A bag that’s too small overflows. A bag that’s too big wastes plastic and money on every pull. Here’s how to pick the right size the first time, for every bin in your building.
The sizing rule
Measure the can’s circumference and divide by two: that’s the bag width you need. For height, add about 4 inches of overhang above the rim. A 35 x 50 bag, for example, fits rolling containers of 32 to 45 gallons.
Regular, strong or extra-strong?
Thickness matters more than size. Office paper: regular. Wet, heavy kitchen waste: strong. Construction debris, glass, metal, sharp edges: extra-strong. Paying for extra-strong in an office throws away margin; putting regular in a kitchen means mopping up a mess.
Black, white or clear?
Black for general waste, white for customer-facing spaces (offices, washrooms, guest rooms), clear when contents must stay visible (recycling, security, institutions).
The math that matters
Always compare price per bag, not price per box. A wholesale case of 500 bags often works out 30 to 40% cheaper per bag than small retail packs.
Want the right format without trial and error? Browse all our bag formats or call us and we’ll map every bin in your building.