That's an excellent and very practical question. There isn't a single magic number that fits every small business district, as the ideal count depends on a balance of several key factors. A good starting point is to consider pedestrian flow and density. High-foot-traffic areas near cafes, transit stops, or popular shops will need bins spaced closer together—perhaps every 50 to 100 feet—to prevent littering. In quieter sections, spacing can be wider.
The type of businesses matters greatly. A district with many food vendors or takeaway restaurants generates more immediate waste (like wrappers and cups) than one comprised of offices or boutiques. You must also consider bin capacity and collection frequency. Having more, smaller bins that are emptied daily might be better than fewer, large bins that overflow by midday.
A common guideline from urban planners is to aim for enough bins so that a person carrying trash will see one within a 30-second to one-minute walk. Ultimately, the goal is to find the minimum number required to keep the area clean without cluttering the sidewalk or blowing the maintenance budget. Start with a baseline, observe for a few weeks, and be prepared to adjust. The perfect number is the one you don't notice—it simply keeps the district tidy and welcoming for everyone.