That's an excellent and practical question! Getting the capacity right is crucial for keeping your park clean without creating an eyesore or maintenance headache. For a typical small city park, I'd generally recommend looking for trash cans in the 20 to 32-gallon range for general use areas like pathways or near benches.
The "right" size isn't one-size-fits-all. You'll want to consider a few key factors. First, think about visitor volume. A quiet neighborhood park might do fine with 20-gallon bins, while one hosting weekly farmers' markets may need 32-gallon or even larger ones near the event space. Next, consider maintenance frequency. If your team empties bins daily, you can opt for smaller capacities. If collection is only a few times a week, larger bins (32-44 gallons) are necessary to prevent overflow. Placement matters too. High-traffic spots like picnic areas or playgrounds need larger or multiple bins, while a secluded garden path might only need a small one.
A great strategy is to use a mix. Place larger, durable 32-44 gallon cans with wide openings near picnic tables and entrances. For along walking paths, smaller 20-gallon cans are often sufficient and less obtrusive. Always prioritize sturdy, vandal-resistant materials like coated steel or heavy-duty plastic. Remember, it's better to have more appropriately sized cans than fewer, overflowing ones. Start with a mid-range size, monitor overflow for a few weeks, and adjust your plan—it's the most reliable way to find the perfect fit for your specific park.