That's a great and very practical question! For most standard, city-issued urban trash cans—the kind you see on sidewalks, in parks, or provided by municipal waste services—the answer is generally yes, you can use a standard kitchen or tall kitchen garbage bag.
These public bins are typically designed for common 13-gallon (or approximately 50-liter) bags, which are the most ubiquitous size. The bags are meant to line the can, making it easier for sanitation workers to quickly remove the full bag without manually emptying the contents.
However, there are a few important things to check for a perfect fit:
1. Check the Can's Capacity: Look for a label or measure the can's volume. A standard "tall kitchen" bag fits a ~30-50 liter can. Larger public bins may require a bigger, contractor-grade bag.
2. Mind the Drawstring: Many urban cans have an inner lip or rim. Standard drawstring bags work perfectly here, as you can loop and tie the strings over the rim to secure the bag and prevent it from slipping in.
3. Avoid Overfilling: Even if the bag fits, don't overstuff it. Heavy or sharp debris can tear a standard bag. For very heavy or sharp waste, consider a thicker, "contractor strength" bag.
4. Model-Specific Liners: Some specialized or high-end commercial bin models might be optimized for a specific bag size. If your can has a model number, a quick online search can confirm the ideal liner.
In short, for everyday use in a typical public or municipal urban trash can, a standard garbage bag is usually just fine. Just give it a quick visual check for size and use the drawstring to keep it snug. It’s a simple step that keeps the bin cleaner and makes everyone's job easier