That's a great and practical question! The weight of an empty outdoor trash bin can vary *a lot* depending on its size, material, and intended use. There's no single answer, but I can give you a solid range.
For a standard residential curbside bin, typically around 35-95 gallons (132-360 liters), you're usually looking at:
* Plastic/Wheeled Bins: These are the most common for homes. A standard 35-gallon bin might weigh 15-25 lbs (7-11 kg) empty. A larger 95-gallon wheeled toter can be 45-65 lbs (20-30 kg) empty. They're designed to be manageable when rolling.
* Metal Bins (Galvanized Steel): These are much heavier and more durable. A classic 32-gallon galvanized steel can might weigh 25-35 lbs (11-16 kg) on its own.
For commercial or heavy-duty bins, like the large dumpsters you see behind restaurants or in apartment complexes, the empty weight jumps significantly:
* A 2-yard commercial dumpster can weigh 300-500 lbs (136-227 kg) empty.
* Larger 6-8 yard dumpsters can easily weigh over 1,000 lbs (454 kg) empty, due to their thick steel construction.
Key factors affecting weight:
1. Material: Plastic is light; steel is heavy.
2. Size/Capacity: Obviously, bigger bins weigh more.
3. Construction: Features like thick walls, reinforced wheels, and metal axles add weight for durability.
4. Lid Type: A heavy, locking metal lid adds more than a simple plastic flap.
Why does this matter? Knowing the empty weight helps with logistics—moving it, placing it, or ensuring your outdoor surface can support it when full. For most homeowners, a lightweight, wheeled plastic bin is perfect. For tough environments, a heavier-duty model is worth the extra initial heft.
So, in short: check the product specifications for the exact model, but a home bin is often 15-65 lbs empty, while commercial bins start in the hundreds of pounds.