That's an excellent and practical question! The weight of an empty urban trash bin made from recycled plastic isn't a single number, as it varies significantly by size, design, and material density. However, I can give you a clear range and the factors involved.
Typically, an empty public litter bin or a small curbside recycling bin (around 30-50 gallons / 115-190 liters) might weigh between 10 to 25 pounds (4.5 to 11 kg). Larger commercial or municipal wheeled bins, like a standard 64-gallon (242-liter) trash cart, can weigh approximately 45 to 65 pounds (20 to 30 kg) when empty. The very large 96-gallon carts can approach 80-100 pounds (36-45 kg).
The primary factor is the bin's capacity. A bigger bin simply uses more plastic. The specific blend of recycled plastics (often HDPE or PP) and its wall thickness for durability also play a major role. A bin designed for heavy pedestrian traffic or commercial use will be sturdier and heavier than a lightweight residential model.
Manufacturers use recycled plastic precisely because it's durable, cost-effective, and sustainable, but it must be robust enough to withstand weather, handling, and mechanical lifting by garbage trucks. So, while recycled plastic bins are designed to be as lightweight as feasible for maneuverability, their primary duty is strength, which dictates their final empty weight.
For a precise figure, you would need to check the technical data sheet for a specific model from a manufacturer. But for general planning, you can expect a standard 64-gallon wheeled bin to be roughly 50-60 lbs empty.