That's a great and very practical question! For a typical single-family home in the suburbs here in the U.S., the most popular and commonly recommended size for an outdoor trash can is a 96-gallon wheeled cart.
This size has become the standard for a few key reasons. First, it aligns perfectly with the automated collection systems used by most municipal waste services. The trucks have mechanical arms that are designed to lift and empty these specific carts efficiently. A 96-gallon bin usually holds about 4-5 standard kitchen trash bags, which is ample for a family's weekly collection schedule.
Of course, the "perfect" size can depend on your household's specific habits. A smaller 64-gallon can might be sufficient for a 1-2 person household that doesn't generate much waste or recycles a lot. Conversely, a larger family or one with frequent gatherings might appreciate the capacity of a 96-gallon bin to avoid overflow.
When choosing, also consider your local rules (some HOAs have guidelines), the physical space where you'll store the can, and how easily you can maneuver it to the curb. The wheeled design of these modern carts makes handling even the full 96-gallon size much easier than the old, heavy metal cans.
So, while the 96-gallon is the crowd favorite for good reason, the best choice is the one that matches your family's weekly trash output and your local service's requirements.