Honestly, that depends on the specific bin you’re looking at. Most standard household waste bins have an opening that’s about 10 to 12 inches wide, which is usually too small for a typical 16-inch pizza box—unless you break the box down first. For bulky items like cereal boxes, milk jugs, or even small pizza boxes, you might get away with it if you angle them just right. But if you’re dealing with large pizza boxes or other oversized items (like a broken plastic toy or a small cardboard packaging), you’ll find yourself frustrated trying to force them in.
I’d recommend checking the bin’s dimensions closely before you buy. Look for a “wide-mouth” or “open top” design with no lid obstruction, or a bin that’s at least 14 to 16 inches wide for comfortable disposal. Some kitchen bins have a flexible flap opening that can handle slightly bulkier items, but it’s not ideal for stable flat boxes. If you regularly have pizza boxes or large cardboard, a specialized receptacle like a recycling bin with a large top opening is definitely a better match.
In my experience, I’ve had to fold pizza boxes into quarters just to make them fit in an average kitchen bin—annoying, but doable. For daily use, consider one with a swing lid or step pedal that leaves the whole top accessible. That way, you’re not fighting with cramped space every time you toss a bulky item. So, short answer: unless the bin specifically says “oversized opening” or you’re willing to break items down, the typical one might not be large enough.