That's a great and very practical question! It really depends on the specific outdoor trash can you're looking at, as they come in many sizes. However, a common large outdoor trash can, like the ones used in parks or for commercial settings, often has a capacity right around 50 gallons. So, in many cases, the capacity is quite comparable to a standard 50-gallon drum.
The key difference usually isn't the volume, but the form and function. A standard 50-gallon drum is typically a straight-sided metal barrel, often used for industrial liquids or materials. A standard outdoor trash can is usually made of plastic or galvanized steel, has a more tapered shape for stability, and comes with a lid and possibly wheels. While both might hold 50 gallons, the trash can is designed for easy, everyday disposal of solid waste.
For reference, a standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bag fits a kitchen bin. A 50-gallon container can hold nearly four times that amount. When full, a 50-gallon trash can is very heavy and requires proper lifting or wheels for movement. So, when comparing, you can generally expect a large outdoor trash can to be in the same ballpark as a 50-gallon drum, but always check the manufacturer's specifications for the exact cubic feet or gallon rating to be sure for your specific model.