Choosing the right tall kitchen trash bag size is essential to keeping your kitchen clean and efficient. Whether you're searching for tall kitchen trash bag sizes, tall kitchen trash can bag sizes, or tall kitchen trash bag liner sizes, knowing how to measure your trash can and choose the right trash bag size can help you save time, money, and energy.
This guide covers everything from measuring your kitchen trash can to calculating the ideal trash bag size, including formulas for round and rectangular trash cans, and incorporates key terms such as kitchen trash bag sizes, kitchen trash bag size guides, and tall kitchen trash bag sizes to ensure you find the trash bag that best meets your needs.

What Size of Tall Kitchen Trash Bags?
A tall kitchen trash bag typically corresponds to a 13-gallon capacity, which is the most common size for kitchen trash cans in most homes. These bags are designed to fit trash cans that usually measure about 27 to 30 inches in height and 12 to 16 inches in width.
The dimensions of a standard 13-gallon tall kitchen trash bag are approximately 24 inches wide by 27 to 31 inches tall.
How Many Gallons Is a Tall Kitchen Trash Bag?
The term "tall kitchen trash bag" most commonly refers to bags sized for 13 gallon trash cans. However, depending on the bin size and use case, tall kitchen trash bags can range from about 10 to 18 gallons:
13 gallons is standard for most residential kitchen trash cans.
15 to 18 gallons bags are available for larger or high-traffic areas such as break rooms or conference rooms.
Larger tall bags can go up to 30 gallons for bigger kitchen or office bins, but these are less common for typical home use.
Common Tall Kitchen Trash Bag Sizes and Their Uses
Bag Size (Width × Height in inches) | Capacity (Gallons) | Typical Use |
---|---|---|
24 × 27 to 30 × 38 | 13 | Standard kitchen trash cans |
28 × 40 to 35 × 47 | 15 | Larger kitchen bins |
36 × 50 to 40 × 50 | 33 | Large or outdoor bins |
50 × 60 and above | 55+ | Industrial or heavy-duty use |
Choosing a bag size slightly larger than your calculated dimensions allows for easier handling and prevents tearing
Kitchen Trash Can Sizes and Shapes
Kitchen trash cans typically come in two main shapes:
- Round trash cans: Key dimensions are diameter and height.
- Rectangular or square bins: Require length, width, and height measurements.
Common tall kitchen trash can sizes range from 13 to 33 gallons, with heights typically between 27 and 39 inches and widths or diameters from 12 to 24 inches
Capacity (Gallons) | Typical Height (inches) | Diameter/Width (inches) | Usage |
---|---|---|---|
13 | 27-30 | 12-16 | Standard kitchen bins |
15 | 28-32 | 14-18 | Larger kitchen bins |
33 | 33-39 | 20-24 | Large or outdoor bins |

How to Measure Your Tall Kitchen Trash
For Round Trash Cans
- Measure the diameter across the widest part.
- Measure the height from base to rim.
- Decide on an overhang length (usually 4 to 10 inches) for the bag to drape over the bin edge.
For Rectangular or Square Bins
- Measure the length, width, and height.
- Choose an overhang length similarly.
Calculating Tall Kitchen Trash Bag Dimensions
Formulas for Bag Width and Height
- Round cans:Bag Width=π×Diameter2Bag Width=2π×DiameterBag Height=Height+Overhang+Diameter2Bag Height=Height+Overhang+2Diameter
- Rectangular bins:Bag Width=Length+WidthBag Width=Length+WidthBag Height=Height+Overhang+Bag Width4Bag Height=Height+Overhang+4Bag Width
These formulas ensure the bag covers the bin fully, including the bottom, and provides enough overhang for easy closure

How to Choose a Tall Kitchen Trash Bag
Material Thickness: Kitchen trash bags are typically between 0.5 and 0.9 mils thick. Heavier or sharp trash requires thicker bags (up to 3 mils thick).
Drawstring vs. Non-Drawstring Bags: Drawstring bags are easier to seal and handle.
Odor Control: Some bags have odor-blocking technology or added kitchen-specific fragrances.
Eco-Friendly Options: We offer biodegradable or compostable bags for environmentally conscious consumers.
Bag Size: Make sure the bag fits snugly in your tall trash can and won't slip or tear.
Common Problems from Using the Wrong Kitchen Bags Size
If you’ve ever had a garbage bag slip inside the bin or tear under pressure, you know how frustrating it can be. Here's what can go wrong when the size is off:
1. Bags Falling Inside the Can
- If the width is too small, the bag won’t grip the rim properly.
2. Leaking or Tearing
- Overstuffing a bag that’s too small can cause it to rip.
- Too much overhang on a large bag may cause bunching and imbalance.
3. Wasted Material and Money
- Using oversized bags results in unnecessary plastic usage.
- You may also spend more per bag if you're buying a size you don’t need.

Where to Buy Tall Kitchen Trash Bags Size
1. Retail Stores
- Available at Walmart, Target, Costco, and local grocery stores.
- Popular brands: Glad, Hefty, Kirkland, Simplehuman
2. Online Platforms
- Amazon offers a wide variety with customer reviews and multi-pack deals.
- Specialty compostable brands like BioBag and UNNI are also available.
3. B2B Wholesale Suppliers
- Ideal for businesses, cleaning services, or institutions.
- Options for custom logos, private labeling, and eco-certifications.
4. Eco-Friendly Shops
- Look for biodegradable and compostable options at zero-waste stores or green product websites.
Pro Tip: Buy in bulk for better pricing, especially for commercial or large family use.

FAQs:
What size trash can does a 3-gallon trash bag fit?
A 13-gallon trash bag fits trash cans that are approximately 24-28 inches tall and 12-16 inches wide, depending on the shape of the can.
Are compostable trash bags suitable for kitchen use?
Yes, Orizonbio's compostable trash bags are BPI certified, safe and durable for kitchen use.
How do I calculate the right tall kitchen trash bag size?
Measure your bin's dimensions, then apply the formulas above to find the ideal bag width and height. Add some overhang for a secure fit.
What size bag fits a 13 gallon tall kitchen trash can?
Usually, a bag around 24 inches wide by 27-30 inches tall fits a 13-gallon bin well.
Can I use a larger bag than recommended?
Yes, but overly large bags may slip inside the bin and waste material. It’s best to choose a size close to your bin’s dimensions.
Are there heavy-duty tall kitchen trash bags?
Yes, heavy-duty bags with thicker material and reinforced seams are available for tougher waste.
Conclusion
Learn about tall kitchen trash bag sizes and how to accurately measure your trash can to ensure you choose the right trash bag size, whether you're searching for tall kitchen trash bag sizes, tall kitchen trash can bag sizes, or tall kitchen trash can liner sizes. Using formulas for round and rectangular trash cans, and taking into account material and design features, can help you find trash bags that are the right size, durable, and will keep your kitchen clean and odor-free. Combine these tips and measurements to find the best kitchen trash bag for your tall trash can and enjoy a hassle-free trash disposal experience.