That's an excellent question! The capacity of a standard urban trash bin can vary quite a bit depending on your location and the specific waste management program, but we can certainly talk about the most common ranges you'll encounter.
For a typical single-family home, the standard bin provided by municipal waste services is often a wheeled cart, commonly known as a wheelie bin. The most prevalent sizes are:
- 64-gallon (242-liter) bins: This is a very common mid-size option, offering a good balance of capacity for an average household without being too heavy when full.
- 96-gallon (363-liter) bins: In many cities, this has become the standard "large" bin for households with more waste, such as families.
You'll also find smaller options, like 35-gallon bins for smaller households or areas with strict volume-based pricing.
The choice of size is usually influenced by local policies, collection frequency (weekly vs. bi-weekly), and whether the city has a pay-as-you-throw system. For apartment buildings and complexes, larger shared dumpsters are the norm, which can hold several cubic yards of waste.
So, while there's no single universal size, if you're picturing the classic wheeled cart at the end of a driveway, you're most likely looking at a bin with a capacity between 60 and 95 gallons. It's always best to check with your local public works or waste management department for the specifics in your area.