Buying Guide

Trash Bag Size Guide

Stop guessing. Find the exact trash liner that fits your can — by gallon size, dimensions, or industry. Visual chart included.

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What Size Trash Bag Do I Need?

Select a can size below. We'll show you the exact bag dimensions, what it fits, and our top picks.

40-45 GAL

40""W

48""H

Large round / outdoor bins

40-45 Gallon

Large round cans, outdoor bins, cafeterias

Bag Size

40" x 48"

Width

40"

Height

48"

Our Top Picks

Complete Size Reference

Every standard trash bag size at a glance. Bookmark this chart.

Bag Dimensions	Common Use	Can Type	Shop
24" x 24"	Desk-side bins, bathroom wastebaskets	Small office / bathroom cans	View
24" x 33"	Tall kitchen cans, restroom receptacles	Kitchen / restroom tall cans	View
24" x 27"	Kitchen trash cans with drawstring	Standard kitchen can (drawstring)	View
30" x 37"	Medium bins, break rooms, small lobbies	Medium / break room bins	View
33" x 40"	Large office cans, lobby trash, medical facilities	Large office / lobby cans	View
40" x 48"	Large round cans, outdoor bins, cafeterias	Large round / outdoor bins	View
43" x 48"	Glutton containers, large industrial bins	Glutton / industrial containers	View
38" x 60"	Rollout carts, dumpster liners, large waste stations	Rollout carts / large waste stations	View

Thickness Matters: Microns vs. Mils

Size is only half the equation. The right thickness prevents tears, leaks, and frustration. Here's how to choose.

High-Density (Microns)

6-17 micron

Thinner, crinkly feel. Great for paper, lightweight office waste. Tear-resistant but not puncture-proof.

Best for: Offices, restrooms, break rooms

6 micLight paper, tissues

8-10 micGeneral office waste

12-14 micHeavier mixed waste

16-17 micHeavy, sharp items

Low-Density (Mils)

0.45-1.5 mil

Thicker, stretchy feel. Resists punctures and tears. Ideal for heavy, wet, or sharp waste.

Best for: Kitchens, restaurants, construction, medical

0.45 milLight kitchen waste

0.80 milGeneral-purpose heavy duty

1.0 milWet waste, food scraps

1.5+ milConstruction, sharp debris

Pro Tip: When in Doubt, Go One Thickness Up

A torn bag costs more than a slightly thicker liner. If your waste includes anything sharp, wet, or heavy, step up one thickness level. The extra pennies per bag save you from double-bagging and messy cleanups.

Recommendations by Industry

Different spaces need different bags. Here's what works best for your type of facility.

Office Buildings

Sizes: 7-10 gal (desks), 33-45 gal (lobbies)

High-density clear liners work best for paper-heavy waste.

Restaurants & Kitchens

Sizes: 13 gal (prep), 33-45 gal (kitchen)

Use low-density (mil) bags to handle wet food waste and prevent leaks.

Healthcare & Medical

Sizes: 7-10 gal (exam rooms), 33 gal (common)

Red or color-coded bags required for biohazard. Check local regulations.

Schools & Facilities

Sizes: 12-16 gal (classrooms), 40-45 gal (cafeteria)

Go with heavier micron for cafeteria waste. Consider compostable for food scraps.

Warehouses & Industrial

Sizes: 56-60 gal (rollouts, large bins)

Low-density 1.0+ mil bags handle heavy, sharp debris without tearing.

Going Green? We Carry Compostable Liners

Our SunnyCare compostable liners are available in 24x33, 33x40, and 40x48 sizes. Made from plant-based materials, they break down in commercial composting facilities. Perfect for cafeterias, schools, and eco-conscious businesses.

Shop Compostable

Ready to Order the Right Size?

Browse our full selection of trash liners — clear, black, drawstring, and compostable. Wholesale pricing with free local delivery.

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