That's a practical question! For a typical urban or kitchen trash bin, the weight capacity of the bag liner isn't usually a single, fixed number. It depends heavily on the bag's material, thickness (often measured in microns or mils), and size.
Most standard, single-use plastic liners designed for 13-gallon (50-liter) kitchen bins—the most common size—can safely hold between 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 13.5 kg) of general household waste. This assumes a mix of dry and damp refuse, not purely liquid or dense, heavy materials like broken ceramics or wet soil.
The key factors are:
* Bag Quality: A cheap, flimsy bag might tear with 15 lbs, while a premium "contractor" or "heavy-duty" bag of the same size can handle 30+ lbs.
* Load Distribution: A bag filled evenly is stronger than one with a single, heavy item pressing on a weak spot.
* Bin Design: A bin with a supportive rim helps distribute the weight.
For public urban street bins, liners are often heavier-duty but still have limits, typically ranging from 30 to 50 pounds, as they need to withstand weather and public use.
The bottom line: Always check the manufacturer's specifications on the box roll for the best guidance. For heavy or sharp waste, significantly downsize your load or invest in specifically rated "heavy-duty" or "contractor" bags to avoid messy breaks. It's less about the bin's capacity and more about the bag's construction.