That's an excellent and practical question! When we talk about our most popular urban trash can – typically a standard 32-gallon commercial bin you'd see on a city sidewalk – its empty weight is usually around 45 pounds (or approximately 20 kilograms).
This might surprise people who haven't lifted one before. They are intentionally built to be heavy-duty and robust to withstand daily public use, harsh weather conditions, and the mechanical lifting arms of garbage trucks. The weight comes from the thick, durable plastic (often HDPE) and the metal reinforcement around the pivot points for the lid and lifting bar.
Of course, the "empty weight" can vary. A smaller 20-gallon bin will be lighter, while a large 64-gallon wheeled model can weigh over 60 pounds when empty. Materials also play a big role; a stainless-steel canister will be significantly heavier than a plastic one. So, while ~45 lbs is a solid average for the most common model, always check the manufacturer's specifications for the exact weight of a specific unit.