That's a great question, and one we hear a lot from cafe owners! The most popular and practical size for an outdoor trash can at a small cafe tends to be in the 32 to 44-gallon range.
Here’s the natural thought process behind this choice: A small cafe's outdoor seating might have 4-8 tables. You need a bin that's large enough to handle the lunch rush and disposable cup traffic without overflowing every hour, but not so massive that it dominates your patio aesthetic or becomes too heavy for staff to handle. A 32-gallon can often hits the sweet spot. It holds a substantial amount of waste—roughly one large trash bag's worth—allowing for servicing a few times a day rather than constantly. Some owners prefer going up to 44 gallons for busier locations or to reduce service frequency slightly.
Why not bigger? A 55+ gallon can might seem efficient, but it can look industrial and out of place in a cozy cafe setting. When overfilled, it's very difficult for employees to manage. Why not smaller? 20-gallon cans fill up too quickly, leading to litter and a negative customer experience.
The key is balancing capacity with frequency of service. Pairing one 32-44 gallon bin for general waste with a smaller 20-gallon bin for recycling is a very common and effective setup. Ultimately, the "most popular" size works because it's a practical compromise between function, space, and staff convenience.