Trash Can Liner Sizing Guide
What Size Liner do I Need for My Trash Can?
Using the guide below, find your waste receptacle to find the recommended liner size.
Commercial can liner sizes are expressed in two numbers e.g. 33″ x 40″. The first number is the size of the opening of the liner and the second number is the height of the liner. To find the correct size liner, first measure the can’s circumference then measure its height.
Each container should have a gallon capacity, or size printed on it. Just match the picture in the PDF attachment to your receptacle and it will tell you which size trash bag you need.
Bag Width:
To calculate the proper width of the trash can liner for your container, simply divide the circumference of your container by 2.
Round Container Circumference:
Circumference = diameter multiplied by 3.14.
Square Container Circumference:
Circumference = sum of all four sides added together.
Bag length:
(round & square containers) add the height of the container, plus 4-5 inches for overhang.
Choose the Right Trash Can Liner for The Right Application
Linear Low Density Can Liner: Recommended for sharper objects under tougher transport conditions. Linear low density trash can liners have excellent resistance to punctures and tearing.
Puncture Resistance: Good
Tear Resistance: Better
Load Capacity: Good
High Density Trash Can Liner: Great for paper and non-sharp objects under moderate transportation conditions. Uses less plastic than linear low density can liners. High density plastic trash can liners have excellent resistance to puncture and high resistance to tearing.
Puncture Resistance: Better
Tear Resistance: Good
Load Capacity: Better
Understanding Gauge Thickness
Gauge is a term used to describe thickness. Film thickness is no longer the standard for judging plastic can liner strength. Advanced resins and additives have allowed manufacturers to produce thinner, lighter can liners that are stronger than thicker trash can liners made from lesser quality materials. Linear Low-Density Can Liners (LLD) are measured by mil thickness; High-Density Can Liners (HD) are measured by Micron thickness.
Mil: (one thousandth of an inch) one mil equals .001″. Can liners range between .35 to 4.0 mils
Micron: 25.4 microns equals .001″. 1,000 microns (M) is 1mm. Can liners range between 5 to 24 microns
Micron to Mil conversion:
5 microns – .19 mil
6 microns – .23 mil
7 microns – .27 mil
8 microns – .31 mil
9 microns – .35 mil
10 microns – .39 mil
11 microns – .43 mil
12 microns – .47 mil
13 microns – .51 mil
14 microns – .55 mil
15 microns – .59 mil
16 microns – .62 mil
17 microns – .66 mil
18 microns – .70 mil
19 microns – .74 mil
20 microns – .78 mil
21 microns – .82 mil
22 microns – .86 mil
23 microns – .90 mil
24 microns – .94 mil
25 microns – .98 mil
26 microns – 1.02 mil
27 microns – 1.06 mil
28 microns – 1.10 mil