Trash Bag Sizes Chart (Quick Reference)
Most Common Trash Bag Sizes by Bin Type
- Bathroom bins: 4–6 L (1–2 gal)
- Small kitchen bins: 15–30 L (4–8 gal)
- Standard kitchen bins (US): 13 gal (≈50 L)
- Kitchen bins (EU / AU): 20–30 L
- Outdoor / wheelie bins: 120–240 L
Choosing the right trash bag size is easier when you match bag dimensions to your bin, not just the volume label. This guide explains common trash bag sizes, includes a simple trash bag sizes chart (liters & gallons), and shows how to measure any bin for the right fit—especially for kitchen and food waste bins.
Why Trash Bag Size Matters
Choosing the correct trash bag size reduces leaks, tearing, and bag slipping.
A bag that is too small tears easily and won’t tie properly.
A bag that is too large wastes material and increases cost.
For compostable trash bags, fit matters even more because tight fits and overfilling can increase break risk in wet waste use.
Common Trash Bag Sizes Chart (Gallons & Liters)
| Common Size | Approx. Liters | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 gal | 4–12 L | Bathroom bins, small desk bins |
| 4–8 gal | 15–30 L | Small kitchen bins, office bins |
| 10–13 gal | 38–50 L | Standard US kitchen trash cans |
| 20–30 gal | 75–115 L | Large indoor / outdoor bins |
| 20–30 L | 20–30 L | EU / AU kitchen & food waste bins |
| 60–100 L | 60–100 L | Large indoor bins, facility use |
| 120–240 L | 120–240 L | Wheelie bins / municipal use |
How to Measure Your Trash Can
To choose the right trash bag size, focus on bin opening dimensions and bin height.
In most cases, bag width should match half the bin’s perimeter, and bag length should cover bin height plus extra overhang for tying.
For Square or Rectangular Bins
- Measure the width and depth of the bin opening
- Add width + depth, then divide by 2 → bag width
- Measure the bin height
- Add 5–10 cm for overhang and tying
For Round Bins
- Measure the diameter of the bin opening
- Diameter × 3.14 ≈ circumference
- Circumference ÷ 2 → bag width
- Bin height + overhang = bag length
Correct measurement reduces leakage and prevents premature tearing.
Standard Kitchen Trash Bag Sizes
In the United States, the standard kitchen trash bag size is 13 gallons (about 50 liters).
In Europe and Australia, common kitchen bin liners are 20–30 liters.
Tip: Bag height and overhang matter more than volume labels alone. A slightly taller bag helps tying and reduces slipping.
Related reading: Best Compostable Trash Bags (2026) — how sizing and thickness affect performance in wet waste use.
Food Waste & Compost Bin Liner Sizes (Common Fits)
5–8 L: countertop food waste caddies
- 20–30 L: indoor kitchen food waste bins
- For wet waste, choose a bag with a slightly looser fit and enough height for tying.
Avoid overfilling. Fit + thickness together control leakage better than size labels alone.
Thickness Guide: Choosing the Right Strength
Thickness is often specified in microns (μm). Use thickness together with bag size to prevent tearing and leakage.
| Waste Type | Recommended Thickness |
|---|---|
| Dry household waste | Thin–medium |
| Kitchen food waste | Medium |
| Wet or heavy food waste | Medium–thick |
| Large bins / commercial use | Thick / heavy-duty |
Correct size and thickness together deliver the best performance.
Does Size Selection Change for Compostable Bags?
Yes—compostable trash bags are less forgiving of tight fits and overfilling, especially for wet food waste.
A correct fit improves handling strength, reduces slipping, and helps the bag perform reliably during storage and use.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Trash Bag Sizes
- Choosing by volume label only
- Ignoring bin shape (round vs rectangular)
- No allowance for overhang (tying height)
- Using one size for all waste types
- Overfilling wet waste bags
Note for professional buyers:
This size guide is prepared by a compostable bag manufacturer with 16+ years of OEM and private-label experience. We supply global B2B programs and use standard sizing logic to help reduce complaints and returns.
Trash Bag Size Guide for B2B Buyers (Procurement Checklist)
For distributors, brands, and municipal buyers:
- Target bin sizes (L / gal)
- Bag dimensions (width × length)
- Thickness (microns)
- Packing format (roll / loose)
- Required compostable trash bags certifications (BPI, EN 13432, AS4736, AS5810)
- MOQ and mixed container options
- Private-label or OEM requirements
This checklist helps reduce returns, complaints, and specification mismatches in bulk procurement. For compliance-driven markets, also confirm certification requirements (BPI, EN 13432, AS 4736 / AS 5810) by project.
FAQ
What size trash bag fits a standard kitchen bin?
Most kitchens use 13-gallon (US) or 20–30 L (EU/AU) bins.
Can compostable bags fit the same bins as plastic bags?
Yes, but accurate sizing is more important for compostable materials.
Should I size up for compostable trash bags?
Extra height is helpful, but excess width wastes material.
Prepared by a China-based compostable bag manufacturer with 16+ years of production experience. This page is for sizing reference and procurement education. We supply OEM and private-label bin liners for global B2B markets and do not sell directly to consumers.
