Hey, that's a great question! It's one a lot of homeowners think about when they're outfitting their backyard or garage. From my experience and looking at what sells the most, the 32-gallon trash can is arguably the most popular and common size for a residential outdoor bin.
So, why 32 gallons? It really hits that sweet spot. It's large enough to handle a typical family's weekly trash without being so massive that it becomes incredibly heavy and difficult to move on collection day. A 32-gallon can strikes a perfect balance between capacity and manageability. You can fit a good amount of standard trash bags in there without too much trouble.
Of course, you'll see other sizes out there. Smaller cans, like 20-gallon models, are great for smaller households or for specific uses like yard waste. On the larger end, 44-gallon and even 64-gallon wheeled carts are becoming more common, especially if they are provided by your local waste management service. These are fantastic for reducing trips to the curb, but when full, they can be very heavy and cumbersome for one person to handle.
When choosing the right size for you, consider your household's needs. How many people live in your home? How much trash do you typically generate in a week? Also, don't forget to check if your garbage hauler has any specific requirements or limits on can size. Ultimately, the 32-gallon can remains the go-to choice for a reason—it's just the right size for most people.