The standard kitchen garbage can size generally falls between 13 gallons and 18 gallons. This range covers most typical household needs for the main kitchen trash can size.
Deciphering Trash Can Volume: Why Size Matters
Choosing the right trash can volume for your kitchen is more important than you might think. A can that is too small means constant bag changes and messy overflows. A can that is too large can take up valuable floor space, especially in smaller kitchens. Getting the perfect garbage can capacity helps keep your kitchen clean and reduces how often you have to deal with trash. This post will help you figure out the best trash can gallon size for your home.
Factors Guiding Your Kitchen Waste Bin Capacity Choice
The perfect kitchen waste bin capacity depends on several things unique to your household. Think about your daily life. How much food do you cook? How many people live in your house? These details greatly affect how fast your trash fills up.
Household Size and Waste Generation
Larger families naturally produce more waste than single residents or couples. More people mean more food scraps, packaging, and general rubbish.
- One or Two People: A small kitchen trash can volume, maybe 8 to 13 gallons, often works well. You might empty it every two or three days.
- Three to Four People: The standard 13-gallon to 16-gallon size is usually ideal. This strikes a good balance between capacity and size.
- Five or More People: You might need a large kitchen trash can capacity, often 18 gallons or more. You may even consider a dual-stream system (one for trash, one for recycling).
Cooking Habits
Do you cook elaborate meals every night, or do you often eat out? Heavy cooking generates more food scraps (like vegetable peels and meat trimmings). If you cook a lot, you will need a larger trash can volume. If you rarely cook, a smaller can might suffice.
Recycling Practices
Many people separate recyclables from general trash. If you use a separate container for bottles and cans, your main trash bin won’t fill up as fast. This might let you choose a slightly smaller kitchen trash can size for non-recyclable waste.
Frequency of Trash Removal
If your local service picks up trash often (e.g., twice a week), you can get away with a smaller container. If pickup is only once a week, you need a larger garbage can capacity to hold everything until the truck arrives.
Standard Kitchen Garbage Can Size Explained
When shopping, you will see many sizes listed. Knowing what these common measurements mean makes shopping easy. This section focuses on how big is a kitchen trash can typically?
The 13-Gallon Workhorse
The 13-gallon can is perhaps the most common size found in homes today. This size perfectly fits standard kitchen trash bags, which are also commonly sold in 13-gallon sizes.
- Pros: Fits most standard liners. Good for small to medium families. Often fits neatly under sinks or beside cabinets.
- Cons: Might require daily emptying in large, busy households.
The 18-Gallon Sweet Spot
The 18-gallon can offers extra space without being overly bulky. Many people find this the best compromise for a family of four.
- Pros: Holds more trash between changes. Often used in homes that generate a moderate amount of waste.
- Cons: Can be slightly taller or wider than the 13-gallon models.
When You Need a Large Kitchen Trash Can Capacity
For large families or those who frequently host gatherings, 20 gallons or more might be necessary. These are often stainless steel, step-open models designed to blend into modern kitchens while offering maximum trash can volume.
Comparing Trash Can Gallon Size Measurements
To help visualize the difference, this table shows common sizes and their approximate real-world usage. This assists in determining trash can size needs.
| Listed Gallon Size | Approximate Metric Volume (Liters) | Best Suited For | Typical Bag Liner Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Gallons | 30 Liters | Singles, Small Apartments | Small/Medium Drawstring |
| 10 Gallons | 38 Liters | Studios, Very Light Use | Medium Drawstring |
| 13 Gallons | 49 Liters | Standard Home Use, Couples | Kitchen Tall Kitchen Bags |
| 16 Gallons | 60 Liters | Average Family (3-4 people) | Tall Kitchen Bags, Contractor |
| 20 Gallons | 76 Liters | Large Families, Heavy Cooking | Large or Contractor Bags |
| 30 Gallons | 113 Liters | High-Volume Waste (Utility rooms) | Large Outdoor/Workshop Bags |
Note: Metric conversion is approximate and helps provide context.
Simple Steps for Determining Trash Can Size
To simplify the process of determining trash can size, follow these steps. They help move you from guessing to making an informed purchase based on your specific habits.
Step 1: Track Your Current Waste
For one week, pay close attention to how full your current bin gets. If you are replacing an old can or buying your first one, estimate based on your weekly trash output.
- If you take the trash out every two days because it overflows, you likely need a larger garbage can capacity.
- If your can is only half full after three days, you might be able to use a smaller kitchen trash can volume to save space.
Step 2: Measure Your Space
The best trash can gallon size is useless if the can doesn’t fit where you want it. Kitchen space is premium. Measure the area where the can will live.
Key Measurements to Take:
- Width: How wide is the space?
- Depth: How far can the can stick out into the room?
- Height: How tall can the can be, especially if placing it under a counter overhang?
Remember that many trash cans (especially step-lid models) need extra clearance for the lid to open fully. A 13-gallon can might look small when empty but needs room to operate.
Step 3: Factor in Bag Availability
Always check what size trash bags are easily available and affordable where you shop. Using a can that requires obscure or expensive bags adds an ongoing cost and hassle. Most stores stock 13-gallon liners heavily. If you choose a 17-gallon can, you might need to buy larger, more expensive contractor bags. Matching the trash can gallon size to common liner sizes simplifies life.
