Why should I leave an overhang on a bin liner?

An overhang helps stop the liner falling inside the bin and leaves material for tying. It is optional: leave the field blank for a normal fold over the rim, or enter extra material when the liner needs to be tied.

Free UK sizing tool

Bin Bag Size Calculator

Q: How does the bin bag calculator work?

The calculator works out the flat opening width and length needed to cover the bin, its base and a tying overhang. A stated litre capacity can also be entered to improve the recommendation. When capacity is unknown, the calculation allows for the tapered shape commonly found on indoor bins before comparing the result with stocked Hygenol liners.

Q: What do the three bin bag measurements mean?

Gusseted sacks are commonly shown as face width by fully-open width by length. The fully-open width and total length determine whether a liner should fit a bin.

Measure your bin, choose what it holds and we will recommend a suitable Hygenol liner.

Tell us about your bin

Measure the widest points at the top of the bin. Enter all measurements in centimetres.

1. What shape is the bin?

Square or rectangular

Round

Width (cm)

Depth (cm)

Height (cm)

Extra overhang for tying in cm (optional) Leave blank if you only need the liner to fold over the rim.

2. Which option best describes the bin?Choose the first option for most kitchen bins and larger pedal bins. For a wheelie bin, you can enter its published overall dimensions.

Stated capacity in litres, if known (optional) This may be shown on the bin, packaging or original product listing. Leave blank if unknown.

3. What will normally go in it?The contents determine the strength. The bin measurements determine the size.

Your recommendation will appear here

We compare the opening and length required with the dimensions of the liners stocked by Hygenol.

Measure the opening

For a rectangular bin, measure its width and depth. For a round bin, measure its diameter across the widest point.

Measure the height

Measure from the base to the rim. The calculator adds enough material to cover the base and your chosen overhang.

Choose the right strength

Use lighter sacks for paper and light packaging. Choose a heavier grade for wet or bulky waste, without placing sharp or hazardous items in ordinary liners.

Bin bag sizing questions

How does the bin bag calculator work?

It calculates the flat opening width needed to go around the top of your bin and the bag length needed to cover the bin's height, base and tying overhang. If you enter the stated litre capacity, this is also used to avoid an unnecessarily large recommendation. When capacity is unknown, the calculator allows for the tapered shape commonly found on indoor bins.

What do the three bin bag measurements mean?

Gusseted sacks are commonly shown as face width x fully-open width x length. The calculator uses the fully-open width and total length to check whether a liner should fit your bin.

Should I choose light, medium or heavy duty?

Light-duty liners suit paper, tissues and light packaging. Medium-duty sacks suit everyday mixed workplace waste. Wet, bulky or heavier non-sharp waste may require heavy, extra-heavy or super-heavy sacks. Always follow your workplace waste procedures.

Why should I leave an overhang?

An overhang helps stop the liner falling inside the bin and leaves material for tying. It is optional: leave the box blank for a normal fold over the rim, or enter extra material if you want to tie the liner.