Storage and Disposal Supplies

GARBAGE CANS

Galvanized steel and plastic are materials used in the manufacture of garbage and trash cans. Galvanized cans are durable but may be subject to rust in damp climates; plastic containers are lighter weight and will not rust but can be blown about by a strong wind.

Galvanizing is fusing rust and corrosion-resistant zinc to steel. Top-quality items are made from heavier gauge steel and galvanized after fabrication to ensure complete coverage.

Promotional lines are usually made of pre-galvanized steel sheeting. Rough treatment during manufacture may produce minute cracks that permit moisture to seep in under the coating. Vulnerable spots are side seams and the seam where the bottom is attached to the sides.

PLASTIC PRODUCTS

Plastic garbage-can liners amd trash bags are a necessity for nearly all consumers.

For greatest resistance to tears and punctures, bags should be made of 1.5 to 1.8 mil. thick plastic.

In general, bags are sized as follows: garbage-can liners, 17" x 19"; wastebasket liners, 22" x 35" to 33" x 40"; lawn bags, 33" x 48" to 34" x 56".

Oversize heavyweight storage bags, an adaptation of standard-sized bags, offer the advantage of sealing tight to keep out dust, dirt, bugs and moisture. Sizes as large as 5' x 9' will hold a full-sized bike, mattress, sofa or whole Christmas tree. Small sizes will seal up a single chair or a rack full of off-season clothes. A handful of mothballs in the bag will deter mice as well as bugs.

Storage bags should be semitransparent so you can see what's in them and heavyweight to prevent tearing and punctures. Extra-long twist ties should be included to seal the bags tight.

Plastic drop cloths help do-it-yourselfers protect furniture, carpets and floors from paint spills. The most popular sizes are 9' x 12' and 10' x 20'. Thicknesses range from .0003 mil. to 3 mil.

Plastic sheeting has a wide variety of uses, including: cover for pools, boats, firewood and barbecue grills; a moisture barrier in home weatherproofing; landscaping and underlayment; shrubbery protection, and ground or car cover.

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Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.