Trash Bags
Storage & Organization · 8 specs
Direct Answer
Trash bags and can liners standardize gallon capacities and film thicknesses: 4-gallon bathroom bins (0.5 mil), 13-gallon tall kitchen cans (0.7–0.9 mil), 30–39 gallon outdoor cans (1.1–1.5 mil), and 3.0 mil puncture-proof contractor clean-up bags.
Source: ASTM D4397 (Polyethylene Sheeting) / Waste Management Standards · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Governing Standards | ASTM D4397 / Plastics Industry Association Can Liner Standards |
| 4 Gallon (Small Wastebasket) | 17 × 18 inches (43 × 46 cm) | 0.50 mil (13 µm) | Bathroom/Office desk |
| 8 Gallon (Medium Waste) | 22 × 22 inches (56 × 56 cm) | 0.50 mil | Bedroom/Laundry bins |
| 13 Gallon (Tall Kitchen) | 24 × 27.5 to 24 × 30 inches (61 × 76 cm) | 0.70–0.90 mil (18–23 µm) (Universal) |
| 30 Gallon (Large Can) | 30 × 36 inches (76 × 91 cm) | 1.05–1.20 mil | Outdoor curbside round bins |
| 33 to 39 Gallon (Lawn & Leaf) | 33 × 45 inches (84 × 114 cm) | 1.10–1.50 mil | Yard trimmings & heavy refuse |
| 55 Gallon (Drum Liner) | 38 × 58 inches (96 × 147 cm) | 1.50–2.00 mil | Commercial steel/poly drums |
| Contractor Clean-Up Bag | 3.00 mil (76 µm) heavy-gauge LLDPE | Puncture & tear-proof construction debris |
Trash Bag Capacity, Dimensions & Gauge Matrix
| Bag Capacity Label | Can Volume (Metric) | Dimensions W × H (Inches) | Film Thickness (mil) | Ideal Can & Refuse Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Gallon | 15.1 Liters | 17" × 18" (43 × 46 cm) | 0.50 mil | Bathroom, desk, powder room wastebaskets |
| 8 Gallon | 30.3 Liters | 22" × 22" (56 × 56 cm) | 0.50 mil | Medium office, craft room, recycling cans |
| 13 Gallon | 49.2 Liters | 24" × 28" to 24" × 30" | 0.70–0.90 mil | Standard kitchen pull-out & step cans |
| 30 Gallon | 113.6 Liters | 30" × 36" (76 × 91 cm) | 1.05–1.20 mil | Outdoor residential cans, garage refuse |
| 33–39 Gallon | 125–148 Liters | 33" × 45" (84 × 114 cm) | 1.10–1.50 mil | Lawn, garden, hedge trimmings, heavy trash |
| 55 Gallon | 208.2 Liters | 38" × 58" (96 × 147 cm) | 1.50–2.00 mil | Commercial 55-gal drums & industrial bins |
| Contractor 42 Gal | 159.0 Liters | 32" × 50" (81 × 127 cm) | 3.00 mil | Wood framing offcuts, drywall chunks, glass |