How Many Gallons Is a Trash Can? Common Sizes Explained

Buying the wrong trash can is more common than you’d think. You order what looks like a “regular” trash can online, and it either overflows in two days or takes up half the kitchen. The problem usually comes down to one thing: not knowing how gallon capacity actually translates to real-world size.

This guide breaks down every common trash can size — from small bathroom bins to massive 96-gallon curbside carts — along with their dimensions in inches, so you can pick the right one the first time.

How Many Gallons Is a Trash Can, in Inches?

Trash cans are sold by volume (gallons or liters), but volume alone doesn’t tell you if a can will physically fit in your space. That’s why dimensions matter just as much as capacity.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how gallon capacity generally lines up with height and width:

Capacity	Approx. Height	Approx. Width/Diameter
2–4 gallons	9–12 in	7–9 in
7–8 gallons	13–15 in	9–11 in
13 gallons	24–25 in	14–15 in
20 gallons	27–30 in	16–18 in
32–35 gallons	35–39 in	19–22 in
64 gallons	39–44 in	22–24 in
96 gallons	43–46 in	23–26 in

Keep in mind these numbers vary slightly by brand, since round and rectangular cans of the same gallon size don’t always share identical measurements.

Also Read This Measurement: 59 inches equals 4 feet 11 inches

Garbage Can Sizes: Waste Management Standards

Most municipal waste providers, including Waste Management (WM), issue wheeled carts in three standard curbside sizes: 35, 64, and 96 gallons. These carts follow fairly consistent dimensions across cities since they’re built to work with automated collection trucks.

Standard Outdoor Trash Can Size

For most households, the standard outdoor trash can size falls between 30 and 35 gallons. This size handles a typical week’s worth of household waste without becoming too heavy or bulky to roll to the curb.

96-Gallon Trash Can Dimensions

A 96-gallon trash can typically measures:

• Height: 43–46 inches (lid to ground)
• Width: 23–26 inches
• Depth: 31–34.5 inches

This is the largest common curbside size, generally used for larger households or as a shared bin in multi-unit properties.

Standard Kitchen Trash Can Sizes

Kitchens generate more daily waste than any other room, which is why kitchen trash cans come in a wider range of sizes than bathroom or bedroom bins. Choosing the right one depends on household size, kitchen layout, and how often you’re willing to take out the trash.

13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions

The 13-gallon can is the most popular kitchen trash can size in the U.S., and for good reason — it strikes a balance between capacity and footprint.

• Height: approximately 24–25 inches
• Width: approximately 14–15 inches
• Best for: households of 2–4 people

This is also the size most “tall kitchen” trash bags are designed to fit.

Also Read This Measurement:  20 grams

10-Gallon & Under-Cabinet Trash Can Dimensions

If you’re tucking a bin under the sink or inside a cabinet, a 10-gallon or smaller can is usually the better fit.

• Height: around 17 inches
• Width/Diameter: around 12–15 inches
• Best for: small kitchens, single-person households, secondary bins for recycling

Under-cabinet models are often narrower and taller (or shorter and wider) depending on the cabinet space they’re built for, so measuring your cabinet first is essential.

Indoor Trash Can Sizes

Not every room needs a kitchen-sized bin. Here’s how indoor trash can sizes typically break down by room:

• Bathroom: 1.5–4 gallons — compact, often without a lid
• Bedroom/Office: 5–8 gallons — slightly larger, sometimes with a swing lid
• Kitchen: 10–20 gallons — the workhorse of the home
• Garage/Utility Room: 20–32 gallons — for bulkier household waste

Trash Can Dimensions in CM

If you’re shopping from a metric-based retailer or just prefer centimeters, here’s a fast conversion:

Gallons	Inches (Height)	Centimeters (Height)
4 gallon	~12 in	~30 cm
13 gallon	~24 in	~61 cm
32 gallon	~36 in	~91 cm
96 gallon	~46 in	~117 cm

Waste Management Garbage Can Sizes and Prices

WM’s cart pricing typically depends on the size selected (35, 64, or 96 gallons), with larger carts costing more per month due to higher collection volume. Exact pricing varies by city and service plan, so it’s best to check with your local WM provider for current rates.

20-Gallon Trash Can

A 20-gallon trash can sits right between a standard kitchen bin and a full-sized outdoor can. It’s a popular choice for larger kitchens, home offices with heavy paper waste, or apartments without curbside pickup.

• Height: approximately 27–30 inches
• Width: approximately 16–18 inches

20–30 Gallon Large Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions

Larger households or anyone who cooks frequently may outgrow the standard 13-gallon can. In that case, a 20–30 gallon kitchen trash can offers noticeably more room without needing a full outdoor-sized bin.

• Height: 30–33 inches
• Width: 18–20 inches
• Best for: families of 5+, shared kitchens, high-waste households

Pull-Out Cabinet Trash Can Dimensions

Pull-out or slide-out cabinet trash cans are built to match standard cabinet openings.

• Width: typically 12–24 inches (matching cabinet width)
• Height: typically 15–20 inches
• Depth: matches the cabinet’s interior depth

Always measure your cabinet’s interior width, height, and depth before buying — pull-out systems have very little wiggle room.

Round vs. Rectangular

The shape of a trash can affects both its footprint and how efficiently it uses bag capacity.

• Round cans — Easier to find replacement bags for, generally more affordable, better for open floor space
• Rectangular cans — Fit corners and cabinets more efficiently, often preferred for built-in or pull-out systems

Neither shape is “better” outright — it depends on where the can will sit and how much floor or cabinet space you’re working with.

How to Choose the Right Trash Can Size

Here’s a simple way to decide:

Measure your space first — cabinet, corner, or floor area

• Estimate your household’s daily waste volume
• Match that volume to the closest standard gallon size
• Check bag compatibility before finalizing your choice

Skipping step one is the most common mistake — a trash can that’s the “right” gallon size can still be too tall or too wide for where it needs to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 12-gallon trash can enough?

Yes, for most 1–3 person households, a 12-gallon trash can comfortably handles daily kitchen waste between pickup days.

Are most trash cans 13 gallons?

Yes, 13 gallons is the most common kitchen trash can size in the U.S., matching standard “tall kitchen” trash bags.

Is a 20-gallon trash can big?

It’s on the larger side for indoor use — suitable for bigger households, but often too large for small kitchens or cabinets.

How can I tell how many gallons my garbage can is?

Check the manufacturer’s label, measure the interior dimensions and calculate volume, or match your can’s height and width to a standard size chart.

How many gallons is a regular garbage can?

A “regular” indoor garbage can is typically 13 gallons, while a standard outdoor garbage can usually falls between 30 and 35 gallons.

Final Thoughts

Trash can sizing doesn’t have to be confusing once you understand how gallons translate to real dimensions. Whether you’re picking a compact bathroom bin, a 13-gallon kitchen staple, or a 96-gallon curbside cart, matching the capacity to your actual space and waste habits will save you from constant overflow or wasted floor space. Measure first, then shop — it’s the easiest way to get it right on the first try.