That's an excellent and practical question! The weight of a standard, fully-loaded 50-gallon outdoor trash can isn't a single number, as it depends heavily on what you're throwing away. However, we can provide a very reliable estimate.
A typical 50-gallon plastic or metal trash can, when completely full of average household waste (a mix of food scraps, packaging, and general refuse), will typically weigh between 150 and 200 pounds (68 to 91 kg). The empty can itself usually adds another 15 to 25 pounds (7 to 11 kg).
The final weight fluctuates based on the contents. A can filled mostly with lightweight materials like plastic bottles and cardboard will be on the lower end of that range. Conversely, a can loaded with dense, wet materials like soil, construction debris, or waterlogged yard waste can easily exceed 250 pounds (113 kg).
When handling a full 50-gallon can, always remember to lift with your legs, not your back, to prevent injury. Due to this significant weight, it's a good idea to avoid overfilling the container, making it easier and safer to move to the curb for collection.