sandbags
FAQ
Learn how, when and where to use our products here.
Do you use recycled sand?
No – we use 100% natural washed coarse sand or blue metal, which is a virgin material that can be used on any site, anywhere, for any purpose. This is because EPA regulations prevent recycled sand and aggregates from being used in certain situations, such as in kerb and gutter applications. If bags are run over and split, contaminated material can become loose in the environment, causing a potential environmental hazard if that material contains unknown recycled substances. We only use natural VENM-approved fill to ensure compliance across all sites and industries.
What is VENM Certified Fill?
VENM stands for virgin excavated natural material and is a method of classifying materials such as gravel, sand or soil. The Environmental Protection Authority defines VENM as natural material that has been excavated from an area that is not contaminated with chemicals or residues as a result of industrial, commercial, mining or agricultural activities. We guarantee all our sand and silt bags are filled with certified VENM material for compliance across all sites and industries.
How Much Does a Sandbag Weigh?
At Sydney Sandbags our bags weigh approximately 20kg, made up of either sand or blue metal filling. This is an appropriate weight for most civil construction, infrastructure, pipe and erosion control applications. We can also make custom weights and sizes if you require something specific. We chose 20kg for our standard sandbags as this is a safe and consistent weight for manual handling on-site, and it also provides the right size for building efficient headwalls for pipelaying!
What is the Difference Between Hessian and Poly Sandbags?
Polypropylene sandbags are made to last a long time and do not break down as fast in the environment. This means they can be held in stock for longer as poly will remain in good condition for years when protected from UV. We carry poly sandbags in both 2000hr and 4000hr spec, giving an effective life of 250 & 500 days of direct sunlight exposure.
On the other hand, hessian is a natural fibre and will break down after several months once installed. This makes it a good choice for pipelaying, headwalls, temporary erosion control or landscaping use. Hessian is also much more textured meaning it will grip other sandbags more effectively than poly. This can be important when stacking sandbags higher than 1 metre tall – the smooth poly surface may start to slip whereas hessian will hold fast.
How Do I Calculate How Many Sandbags I Need?
This depends on the application, of course, but if you know the specifications of your project we can advise the most efficient use of sandbags for you. For example, if you have dimensions of a trench and pipes that you need to sandbag around, we can build a mock headwall in our yard to ensure you get the precise quantity of sandbags required without over-ordering.
Do You Deliver Australia Wide?
Yes – we ship anywhere for a competitive rate. We’re based in Sydney and have our own fleet for local deliveries, however our drivers have travelled as far as Jindabyne, Coffs Harbour and Parkes to get sandbags to site within 24 hours. For interstate locations and remote regional areas, we’re happy to source freight quotes for you so you can select the most cost-effective shipping option for your requirements.