The best size trash can for a kitchen usually depends on how much trash your household makes. For most homes, a 13-gallon trash can is a good starting point. This is the size that fits most standard kitchen trash bags. If you have a large family or generate a lot of food scraps, you might need something bigger, like a large kitchen trash can (20 gallons or more). If you live alone or have very little waste, a small kitchen trash can (around 8-10 gallons) might work best.
Factors Shaping Your Kitchen Trash Can Choice
Picking the right size for your kitchen trash can involves looking closely at your daily life. It is not just about the space you have; it is about how much waste leaves your kitchen. Getting this size wrong means you are either constantly taking out the trash or dealing with an overflowing bin.
Household Size Matters Most
Your family size is a major driver of how large your trash container needs to be. More people mean more food wrappers, more plate scrapings, and more general waste.
- One or Two People: You likely do not need a huge can. A small kitchen trash can or one around 8 to 10 gallons is often plenty. You will take the trash out every few days.
- Family of Four: This is where the standard size shines. A trash can size for a family of four typically lands between 13 and 18 gallons. This helps you avoid daily emptying.
- Large Families (Five or More): Consider a large kitchen trash can, maybe 20 gallons or more. Or, you might need a second, smaller can just for recycling.
Waste Habits: Cooking and Recycling
Do you cook large meals every night? Do you buy items with lots of packaging? These habits increase your waste volume.
If you compost or recycle a lot, your regular trash bin will fill up slower. In this case, a smaller main trash can might be fine. If you throw away everything into one bin, you need more space.
Available Space and Placement
Look at where the can will sit. Do you have a dedicated cabinet for it? Or is it standing out in the open?
The kitchen trash can dimensions are critical if space is tight. A tall, narrow can fits better in a small corner than a wide, squat one. Measure the depth, width, and height of your intended spot before buying anything.
Standard Kitchen Trash Can Sizes and Capacities
Trash cans are measured in gallons. Knowing the common sizes helps you compare options easily. The average kitchen trash can capacity sits near 13 gallons.
Here is a breakdown of common sizes:
| Capacity (Gallons) | Typical Use Case | Common Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 – 8 Gallons | Small apartments, offices, or secondary bins | Small kitchen trash can | Requires frequent emptying. |
| 10 – 13 Gallons | Standard homes, singles, couples | Standard kitchen size | Fits most 13-gallon liners perfectly. |
| 16 – 18 Gallons | Trash can size for family of four | Medium to large bins | Good balance of size and convenience. |
| 20+ Gallons | Large families, heavy waste generators | Large kitchen trash can | Often bulky; best for open areas. |
Focus on Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions
When shopping, the listed volume (gallons) is helpful, but the physical measurements are what truly matter for placement.
Kitchen trash can dimensions vary even for cans holding the same volume. A tall, thin can will have a smaller footprint than a short, wide one. Always check the height, especially if you have low countertops or shelves above where the can will go.
Special Types of Kitchen Trash Cans and Their Sizing
Not all kitchen trash cans look the same or open the same way. The style you choose often affects the useful capacity and the required space around it.
Step Trash Can Size
Step trash can size refers to cans opened by stepping on a foot pedal. These are very popular because they allow for hands-free operation.
- Footprint: Step cans are often wider or deeper than simple open-top bins of the same capacity. The mechanism inside takes up some space.
- Lid Clearance: A key point is that the lid often opens straight up. You need extra vertical space above the can for the lid to fully open and clear your hand or the object you are dropping in. If you plan to place a step trash can size under a low counter, measure the total height when open.
Swing Top Trash Can Size
A swing top trash can size has a lid that pivots inward when you push trash through the center flap.
- Space Savings: These are excellent for tight spaces because the lid does not need vertical clearance to open.
- Capacity: Because the mechanism for the swing top is built into the lid, the actual holding space inside can sometimes be slightly less than a simple open-top can of the same external size. They usually come in standard kitchen sizes (10 to 13 gallons).
Dual Compartment Trash Can Size
A dual compartment trash can size is great for sorting trash and recycling in one unit. These cans are usually divided internally.
- Shape: They are often rectangular or oblong to maximize space efficiency side-by-side.
- Sizing Trade-off: If you buy a 16-gallon dual can, it might be split into an 8-gallon trash side and an 8-gallon recycling side. You must decide if you need equal space for both, or if one compartment (usually the trash) should be larger. Many models offer unequal divisions, like 10 gallons for trash and 6 for recycling.
Under Counter Trash Can Size
Finding the right under counter trash can size is all about depth and height. These cans are designed to slide neatly into cabinetry.
- Depth is Key: Standard kitchen cabinets often have a depth of about 24 inches. Make sure the can’s depth measurement is less than the cabinet depth, leaving room for mounting hardware or the door swing.
- Sliding Mechanisms: Built-in units often come with hardware. They might not use standard liners, so be prepared to buy specific bags or use the can without one. A pull-out system might require a can around 10 to 15 gallons to fit well within the limited width of a standard cabinet base.
Liner Considerations: Matching Bags to Bins
The size of your trash bag liner dictates how often you must empty your kitchen bin, even if the can itself is large.
The most common liners are 13-gallon kitchen bags.
Using Over-Sized Bags in Small Cans
If you use a large bag in a small can, the bag bunches up. This wastes bag space and makes the can look messy. It also makes removing the full bag difficult, as the excess plastic gets trapped.
Using Under-Sized Bags in Large Cans
This is a common mistake. If a 13-gallon liner is placed in an 18-gallon can, the liner may slip down inside the can as you toss trash in. This means trash falls into the bottom of the can, not the bag. This creates a mess requiring frequent deep cleaning of the can itself.
