That's a great and practical question! The weight of a standard, empty outdoor trash can isn't a single number, as it depends mostly on the material and size. However, I can give you a very good idea of what to expect.
For the most common residential outdoor bins made of durable plastic (like polyethylene), a standard 32-gallon empty can typically weighs between 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg). A larger 64-gallon wheeled cart, often used for municipal pickup, might weigh 18 to 25 pounds (8 to 11 kg) empty.
If you're looking at a classic metal trash can, usually made of galvanized steel, be prepared for it to be significantly heavier. An empty 20-gallon metal can can easily weigh 12 to 18 pounds (5.4 to 8 kg), and they get much heavier from there. The material adds considerable heft and durability.
So, in summary:
* Plastic Cans (32-64 gal): ~10-25 lbs empty.
* Metal Cans (20+ gal): ~12+ lbs empty, often much more.
The size (capacity in gallons/liters) and the thickness of the material are the biggest factors. When choosing one, consider if you'll need to move it around often—that empty weight adds up once it's full!