The short answer is that there isn’t one universal standard, but most urban trash cans are designed around 36–42 inches (about 90–107 cm) tall. For typical street-side public trash cans, 40 inches is a very common sweet spot. It’s tall enough to hold a useful volume of waste, but still comfortable for most people to reach and for crews to service.
If accessibility is a priority, don’t look only at the total height of the can. Pay attention to the opening and any operable parts. Many specifications aim to keep the opening roughly 30–36 inches above grade, and reach ranges should be checked against local accessibility rules. Park and plaza bins can be taller—sometimes 42–48 inches—especially when they have decorative enclosures or large internal liners.
So, for a practical starting point: plan on 36–42 inches overall, with sidewalk bins often near 40 inches, then confirm the opening height, liner size, service method, pedestrian clearance, and local municipal standards before finalizing the spec.