Hey there! That's a really practical question that doesn't get asked enough. Overfilling your trash bin isn't just an inconvenience—it can lead to back strains, broken bin wheels, or even a messy spill on your driveway.
So, how full is safe? It's less about volume and more about weight. A good rule of thumb is to keep the total weight under 40-50 pounds (18-23 kg). Once you exceed that, it becomes difficult and potentially hazardous for most people to lift and maneuver, especially when wheeling it to the curb.
How can you estimate that? It's tricky, but here's a simple guide:
* A bin full of light, dry materials like cardboard and paper might still be manageable.
* A bin that's only half-full with wet yard waste, sodden food waste, or heavy construction debris could already be too heavy.
* If you struggle to tilt the bin on its wheels, or if you can't wheel it without straining, it's definitely overloaded.
The best practice is to err on the side of caution. If you have exceptionally heavy trash, consider making multiple trips with smaller loads or look into specialized heavy-waste disposal services. Your back will thank you