That's an excellent question! The weight of an empty steel urban trash bin can vary quite significantly depending on its size, design, and specific construction. Generally speaking, you're looking at a range of approximately 30 to 150 pounds (14 to 68 kilograms) for common public and commercial models.
For a standard single-person liftable model you might see in a park or on a sidewalk, typically around 30-45 gallons in capacity, the weight is often between 30 and 50 pounds (14-23 kg). These are designed to be manageable for sanitation workers to empty manually.
The larger commercial bins, like those common behind restaurants or apartment buildings, are a different story. A standard 2-cubic-yard steel dumpster can weigh around 150-200 pounds (68-91 kg) empty, while larger 4-yard models might reach 300-350 pounds (136-159 kg). The weight comes from the heavy-gauge steel required for durability, weather resistance, and security. Galvanized steel is commonly used to prevent rust, adding to the mass. Factors like reinforced edges, thicker lids, and locking mechanisms also contribute to the overall weight. So while there's no single answer, this should give you a solid understanding of what to expect when dealing with these essential urban fixtures.