That's a great question, and one that park visitors and maintenance staff think about often! The average capacity for a standard outdoor trash bin you'd see in a public park typically falls between 30 to 60 gallons (approximately 110 to 230 liters).
The most common size you'll encounter is the 50-gallon wheeled cart or stationary bin. This size offers a good balance between holding a decent amount of waste from daily visitors and not becoming too heavy or cumbersome for maintenance crews to empty.
However, the exact size can vary based on a few key factors:
* Park Location & Traffic: A high-traffic area near a playground or picnic pavilion will need larger or more frequent bins (often 60+ gallons) compared to a quiet walking path.
* Collection Frequency: Parks emptied daily might use 30-40 gallon bins, while those serviced weekly may require 60-95 gallon containers to prevent overflow.
* Bin Design: Open-top barrels often hold 30-40 gallons, while enclosed steel or concrete "litter baskets" might be smaller. Large, wheeled carts with lids are usually in the 50-100 gallon range.
So, while 50 gallons is a reliable standard, park managers choose capacities strategically to keep public spaces clean and functional for everyone.