Hey there! Great question—selecting the right outdoor trash bin for your small café patio is super important for keeping things tidy and welcoming. For a typical small café patio, I'd generally recommend a bin with a capacity of around 30 to 50 gallons. This size is usually a sweet spot because it's large enough to handle the waste from a steady stream of customers without needing constant emptying, but it's not so bulky that it overwhelms your limited patio space.
Think about your average foot traffic: if you have a cozy setup with just a few tables, a 30-gallon bin might be perfect. It can hold disposable cups, napkins, and light food wrappers from maybe 20-30 customers before it gets full. If your patio is a bit busier, especially on weekends, upgrading to a 40 or 50-gallon bin could save you trips to empty it, which is handy during peak hours. Also, consider the bin's design—opting for one with a tight-fitting lid helps keep odors in and pests out, which your customers will appreciate.
Ultimately, it's about balancing capacity with practicality. A bin that's too small means more maintenance for your staff, while one that's too large could eat up valuable seating area. Hope this helps you make a choice that keeps your patio clean and charming