• The presence of sharp or abrasive materials
• The temperature of the contents
• How the sack is lifted and carried
• The distance over which it is moved
• The condition of the sack and bin
• Whether the sack is dragged across the floor

A bulky item may fit inside the sack while still being too heavy, rigid or sharp for the material. Therefore, always consider the type of waste as well as its volume.

If your application involves particularly heavy, sharp or dense materials, select a stronger refuse sack or a suitable rigid waste container.

Gusseted Construction for Additional Capacity

The sacks include folded material within the sides. While the bag lies flat, this material forms the gussets. Once opened, the gussets expand to create additional internal capacity.

This construction allows the sack to adapt around soft, bulky and irregularly shaped waste more effectively than a completely flat bag.

Before fitting the sack into a bin, separate the sides carefully and make sure the gussets have opened correctly. An unopened fold can prevent the bag from expanding fully and may place unnecessary pressure on the material.

Although the gussets provide additional capacity, they do not increase resistance to sharp or abrasive objects. Consequently, exposed metal edges, broken plastic and other pointed materials should be contained separately.

Suitable Waste and Recycling Applications

The clear construction makes these sacks particularly useful for waste streams where staff need to see or identify the contents.

Suitable applications may include:

• Clean office paper
• Lightweight cardboard
• Dry packaging
• Plastic wrapping where locally accepted
• Empty drinks containers
• General office rubbish
• Retail packaging waste
• Housekeeping waste
• Light warehouse waste
• Classroom rubbish
• Exhibition and event waste
• Non-hazardous commercial refuse

Cleaning teams can use the sacks to distinguish between different waste streams before taking them to the relevant collection point. Similarly, supervisors may find it easier to identify contamination or incorrectly discarded items.

Nevertheless, collection requirements vary between local authorities and commercial waste contractors. Some services require specific bag colours, printed markings or approved sack types.

Therefore, confirm the requirements of your waste contractor before introducing these sacks into a recycling or waste-separation programme.

Waste These Clear Refuse Sacks Should Not Contain

Do not use these clear refuse sacks for:

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

Sharp, clinical and hazardous waste requires suitable specialist containers and disposal procedures.

Furthermore, these sacks have an open top and do not create a watertight seal. Do not use them to contain free-flowing liquids or leaking waste.

How to Choose the Correct Clear Refuse Sacks Size

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

For a round bin, measure across the widest part 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 enough material to fold over the rim. This extra material helps keep the sack in position and provides space for gathering or closing the top after filling.

The sack should reach the bottom of the bin without being stretched tightly. However, excessive loose material at the base can become trapped beneath the waste and make removal more difficult.

Because the sack measures 450mm across its face and 730mm across its total open width, part of the available width forms the gussets. Therefore, do not treat 730mm as the width of one flat panel.

If the dimensions of your bin are close to the stated sack measurements, request a sample before ordering a larger quantity.

How to Fit a Clear Refuse Sack

Remove one sack from the pack and locate the open end. Next, separate the sides carefully without pulling sharply against the seams.

Open the gussets fully and lower the sack into the empty bin. Guide the sealed base towards the bottom without stretching or puncturing the material.

Fold the open edge evenly over the bin rim. Where necessary, use a compatible sack-retaining band or bin system to prevent the liner from slipping into the container.

Before adding waste, check that the sack is not caught on rough edges, damaged fittings or projecting parts inside the bin.

Additionally, avoid stretching the material too tightly across the opening. Excessive tension can place unnecessary pressure on the sack and its seams.

Filling the Sack Safely

Add suitable waste gradually and distribute it as evenly as possible.

Place lighter and softer materials into the sack first. Avoid dropping heavy or rigid objects directly onto the bottom seam, particularly from a height.

Do not force oversized items through the opening or push waste down using your hands or feet. Hidden sharp objects may cause injury, while excessive pressure could puncture the polythene.

Stop filling before the waste reaches the top edge. Leaving sufficient unused material allows the sack to be gathered, tied and handled more safely.

If the contents become heavier than expected, remove some of the waste or divide it between two sacks.

Furthermore, never drag a filled sack across rough floors, concrete or external surfaces. Abrasion can weaken or puncture the material even when the contents are otherwise suitable.

Closing and Removing the Sack

When the sack is ready for removal, gather the open top carefully.

Close it using a suitable sack tie, cable tie or knot where enough material remains. These sacks do not include an integral drawstring or adhesive closure, so separate ties may be required.

