Garbage bag are a common item in our daily lives, but choosing the wrong size is frustrating. Bags that are too small can easily tear and spill garbage everywhere. Bags that are too large waste money and plastic. But how do you find What Size Garbage Bag Do I Need?
The perfect garbage bag fits your bin’s height, width, and shape while leaving 2-3 inches for tying. Measure your trash can’s dimensions and match them to standard bag sizes (like 13 gal for kitchen bins) to avoid leaks, tears, or unnecessary plastic waste.
This guide will show you how to measure your trash can, choose the right garbage bag sizes, and avoid common mistakes. Let’s get started!
BPI certified custom compostable trash bags with logo printing
Why Garbage Bag Size Matters?
A too-small bag rips under pressure. A too-large one sags and wastes material. Both scenarios cost you time and money.
Correct sizing prevents leaks, optimizes space, and reduces plastic use by 22% (EPA data). For most households, using properly fitted 13-gallon bags saves $50/year versus mismatched sizes.
Key Problems with Wrong Sizes
| Issue | Small Bag | Large Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Waste | Frequent replacements | Excess plastic |
| Cost | Higher long-term spend | Unused capacity |
| Convenience | Overflows easily | Hard to tie |
Measure twice to buy once. Even compostable bags need precise sizing to maximize eco-benefits.
How to Measure Your Trash Can for the Right Bag
Ever bought bags that slipped inside your bin? Accurate measurements solve this.
Measure your trash can’s height (include folded rim), width/diameter, and shape. For round bins: Bag width = 1.5 × can diameter. For square bins: Add 1 inch to length/width.
How to Measure Your Trash Can for the Right Bag
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide
- Height:
- Measure from base to rim
- Add 3″ if folding rim over
- Width:
- Circular bins: Measure diameter, multiply by 1.5
- Rectangular bins: Measure length + width
- Volume:
- Round: π × (radius)² × height
- Square: length × width × height
Pro tip: For compostable bags, add 5% to dimensions—they’re thicker than plastic.
What Standard Garbage Bag Sizes?Explained (With Chart)
North American bags use gallons, but dimensions matter more than volume labels.
Most homes need 13-gallon (24″×27″) bags for kitchen bins. Commercial spaces require 30-33 gallon bags. Always check your measurements against this chart:
| Volume | Dimensions (inches) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4-8 gal | 18×20 | Bathroom/office |
| 13 gal | 24×27 | Standard kitchen |
| 30 gal | 32×40 | Yard/construction |
Metric Conversion
- 1 gallon ≈ 3.78 liters
- 13 gal = 49 liters
- 30 gal = 114 liters
How Many Gallons Are There in a Compostable Bag
| Bag Size (Inches) | Approx. Capacity (Gallons) | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 16 x 17 | 3 gallons ,4 gallons | Small countertop compost bins |
| 17 x 18 | 5 gallons | Small kitchen compost bins |
| 23 x 29 | 13 gallons | Standard kitchen trash cans |
| 24 x 33 | 13 – 15 gallons | Tall kitchen bins |
| 30 x 39 | 30 gallons | Medium-size outdoor/indoor bins |
| 33 x 48 | 45 gallons | Larger bins (commercial/industrial) |
1 gallon, 2 gallon,Suitable for small cars or caddy compostable bin liners
HOW Choosing Bags by Trash Can Type
Not all bins are created equal. A bathroom bag won’t suit a diaper pail.
Match bag features to your bin’s purpose. Kitchen bags need durability; compost bags need certifications. Consider these scenarios:
Home Use
- Kitchen: 13 gal, 1.5+ mil thickness
- Bathroom: 4-8 gal, scented options
- Diaper pails: Antimicrobial, tie-handle
Business Use
- Offices: 8 gal with drawstrings
- Restaurants: 30 gal, grease-resistant
Specialty bins like narrow mouth or square designs need custom-sized bags.
