That's an excellent question that many park managers and city planners consider. The average capacity for an urban park trash can isn't one-size-fits-all, but typically ranges from 20 to 50 gallons for most standard locations.
For general pathways and casual seating areas, 20-35 gallon cans work well. These handle daily waste from visitors without becoming too heavy for maintenance crews. Near high-traffic spots like playgrounds, food courts, or picnic areas, consider larger 40-50 gallon containers, as these locations generate more waste.
Several factors influence your decision: park size, daily visitor numbers, and collection frequency. A small neighborhood park might do fine with smaller cans emptied daily, while a major destination park may need larger capacity bins to handle weekend crowds.
Don't forget placement strategy - having several appropriately sized cans throughout your park is more effective than a few oversized ones. This approach reduces littering and maintains your park's cleanliness and appeal.
Ultimately, the right capacity balances visitor needs with practical maintenance considerations for a beautiful, clean public space.