Commercial can liners are sized width × length in inches. To fit any bin, the liner width should be half the bin's circumference, and the length should be the bin's height plus half its diameter plus 3 to 4 inches of overhang. The chart below lists the common sizes for standard bins.
Common liner sizes by bin capacity
| Bin capacity | Typical liner size (inches) | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| 7 to 10 gallons | 24 × 24 | Desk-side and washroom bins |
| 12 to 16 gallons | 24 × 33 | Office, kitchenette and exam-room bins |
| 20 to 30 gallons | 30 × 36 or 30 × 37 | Kitchen, classroom and recycling bins |
| 33 gallons | 33 × 39 or 33 × 40 | Standard large commercial bins |
| 40 to 45 gallons | 40 × 46 or 40 × 48 | Large commercial and janitor-cart bins |
| 55 to 60 gallons | 38 × 58 or 43 × 48 | Large round and rectangular containers |
| 64 to 65 gallons | 50 × 48 | Toter-style wheeled carts |
| 95 to 96 gallons | 61 × 68 | Large wheeled carts |
How to measure any bin
- Round bin: measure the distance around the top (circumference). Liner width = circumference ÷ 2.
- Square or rectangular bin: add the four sides of the top together. Liner width = that total ÷ 2.
- Liner length = bin height + half the bin's diameter (or width) + 3 to 4 inches to fold over the rim.
- Round up to the nearest stocked size rather than down. A liner that's too narrow tears when it's pulled over the rim.
High density or low density?
High-density (HDPE) liners are thin, rated in microns, and strong for their weight. They suit paper, office waste and anything without sharp edges, and they cost less per bag.
Low-density (LLDPE) liners are thicker, rated in mil, and stretch instead of puncturing. Use them for kitchen waste, construction debris, anything with sharp edges or anything wet and heavy.
Common questions
What size garbage bag fits a 32 or 33 gallon commercial bin?
A 33 × 39 or 33 × 40 inch liner fits most 32 to 33 gallon commercial bins.
What size liner fits a desk-side bin?
Most 7 to 10 gallon desk-side bins take a 24 × 24 inch liner.
What does mil mean on a garbage bag?
Mil is a thousandth of an inch and measures low-density liner thickness. Higher mil means a thicker bag. High-density liners are measured in microns instead.