Eco-Friendly Bag Sizing Tips
Compostable bags are 15% thicker—choose slightly larger sizes. For ORIZON’s certified compostable bags, we recommend:
| Standard Size | Compostable Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 13 gal | 14 gal capacity |
| 8 gal | 8.5 gal |
Reduce waste by:
- Avoiding oversized bags
- Using kitchen scraps bins
- Choosing BPI-certified options
different size garbage bags
Where to Buy Garbage Bags
Online Marketplaces:
Amazon – A wide selection of garbage bags, including compostable, biodegradable, and regular options, with the convenience of customer reviews and fast delivery.
eBay – Another platform where you can find both bulk and smaller quantities of garbage bags, often at discounted prices.
Walmart – Offers both online and in-store shopping for garbage bags of all sizes and types, including compostable options.
Target – Provides eco-friendly and traditional garbage bags with a variety of sizes and features.
Home Depot – Known for offering a wide range of trash bags, including heavy-duty, compostable, and biodegradable bags.
Physical Stores:
Supermarkets – Most large grocery stores (like Walmart, Target, Kroger, or Costco) carry a variety of kitchen and garbage bags.
Home Improvement Stores – Stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot carry garbage bags for household or commercial use.
Eco-Friendly Stores – If you’re looking for compostable bags, you can find them at eco-focused stores like Whole Foods or local sustainable product shops.
B2B Suppliers (for Wholesale):
If you’re looking for bulk or customized garbage bags, you can also purchase them from B2B marketplaces such as:
Alibaba
Made-in-China.com
IndiaMART
compostable kitchen trash bags
How Much Is Trash Bags
1. Regular Trash Bags:
Small (4–8 gallon): Around $10–$20 for a pack of 100.
Medium (10–13 gallon): Typically $15–$30 for a pack of 50-100 bags.
Large (30–55 gallon): Around $25–$50 for a pack of 30-50 bags.
2. Compostable/Biodegradable Trash Bags:
Small (3–8 gallon): Around $15–$25 for a pack of 50-100 bags.
Medium (10–13 gallon): Typically $20–$40 for 50-100 bags.
Large (30–55 gallon): Around $30–$60 for 30-50 bags.
3. Heavy-Duty Trash Bags:
Medium to large sizes (13–55 gallon): Typically $30–$60 for a pack of 20-40 bags.
For the specific price of garbage bags, you need to consult the manufacturer or supplier of garbage bags, because the price of each manufacturer is different.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Ignoring shape. A “13-gallon” bag might not fit your rectangular bin.
Mistake 2: Skipping thickness checks. Compare mil ratings:
- 0.9 mil: Light duty
- 1.5 mil: Daily use
- 2.0+ mil: Heavy debris
Mistake 3: Using outdoor bags indoors. They’re often oversized and noisy.
How to Save Money on the Right Size
Buy in bulk, but calculate first. A 200-count of mis-sized bags wastes more than a pricier perfect-fit pack. Try these tips:
- Wholesale clubs: Costco’s 13-gal packs cost 30% less per bag.
- Subscription: Amazon’s auto-delivery offers 15% discounts.
- Thinner bags: For low-weight trash like office paper.
amazon kitchen garbage bags
Conclusion
Measure your bin, match the chart, and consider usage needs. The right bag size saves money and reduces waste—especially with compostable options. Need custom sizes? Contact us for OEM solutions.
FAQ: Your Garbage Bag Sizing Questions Answered
What size bag fits a 13-gallon kitchen bin?
Look for 24″×27″ dimensions. Most “13-gallon” labels match this.
Can I use a 13-gal bag in a 10-gal can?
Yes, but fold excess material under the rim to prevent slipping.
How do I stop bags from slipping into the can?
Choose bags with fitted edges or drawstrings. Measure your can’s outer rim.
Are drawstring bags better than flat ones?
Drawstrings seal odors but cost 20% more. Best for kitchens.
