Waste may be unavoidable, but choosing the appropriate bag can make all the difference. Cromwell Polythene explains how the right bag not only collects and contains waste but also reduces the risk of contamination in waste streams.
General Waste – Black Bags
Since their inception, Black sacks have been used to collect general waste and are now synonymous with waste that cannot be recycled.
Recycling Waste (Paper, Card, Plastic, Metal, Glass) – Clear or Coloured Bags
Recyclables like paper, plastic and metals benefit from being collected and contained in clear or colour coded bags. These bags make their contents visible, reducing contamination risk. Colour coding bags is a method often used by organisations to assign a colour to a particular material further reducing contamination risk.
Food & Organic Waste – Green Compostable or Natural Polythene Caddy Liners
As separate food waste collections become mandatory, using a caddy liner is key to maximising participation rates and increasing the amount of food waste captured, contained and treated.
- Green Compostable Liners: Ideal for composting, green compostable liners are becoming synonymous with food waste, reducing the risk of contamination whilst composting alongside the organic waste they contain. Always check the liner’s is certified using the seedling logo and 7p number to ensure item is compliant with industry standards.
- Natural (Clear) Polythene Liners: Better suited to anaerobic digestion or facilities that debag waste. Their clarity helps identify contamination while ensuring clean handling.
Clinical Waste – Tiger Striped, Orange, Yellow and Purple Bags
Clinical Waste requires strict segregation:
- Tiger Striped (Yellow with Black Stripe): These yellow sacks with a bold black stripe, often dubbed "Tiger Bags". They are designed for non-infectious waste, possibly containing bodily fluids: Disposal Options: Approved for landfill, energy-from-waste incineration, or alternative treatment.
- Orange Bags: Bright orange for a reason, these bags signify waste that may pose an infection risk, but not contaminated with medicines or chemicals. Disposal Options: Must undergo alternative treatment methods, such as autoclaving.
- Yellow Bags: Solid yellow bags flag clinical waste that’s both infectious and contaminated with medicines or chemicals. Disposal Options: High-temperature incineration only.
- Purple Bags: These violet-coloured bags handle clinical waste laced with cytotoxic or cytostatic agents—think chemotherapy or antiviral drugs. Disposal Options: High-temperature incineration only.
Cromwell Polythene emphasises that matching waste to the correct bag isn’t just practical, it’s vital for resource efficiency. Whether it’s food scraps, recyclables, clinical waste, or everyday rubbish, the appropriate bag helps ensure cleaner handling, smoother collection, and improved recycling rates.
For personalised guidance or to explore the full Cromwell range, readers are encouraged to download the free guide or get in touch with the Cromwell team today.
