That's an excellent and practical question! Getting the capacity right is crucial for keeping a busy park clean, managing costs, and reducing maintenance headaches. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but a good rule of thumb for a high-traffic public park is to start with containers in the 30 to 50-gallon (115 to 190-liter) range for general litter. However, the real calculation depends on several key factors.
First, honestly assess your peak visitor traffic. A small neighborhood park sees different volumes than a downtown destination. Observe how quickly bins fill on a busy Saturday. Next, consider waste types. Are you mostly collecting light wrappers and bottles, or heavy picnic leftovers and dog waste? Heavier, bulkier waste means you'll reach weight capacity before volume.
Collection frequency is your biggest lever. If pickup is only twice a week, you'll need much larger bins (65+ gallons) or multiple units to prevent overflow. Daily service allows for smaller, more discreet cans. Always plan for overflow—aim for bins at 75% capacity as your "full" signal to account for unexpected surges.
A smart strategy is to use a mix of sizes. Place larger, durable cans (50+ gallons) near high-generating areas like picnic shelters, playgrounds, and food vendors. Use smaller, more frequent bins (20-30 gallons) along walking paths. Don't forget dedicated recycling containers to divert volume from the trash stream.
Ultimately, the "right" capacity is the one that prevents litter from hitting the ground between collections. Start with a conservative estimate, monitor fill rates closely for a few weeks, and be prepared to adjust. Investing in the proper size upfront saves money and labor, and most importantly, keeps your park beautiful and welcoming for everyone.