Types of Trash Bags and Why It Matters

Written by: Carrie Rawson, Office Manager

There are several types of trash bags and knowing the difference can help save your business time and money. Bags that are too big cost extra money, or bags that are too weak can rip and cause a mess. So, what’s the difference between trash bags? The two main differences are density and size. There are low density bags as well as high density bags, both having different qualities that make them useful depending on what type of trash you’re throwing away.

The most common type of trash bag is low density, which are stretchy and more resistant to being punctured. Low density trash bags are the most prevalent in today’s industry and are best for trash that may contain sharp or heavy objects. High density trash bags are cheaper than low density but are stiffer and more prone to punctures and rips. These types of bags are best for paper trash.

Measuring your trash can and choosing the right size bag is important to get the most use out of your bags. Below is a table showing trash can sizes and the corresponding trash bags offered by Fikes of Minnesota: 

Can Size	HD Bag Size	LD Bag Size
7–10 gal	24 x 24	N/A
12–16 gal	24 x 33	24 x 32
23 gal	30 x 37 33 x 40	29 x 44
45–55 gal	36 x 60 40 x 48 43 x 48	38 x 58 40 x 46
60 gal	N/A	43 x 47

The measurements are listed as Width x Length, so the width of the opening of the trash bag and the length of the trash bag. You’ll also need to know the size of your trash can. Your Fikes technician can handle all of this for you and recommend the bag that works best, but if you’d like to do the calculations yourself, here is how:

• Width of square/rectangle cans

  • Measure the perimeter of the can (sum of all four sides) and divide that number in half, that is the width.

• Width of round cans

  • Measure the diameter (width from one side to the other) and multiply that number by pi (3.14). You will then divide that number in half, and that is the width.

• Height of all cans

  • Measure the height of the trash can and then add 4 inches to account for overhang. You will then add half of the width to that number to account for the bottom of the can, that final number is your height.

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