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Can Liners and How to Choose the Right Ones for You

Choosing trash can liners in appropriate sizes requires you to measure your commercial trash can’s dimensions before picking a liner. Learn more from Unisan.

collection of clear and black trash bags

You walk into your place of business, and the welcome scent of fresh, clean air graces your nose. Your electronic deodorizers, carpet freshener, and lemon-scented all-purpose cleaner aren’t the main reasons your business establishment smells good to your employees and guests, though.

Your trash can liners are.


All-purpose cleaners, carpet fresheners, and deodorizers can help mask unpleasant odors and remove dirt, but the right trash can liners can help you contain and eliminate the causes of bad odors — your trash — altogether. High-quality commercial can liners can help prevent spills and leaks from sticky and wet waste that may cause unwanted smells, as well as help you dispose of trash without spilling or touching it. 


How do you choose the correct can liner size, though? Is there a chart for picking trash bag sizes? Picking the proper trash bag liner is critical for ensuring proper functionality and fit. Let’s explore the top tips for selecting trash can liners in appropriate sizes for your business.

Trash Can Liners’ Sizes: Measure Your Company’s Trash Cans

Unisan trash can liners chart

Measuring your trash receptacles is the first step in choosing trash can liners in appropriate sizes for your business establishment. A dependable chart, like the one above,  for picking trash bag sizes would tell you that you need to determine both the width and the height of your target bag in inches to ensure the best fit.

Rectangle/Square Trash Can

Obtain the width of your target can liner for a rectangular or square-shaped trash can by adding the widths of your trash can’s two adjacent sides. Calculate the can liner height by adding the trash receptacle’s height to half the width of the smallest trash can side and six inches for the overhang (more on overhangs later). 

For instance, suppose your container is 22 inches (length) × 16 inches (width) × 44 inches (height). Your target trash can liner width would be 38 inches (22 inches + 16 inches), while the liner height would be 58 inches (44 inches + 8 inches + 6 inches). This means you would need a bag measuring 38 inches × 58 inches for your commercial trash can.

Round Trash Can

Suppose you have a round commercial trash can. Determine the width of your target liner by multiplying the receptacle’s diameter by pi (3.14) and dividing the answer by two. Calculate your required liner’s height by adding the trash can’s height to half the can’s diameter and six inches for the overhang. 

For example, let’s say your receptacle is 30 inches tall and has a 24-inch diameter (the straight line that passes through the circle’s center from one side to the other). Your target trash can liner width would be 37.6 inches (24 inches × 3.14 [pi] = 75.36 inches ÷ 2), and the can liner height would be 48 inches (30 inches + 12 inches + 6 inches). This means your commercial trash can would require a bag measuring 38 inches × 48 inches.

Trash Can Measuring Tips

When determining your trash receptacle’s height, measure the can from the top to the bottom using a ruler or tape measure. Measure from one side of your can to the bin’s other side to determine the receptacle’s width or length.


Determine Your Trash Cans’ Capacity

Figuring out your trash can’s capacity in gallons is the next step in selecting commercial trash can liners in appropriate sizes. A reliable chart for picking trash bag sizes would encourage you to choose liner sizes that matched or slightly exceeded your cans’ capacity to ensure appropriate coverage.

For instance, choose a low-density liner for a can that receives 12 pounds to 75 pounds worth of waste. Low-density trash can liners in appropriate sizes are puncture-resistant and thick, making them especially handy for sharp, rough, and bulky items that have to be transported under demanding conditions (e.g., on bumpy roads). These liners are also ideal for businesses that don’t change their trash cans often, as they’ll help prevent odors and leaks.

According to a dependable chart for picking trash bag sizes, a high-density liner is appropriate for a can that receives less waste (7 pounds to 65 pounds) and is changed frequently since the liner is wallet-friendlier and thinner. The high-density liner’s thin material makes it suitable for accommodating smooth items being transported under moderate to mild conditions.

Recommended Low-Density Liner Applications

Suppose you’re considering low-density trash can liners in appropriate sizes for your business. These bags may be the best fit for your establishment if used in the following applications:

  • Holding plastic forks, spoons, and knives
  • Holding objects with protrusions
  • Holding sticks or rough trimmings from your yard
  • Being used as contractor bags
  • Being used as medical isolation bags (in nursing homes, dental clinics, doctor’s offices, and hospitals)
  • Holding industrial waste (e.g., gravel and dirt, concrete and masonry, scrap metal, chemicals, and oil)

Recommended High-Density Liner Applications

Let’s say you’re considering high-density trash can liners in appropriate sizes for your business. Use these bags for the following applications:

  • Holding office papers
  • Holding paper cups and plates
  • Holding food
  • Holding cloth items or rags

trash cans with liners sitting against a building

Pay Close Attention to Your Liner Overhang

The third step in choosing commercial trash can liners in appropriate sizes is to consider your liner overhang needs. Your overhang is the extra bag length hanging over the can’s rim. This extra length can help with securing the liner so it doesn’t slip inside the receptacle. The right length may also make removing and tying a full bag easier. Too long of an overhang wastes material and looks messy, so this should be avoided.

A trustworthy chart for picking trash bag sizes would generally recommend a three-inch to six-inch overhang for most garbage cans. However, to determine a more precise overhang for your commercial trash can, subtract your trash can’s height from your bag’s height and divide the answer by two. For instance, if your receptacle is 30 inches tall and your liner is 45 inches tall, the overhang would be 7.5 inches.

Shop For Trash Can Liners in Appropriate Sizes at Unisan

At Unisan, we proudly offer top-quality trash can liners and other sanitary and facilities equipment for businesses in multiple industries, including hospitality and medical. Contact our experts for help as you shop for trash can liners in appropriate sizes today!