That's a great and practical question! The average capacity for a standard outdoor trash bin you see on city streets typically falls between 40 to 60 gallons (approximately 150 to 230 liters). The most common size you'll encounter is the 50-gallon bin.
This standard size is a careful balance. It's large enough to hold a meaningful amount of daily litter from pedestrians and shoppers without becoming too heavy or overflowing too quickly. You'll usually find these bins made of durable, weather-resistant materials like galvanized steel or heavy-duty plastic, often anchored to a post or set in a concrete base.
It's important to note that capacity can vary. Some high-traffic areas like transit hubs or parks might use larger bins, up to 80 or even 100 gallons. Conversely, quieter residential streets might have smaller ones. The design prioritizes frequent emptying by municipal crews, which is why the standard size isn't massive. The goal is to maintain cleanliness by preventing overflow, which can attract pests and create litter.
So, while the 50-gallon bin is the workhorse of city sidewalks, the exact capacity is chosen by city planners based on foot traffic, collection frequency, and overall urban design strategy.