That's a great question! A good liner is a game-changer for keeping your outdoor trash can clean and making trash day much less of a chore. After years of trial and error, I've found that the "best" liner really depends on a few key factors.
For most standard outdoor bins, you can't go wrong with heavy-duty, leak-proof contractor bags. They are significantly thicker than regular kitchen bags and are designed to handle sharp edges, heavy loads, and wet garbage without splitting. Look for bags labeled with a high gallon capacity (like 30-55 gallons) and a higher mil thickness (3 mil or more). This extra strength prevents messy and unsanitary leaks at the bottom of your can.
If you deal with a lot of yard waste, sharp branches, or construction debris, consider upgrading to woven polypropylene bags. They are incredibly tough and puncture-resistant, though they may not always be leak-proof on their own. For kitchen scraps or compostable waste that attracts pests, a secure, animal-resistant bin with a locking lid is often more important than the bag itself, but pairing it with a sturdy bag adds an extra layer of protection.
My top tip? Always use a liner that's slightly larger than your can. This allows you to fold the excess over the rim before putting the lid on, which helps keep rain and pests out and makes the bag easier to pull out when full. Ultimately, investing in a quality, thick bag saves you time, hassle, and the dreaded scrub-down of a grimy trash can.