Yes, You Do Need an ESD Wastebasket

Originally posted as The Cause for ESD Wastebaskets by Transforming Technologies - Re-posted here, including slight edits, with permission

It is fair to wonder why there is a need for ESD wastebaskets. If the basket resides underneath a workstation, and stays there permanently, the need may not exist.

 However, there are a number of circumstances when the wastebasket could present a significant hazard to electronic products. The following are just a few examples of potentially risky scenarios:

Worksurface Cleaning: An operator lifts the wastebasket to the edge of the workstation to collect the debris being removed. Should a static-sensitive product be present on the worksurface and not contained in a shielding container, there is a good opportunity for exposure to electrostatic fields that exceed safe limits.

Lead Trimming/Board Cleaning Operations: When trimming component leads or using aerosol cleaners on PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards), some operators will hold the PCB over a wastebasket to catch the clippings or solvent run-off. Many times, the PCB will be placed well into the waste container to assure catching the unwanted materials. This operation puts PCBs and ESD-sensitive devices very close to potentially significant electrostatic fields.

Aisle Proximity: Some wastebaskets have been observed in close proximity to production floor aisles, where product transfer carts pass or may be parked. ANSI/ESD S2020 requires items that generate 2,000 volts or more (measured at 1” from the item) be kept at least 12” from ESD-sensitive devices. Using ESD wastebaskets eliminates the risk of carts being parked next to static-generating baskets.

While company ESD policies may prohibit some of the actions mentioned above, it does not mean that they will not occur from time to time. ESD wastebaskets provide assurance that the wastebasket will never be an ESD threat to your product.

Transforming Technologies offers ESD wastebaskets in static-dissipative polypropylene and in stainless steel for cleanroom operations. If a liner is to be used for easier maintenance, Transforming Technologies offers them in both conductive and static dissipative.

Please visit QSource.com for further information about these Transforming Technologies products:

28-Quart, Black ESD-Safe Waste Basket (WBAS 28)

• Material: Carbon-loaded, black conductive Polypropylene
• Point-to-Point Resistance RP: 10⁴- 10⁵ W
• Height: 15"
• Opening: 13.5" x 9.5"

22-Gallon, Black ESD-Safe Waste Basket (WBAS90)

• Weight: 7.5 lb.
• Dimensions: 30" x 20" x 11"
• Material: Carbon-loaded, black conductive polypropylene
• Resistance - RTP: 10⁴ - 10⁵
• Marking: Yellow ESD symbol

44-Gallon, Black ESD-Safe Waste Basket (WBAS180)

• Weight: 13 lb.
• Dimensions: 31" x 24" x 24"
• Material: Carbon-loaded, black conductive polypropylene
• Resistance - RTP: 10⁴ - 10⁵
• Marking: Yellow ESD symbol

2-Mil, 7-10 Gallon Pink Dissipative Anti-Static Trash Liners (WBASLP)

• Basic Material: Single layer of non-amine polyethylene
• Size: 24" x 24"
• Tensile Strength: 2,000 to 3,000 PSI
• Tearing Strength: 65- to 450-lb. per square inch
• Surface Resistivity: ‹ or equal to 10¹¹ ohms/sq.
• Static Decay Rate: 5 kV - 0 volts ‹ 2 seconds per
• Shelf Life: Permanently anti-static under normal storage conditions

3 Mil, 7-10 Gallon Black Conductive Trash Liners (WBASLB)

• Basic Material: Single layer of non-amine polyethylene
• Size: 24" x 24"
• Tensile Strength: > 2,000 PSI
• Tearing Strength: > 400-lb. per inch
• Surface Resistivity: ‹ 30,000 ohms/sq
• Volume Resistivity: ‹ 30,000 ohms/cm
• Shelf Life: Permanently anti-static under normal storage conditions

22-Gallon, Black Conductive ESD Trash Can Liners (WBAS22LB)

• Basic Material: Single layer of non-amine polyethylene
• Thickness: 3 mil
• Size: 24" x 24"
• Volume: 7-10 gallon (28-40 quart)
• Tensile Strength: > 2000 PSI
• Tearing Strength: > 400-lb. per inch
• Surface Resistivity: ‹ 30,000 OHMS/sq
• Volume Resistivity: ‹ 30,000 OHMS/cm
• Shelf Life: Permanently anti-static under normal storage conditions

22-Gallon, Pink Dissipative ESD Trash Can Liner (WBAS22LP)

• Basic Material: Single layer of non-amine polyethylene
• Thickness: 3 mil
• Size: 24" x 24"
• Volume: 7-10 gallon (28-40 quart)
• Tensile Strength: > 2000 PSI
• Tearing Strength: > 400-lb. per inch
• Surface Resistivity: ‹ 30,000 OHMS/sq
• Volume Resistivity: ‹ 30,000 OHMS/cm
• Shelf Life: Permanently anti-static under normal storage conditions

44-Gallon, Black Conductive ESD Trash Can Liner (WBAS44LB)

• Basic Material: Single layer of non-amine polyethylene
• Thickness: 3 mil
• Size: 24" x 24"
• Volume: 7-10 gallon (28-40 quart)
• Tensile Strength: > 2000 PSI
• Tearing Strength: > 400-lb. per inch
• Surface Resistivity: ‹ 30,000 OHMS/sq
• Volume Resistivity: ‹ 30,000 OHMS/cm
• Shelf Life: Permanently anti-static under normal storage conditions

44-Gallon, Pink Dissipative ESD Trash Can Liner (WBAS44LP)

• Basic Material: Single layer of non-amine polyethylene
• Thickness: 3 mil
• Size: 24" x 24"
• Volume: 7-10 gallon (28-40 quart)
• Tensile Strength: > 2000 PSI
• Tearing Strength: > 400-lb. per inch
• Surface Resistivity: ‹ 30,000 OHMS/sq
• Volume Resistivity: ‹ 30,000 OHMS/cm
• Shelf Life: Permanently anti-static under normal storage conditions