Microns vs. Mils: What’s the Difference? Microns and mils are both ways to measure the thickness of trash bags, but they are used for different types of bags: Microns are tiny! A micron is one-thousandth of a millimeter. High-density bags (often used for lighter waste) are measured in microns and are typically between 6 and 22 microns thick. For perspective, a human hair is about 70 microns thick, and a sheet of paper is around 100 microns thick. Mils measure thickness in thousandths of an inch. Low-density bags (used for heavier waste) are thicker and usually range from 0.7 to 6 mils. To help you picture this: a credit card is about 30 mils thick, and a roll of duct tape is about 9 to 11 mils. Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Needs Understanding microns and mils helps you pick the right trash bag for the job. Here's how the thickness impacts your bag's strength and how to choose the best one for different tasks. High-Density Bags (Microns) Thinner but Strong: High-density bags are thinner (measured in microns) and work well for light, everyday waste. Best for: Paper, bathroom trash, and non-sharp kitchen waste. Range: 6.0 to 22.0 microns. Low-Density Bags (Mils) Thicker and Tougher: Low-density bags are stronger and thicker (measured in mils), making them perfect for heavier or sharper trash. Best for: Kitchen scraps, construction debris, yard waste, and anything with sharp or heavy objects. Range: 0.7 to 6.0 mils. Real-Life Examples: Which Bag Is Best? Let’s see which bag works best for different situations: For Kitchen Garbage: You’ll want a low-density bag (0.9 to 1.5 mils) to handle sharp items like broken glass or bones. It’s stronger and less likely to tear. For Construction Debris: A low-density contractor bag (3.0 mils or more) is ideal for holding heavy materials like nails, rocks, and other sharp items without tearing. For Office Paper: For light office trash, go with a high-density bag (7-10 gallons, around 6.0 to 12.0 microns). These bags are thinner and perfectly suited for paper, receipts, and general office waste. For Recycling: If you’re sorting recyclables like cans or cardboard, a low-density 13-gallon bag (about 1.2 mils) will do the job. They’re sturdy enough to handle recyclables without ripping. Key Takeaways Microns vs. Mils: Microns (smaller units) are used for thinner, high-density bags, while mils (larger units) are used for thicker, low-density bags. Choose Thickness Wisely: Thicker bags (measured in mils) are better for heavy-duty tasks like construction or kitchen waste. Thinner bags (measured in microns) are great for lighter trash, like office waste. Pick the Right Bag for the Job: Whether you’re handling paper or sharp construction debris, knowing the right thickness will keep you from dealing with tears and leaks. Now you’ve got the knowledge to pick the right trash bag every time, whether it’s for your kitchen, office, or construction site. Make trash day a little easier with the perfect bag for the job!