That's an excellent question! For a bus stop, I'd typically recommend a trash can with a capacity between 30 and 50 liters (approximately 8-13 gallons). This size range strikes the perfect balance for urban environments.
Bus stops experience moderate foot traffic throughout the day, but space is often limited. A 30-50 liter bin is large enough to contain the typical accumulation of coffee cups, snack wrappers, and newspapers without requiring constant emptying. At the same time, it's compact enough to fit comfortably on crowded sidewalks without obstructing pedestrian flow.
Smaller bins might need emptying multiple times daily, creating logistical challenges for maintenance crews. Larger containers could become too heavy to move easily and might encourage improper disposal of household waste.
The key is finding that sweet spot where the bin serves its purpose effectively between scheduled collections while maintaining a neat appearance. Many municipalities find that 40-liter bins work particularly well for standard bus stops, though you might consider the larger end of this range for transfer stations or particularly busy locations.