That's an excellent and practical question! The average capacity for a standard outdoor trash can you see on a city sidewalk typically falls between 20 to 50 gallons (approximately 75 to 190 liters). The most common size you'll encounter is a 32-gallon (121-liter) receptacle. This size offers a good balance between holding enough waste from pedestrians and not becoming too heavy or unwieldy for collection crews to empty.
Several factors influence this range:
* Location & Foot Traffic: High-traffic downtown areas often use larger cans (40-50 gallons) to handle more litter and reduce overflow. Quieter residential sidewalks might have smaller 20-gallon bins.
* Collection Frequency: Cans in areas with daily pickup can be smaller, while those serviced less frequently may need larger capacities.
* Design & Durability: Standard models are usually made of heavy-duty plastic, metal, or concrete. They often feature a round or square shape with a swinging lid to contain odors and discourage pests.
* Municipal Standards: City public works departments usually have standardized specifications to streamline maintenance and purchasing.
So, while there's no single universal size, if you picture a common public litter bin, you're likely thinking of one that holds roughly 30-35 gallons of waste. This standard helps keep our sidewalks clean and manageable for city services.