Lift the sack carefully and support the base when the contents are bulky or moderately heavy. Do not rely entirely on the gathered top when moving a filled sack.

If the bag appears stretched, punctured or overloaded, place it inside a stronger outer sack or transfer the contents into a more suitable container before moving it.

Finally, place the closed sack into the waste or recycling stream designated by your organisation, local authority or commercial waste contractor.

Supporting Waste Separation and Inspection

The visible contents can help organisations maintain cleaner and more consistent waste streams.

For example, staff may be able to identify:

• Food waste mixed with paper
• General refuse inside a recycling collection
• Packaging placed in the wrong container
• Liquids or leaking items
• Objects that require specialist disposal
• Contamination that may prevent recycling

This visibility can support staff training and internal waste-management procedures. However, it does not guarantee that a waste contractor will accept either the sack or its contents.

Some collection services require transparent sacks, while others specify particular colours or printed designs. Therefore, always check the rules for your collection before ordering.

Supplied in Packs of 100 Sacks

We supply these 120-gauge clear refuse sacks in packs of 100 bags.

This quantity provides a convenient stock level for offices, retailers, schools, hospitality businesses, warehouses, cleaning companies and other organisations with regular waste-management requirements.

The compact pack also helps keep unused sacks together and protects them from dust and unnecessary handling.

Store opened packs in a designated, clean and dry stock area. Additionally, rotate supplies so that older stock is used first.

The sales unit contains 100 individual refuse sacks. Therefore, check the required number of packs carefully before completing your order.

Why Choose Our Clear Refuse 120 gauge Sacks?

Our clear refuse sacks combine visible-content identification, practical gusseted capacity and lightweight high-density polythene construction.

The transparent material makes it easier to inspect and separate collected waste. Meanwhile, the open-top design supports quick filling, and the gussets expand around soft or bulky contents.

Their 120-gauge / approximately 30-micron thickness provides a practical specification for suitable light to medium-duty commercial waste.

The 450mm x 730mm x 990mm nominal dimensions suit many standard refuse bins and sack holders, while packs of 100 provide a convenient supply for regular workplace use.

These sacks are particularly useful for organisations that need an alternative to opaque black refuse bags for recycling, waste monitoring or visible-content collections.

What Are Clear Refuse Sacks Also Known As?

People may also refer to these sacks as:

• Clear bin bags
• Clear bin liners
• Transparent refuse sacks
• Transparent bin bags
• Clear waste sacks
• Clear waste bags
• Clear recycling sacks
• Recycling bin liners
• Visible-content sacks
• Waste-separation sacks
• Gusseted refuse sacks
• Commercial clear sacks
• Clear commercial bin bags
• High-density refuse sacks
• HDPE refuse sacks
• High-density bin liners
• 120-gauge clear sacks
• 30-micron clear sacks
• 18 × 29 × 39-inch refuse sacks
• General-purpose clear bin bags

Although people often use these terms interchangeably, refuse sacks can differ in material, dimensions, clarity, thickness, gusset construction and carrying performance.

Always check the complete specification before ordering rather than relying on the product name alone.

Food Contact Information

These clear refuse sacks are intended for waste and recycling applications.

Do not use them to store, wrap or transport unpackaged food unless the specification and supporting documentation explicitly confirm suitability for direct food contact.

Clear or high-density polythene construction does not automatically mean that a product meets food-contact requirements.

Food businesses may use the sacks for appropriate back-of-house waste, provided they follow their hygiene, allergen-control, pest-control and waste-separation 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, high-density 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, material composition, 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 before making a recyclability or PPWR compliance claim.

Material and Responsible Disposal of Clear Refuse Sacks

These sacks use flexible high-density polythene construction. Sacks containing general waste are normally disposed of together with their contents through the appropriate waste stream rather than recycled separately.

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

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

Where a sack remains clean and undamaged, consider reusing it before placing it into the appropriate recycling or waste stream.

Do not make assumptions about recycled content unless the product specification or supporting documentation confirms a particular percentage.

Important Safety Information

Keep unused sacks away from babies and young children because the flexible 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.

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 other 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, recyclable materials, cleaning equipment and accessories shown in our product images demonstrate potential applications only and are not included with the sacks.

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

The product images provide a general representation of the clear polythene material. Lighting, reflections, the background and the number of film layers can affect how transparent the sack appears in photographs.