Finding the Right Trash Can or Recycling Bin

Trash Can Sizes

Size is one of the most important factors in choosing trash cans. A trash can that is too big for a room takes up valuable floor space and can be a visual distraction. A can that is too small will need to be emptied repeatedly, which hurts productivity and cleanliness and adds labor through extra trips and liner changes. For most commercial spaces, 32 to 40 gallons is the standard size and a reliable starting point, which you can scale up or down based on the area. Choosing a single size within that range simplifies liner purchasing.

For an effective trash removal program, consider your business' volume and the daily waste you produce. High-volume operations such as restaurants, cafeterias, and sizeable venues may need several large trash cans for back-of-house use. Front-of-house areas benefit from smaller, discreet cans in the sight of guests. Space-saving slim cans work well next to counters and in areas where you need a small footprint.

Tip: For guest-facing areas, brushed stainless steel hides fingerprints better than polished. For outdoor areas, look for powder-coated or galvanized steel, or heavy concrete where cans shouldn't move. For spaces that are moved or pressure washed often, plastic is usually the most practical choice.

Types of Trash Cans

When determining the type of trash or recycling container you need, think about where you'll be placing your receptacle, how much waste it will hold, and whether it will need to be transported. A healthcare facility, for example, needs different containers for patient rooms, lobbies, and exterior grounds. The same is true for restaurants, offices, schools, and warehouses, where each area has its own traffic level, sanitation needs, and cleanup routine. Start by mapping your space by area, then choose a container type for each based on how you'll use and service it. Once you know what works, standardizing on a few models across your locations makes multi-site operations, reordering, training, and liner purchasing much simpler. Take a look at the various types and styles of trash cans below to determine which are best for your business.

Commercial Trash Cans

Made with high-quality, commercial-grade materials, commercial trash cans are designed to withstand heavy-duty use in any high-traffic facility. They typically come in a round or square shape and range in size from 6 gallons to 150 gallons. The term commercial trash can covers a wide variety of styles, so it is important to know where you want to place your receptacle when selecting a type. Below are some common types of commercial trash cans.

• Step-On Trash Cans: Ideal for hospitals, bathrooms, and kitchen prep areas, step-on trash cans feature pedals at the bottom that allow you to open the can without using your hands.
• Disposable Trash Cans: Perfect for high-volume indoor and outdoor events, disposable trash cans are low-cost, easy to set up, and disposable after the event is over.
• Countertop Trash Cans: Place countertop trash cans at self-service stations to collect straw wrappers, coffee stirrers, or sugar packets. They're also great for sample stations where customers need to dispose of used toothpicks or tasting spoons.
• Medical Trash Cans: Featuring step-activation for hands-free use, medical trash cans are designed to support safe containment of infectious waste.

Outdoor Trash Cans

Maintain a clean and inviting outdoor facility, park, or stadium with outdoor trash cans. They are made with heavy-duty plastic, steel, or concrete to last in any kind of weather, and boast covered or partially covered lids for convenient disposal of discarded goods while keeping unsightly trash out of sight. In addition to withstanding the elements, some outdoor trash cans are designed to be animal-resistant. Their reinforced construction and locks protect against repeated clawing and chewing by bears, making them great for campgrounds, parks, and complexes. Check out the specialty styles of outdoor trash cans below.

• Drive-Thru Trash Cans: Coming with a chute-style lid, drive-thru trash cans make it easy for customers to dispose of trash directly from their cars. They also help minimize odor and keep rainwater from filling the can, so they are easy to empty.
• Outdoor Cigarette Receptacles: Ideal for use outside your business to efficiently collect cigarette waste, outdoor ashtrays and cigarette receptacles come as either stand-alone units or with a larger compartment to also hold regular trash. It is wise to always have at least one cigarette receptacle located on your property to prevent cigarettes from winding up on the ground and littering your premises.
• Pet Waste Stations: If you operate a dog-friendly business, park, or campground, it is helpful to install a pet waste station to keep your property clean and designate a specific area for pet waste disposal.

