Kitchen Trash Can Size Guide

Have you given much thought to your kitchen trash can? If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t. The kitchen trash can is one of the most important tools in your kitchen for keeping it clean and organized. If it's too small, you have to keep changing the bags and take out the trash. If it’s too big, it takes up valuable space. Fabuwood does create custom cutouts for your trash can if you want to fit it snugly behind a cabinet door, out of the way. Even with these customizations, choosing the correct can size for your everyday needs is essential.

This article will guide you in picking out the perfect trash can size to fit your kitchen.

Standard Kitchen Trash Can Sizes

Kitchen trash cans range from 12 to 16 gallons, the most common size being 13 gallons. This is the standard size that fits regular trash bags. You might need something bigger or smaller, depending on your household size and how much trash you produce.

• 3-5 gallons: These are ideal for bedrooms or bathrooms but can also be used as a small recycling bin in the kitchen.
• 7-10 gallons: This size is great for offices, but in the kitchen, it works well under the sink.
• 12-16 gallons: This is the most common kitchen trash can size. It’s big enough to handle plenty of kitchen waste without having to be emptied constantly.
• 20-30 gallons: Large families or people who cook a lot could benefit from this size. They are typically used in commercial spaces.
• 30-48 gallons: This size is for outdoor trash cans and can hold several bags of trash.

How to Choose the Right Trash Can Size

There are a few important things to consider when choosing the trash can for your kitchen:

How Many People are in Your Household?

The more people, the more trash. For smaller households, 7-10-gallon cans would be enough. For families of 4-6, a 12–16-gallon can would be a good fit.

How Much Trash Do You Make?

If you recycle or compost, you can use a smaller can, like a 7-10-gallon can. If you throw everything away in the trash, you’ll want to use a bigger size.

Where Will the Trash Go?

If your can will be freestanding, you can use a larger size. The 12-16 gallon can is usually 20-30 inches high, which fits well next to a counter. If you plan to put your can under your sink, measure. Your trash can should be smaller than the cabinet to accommodate a trash can pull-out, the pipes, and sink basin.

How Often Do You Want to Take Out Trash?

If you produce a lot of waste, you’ll need to take out the trash more often. A 13-gallon can typically be large enough to handle a family’s daily trash, but if you want to take out trash less often, opt for a larger 20-gallon can.

Choosing the Right Trash Bags

Most standard trash cans use 13-gallon bags, which perfectly fit the standard 12-16-gallon can. If you choose a bag that’s too big, it’ll constantly slip down, and if you have a bag that is too small, it won’t fit the can fully, which can be frustrating. Double-check the bag size while buying to avoid any headaches later on!

Quick Tip: Choose odor-neutralizing trash bags for a nice, clean scent whenever you change your garbage bag! These also keep unpleasant odors from taking over your kitchen whenever you open your can.

Trash Can Aesthetics

Trash cans come in several different shapes, including rectangular, square, and circular. Rectangular cans are more compact and can easily fit in a corner. Because they take up less space, they will hold less trash, which should be considered. Circular cans look great, are easy to handle, and don’t waste space. Square cans are usually reserved for large cans in a commercial setting, which hold a lot of trash. Consider your kitchen layout if you need a more compact can or a larger one.

Trash cans also come in various finishes and colors. The most common finishes are matte, plastic, and brushed stainless steel; the most common colors are stainless steel, black, white, and grey. For an added pop of fun, more colorful cans like bold red and green add a great statement to your kitchen, especially if your kitchen has bold color cabinets.

Trash Can Features

There are many add-on features that will take your trash can to the next level, making it easier to use daily.

• Foot Pedals: The most basic trash cans include a standard foot pedal. You simply step on it to open the lid. A soft-close lid includes a mechanism to allow it to close slowly. A wide foot pedal offers a full bar across the base of the can, which is more convenient. A dual-action pedal enables you to step on it for regular use or to lock the lid in an open position.
• Lid Types: Swing-top lids make it easy to throw away trash but don’t control odor. Touch-top lids pop open when you press them. You have to press again to close. Touchless lids are sensor-activated, and the lid is automatically opened when you wave your hand near it. Manual lids require you to open and close them yourself.
• Odor Neutralizer: Some trash cans have built-in charcoal filters that trap and absorb odors. These filters are replaced every few weeks. Another option is baking soda products which come in cartridges or a pouch that you can stick to the inside of the lid.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

The right choice for you depends on your household size, how much you cook, and how much waste you produce. For many, the 12-16-gallon can size is the best bet. Choosing the right size can will make your cleanup easier and your kitchen cleaner and more organized. Measure your space and your cabinets, think about where you want to keep your can, and you’ll find the right trash can for your kitchen. To create a custom trash can pull-out for your kitchen design, reach out to your local dealer.