What is the Standard Kitchen Trash Can Size?
When it's time to purchase a new kitchen trash can, one of the most important decisions is identifying the right size. With so many options available, how do you determine what constitutes a standard kitchen trash can size and choose the best one for your needs?
Why Trash Can Size Matters
Trash can size affects several aspects of your kitchen experience.
Preventing Overflow and Messes
Bigger trash receptacles allow more waste accumulation between emptyings. This prevents spills, overflowing bags, and other unpleasant messes in your kitchen. Smaller cans fill up quickly and require very frequent emptying to avoid garbage pile-up.

Overflowing waste also leads to unpleasant odors in your kitchen and can attract insects or rodents. The appropriate sized can contains and conceals the trash until you take it out.
Ease of Use
Cans that are too small become a hassle to use. You'll have to empty them multiple times per week to prevent overflow. This adds up to frequent annoying trips out to your building's trash area or alleyway.
Larger cans that accommodate more trash only need emptied once a week or less. This saves you the headache of regular trash removal. Just pull the bag out when full and you're done for several days.
Aesthetics
Oversized trash cans look cluttered in a kitchen. On the other hand, undersized receptacles look out of place. The right standard size leaves enough room for waste but maintains a clean, organized look.
Choosing the properly scaled can improves the overall visual appeal of your kitchen's layout and design.
Typical Kitchen Trash Can Sizes
Kitchen trash cans generally range from 12 to 35 gallons in capacity. Here are the standard size categories:
Small (12-16 Gallons)
With dimensions around 12-15 inches wide by 14-18 inches high, small cans are best suited for 1-2 people generating minimal daily waste. The compact size requires frequent emptying.
Medium (16-23 Gallons)
Medium cans measure 14-18 inches wide by 18-22 inches high. They work well for 2-3 people taking out the trash every 2-3 days.
Large (23-30 Gallons)
At 18-20 inches wide and 22-25 inches high, large cans fit a family of 3-5 people with 1-2 times per week removal. This is likely the most popular standard kitchen trash can size.
Extra-Large (30+ Gallons)
Oversized cans 20+ inches wide and 25+ inches high accommodate large households of 5+ people. They allow extended durations between emptying for busy families.
How to Choose the Right Size
Follow these tips to select the ideal kitchen trash can size for your unique needs:
Estimate Weekly Trash Volume
Track the number of trash bags your household generates per week. Allow for roughly 2-3 gallons per average 13-gallon kitchen bag. Add up your weekly volume to estimate needed trash can capacity.
Factor in Removal Frequency
If you take out the trash less often, increase your can's size to allow for more accumulation between emptyings. Cans that get emptied daily can be smaller.
Leave Room to Spare
Don't plan to fill your trash can to the brim each time. Leave 10-20% empty space so lids close properly and bags come out cleanly.
Consider Household Size
The more people you have, the more trash you generate. Make sure to size up accordingly for larger families and households.
Additional Recommended Features
Beyond just capacity, consider these extra features when shopping for the ideal kitchen garbage can:
- Sturdy steel construction for durability
- Fingerprint proof finish for easy cleaning
- Inner plastic liner or bag holder to neatly contain trash
- Locking lid to contain odors
- Quiet closing lid that won't slam loudly
- Non-skid bottom ring to prevent sliding on floors
Now that you know the standard kitchen trash can dimensions and capacities, you can make an informed choice. Consider your household's unique needs and waste volume to select a can that fits your lifestyle.
With the properly sized trash receptacle for your kitchen, you'll prevent messes, enjoy easier maintenance, and have an organized space.