How to Size Trash Cans Correctly for Indoor vs Outdoor Use

Choosing the right trash can size isn’t just about gallons—it’s about performance, efficiency, and longevity. As a trusted trash can manufacturer, Securr helps businesses, municipalities, and facilities select trash receptacles that match real-world usage.

Whether you’re planning for indoor spaces or outdoor environments, proper sizing depends on four key factors: volume, traffic patterns, liner compatibility, and environment-specific demands.

1. Volume: Start With Waste Output, Not Guesswork

Trash can volume should align with how much waste is generated between service intervals.

Indoor Trash Can Sizing

Indoor areas typically generate lighter, more compact waste:

• Offices, lobbies, and retail spaces often perform well with 10–23 gallon trash cans

• Food service areas and break rooms may require 23–32 gallon capacities

Oversized indoor cans can lead to odor issues and inefficient liner use, while undersized cans increase labor costs due to frequent emptying.

Outdoor Trash Can Sizing

Outdoor trash cans must handle:

• Higher volumes

• Bulkier waste

• Longer service cycles

Most municipalities and facilities standardize on 32–35 gallon poly carts or larger. As an experienced commercial trash can manufacturer, Securr designs enclosures specifically to support these industry-standard volumes.

2. Traffic Patterns: Match Can Size to Footfall

A key mistake is sizing trash cans without considering how many people will use them.

• Low-traffic indoor areas: Smaller capacity trash cans reduce footprint and visual clutter

• High-traffic indoor areas (airports, malls, hospitals): Medium to large cans prevent overflow

• Outdoor high-traffic zones (parks, campuses, city streets): Large-capacity trash cans are essential to avoid litter and overflow

Securr trash can enclosures are engineered to support high-traffic environments while maintaining a clean, professional appearance.

3. Liner Compatibility: Protect Efficiency and Costs

Trash can sizing must align with readily available liners. Mismatched liners lead to:

• Slippage

• Tearing

• Increased labor and supply costs

As a professional trash can manufacturer, Securr builds products around standard liner sizes—especially 32–35 gallon bags, which are widely used by municipalities and commercial waste haulers.

Proper liner compatibility ensures:

• Faster servicing

• Reduced waste exposure

• Lower operational costs

4. Environment-Specific Sizing: Indoor vs Outdoor Realities

Indoor Environments

Indoor trash cans prioritize:

• Space efficiency

• Aesthetics

• Odor control

Smaller, strategically placed trash cans work best, especially when paired with frequent servicing schedules.

Outdoor Environments

Outdoor trash cans face:

• Weather exposure

• Vandalism and animals

• Heavy-duty use

This is where purpose-built enclosures matter.

Product Highlight: Securr Outdoor Trash or Recycle Cart Garage (CE135M-CH)

Designed by a leading trash can manufacturer, the Securr CE135M-CH Outdoor Trash or Recycle Cart Garage is built for demanding outdoor environments.

Key Features:

• Holds one 35 gallon poly trash or recycle cart

• Solid body or panel design options

• Protects carts from weather, animals, and unauthorized access

• Ideal for municipalities, parks, campuses, and commercial properties

This enclosure ensures proper trash can sizing while extending the life of your carts and maintaining a clean outdoor environment.

Why Work With a Specialized Trash Can Manufacturer

Partnering with an experienced trash can manufacturer like Securr ensures:

• Correct sizing for real-world use

• Products engineered for durability and compliance

• Better long-term value and lower maintenance costs

From indoor facilities to outdoor municipal applications, Securr helps customers size trash cans correctly the first time.

Talk to a Securr Trash Can Specialist

Need help choosing the right trash can or enclosure for your space?

📞 Call: 888.671.7066
✉️ Email: sales@securr.com