Exploring Specialized Kitchen Trash Can Sizes
Not all kitchen waste is the same. Some households need specialized solutions beyond a single large bin.
Dual and Triple Compartment Cans
These systems combine the functions of several bins into one unit. They are excellent for maximizing space efficiency while managing different waste streams.
- Trash and Recycling Combo: Often, these units feature one large section (say, 12 gallons) for trash and a smaller, pull-out section (say, 5 gallons) for recycling. This increases your overall kitchen waste bin capacity management without increasing floor footprint much.
Small Kitchen Trash Can Volume for Specific Uses
Sometimes, a main can is fine, but you need a second, smaller option. This is great for specific areas or purposes.
- Under-the-Sink Cans: These are often 4 to 8 gallons. They handle immediate food prep waste while cooking, keeping the main garbage can capacity reserved for general rubbish.
- Countertop Compost Bins: While very small (under 1 gallon), these are essential for collecting daily fruit and veggie scraps before moving them to a larger outdoor compost pile or dedicated bin. They minimize trips to the main bin.
Material and Design Impact on Perceived Size
While we focus on trash can volume in gallons, the material and design affect how much the can actually holds and how it fits visually.
Plastic vs. Stainless Steel
Plastic cans are often lightweight and cheaper. They might have slightly thicker walls, meaning a 13-gallon plastic can might hold slightly less usable space than a 13-gallon thin-walled metal can. Stainless steel cans often look sleeker and fit modern kitchen aesthetics better, often featuring soft-close lids and motion sensors.
Footprint vs. Capacity (Shape Matters)
A tall, narrow can might have a large trash can gallon size rating but require a very small floor area. A short, wide can might have the same rating but require much more floor space. When determining trash can size, always check the dimensions (height, width, depth), not just the gallon number. A narrow can is often better for kitchens with limited floor space.
Maintenance and the True Cost of Capacity
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to maintenance. A large kitchen trash can size means you deal with heavy bags that are harder to lift and tie.
The Weight Factor
A 13-gallon bag filled with dense waste (like wet food) might weigh 15–20 pounds. A 20-gallon bag, if filled completely, can easily weigh 35–40 pounds or more. This added weight can strain your back or make taking the trash out a bigger chore. For many, this is a major reason why they choose a slightly smaller garbage can capacity—to keep the weight manageable.
Odor Control
Larger bins tend to sit longer between full changes if you are a light waste producer. This gives odors more time to build up, especially in warm weather. If your chosen trash can volume is large, ensure it has a tightly sealing lid or consider using deodorizers.
Optimizing Your Kitchen Setup for Waste Management
Good waste management involves more than just picking the right can size; it involves placement and flow within your cooking area.
Placement Strategies
Where you place your bin affects how you use it.
- Under the Sink: Great for immediate prep waste. Usually suits a small kitchen trash can volume (8-10 gallons).
- Near the Fridge/Pantry: Ideal for packaging and recycling. A standard 13-gallon can fits well here.
- Islands/Peninsulas: If you have a large island, a freestanding, motion-sensor can is convenient, often in the 16-gallon range for daily use.
If you have a dedicated utility closet or pantry space near the kitchen, you can afford to use a large kitchen trash can capacity in that secondary location, keeping the main kitchen bin smaller and handier.
Liner Discipline
The liners define the practical capacity of your can. If you use liners that are too small, they will slip down into the can, leaving large gaps between the trash and the rim. This wastes space. Always ensure the bag hangs over the top edge of the can by several inches to secure it. This ensures you get the full advertised trash can gallon size out of your container.
The Future of Kitchen Trash Cans: Smart Volume
Technology is beginning to influence trash can volume selection. Smart cans offer features that alter how we think about capacity.
- Compacting Cans: Some newer models can compress the trash inside, effectively doubling the usable garbage can capacity before needing to change the bag.
- Automatic Bagging: High-end units seal and replace the bag automatically. These systems often dictate a specific bag size, limiting your flexibility in choosing a trash can gallon size based purely on household needs.
For most consumers, however, the reliable, non-tech solution—the right physical trash can volume—remains the best path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the smallest kitchen trash can volume typically sold?
A: The smallest kitchen trash cans you will commonly find for general use are around 8 gallons. These are often used in small apartments or as secondary prep bins.
Q: Can I use a 30-gallon can in a standard kitchen?
A: A 30-gallon can is very large. While you can use it, it will likely take up too much floor space unless you have a very large, open-plan kitchen or a dedicated hidden pantry area for waste storage. They are generally better suited for garage or utility use.
Q: How do I calculate the required trash can volume if I only know the dimensions (L x W x H)?
A: To find the volume in cubic inches, multiply Length × Width × Height. Then, divide that total by 231 (since 1 US gallon equals 231 cubic inches). This gives you the approximate trash can gallon size.
Q: Should I buy a can bigger than my current one to avoid frequent changes?
A: Be cautious. Only size up if you consistently fill your current can before your weekly pickup day. If you only fill it halfway, upsizing will lead to stale odors and heavier lifting. Focus on matching the standard kitchen garbage can size to your waste output rate.
Q: Are stainless steel cans harder to clean than plastic ones?
A: Generally, no. Stainless steel models often have smooth interiors and removable liners, making cleaning simple. However, stainless steel exteriors can show fingerprints more easily than matte plastic.