That's an excellent and practical question for any small business owner! Figuring out the right trash bin size is more important than it seems—it affects cleanliness, cost, and operational efficiency. For a standard outdoor trash bin serving a small business, such as a retail shop, small café, or office, a common and versatile capacity is between 20 and 35 gallons.
A 32-gallon bin is often considered a sweet spot. It's large enough to handle a day's worth of typical commercial waste without being too heavy or cumbersome for staff to move. It's also a standard size that fits most pre-made bin enclosures and liners.
However, the "right" answer truly depends on your specific business. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
* Very Low Traffic (e.g., professional office, boutique): A 20-gallon bin might suffice.
* Moderate Traffic (e.g., coffee shop, small restaurant, busy retail): Opt for 32 to 35 gallons. Many food service businesses use 32-gallon bins with tight-fitting lids.
* High Waste Volume (e.g., restaurant with dine-in): You likely need multiple 35-gallon bins or should consider a small dumpster (like a 1-2 cubic yard roll-off).
Key factors to consider:
1. Waste Type: General trash? Recyclables? Food waste that requires daily disposal?
2. Daily Volume: How many bags do you fill per day? Choose a bin that holds at least one full day's waste.
3. Pickup Schedule: How often is trash collected? Less frequent pickup means you need a larger capacity or more bins.
4. Space & Logistics: Ensure the bin fits your designated outdoor area and that your team can safely move it when full.
Starting with a 32-gallon bin is a safe bet for many small operations. Monitor your usage for a week. If it's consistently overflowing, size up. If it's never more than half-full, you could potentially size down. Good waste management starts with the right container!