Tip: Always choose a liner that matches the can size or is rated for slightly larger cans. A bag rated for 15-20 gallons will fit a 13-gallon can better than a bag rated exactly for 13 gallons, as it will fold over the rim securely.
Optimizing Can Placement for Efficiency
Where you place the can impacts how much trash you actually generate and how easy it is to use.
Near the Prep Area
The most efficient spot is near where you chop vegetables and prepare food—usually the main counter run. If you have a step trash can size here, you can scrape plates and drop scraps without moving far.
Away from High Traffic
Do not put a very large can in a narrow hallway leading to the kitchen. This can obstruct movement. A large kitchen trash can is best tucked away if your kitchen is small.
Utilizing Drawers and Cabinets
For a sleek look, many people opt for under counter trash can size systems built into pull-out drawers. This hides the can completely. However, these systems are often limited to smaller capacities (10-12 gallons per bin) due to the constraints of the cabinet structure.
Evaluating Needs Based on Waste Type
Not all kitchen waste is the same. Some materials take up volume quickly.
Food Scraps and Wet Waste
Food waste fills up a can fast because it is dense and often wet. If you are a heavy home cook, you might generate a lot of weight and volume here. This is where a trash can size for family of four needs to be on the higher end of the 13-gallon scale, perhaps closer to 16 gallons.
Packaging and Dry Goods
Things like cereal boxes, plastic containers, and paper towels are bulky but light. If you break down all your boxes, you can fit more into a standard can. If you leave boxes whole, you will need a large kitchen trash can very quickly.
Recycling Volume
If your recycling fills up faster than your trash, you might need to prioritize bin capacity for recycling. This supports the use of a dual compartment trash can size where the recycling side is bigger, or you may need two separate, dedicated recycling containers.
How to Choose the Best Kitchen Garbage Can Size for Your Lifestyle
To find the best kitchen garbage can size, follow these steps. Keep your language simple and direct.
Step 1: Track Your Current Trash Output
For one week, pay attention to how often you take the kitchen trash out.
- If you take it out daily, your can is too small. You likely need a bigger size, maybe moving from 10 gallons to 13 gallons or more.
- If you take it out every three days, your current size is probably close to perfect.
Step 2: Measure Your Space
Get a tape measure. Know the maximum height, width, and depth your chosen spot allows. This narrows down options between a small kitchen trash can and a larger unit based on physical fit, regardless of volume.
Step 3: Decide on Features
Do you want a pedal? Do you need a lid that closes tightly to keep pets out?
- If yes to a pedal, look at step trash can size models, remembering the extra height needed for the lid to open.
- If space is very limited, a swing top trash can size is a good, space-saving choice.
Step 4: Factor in Recycling Needs
If you recycle heavily, consider a dual system or a separate, large recycling bin. Do not try to fit all your recycling into the main trash can unless it is a dedicated dual compartment trash can size.
Practical Examples of Size Selection
Let’s look at a few common scenarios to make the choice clear.
Scenario A: Apartment Dweller
A single person lives in a small apartment. They eat out often.
- Need: Low volume.
- Recommendation: A 10-gallon small kitchen trash can is likely sufficient. It keeps the footprint small and encourages taking trash out regularly.
Scenario B: Busy Family of Four
A family of four cooks dinner most nights and packs lunches.
- Need: Moderate to high volume, needs convenience.
- Recommendation: A 16-gallon can, perhaps a good step trash can size, will manage the daily output well without needing emptying until the weekend.
Scenario C: The Eco-Conscious Homeowner
A couple recycles diligently but also generates compostable waste.
- Need: Separation of waste streams.
- Recommendation: A 15-gallon dual compartment trash can size (e.g., 10-gallon trash, 5-gallon recycling) or a 13-gallon standard can plus a separate 10-gallon recycling bin.
Maintenance and Long-Term Sizing
The size of your can impacts maintenance too. A very large kitchen trash can means fewer bag changes, but each bag will be heavier. Heavy bags are harder to pull out and carry to the curb.
If you find that even a 16-gallon bag is too heavy for you to manage, you might need to switch to a slightly smaller can (like 13 gallons) and simply empty it more often. Comfort in handling matters as much as the volume.
Also, consider the liner cost. Larger bags cost more per unit than standard 13-gallon bags. Factor this small ongoing cost into your decision.
FAQ about Kitchen Trash Can Sizing
What is the standard size for a kitchen trash can in the US?
The standard size for a kitchen trash can in the US is 13 gallons. This size matches the most commonly sold trash can liners.
Can I use a bathroom-sized trash can in my kitchen?
You can use a small kitchen trash can (under 10 gallons) in the kitchen if you live alone or have very low waste. However, you will need to empty it daily, which can become inconvenient.
What is a good step trash can size for daily use?
A good step trash can size for a typical family is between 13 and 18 gallons. This size balances ease of use with reduced emptying frequency.
How do I calculate the necessary under counter trash can size?
Measure the interior space of the cabinet: Height, Width, and Depth. Subtract about 1 to 2 inches from each measurement to ensure the can slides in easily and the door can close. The resulting space determines your maximum under counter trash can size.
Should I get a small or large kitchen trash can?
Generally, it is better to err on the side of slightly too large rather than too small. A slightly large can means fewer overflows and less mess. For most families, this means aiming for 13 to 16 gallons.
Does the swing top trash can size differ from others?
The exterior swing top trash can size may look the same as a standard can, but the internal capacity might be slightly reduced due to the lid mechanism. However, they are excellent for small spaces as they require no overhead clearance.