Complete Trash Bag Size Chart — Find the Perfect Fit for Your Needs

Choosing the right trash bag size can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you’re shopping for home, restaurant, or industrial use, understanding how trash bag sizes work helps ensure a perfect fit for your trash cans and waste management needs.

Trash Bag Size Chart

Tip: Measure your trash can’s circumference divided by 2 for bag width, and add 4–6 inches to the height for bag length.

Can Trash Bags Be Recycled?

Yes. Trash bags can be recycled, but only under certain conditions. Most low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bags can be recycled if they are clean and free of food waste. Bags with grease or liquids should not go in standard recycling bins.

Many recycling centers offer plastic film drop-off locations for clean bags.

High Density vs Low Density Trash Bags

High Density (HDPE) trash bags:

• Thinner, stiffer, more puncture-resistant
• Great for paper or office waste
• Economical and lightweight

Low Density (LDPE) trash bags:

• Thicker, stretchable, tear-resistant
• Ideal for food waste or restaurant use
• Better for heavy loads

Choosing the Right Trash Bag for Different Settings

Selecting the correct trash bag depends on both the size of the bin and the type of waste for each setting. Here’s a quick guide:

Home: For kitchen or household bins, 13-gallon trash bags are most common. They are large enough to hold daily waste but small enough to fit standard kitchen bins. Thinner HDPE bags work for dry waste, while LDPE bags are better for food scraps or wet trash.

Office / Small Commercial Use: Small offices, breakrooms, or bathrooms typically use 7–10 gallon bags. These bags are lightweight, easy to handle, and sufficient for paper waste or light trash. HDPE bags are ideal since they resist tearing from sharp objects like staplers or pens.

Restaurant / Food Service: Back-of-house kitchen and prep areas generate heavy, greasy waste. Choose 40–45 gallon low-density bags or heavy-duty LLDPE bags. These are thicker, flexible, and resistant to tearing, making them perfect for wet or oily trash.

Industrial / Warehouse: Large bins or drums in warehouses, factories, or outdoor areas often require 55-gallon extra-thick bags. High-density or low-density heavy-duty bags work depending on the type of waste, but the priority is strength and puncture resistance to safely handle sharp or heavy materials.

By matching the bag size and material to your setting, you can reduce spills, save costs, and extend the life of your bins.

Related Questions

• Q1: What is the most popular trash bag size for restaurants?
  A: Usually 40–45 gallon bags, fitting standard commercial cans.
• Q2: Are compostable trash bags a good option?
  A: Yes, for organic waste, but they break down faster and are not ideal for heavy-duty use.
• Q3: What’s the difference between gallon and size measurements?
  A: Gallons measure volume, while bag dimensions measure physical fit. Both should be considered when buying.
• Q4: Which trash bag thickness is best?
  A: For heavy loads or sharp waste, use 1.5–2 mil LDPE bags; for lighter waste, 0.5–1 mil HDPE bags are sufficient.
• Q5: Can I order custom trash bag sizes or printed designs?
  A: Yes, contact us for custom sizes, logo printing, and bulk discounts.

• Q6: How Big Are 13 Gallon Trash Bags?

  A 13-gallon trash bag is the most common household size, typically 24 inches wide by 33 inches tall. They fit standard kitchen bins and are perfect for moderate waste loads. For restaurants, this size also works for smaller prep stations or office areas.