What Size Trash Can Should You Get? — Trash Talk

According to 2016 stats from the EPA, the average American produces about 4.4 pounds of trash a day, and the average family of four produces 17.4 pounds. At first it was a surprise to me that kids create just as much waste as adults do, but then I remembered all the diapers, single-serve applesauce packets, and "art" they bring home from school … the kids may be worse than I am! That being said, I feel like we might be on the low side of average: We recycle and compost diligently, buy relatively few things pre-packaged, and usually remember to bring our reusable bags to the grocery store. With all that, we (a family of four) have a 45-liter (12.5-gallon) trash can that we empty about once a week.

Of course, figuring out the best size trash can for you is about more than just how much trash you produce. It's about your habits, tolerance, and space requirements. Here are the factors to consider in order to choose the best size trash can for you.

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