That's an excellent and very practical question! Getting the number of bins right is crucial—too few lead to litter, while too many are wasteful and unsightly. Here’s a natural, step-by-step approach I'd recommend, based on common practices in urban planning.
First, don't just guess. Start with an audit. Visit your space at different times—weekday, weekend, morning, and evening. Observe the foot traffic patterns. Where do people naturally congregate, walk, eat, or sit? These are your high-activity zones. Also, note any existing litter "hot spots," which are clear indicators of unmet need.
Next, think about capacity and collection. A general rule of thumb is that a standard 50-gallon (190-liter) bin can serve about 100 people per day before needing emptying. So, estimate your daily visitor count. If 500 people visit daily, you'd need the equivalent capacity of five 50-gallon bins. But here's the key: it's better to have several smaller bins emptied regularly than a few large, overflowing ones. Factor in your maintenance schedule. If bins are emptied daily, you can size accordingly. If collection is only twice a week, you'll need larger capacity or more bins.
Placement is everything. Install bins at natural "points of decision": entrances and exits, near seating areas and food vendors, along major walkways (about every 100-150 feet is a good interval), and around recreational facilities. People won't go out of their way to dispose of trash. Make it convenient.
Finally, consider special factors. Does your space host events that spike attendance? Having a plan for temporary, additional bins is wise. Also, think about pairing recycling and compost bins with trash bins to encourage proper sorting.
The goal is a clean, welcoming space. By observing traffic, calculating basic capacity, and placing bins strategically, you can significantly reduce litter. It's often an iterative process—start with your best estimate, monitor for a few weeks, and be prepared to adjust. A clean space tends to encourage people to keep it that way!