Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions: Size, Height and Length

Choosing the right kitchen trash can dimensions can make your daily routine smoother and keep your space organized. The wrong size means constant trips to empty an overflowing bin or wasted space in your kitchen. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about trash can measurements to find your perfect fit.

Kitchen trash can dimensions typically range from compact 5-gallon models to large 20-gallon options. Standard sizes include rectangular cans measuring 14 to 24 inches wide, 19 to 26 inches deep, and 25 to 35 inches tall. Round models usually feature a diameter of 14 to 18 inches with similar height ranges, making them ideal for different kitchen layouts and storage needs.

Key Measurements You Need to Know

kitchen trash can measurements starts with three basic dimensions: height, width, and depth. Height typically ranges from 17 inches for compact models to 35 inches for large-capacity bins. Width or diameter spans 12 to 24 inches depending on shape, while depth measurements fall between 10 to 26 inches for most standard options.

Capacity in gallons doesn’t always tell the full dimensional story for your kitchen space. A 13-gallon can might measure 25 inches tall with a 15-inch diameter in round form, or 18 inches wide by 14 inches deep in rectangular shape. Always check actual physical measurements before purchasing, especially for under-cabinet or pull-out installations where every inch counts.

Standard Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions by Capacity

Small Kitchen Trash Cans (8-10 Gallons)

Small kitchen trash cans measuring 8 to 10 gallons typically stand 17 to 23 inches tall with a width of 12 to 15 inches. These compact dimensions make them perfect for tight spaces under the sink or in cabinets where height clearance is limited. A 5-9 gallon option works well as a secondary bin for recycling or compost in your kitchen area.

The smaller footprint of these bins fits easily in apartments, condos, or as additional storage for sorted waste. Rectangular models in this size range measure approximately 14 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 20 inches tall. They’re ideal for one to two people who generate moderate kitchen waste and don’t mind emptying more frequently.

Medium Kitchen Trash Cans (13 Gallons – Standard Size)

The 13-gallon size represents the most popular kitchen trash can choice for American households. Standard dimensions include 23 to 26 inches in height, 14 to 16 inches in width or diameter, and 12 to 14 inches in depth. The Glad 13 Gallon model measures exactly 14.7″ D x 18″ W x 25″ H, while the Amazon Basics 13.2 Gallon comes in at 14.7″ x 16.7″ x 25.9″.

This kitchen staple fits comfortably in most standard spaces without overwhelming your floor plan or design. A 10-13 gallon can works perfectly for two to four people, balancing capacity with manageable dimensions. The height allows tall kitchen bags to fit properly with overhang, while the width provides stability without monopolizing valuable counter space or work area.

Large Kitchen Trash Cans (16-20+ Gallons)

Large kitchen trash cans with 15+ gallon capacity measure 26 to 35 inches tall and 16 to 24 inches wide. These substantial dimensions suit big families, frequent entertainers, or households that want to minimize trips to outdoor bins. Rectangular large-capacity models can reach 24 inches in width, 20 inches in depth, and 32 inches in height.

The bigger footprint requires careful space planning in your kitchen layout to avoid blocking traffic flow or the work triangle. These bins work best in spacious kitchens with dedicated trash areas or commercial settings. Consider placement near your island, in a pantry, or corner area where the larger dimensions won’t interfere with your kitchen work zones.

Kitchen Trash Can Height

Standard Height Ranges

Kitchen trash can heights fall into three main categories based on capacity and placement needs. Compact models measure 17 to 20 inches tall, perfect for sliding under standard cabinets or sink areas. Standard heights of 23 to 26 inches accommodate most 13-gallon bins and work for general kitchen use without requiring excessive bending.

Tall bins ranging from 27 to 35 inches provide maximum capacity for larger households or high-traffic kitchens. The BETHEBEST 15 Liter compact model stands just 17.61 inches high, while full-size options reach up to 35 inches. Your kitchen cabinet clearance and floor space will determine which height range works best for your home layout.

Height Considerations for Different Placements

Under-sink cabinet installations require precise height measurements, typically 16 to 20 inches maximum to fit below plumbing. Standard kitchen cabinets measure 24 to 36 inches wide with about 20 inches of usable vertical space after accounting for pipes. The Home Zone Living Pull Out dual bin measures 19.72″ x 15.20″ x 19.25″, designed specifically for cabinet installations.

Freestanding placement offers more flexibility with heights up to 35 inches for maximum storage capacity. Consider the height relative to your countertops – a 26-inch can sits about 10 inches below standard 36-inch counter height. This relationship affects ergonomics and how comfortably you can dispose of waste while cooking in your kitchen work area.

