Retainers for plastic trash bags

A method of retaining a bag in an open position in a rigid receptacle having an opening defined by a rim, the bag being formed of a flexible web and formed with opposing loop handles at the margin of the bag opening the circumference defined by the rim of the receptacle being approximately the same as that defined by the open end of the bag, the method comprising:

• a) providing two retainers, each retainer comprising:
• a generally horizontal central member;
• at least two opposing leg members depending from said central member, said leg members being dimensioned and positioned for receiving a rim portion of the receptacle therebetween;
• and
• an extension member extending from said central member in a direction opposite the leg members, the extension member being dimensioned to receive one of the loop handles to retain said bag in a predetermined position and suspending the bag in the receptacle;
• b) mounting the retainers on opposite positions of the rim of the receptacle by securing the retainer legs to the walls of the receptacle below the rim;
• and
• c) placing one of each of the opposing loop handles over the extension member of the corresponding retainer, whereby the bag is suspended by the retainers in an open position.