That's a great and very practical question! For most people living in cities or suburbs, the most popular and common size for a standard kitchen trash can is between 12 to 16 gallons (approximately 45 to 60 liters). This size hits the sweet spot for daily household waste without taking up too much precious floor space in a typical apartment or condo kitchen.
The 13-gallon can is arguably the superstar here, especially in the United States. Why? It's perfectly sized to fit a standard-sized kitchen trash bag you buy at any supermarket. You won't have to struggle with bags that are too big or too small. It holds about a week's worth of waste for one or two people, or a few days' worth for a small family, which encourages regular taking out of the trash to avoid odors.
Of course, "popular" can vary. Here’s a quick breakdown:
* Small (Under 10 gallons): Ideal for bathrooms, home offices, or under the sink. Popular in minimalist setups or for singles.
* Medium (12-16 gallons): The gold standard for primary kitchen use in urban homes.
* Large (20-30+ gallons): Less common in tight urban kitchens but might be used in a garage or for a larger family home. Many cities now require smaller bins to encourage recycling and composting.
Several factors influence the choice:
1. Household Size: More people generally means more waste.
2. Kitchen Layout: Space under the sink often fits a specific, narrower can.
3. Collection Schedule: If your trash is collected twice a week, a smaller can might suffice.
4. Recycling Habits: If you recycle and compost diligently, your main trash can can be smaller.
So, while you'll see a range, if you're looking for the most common, reliable choice for an urban residence, start your search in the 13-gallon range. It's the workhorse size that balances capacity and convenience perfectly for city living.