That's a great and practical question! The weight of a standard 50-gallon urban trash can isn't a single number, as it depends heavily on the material and construction. However, I can give you a clear range.
Typically, an empty 50-gallon plastic trash can—the kind commonly used for residential curbside pickup—weighs between 18 to 25 pounds (8 to 11 kg). These are usually made from durable, molded polyethylene and are designed to be manageable when empty.
If you're looking at a heavy-duty metal can (like galvanized steel), the empty weight can jump significantly to 35-50 pounds (16-23 kg) or more. These are much less common for standard urban use now due to cost and noise.
The real weight, of course, comes from what you put in it. A 50-gallon can holds about 200 liters. When full of typical household bagged trash, it can easily weigh 150-200 pounds (68-91 kg). It's crucial not to overfill it for both safety and because most waste collection services have weight limits per can.
So, in summary: focus on the empty weight of the plastic can (around 20 lbs) for moving it, but always be mindful of the potential heavy load when full. Always use proper lifting techniques—bend your knees, not your back!