That's a great and very practical question! Figuring out the correct size for your outdoor trash bin can save you from the hassle of missed pickups or extra fees. Here’s a natural, step-by-step way to find out exactly what your local waste management company will collect.
First and most importantly, check directly with the source. Your waste hauler's website is the ultimate authority. Look for a "Residential Services" or "Guidelines" section. They almost always list the approved container sizes (e.g., 35-gallon, 64-gallon, 96-gallon) and types (wheeled cart, can with lid). If you can't find it online, a quick phone call to their customer service line will get you a definitive answer.
Next, take a look at what your neighbors are using. This is often the easiest real-world clue. If every house on your street has the same style and size of wheeled cart provided by the city or company, that's a strong indicator of what's accepted. It's also worth checking any official correspondence you've received from your municipality or the waste company, as rules are often included in service brochures or utility bills.
Generally, many companies provide standardized carts (like 64 or 96 gallons) when they service an area. If you're supplying your own can, common accepted sizes are usually 20 to 35 gallons for manual pickup. Anything larger than 50 gallons might be too heavy for the crew when full. Remember, overfilled bins or lids that won't close are often rejected for safety reasons.
A final pro tip: When in doubt, go smaller rather than larger. A properly sized bin that gets emptied regularly is better than an oversized one that gets left at the curb. Getting the right size ensures a smooth process for you and the hardworking collection crew.