How to Choose the Right Rubbish Bag Size

Choosing a rubbish bag sounds simple until you find yourself with a bag that is too small for the bin, too loose around the rim, or too thin to handle the rubbish inside.

The right rubbish bag should fit your bin properly, hold the type of waste you produce, and be strong enough for the job. Getting the size right also helps prevent leaks, tears and unnecessary waste.

Here’s a straightforward guide to choosing the right rubbish bag size for your home, office or business.

1. Match the Bag to Your Bin

As a general rule, choose a rubbish bag with slightly more capacity than your bin. This gives you enough material to fold over the rim and tie the bag when it's full.

For 10-20L bins, a 20-30L rubbish bag is usually a suitable choice. These smaller bags work well for bathroom bins, bedroom bins and other areas where only a small amount of waste is produced. We recommend using our bin liners, available in two sizes, 19" x 19" and 23" x 30".

For 20-30L bins, consider a 30-40L rubbish bag. This gives you a little extra room while still keeping the bag manageable and easy to remove. They are a practical choice for smaller kitchen bins, office bins and general household use. For this, we recommend using two sizes, 23" x 30" or 24" x 28".

For 30-50L bins, a 50-60L rubbish bag generally provides a comfortable fit. This size is commonly suited to larger kitchen bins, household waste bins and workplace bins. For options suitable for medium-sized bins, check out our 30" x 34" and 30" x 39" rubbish bags.

For 50-70L bins, look at 70-90L rubbish bags. The additional capacity allows the bag to sit securely inside a larger bin while leaving enough material around the top to fold over the rim. For larger household and workplace bins, check out our 30" x 39" and 36" x 48" rubbish bags.

For 70-90L bins, a 90-120L rubbish bag may be more appropriate, particularly when the bin is deep or holds a larger volume of waste. These larger bags are also useful in commercial, janitorial and high-traffic settings. We recommend our 36" x 48" rubbish bags for this.

For larger bins, such as the 240L industrial wheeled bins, we recommend using our 50" x 50" HD rubbish bags for this, with extra thickness to keep your waste management leak-proof and hassle-free.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines rather than exact measurements. The shape and dimensions of your bin can make a difference, so it's worth checking the actual dimensions of the rubbish bag before placing an order. A bag with the right litre capacity but the wrong width or height may not fit your bin properly.

2. Don't Forget Bag Strength

Size isn't the only consideration. Think about what you're putting in the bag.

For lightweight waste such as paper and tissues, a standard rubbish bag is usually sufficient. For heavier, bulky or potentially sharp waste, look for a thicker, heavy-duty bag that is less likely to tear or puncture.

There's little benefit in paying for a heavy-duty bag when you're only disposing of lightweight office waste. Choose the strength that matches the job.

A Simple Rule to Remember

The right rubbish bag should:

• Fit comfortably inside your bin

• Have enough material to fold over the rim

• Be large enough for the amount of waste you produce

• Be strong enough for the type of rubbish you're disposing of

If you're unsure, measure your bin and compare its dimensions with the bag before buying.

Find the Right Rubbish Bags at StarChoice

Whether you need bags for your home, office or business, StarChoice offers rubbish bags and bin liners in different sizes and specifications.

Browse our rubbish bag selection and find the right option for your needs!