That's a great and practical question! The weight of a commercial outdoor trash can isn't a single number—it depends heavily on the material, size, and whether it's empty or full. Here’s a typical breakdown.
An empty commercial trash can is surprisingly heavy-duty. A standard 55-gallon plastic barrel-style can often weighs between 18 to 25 pounds (8-11 kg). For heavier traffic areas, a common 50-gallon galvanized steel can can weigh a substantial 35 to 45 pounds (16-20 kg) empty. Larger wheeled dumpsters, like a 2-cubic-yard model, can be 150+ pounds (68+ kg) empty.
The real weight, of course, comes from the contents. A full 55-gallon plastic can with compacted trash can easily reach 150-200 pounds (68-91 kg). A full steel can will be even heavier. Key factors affecting the final weight are the material (plastic, steel, concrete), capacity (gallons/cubic yards), and design (wheeled, stationary, with lids).
So, when planning for installation or service, always account for both the empty weight of the durable shell and the significant added weight of waste. It's why proper placement and heavy-duty construction are so important for commercial settings.