Trash Can Liner Size Chart: How to Pick the Right Garbage Bag Size & Thickness

A trash bag that's too small slips into the can. One that's too thin rips when you pull it out. This guide helps you pick the right liner for every can in your business or home.

Quick size chart

Can size	Typical bag size	Common uses
12–16 gal	24" x 31"–33"	Office, bathroom, kitchen
13 gal (tall kitchen)	24" x 27"–33"	Kitchen cans
20–30 gal	30" x 36"	Breakrooms, back of house
33 gal	33" x 39"	Standard outdoor and commercial cans
40–45 gal	40" x 46"	Restaurant kitchens, janitorial
55–60 gal	36"–38" x 58"–60"	Large commercial cans, drums, cleanups

How to measure your can

• Bag width: measure around the can (the circumference) and divide by 2.
• Bag length: add the can's height to half its diameter, plus 3–4 inches for overhang. For square cans, use the distance across instead of the diameter.

Thickness: mil vs. micron

• Mil (low-density) bags stretch instead of tearing. They're best for sharp, heavy or wet trash like kitchen waste, construction debris and broken items. Examples: Aluf DSX-55K 45–55 gal, 1.25 mil with drawstrings, our best seller, and the 60 gal extra heavy duty liner.
• Micron (high-density) bags are thinner but strong. They're economical for paper, office waste and light trash.

Black or clear?

Black hides what's inside, so it suits customer-facing areas and general trash. Clear is often used for recycling, and it lets staff and building security see what's being thrown out. Clear options: 20–30 gal, 33 gal, 40–45 gal and 55–60 gal.

Other liners

• Kitchen drawstring: Aluf 13 gal tall kitchen, 200 count
• Compostable: Aluf ASTM D6400 compostable bags in 13 gal, 33 gal and 55 gal

Local business? We offer free delivery on orders of $250 or more to Oceanside, the Five Towns, Long Beach, Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Valley Stream, Great Neck, Roslyn and nearby towns. Questions about sizing or bulk pricing? Call us at (516) 599-0001 or email info@papersuppliesplus.com.