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Which Trash Can Size Is Right For Your Home And Kitchen?
Modified: December 6, 2023
Surprising pointers on choosing your perfect trash can size: from the number of people to the type of room, here's everything you need to know.
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Do you find yourself struggling with an overflowing trash can every time? Or are you bothered by that overly large trash can which rarely gets filled?
When people don’t put much thought into buying a trash can, it can lead to all kinds of frustration. It is easy to get carried away by the countless varieties of trash can models these days, and neglect size in the process.
Make no mistake, however: size is an important deciding factor when it comes to trash cans. A good trash can can make a whole world of difference. So, the next time you’re looking to purchase a trash can, give some extra thought as to what you really want out of it. Below are some factors to consider:
Read more: What Size Is A Bathroom Trash Can
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1. Choose Your Trash Can Size According To The Room
Trash can sizes vary depending on the room in question. For this reason, the function(s) of the room matter(s). In most households, the largest trash bins can be found in the kitchen and the garage.
A kitchen is undoubtedly a place that produces a ton of waste on a daily basis – with all the peels of vegetables and fruits, it is easy to see how. Considering all this, the size of a kitchen trash can should be around 12 to 16 gallons.
You wouldn’t expect a bathroom to produce as much waste as a kitchen. For toilet paper and other waste, a 4-gallon trash can should be enough. A bedroom creates less mess than a kitchen but more so than a bathroom. Expect even larger loads if we are talking about a kid’s bedroom here. Typically, a 7 to 10 gallon trash can would suffice for a bedroom or office.
Where do you store your trash once the smaller trash cans inside the house get full? Yes, the garage. So it would be wise to get a large-sized can for your garage as well.
Ultimately, trash can sizes will still vary according to how you use a room. This may vary from person to person. Furthermore, the dimensions of your room should also be considered.
2. The Number Of People Can Determine The Trash Can Sizes
The more people there are, the more waste that you are likely to produce. If you live alone, be happy as that means you’ll probably generate less waste! A 7-gallon trash can should serve you okay. If you are two of you, go for a 7 to 10 gallon-sized trash can.
A family of 4 would create quite a lot of trash. You might want to get a 12 to 16 gallon-sized trash can if you want to avoid taking the trash out too frequently. And if your family is larger than that, go for a larger trash can. You should probably make a 20 to 30 gallon-sized trash can your main waste receptacle.
3. How Much Trash You Create
Waste segregation is never easy. But considering how our planet is suffering, it is high time that we give recycling a thought. If you live in a city that have compost curbside pick-up services, you’re in luck. Otherwise, you could make your own compost pile to reduce trash, if you are up for it. If you compost and recycle, a 7 to 10-gallon trash can should be sufficient. This is to accommodate the other miscellaneous waste that may be produced.
If you put all your food waste alongside other types of waste, you tend to produce more trash. (If your trash company doesn’t offer recycling pick-up services, we strongly encourage you to find a recycling center to drop the recyclables off ). However, If you discard food waste into your trash bin, then you should ” upsize” to 12 to 16 gallons. If you throw food, recyclables and trash in the same bin, you will need a bigger product: in that case, a 20 to 30-gallon trash can would be appropriate.
Read more: What Size Cabinet For Trash Can
4. The Space You Have Decides Trash Can Sizes
Choose your garbage can sizes according to the amount of space that is available. You wouldn’t want a huge trash can to take up all the floor space, especially if you are short of space.
Large trash cans will not fit well in a small kitchen since they will take up a lot of floor space and get in the way. A trash can under the sink will be helpful for reclaiming space. However, it will limit the kitchen trash can size to fit in. So, it’s always good to determine the placement of your trash bin before you get it. We suggest that you measure how much space you have before purchasing a certain trash can.
Most under-sink cabinets are 30 inches tall, so your trash can needs to be shorter than that. Otherwise, it won’t leave any room for the lid when you need to open the trash can. A 7–10-gallon trash can will usually be the right size. An attractive stainless steel trash can will add to a kitchen’s decor scheme. 12 to 16 gallons can easily fit in a corner. If you have enough space in your kitchen, a large can would be convenient. If you have a kitchen island or a pantry that can accommodate a 20 to 30-gallon trash can, go for it.
5. How Often You Empty Your Trash Can Determine Your Trash Can Sizes
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If you are among those who take out their trash daily, you wouldn’t require a very large can. A 7 to 10 gallon-sized trash should be sufficient. But if you’re the type of person who waits until the trash can is filled to the brim, get a larger can. This is also applicable to those who have a weekly routine of emptying their trash.
If you have less than four people in your home, get an average-sized bin. A 12 to 16 gallon-sized trash can store waste for up to a week. But if you have more people in your house, go big with that trash can – 20 to 30 gallons should last you for about a week.
Even so, it is always better to empty your trash as often as possible. By doing so, you can prevent the risk of pest invasion and bad odor. Even if you decide to keep the trash for a week, make sure you get a trash can with an airtight lid.
6. Trash Can Sizes Based On Trash Bags
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Grocery bags always come in handy to dispose of your trash – this way you can reuse plastic, to some extent. But many prefer store-bought trash bags because they are more convenient. Furthermore, standard trash bags sizes are available in a greater variety of options. Either way, it is important to select garbage can sizes that can neatly accommodate your trash bag.
7. Trash Can Sizes For Different Lifestyles
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Your lifestyle is an important deciding factor for your trash can size. All these factors matter but are ultimately relative.
For instance, you are someone who spends a lot of time at home. You will probably be responsible for a lot of trash in your house. Consequently, you will require a larger trash can. On the other hand, you are a student, working adult or someone who is constantly traveling, you will create less trash at home, making a smaller trash can a viable option.
If you prefer cooking at home, you will accumulate more kitchen waste. Such a lifestyle will require bigger kitchen trash bags, which translate to bigger trash can sizes.
And finally kids! If you have kids at home, it will be better to go for big sized cans. Children tend to create more waste, after all. From diapers to chocolate and snack covers, the list is endless. Moreover, the bigger size will help them get the trash in the bin rather than outside.
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