Kitchen Trash Can Length and Width

Circular vs. Rectangular Trash Can Dimensions

Round trash cans with diameters of 14 to 18 inches offer a compact footprint that fits easily in corner spaces or beside appliances. The circular shape provides good capacity without sharp edges that might snag on cabinet doors or bump into traffic areas. These dimensions work beautifully in kitchens where floor space comes at a premium and design aesthetics matter.

Rectangular models measuring 14 to 24 inches wide and 19 to 26 inches deep maximize storage efficiency against walls or inside cabinets. The straight edges allow them to slide neatly into tight spaces and align with your kitchen layout lines. Rectangular bins offer more capacity per square inch of floor space, making them practical for busy kitchens with high waste volume.

Measuring Your Available Space

Start by measuring the exact space where you plan to place your kitchen trash can, including width, depth, and height clearances. Use a tape measure to check cabinet openings, accounting for door swings and any plumbing that reduces usable area. Write down these measurements before shopping to ensure your new bin will actually fit in your designated kitchen space.

Add 2 to 4 inches of clearance space around all sides for comfortable lid opening and bag removal. Don’t forget to measure the door swing radius – a lid needs about 6 extra inches behind the can to open fully. Consider nearby appliances, walls, and traffic patterns in your kitchen work triangle when calculating available dimensions.

Slim and Space-Saving Dimensions

Narrow profile trash cans measuring just 8 to 10 inches wide solve storage challenges in compact kitchens or tight spaces. These slim designs compensate for reduced width with increased height, typically standing 28 to 32 inches tall. The BETHEBEST 15 Liter measures only 7.87 inches wide, perfect for squeezing between appliances or in narrow galley kitchens.

Slim models fit beautifully in awkward spaces that standard cans can’t accommodate, like beside your refrigerator or in a pantry. The narrow footprint means less floor space consumption while still providing adequate capacity for smaller households. Consider these space-saving dimensions if your kitchen layout includes challenging corners or limited area near the work triangle.

Kitchen Trash Can Type

Freestanding Kitchen Trash Can Dimensions

Freestanding bins offer the most flexibility with standard dimensions of 14 to 18 inches in diameter for round models. Rectangular freestanding options measure 14 to 20 inches wide and 12 to 16 inches deep, providing stable placement anywhere in your kitchen. These dimensions work best when you have at least 20 by 20 inches of open floor space available.

Position freestanding cans in areas that don’t interrupt your kitchen work triangle between sink, range, and refrigerator. A standard 13-gallon freestanding model needs about 24 inches of total space including clearance for the lid. Consider placing near your island, in a corner area, or beside the pantry where dimensions won’t block traffic flow in your kitchen design.

Under-Sink Trash Can Dimensions

Under-sink installations require specific dimensions to fit within typical cabinet measurements of 24 to 36 inches wide. Height restrictions usually limit bins to 16 to 20 inches maximum to clear plumbing pipes and sink basins. The Home Zone Living Pull Out model with dimensions of 19.72″ x 15.20″ x 19.25″ demonstrates ideal under-cabinet sizing.

Measure your cabinet interior carefully, noting any pipes, garbage disposals, or support structures that reduce usable space. Most under-sink bins feature a depth of 14 to 18 inches to maximize capacity within cabinet constraints. Pull-out models add 2 to 3 inches to depth requirements for the sliding mechanism hardware and smooth operation in your kitchen storage area.

Pull-Out/Slide-Out Trash Can Dimensions

Pull-out systems need cabinet drawers with at least 20 to 24 inches of depth for smooth sliding operation. Width requirements vary from 12 inches for single bins to 20+ inches for dual-compartment recycling setups. The drawer opening must accommodate the bin width plus 2 inches for mounting hardware on each side in your kitchen cabinetry.

Height limitations in pull-out installations typically max out at 18 to 22 inches due to drawer front dimensions. Consider the total cabinet depth including the door when measuring – full-extension slides require adequate space behind. Dual systems like the Home Zone Living model need wider cabinets (19+ inches) to accommodate side-by-side bins for sorting in your kitchen storage design.

Dual Compartment Trash Can Dimensions

Dual-compartment bins for trash and recycling require minimum widths of 16 to 20 inches to house two separate containers. Combined dimensions typically measure 18 to 24 inches wide, 14 to 18 inches deep, and 20 to 26 inches tall. Each individual compartment usually offers 6 to 10 gallon capacity, perfect for sorting waste in your kitchen area.

These wider dimensions demand more floor or cabinet space but eliminate the need for multiple separate bins. The Home Zone Living Pull Out dual system measures 19.72 inches wide total, fitting standard kitchen cabinets. Plan for adequate clearance when doors or lids open on both compartments – add 4 to 6 inches to width measurements for comfortable access in your kitchen layout.

