That's a great question! It's one I get a lot from facility managers, restaurant owners, and event planners. The short answer is: it varies, but most large commercial outdoor trash cans hold between 32 and 96 gallons.
The most common size you'll see in parks, outside shopping centers, or at stadiums is the 55-gallon model. These are the classic heavy-duty steel or plastic barrels with a dome lid. They offer a solid balance of capacity and not becoming too heavy to empty.
For higher-traffic areas, you might step up to a 65-gallon or even a 96-gallon wheeled cart. These are the giants, often used by restaurants or in large public gathering spots. On the smaller end, a 32-gallon can is still considered commercial-grade and is perfect for areas with moderate foot traffic.
Remember, "gallons" refers to volume, not weight. A 55-gallon can full of plastic bottles will be much lighter than one full of wet waste. Always check the product specifications, as dimensions and weight limits are just as important as gallon capacity when making your choice.