
We don’t pay much attention to garbage bags. However, for businesses in Singapore, choosing the right garbage bag sizes is more important than you might think. It’s not just about fitting the bag into the bin—it’s about optimising waste management, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability efforts.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about garbage bag sizes and how to choose the perfect biodegradable option for your business.
Understanding Garbage Bag Sizes
The right garbage size is essential for efficient waste management, especially in sectors like food and beverage (F&B) and hospitality, where cleanliness and orderliness are crucial.
A garbage bag that is too small can overflow, leading to spills and messes, while a bag that is too big results in wasted resources as it is underfilled. Even when using biodegradable bags, this kind of waste goes against the key focus areas set in the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which aims to reduce waste and promote resource efficiency.
What are the Common Garbage Bag Sizes?
Garbage bags come in a variety of sizes, usually measured in litres. Common garbage bag sizes in Singapore typically range from small 15-litre bags to large bags of over 100 litres.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common sizes and their typical uses:
- Small (20 litres): These small bins are often found in individual workstations, restrooms, or hotel rooms.
- Medium (50 litres): These medium-sized bins are typically used in kitchens, retail stores, or pantries.
- Large (100 litres): Larger bins are commonly seen in cafeterias, food courts, or back-of-house restaurant operations.
- Extra Large (120 litres and above): These bins are used in industrial or high-volume environments, such as manufacturing plants or large event spaces.
Are There Any Differences in Size Between Common Garbage Bag vs Biodegradable Garbage Bag?
Biodegradable garbage bags generally mirror the size range of common plastic garbage bags. They are designed to serve the same practical purpose, offering a similar variety of sizes to fit different bin types and waste volumes. The main difference between them is not in dimensions but in the material composition and environmental impact.
However, one important consideration is that different brands may have slight variations in the dimensions of their biodegradable garbage bags. While the general size categories are consistent, some manufacturers might produce bags with unique width, length, or thickness measurements.
How To Choose The Right Garbage Bag Size
Choosing the right size biodegradable garbage bag depends on several factors. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting the perfect fit for your business’s waste disposal needs:
Determining the Width
The width of the garbage bag is an important factor in ensuring it is a good fit over your bin. The method for determining the right width varies slightly depending on the shape of the trash can:
- For round trash cans, the formula needed is the can’s diameter (inches) x 3.14 (π). This calculation converts the diameter into the bag’s circumference, ensuring it fits the bin snugly on top.
- For square or rectangular trash cans, the formula you’ll need here is (Width + Length of the bin) ÷ 2 x 3.14 (π).
Determining the Length
Once you have determined the width, the next step is to ensure that the bag’s length is appropriate for the bin’s height. A bin that is too short will result in overfilling or difficulty tying, while a bag that is too long may result in a waste of material.
The formula for this is the height of the container + 3-4 inches (for overhang) + half the diameter of the container.
Determining the Thickness
When determining the suitable thickness, you’ll need to take into account the type of the type of waste being disposed of. Generally, thicker bags are required for heavier or sharp-edged materials, while lighter waste can be managed with thinner bags.
The thickness of a trash bag is measured in either microns or mils.
- A micron is one-thousandth of a millimetre
- A mil is one-thousandth of an inch.
Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right thickness based on your waste disposal needs:
- Thin bags (6-15 microns or 0.3-0.49 mils): These are best for dry, light waste such as paper, tissues, or general office waste in guest rooms and restrooms.
- Moderate Thickness (16 – 30 microns or 0.5 – 1.2 mils): This type of waste is best suited for restaurants and retail spaces, where it may include food scraps, packaging with light liquids, and kitchen waste.
- Thick bags (30+ microns or 1.3-3 mils): These are used in commercial kitchens and food courts and are suitable for heavy objects, wet waste, and sharp materials.
How Much Weight Can the Garbage Bag Hold?
The amount of weight a bag can hold depends on several factors.
- Thickness: The thicker a bag, the more weight it can bear. Thinner bags are more prone to tearing, especially when handling heavier waste or those with sharp edges.
- Type of waste: Lighter waste, such as paper or packaging materials, can be stored in larger quantities as they do not put as much pressure on the bag. On the other hand, heavier waste, like food scraps or liquids, should be stored in smaller quantities to avoid overburdening the bag.
- Bag design features: The bag’s design also affects its weight capacity. A star-sealed base, such as those found on the base of our biodegradable garbage bags, distributes weight evenly across the bottom of the bag, reducing stress points and preventing leaks.
Biodegradable Garbage Bag Options at BIOGreen
At BIOGreen, we offer a range of biodegradable garbage bags to meet diverse business needs:
Biodegradable Garbage Bag / 4 Sizes
Our biodegradable garbage bags, available in four sizes (S to XL), offer superior performance and heat resistance. They biodegrade within 12 months in landfills, reducing environmental impact. The star-sealed base ensures maximum carrying capacity and prevents leaks.
Biodegradable OXO D2W Carrier Bag
Utilising D2W technology, our OXO Bio Carrier Bags are 100% biodegradable and come in four sizes (S to XL). These bags are versatile for both waste disposal and sustainable packaging solutions.
Biodegradable Drawstring Bag
Available in three sizes (S to L), this biodegradable drawstring bag offers strength and convenience. The tight seal and drawstring closure ensure secure, leak-proof storage, making it ideal for waste or general storage.
Biodegradable OXO D2W Bio Laundry Bag (18″x24″)
This biodegradable laundry bag is perfect for handling linens and laundry in hospitality services. It offers a sustainable option with strength and durability for daily use.
Contact BIOGreen for Garbage Bag Specifications
At BIOGreen, we offer a variety of biodegradable solutions tailored to different business needs in Singapore. Whether you’re looking for small office bin bags or heavy-duty industrial options, our team can help you find the perfect fit.
Let Us Assist You In Choosing The Right Biodegradable Garbage Bag
For more information on biodegradable garbage bag sizes and specifications in Singapore, contact BIOgreen today. We’ll be happy to assist you in making the best choice for your business while supporting your commitment to environmental responsibility. Get in touch with us today!