I’d approach this as a daily service problem, not just a one-off size decision. A big bin only helps if it actually reduces overflow without creating a new problem on the sidewalk. So I’d start with the waste volume at that specific spot: how many liters per day does it receive, how quickly does it fill, and does it peak during lunch, commuting hours, or events? That gives you a realistic target capacity rather than a guess based on “bigger feels safer.
Then I’d look at the footprint in practical terms. It’s not only the bin’s base dimensions. You need to count the clearance around it: can pedestrians pass comfortably, can someone in a wheelchair or with a stroller get by, can the collection crew reach and lift it, and does it block sightlines or shop access? A bin that fits the pavement but blocks servicing or creates a pinch point is a bad trade-off.
My rule of thumb is to compare capacity per unit of usable footprint, not just total capacity. If space is tight, I’d rather increase collection frequency, use a slimmer or modular bin, add compaction, go underground, or install smart sensors that tell you when it’s full. Sometimes two smaller well-placed bins work better than one oversized bin that people avoid because it’s awkward or smelly.
I’d also test it in the real location. Run a short pilot with one size, check overflow rates, litter around the bin, servicing time, and complaints from pedestrians or nearby businesses. If the bin fills too fast, don’t automatically upsize; first ask whether collection timing, placement, or waste stream separation can solve it. The best trade-off is usually the smallest bin that reliably prevents overflow with the collection system you can actually sustain.