Waste Bins, Trash Bags and Liners

Bin capacity first, then a liner that fits it

Bins and lids lead into liners and bags here, so choose the bin first. Capacity is quoted in gallons, from small wastebaskets of a gallon or two to tilt trucks and large bins. Bag sizes are a separate matter: a liner fits when its width is at least half the bin's circumference and its length is the bin's height plus half its width, with a few inches spare to fold over the rim. A bag labeled with the gallon figure can still be too short or too narrow, so compare the flat dimensions, not only the capacity.

Thickness, material and the waste you will put in

Thickness is given in mils, where one mil is a thousandth of an inch, so within the same material a higher number means a tougher bag. High-density (HDPE) bags are thin and strong for soft, light waste, but a sharp edge can tear them; linear low-density bags stretch and resist punctures, so they suit bulky or sharp items. Cornstarch bags are compostable only in suitable composting systems and have a shorter useful life. Color is practical: black hides contents, clear lets you check them, and colors help sort waste streams.

Questions about Waste Bins, Trash Bags and Liners

What bag fits a 13-gallon kitchen bin?

A tall 13-gallon kitchen bin generally takes a bag labeled 13 gallons, typically around 24 by 27 inches, but bins differ. Measure the bin's width and height, and make sure the bag will fold over the rim without slipping inside.

What does mil thickness mean?

A mil is one thousandth of an inch. About 0.5 mil suits light paper waste, around 1 mil handles ordinary kitchen and office trash, and 1.5 mil or more suits heavy, wet or sharp items. Material type affects strength as well as thickness.

Are compostable bags the same as biodegradable ones?

Not quite. Compostable bags are made to break down under composting conditions, usually industrial ones, and often carry a certification mark. Biodegradable is a looser claim with no guaranteed timescale. Cornstarch bags have a limited useful life, so use them by the printed date.