Figuring out the right size outdoor trash bin for your apartment building's courtyard doesn't have to be confusing. Start by counting your residents - a good rule of thumb is to allow 2-3 gallons of capacity per person per week. For a 20-unit building with two people each, you'd need 80-120 gallons weekly. Consider your garbage collection frequency too. If pickup happens twice weekly, you can manage with smaller bins than if it's once weekly.
Measure your courtyard space carefully, ensuring at least 3 feet of clearance around the bin for easy access. Don't forget to check local regulations, as many municipalities have specific requirements for commercial waste containers. Consider getting two smaller bins rather than one massive dumpster - this allows for separating recyclables while being easier to maneuver.
Look for durable, weather-resistant materials like heavy-duty plastic or galvanized steel with secure lids to prevent animals from getting into trash. Wheeled bins make moving easier for maintenance staff. Remember that slightly larger is often better than too small - running out of bin space leads to messy overflow situations that frustrate residents and violate many property codes.