10 Best Trash Can For Large Family of 2025, Tested by Experts

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Large garbage bins are often referred to as wheelie bins, dumpsters, or toter bins, depending on their size and purpose. In residential settings, the term wheelie bin is common—these are large plastic containers with wheels and a hinged lid, typically provided by city waste services for curbside pickup. For commercial use or apartment complexes, you'll often hear the term dumpster, which refers to much larger metal bins designed for heavy-duty use and collected by garbage trucks with specialized lifting arms.

Other common names include:

• Roll-out carts (especially in municipal waste programs)

• Trash containers (a more general term)

• Outdoor garbage cans (when used by homeowners for yard or household waste)

What size trash can for a family of 5?

For a family of five, a 13-gallon (approximately 50-liter) kitchen trash can is usually the minimum for indoor use, especially for food and packaging waste. However, depending on cooking frequency and consumption habits, you may need to empty it daily or every other day.

For outdoor curbside bins, a 64-gallon to 96-gallon cart is typically recommended for weekly pickup. Here’s a quick guideline:

• 64 gallons: Suitable if your family recycles heavily and doesn't generate excessive waste.

• 96 gallons: A safer choice if you produce more trash or prefer fewer trips to the curb.

Also, consider using multiple cans for sorting trash, recycling, and composting to manage waste more efficiently.

How big is a 25-liter trash can?

A 25-liter trash can is considered a small to medium-sized bin, ideal for use in bathrooms, bedrooms, or home offices. It holds about 6.6 gallons of waste. To visualize it, this size can comfortably hold a day's worth of tissues, wrappers, or light packaging materials for one or two people.

In terms of dimensions, a 25-liter can usually measures around:

• 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) in height

• 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) in diameter or width

It’s compact, easy to tuck under a desk or counter, and often used with smaller trash liners (like 4-gallon or 6-gallon bags).

How big of a trash can do I need for one person?

For a single person, a 7–10 gallon (26–38 liter) kitchen trash can is generally sufficient for day-to-day waste. This size strikes a balance between not taking up too much space and not needing to be emptied too frequently.

However, your lifestyle affects this:

• If you cook at home frequently, you might need a 13-gallon can.

• If you eat out often or recycle a lot, a smaller 7–8 gallon can may be enough.

For the bathroom or bedroom, a 3–5 gallon (11–19 liter) trash can is typically more than adequate.

Finding the right trash can for a large family isn’t just about size—it’s about durability, odor control, ease of use, and how well it fits into your daily routine. The best models we’ve covered offer a balance of generous capacity and smart features that make managing household waste less of a chore. Whether you’re looking for a sleek stainless steel option or a heavy-duty workhorse with dual compartments, there’s something out there to fit your needs. Investing in the right trash can may seem like a small decision, but for a busy household, it can make a surprisingly big difference.