Janitorial & Sanitation Reference Library · Wall Charts

Can Liner Sizing Chart

How to size a can liner from the container's circumference and height, with common container sizes and the liner sizes usually sold for them.

Ref JS-0206

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Can liners are sold by width x length in inches, measured flat. The right size fits the container without slipping in and leaves enough overhang to fold over the rim. Liners that are too small pull off the rim and fall in. Liners that are too big waste film and money. Thickness is a separate choice: low-density liners are sold by mil, and high-density liners are sold by micron.

How to measure

Width: measure the distance around the container (the circumference). Divide by 2. For a square container, add the four sides and divide by 2.
Length: measure the height. Add half the bottom diameter so the liner reaches the floor of the can. Then add a few inches of overhang for the fold.
Round up to the nearest stocked size.
Check the bag's seal type. Star-seal bottoms conform to round cans with less leaking. Flat-seal and gusseted bags fit some containers better.

Common container and liner sizes

Container size	Common liner size (W x L, in)	Typical use
4 gal	17 x 17	Small office and desk-side cans
7–10 gal	24 x 24	Office cans, restroom cans
12–16 gal	24 x 32 or 24 x 33	Larger office and break-room cans
20–30 gal	30 x 36 or 30 x 37	Kitchen and classroom cans
33 gal	33 x 39 or 33 x 40	Standard 32 to 33 gal round cans
40–45 gal	40 x 46	44 gal round cans
55–60 gal	38 x 58 or 38 x 60	55 gal round cans and drums

Sizes are common trade pairings. Brands and container shapes vary, so measure the container when in doubt.

Key points

Slim, square and wall-mount containers often need a different liner than a round can of the same volume. Measure them.
High-density liners are thin, strong for their weight and good for paper and office trash. They puncture more easily on sharp items.
Low-density liners stretch and resist punctures and tears. They suit kitchen waste, glass and sharp debris.
Compare liners of the same resin by thickness. Do not compare a micron-rated liner to a mil-rated liner by thickness alone.
Buying the right size often saves more than buying a thinner liner.

Common mistakes

Ordering by the container's volume printed on the case only, without checking the actual can.
Using a liner so short that the weight of the trash pulls it off the rim.
Choosing a thin high-density liner for kitchen waste with bones or broken glass.
Double-bagging to fix a liner that is the wrong size or type.

Governing standards: No single standard governs can liner sizing. Use the liner maker's size chart and the container maker's dimensions.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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