A practical guide to choosing the right size bag for your bin

Selecting the appropriate trash bag size for your bin might seem straightforward, but it’s such as hassle when you get it wrong! To save you from unnecessary bother and mess, here are some tips to help you determine the perfect bag size for your rubbish bin:

Measure your bin:

Before shopping for bin liners, get to know the dimensions of your bin. For round bins measure the height and diameter. If you have a rectangular bin measure length, width, and depth.

Check bag dimensions when you shop:

Most trash bag manufacturers specify the dimensions of their bags on the packaging. You find both the capacity (in litres) and the dimensions (in centimetres) on the sleeve or box of all Ecopack bin liners. The bag and bin dimensions don’t need to match perfectly but select a bin bag that’s as close as possible.

Calculate the size liner you’ll need:

Add up the measurements of all sides of the bin. For a circular bin, measure the circumference of the bin (or diameter x3.14). Divide the total by two - the resulting number is the open width of the bin. Measure the height of the bin. Add approx 20% to the total height to allow for an overhang and easy tying. The resulting calculation will be the size of the liner you require (width x height).

Consider bag capacity:

Rubbish bags are often categorised by their literage, which tells you the volume they can hold. Check your bin's capacity and choose a bag size slightly larger to accommodate overfilling and allow you to easily remove the bin bag without spillage.

Do you need a heavy-duty bag?

Think about the type of trash you typically dispose of. If you often throw away bulky or sharp items, you might need a more durable bag that can handle heavier loads without tearing. Ecopack recycled plastic bags are all purpose (AP), medium duty (MD) or heavy duty (HD). All purpose is usually fine for home and office general waste.

Consider the type of waste:

If you’re disposing of food scraps, green waste and/or organic matter, then choose an Ecopack Compostable Bin Liner so the whole lot can be composted instead of unnecessarily clogging up landfill.

Size up for practicality:

A bag that fits snugly around the rim of the bin is easier to use and less likely to slip down or get caught when removing the trash. But choose a choose a bag that is slightly larger than your bin to make sure it captures all your waste without spilling into the bin itself.

Know what’s green and what’s not:

Be aware that, while lots of bags in Australia are called “biodegradable” that doesn’t mean that they are compostable! These bags are usually just petroleum-based plastic with a chemical agent such as EPI or D2W added to help them break down. These bags degrade to microplastic pollution and are not good for the environment.

Choose a sustainable solution:

If environmental impact is a concern, look for bags made from post-consumer recycled plastic or those that are certified home compostable. When you buy Ecopack bin liners, you can rest assured that the supply chain is audited and you’re buying a truly eco-conscious product.

Get value for your money:

Buying bags in bulk or choosing larger sizes that fit multiple bins in your home can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Experiment with different bag materials:

Compostable bin bags feel different from other bags. Recycled ocean-plastic bin bags don’t have a shelf life and can be stored indefinitely. All bin liner ranges have different pros and cons so try a few to see what works in your home, office and workplace.

Choosing the right trash bag size involves a balance of practicality, cost-effectiveness, and environmental considerations. By taking into account your bin's dimensions, capacity needs, and the type of waste you typically dispose of, you can make a more informed decision.

Remember, a well-fitted bag not only prevents spills and mess but also makes the task of taking out the trash much easier. Happy bagging!