For a busy city sidewalk, I’d usually go with a 40–50 gallon can—roughly 150–190 liters. That size hits the sweet spot: it holds enough waste to get through peak foot traffic without turning into a heavy, overflowing mess, but it’s still manageable for crews to empty regularly. If the block has food carts, bus stops, or a lot of takeout traffic, lean toward 50 gallons. On a quieter stretch, a 32–40 gallon bin can be enough.
The shape matters as much as the capacity. Pick a slim, upright receptacle that doesn’t crowd the walking path, with a 12–15 inch opening so people can toss cups and wrappers without touching the rim. A pest-proof lid, a leak-resistant liner, and a sturdy base are worth the extra cost. I’d also keep the placement consistent and make sure the bin is emptied often—an oversized can that sits full for days looks worse than a smaller one that gets serviced daily.
In practice, for most busy sidewalks, 40–50 gallons is the safest range. Pair it with frequent pickup and clear signage, and you’ll get cleaner sidewalks without blocking pedestrians or making collection miserable for city crews.