Industrial Trash Cans

Use an industrial trash can to handle large loads of waste and heavy or bulky materials that standard containers can't accommodate. They are ideal for warehouses, manufacturing plants, distribution centers, landscaping businesses, and construction sites, where debris is generated continuously and needs to be consolidated quickly. Some industrial trash cans are equipped with casters for easy maneuvering to larger waste receptacles. Others are stationary to serve as a dumpsite for large amounts of trash. When choosing one, consider the weight you'll haul, how far it needs to travel, the width of your aisles and doorways, and whether your team will unload by hand or tip into a dumpster. Matching these details to the right style means fewer trips, less strain on staff, and containers built to handle heavy daily use. Discover common styles of industrial trash cans:

• Wheeled Trash Cans: Featuring two large wheels at the rear of the can, wheeled trash cans can be used stationary, and then you can tilt them onto their wheels for easy transport around your facility. Compared to tilt trucks, wheeled trash cans have a smaller footprint.
• Tilt Trucks: Boasting ample weight capacities, tilt trucks are designed to handle anywhere from 300 lb. to 2,300 lb. of trash and raw materials. Their design makes it easy for one person to unload the trash.
• Cube Trucks: Compared to tilt trucks, cube trucks have four equal-sized casters, and they remain in the same position when stationary and in transit. They boast large capacities, are easy to maneuver, and have high walls that keep items from falling while moving.
• Dumpsters: Use dumpsters to collect and consolidate trash outside of your building. Many types of dumpsters feature sealed rim lids to prevent leaks and odors.

Decorative Trash Cans

Perfect for front entryways, conference rooms, waiting rooms, and lobbies, decorative trash cans come in different styles, finishes, and colors to blend into your venue for inconspicuous waste management. These are the containers your customers, tenants, and visitors see first, so select durable finishes that resist scratches and dents, and choose designs with easy-access liner changes so your custodial team can service them quickly. You can choose between indoor and outdoor models and between waste and recycling bins. Below are some common styles of decorative trash cans.

• Stainless Steel Trash Cans: Featuring a stylish, clean appearance, stainless steel trash cans are ideal for front lobbies, waiting areas, and other rooms where you need a durable waste disposal option that won't sacrifice style.
• Concrete Trash Cans: Durable, weather-resistant concrete trash cans feature a heavy weight to keep them secure outdoors. They are ideal for high-volume settings, such as shopping malls, parks, and hotels that need stylish yet practical waste receptacles.
• Multi-Stream Decorative Trash Cans: Make it easy for guests to sort trash and recyclables with a multi-stream decorative outdoor trash can. They maximize floor space by providing both waste and recycling in one unit.
• Decorative Recycling Bins: Providing stylish, easily identifiable decorative recycling bins will help further your facility's green initiatives without detracting from your aesthetic.
• Decorative Outdoor Trash Cans: Maintain the upscale appearance of your grounds while providing exceptional waste control with decorative outdoor trash cans. They typically feature an open top to enable hands-free disposal for maximum sanitation.

Space-Saving Trash Cans

Maximize the available square footage with space-saving trash cans. They are great for small kitchens, bathrooms, break rooms, and offices with little available space. Many of these trash cans have a slim profile and are designed to fit in corners, hug walls, or fit into a recessed cutout. Because they hold less than a standard utility can, they work best where waste is light to moderate or where staff can empty them on a regular schedule. Before you buy, measure the space's footprint, including door swing, walkway clearance, and any counter or cabinet height, so the can fits without blocking traffic. Also check that your liners match the smaller dimensions of these cans, since slim and corner shapes often take different liner sizes than round or square models. Pairing a space-saving can with a nearby recycling bin is an easy way to support recycling in tight areas without adding clutter. Explore common styles of space-saving trash cans:

• Undercounter Trash Cans: These trash cans feature a sloped front opening that makes them the perfect size for storing under most commercial-height counters to save space. Many undercounter trash cans feature handles for easy access when you need to pull them out or push them back under the counter.
• Slim Trash Cans: Featuring a slim profile and rectangular shape, slim trash cans are great for placing in breakrooms, kitchens, narrow hallways, and other tight spaces while remaining out of the footpath.
• Corner Trash Cans: The triangle design of a corner trash can allows it to be inconspicuously placed in corners around your dining area and office.
• Half-Round Trash Cans: The design of a half-round trash can fits flush against a wall to reduce obstruction in high-traffic areas. They are available in heavy-duty plastic or stainless steel, making them great for indoor and outdoor use.
• Wall-Mounted Trash Cans: Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, wall-mounted trash cans keep the container out of the way of foot traffic and leave floors clear for cleaning.