How to Choose Bin Liners for 87-Litre Pedal Bins
By Smudge & Dribble | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Buying Guides
Find the right bin liner for your 87-litre pedal bin. Compare sizes, thickness, and features to avoid leaks, tears, and wasted bags.
Quick answer
For an 87-litre pedal bin, choose heavy duty refuse sacks with a capacity of at least 100 litres and a thickness that matches your waste type—clear heavy duty sacks for general waste, blue sacks for colour-coded recycling.
Why size matters more than capacity
An 87-litre bin doesn't need an 87-litre bag. Bags must be taller than the bin so you can fold the excess over the rim or tie it off. A bag that's too small won't reach the top, making it hard to remove without tearing. A bag that's too large wastes material and can bunch up, making the bin look messy and harder to use.
Thickness and material: what to look for
Heavy duty refuse sacks are measured in microns or grams per square metre (gsm). Higher numbers mean thicker, stronger plastic. For everyday waste in a busy kitchen or office, a 160g sack is a reliable choice. For lighter, dry waste, thinner sacks can save money. For sharp or heavy items, you'll want the extra protection of a heavy duty option.
Colour coding and transparency
Colour-coded sacks help you separate waste streams at a glance, which is useful for recycling programmes or complying with waste regulations. Blue sacks are commonly used for recycling. Clear sacks allow you to see the contents, which can help with security checks or identifying waste types without opening the bag.
Decision rules for choosing bin liners
- Measure your bin: Measure the height and diameter of your bin's opening. For an 87-litre bin (81cm high), choose bags that are at least 90cm long and wide enough to cover the opening without stretching. Always check the bag's flat dimensions against your bin's measurements.
- Match thickness to waste: For general, non-sharp waste, a standard 160g sack is sufficient. For sharp or heavy items, choose a heavier gauge (e.g., 200g or more) to prevent punctures. If you're unsure, go heavier—tears and leaks cost more than the extra bag thickness.
- Consider colour coding: Use blue sacks for recyclable materials, clear sacks for general waste where visibility is useful, and white liners for a clean, neutral look in customer-facing areas. Colour coding helps staff sort waste correctly and reduces contamination.
- Buy in bulk for value: Bin liners are often sold in packs of 200 or 1000. Buying in bulk reduces the per-bag cost and ensures you don't run out mid-week. Calculate your weekly usage to choose the right pack size.
Bin liners to consider
- Pedal Bin – Yellow – 87 Litre: 87 Litre hygienic hands-free foot pedal operation to dispose of everyday regular waste on most sites and applications. Smooth operating flip-up lid. Easy-clean polypropylene, reinforced edges for added strength and rigidity. H: 81cm W: 49.5cm D: 41.5cm The bin's dimensions (81cm tall) mean you need a bag that's at least 90cm in length to allow for a proper overhang, so check bag dimensions before buying.
Pedal Bin – Yellow – 87 Litre - Blue Sacks 160G 1×200: Refuse sacks in blue. Made from recycled heavy duty polythene these sacks are ideal for colour coding difference kinds of waste. 46 x 73 x 98cms At 98cm tall, these blue sacks fit an 87-litre pedal bin with room to fold over the rim, and the heavy duty 160g material handles everyday waste without tearing.
Blue Sacks 160G 1×200
Who should use which liner
Best for
- Businesses with an 87-litre pedal bin in a kitchen or office that need a reliable, heavy duty sack for daily waste
- Facilities that use colour-coded waste streams and need blue sacks for recycling
Not for
- Users with smaller bins (under 60 litres) who would waste material with a larger sack
- Applications with extremely sharp or hazardous waste that require specialised puncture-resistant liners
