That's a great question! Figuring out the right trash bin size is more about your specific habits than just the number of people. For a family of four, the sweet spot is typically between 32 and 96 gallons for your main outdoor bin. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide.
A good rule of thumb is to estimate 12-15 gallons of trash capacity per person per week. For four people, that points to a 48 to 60-gallon bin. This size is a very common choice because it handles average weekly waste without being too bulky.
But ask yourself these questions:
* How often is trash collected? If pickup is weekly, a 60-gallon bin is often perfect. For bi-weekly pickup, you might need to size up to 80 or even 96 gallons to avoid overflow.
* Do you recycle and compost a lot? If you actively separate recyclables (paper, plastic, cans) and compost food scraps, your regular trash volume shrinks. A 32 or 44-gallon bin might be plenty.
* What's your lifestyle? Families who cook at home frequently or use more packaged goods tend to generate more waste. If that's you, lean toward the 60-80 gallon range.
My practical advice? Check what your neighbors with similar family sizes use, and note if they seem to have extra space or packed bins on pickup day. Also, verify if your local waste service has any rules or offers specific bin sizes. Starting with a 60-gallon bin is a safe bet for most four-person households. You can always downsize if you improve recycling, or add a second bin if needed. The goal is to find a size that contains your weekly waste neatly without constant overfilling.