That's a great question! The weight of an empty outdoor trash bin can really vary, so there's no single answer that fits all situations. It primarily depends on two key factors: the material it's made from and its size.
Generally, a standard, empty plastic outdoor trash bin—the kind you might use for weekly household garbage—typically weighs between 10 and 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kg). These are popular because they are lightweight, making them easy to move around for collection day or for cleaning.
If you're looking at a heavy-duty or commercial-grade bin, especially one made of metal like galvanized steel, the weight can be significantly more. An empty metal bin can easily weigh 30 to 50 pounds (14 to 23 kg) or even more. They are much sturdier but also much heavier to handle.
The size is the other big factor. A small 35-gallon plastic bin will be on the lighter end of the scale, while a large 95-gallon wheeled cart will be much heavier, even when empty, due to the extra material and the built-in wheels and axle.
So, when you're asking about a specific bin, first check if it's plastic or metal and note its gallon capacity. This will give you the best estimate. A lightweight plastic 50-gallon bin might be around 15 lbs, while a robust metal one of the same size could be over 40 lbs. I hope this detailed breakdown helps you get a clearer picture