That's a great and surprisingly common question! The weight of a standard, no-frills urban trash can isn't a single number, as it depends heavily on the material and size. However, I can give you a solid typical range.
For the most common residential or public "no-frills" bins you see on curbs or street corners, here's the breakdown:
Plastic Trash Cans: These are the lightweights. A standard empty 35-gallon plastic wheeled cart, common for household use, typically weighs between 18 to 25 pounds (8 to 11 kg). Smaller 20-gallon bins can be as light as 5-10 lbs (2-4.5 kg).
Metal Trash Cans: Traditional galvanized steel cans are much heavier. A standard 32-gallon metal trash can, often used commercially or in older urban areas, can easily weigh 25 to 35 pounds (11 to 16 kg) empty. Larger commercial models weigh significantly more.
Public Space Bins: Those fixed or standalone litter bins in parks and sidewalks are often made of heavy-duty metal or composite materials. An empty one can range from 30 to over 50 pounds (14 to 23 kg) to prevent tipping and vandalism.
So, to directly answer your question: a truly standard, no-frills *plastic* urban/residential trash can, when empty, typically weighs around 20 pounds or 9 kilograms. The key factors are material (plastic vs. metal) and capacity. Remember, this is the empty weight—once filled with waste, the total weight can double or triple very quickly!