Trash Bag Sizes and How They Correspond to Can Dimensions

Standard Trash Bag Size Guide

Small bags designed for 8 to 10-gallon bins measure approximately 24 inches wide by 27 inches tall when flat. These dimensions create proper overhang on cans measuring 20 to 23 inches in height with 13 to 15-inch widths. Compact kitchen spaces and secondary bins benefit from these smaller bag and can dimension pairings.

Tall kitchen bags for 13-gallon capacity typically measure 24 inches by 30 inches, fitting cans that stand 23 to 26 inches tall. Large bags for 16 to 20-gallon bins expand to 30 inches by 33 inches or larger. Always match bag dimensions to your can height plus 4 to 6 inches for drawstring placement and securing around the rim in your kitchen area.

Ensuring Proper Bag Fit

Calculate required bag size by adding can height plus circumference (or perimeter) plus 6 inches for overhang. For a round can with 15-inch diameter and 25-inch height, you need 25 + (15 × 3.14) + 6 = approximately 78 inches of bag material. Standard tall kitchen bags at 24 × 30 inches (108-inch perimeter) exceed this, ensuring good fit for your kitchen bin.

Rectangular cans require calculating perimeter: (width + depth) × 2. An 18-inch wide by 14-inch deep can has a 64-inch perimeter, needing bags with at least 70 inches (perimeter plus overhang) of material. The Amazon Basics 13.2 Gallon dimensions of 16.7″ x 14.7″ work perfectly with standard tall kitchen bags measuring 24 × 30 inches flat for your kitchen storage.

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Question’s 

What is the standard size for a kitchen trash can?

The standard kitchen trash can size is 13 gallons with dimensions of approximately 23 to 26 inches in height and 14 to 16 inches in width or diameter. This capacity suits most households of two to four people and fits comfortably in standard kitchen spaces. The Glad 13 Gallon model measuring 14.7″ D x 18″ W x 25″ H represents typical dimensions for this popular size.

What is the size of a standard kitchen bin?

A standard kitchen bin typically measures 10 to 13 gallons in capacity with dimensions around 23 to 26 inches tall and 14 to 16 inches wide. In the US, the 13-gallon size dominates, while international markets often use 50-liter bins (approximately 13.2 gallons) with similar physical dimensions. These measurements fit most kitchen layouts and cabinet spaces effectively.

What is the size of a 13 gallon trash can?

A 13-gallon trash can typically stands 23 to 26 inches tall with a diameter of 14 to 16 inches for round models or width of 16 to 18 inches for rectangular designs. The Amazon Basics 13.2 Gallon measures exactly 14.7″ x 16.7″ x 25.9″ (L x W x H). Depth for rectangular models runs 12 to 14 inches, creating a compact footprint in your kitchen space.

How big is a 12″ L trash can?

A trash can with 12-inch length (depth) typically pairs with 14 to 16-inch width and 20 to 25-inch height for rectangular models. This dimension usually indicates a compact 8 to 10-gallon capacity suitable for small kitchens or under-sink installations. The 12-inch depth allows the bin to fit standard cabinet dimensions with room for plumbing and proper storage in your kitchen area.

Is 50 liter 13 gallons?

Yes, 50 liters equals approximately 13.2 gallons, making them essentially the same capacity. The Amazon Basics 13.2 Gallon model demonstrates this conversion with dimensions of 14.7″ x 16.7″ x 25.9″. International buyers shopping in liters should look for 48 to 50-liter bins to match standard American 13-gallon dimensions and bag sizes for their kitchen needs.

Is an 8 gallon trash can big enough for a kitchen?

An 8-gallon trash can works for small households of one to two people or as a secondary bin in larger kitchens. Dimensions typically measure 17 to 20 inches tall with 12 to 14-inch width, fitting under sinks or in compact spaces. You’ll need to empty it every one to two days, but the smaller dimensions save valuable floor space in tight kitchen layouts and storage areas.

Is a 10 gallon trash can big enough for a kitchen?

A 10-gallon can suits couples or individuals who cook moderately and don’t mind emptying every two to three days. Dimensions of approximately 20 to 23 inches tall by 13 to 15 inches wide fit most kitchen spaces comfortably. This size works well if you compost or recycle heavily, reducing actual trash volume, but larger families typically need the standard 13-gallon capacity and dimensions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right kitchen trash can dimensions transforms your daily waste management from frustrating to effortless. Standard 13-gallon models measuring 23 to 26 inches in height and 14 to 16 inches in width suit most households perfectly. Whether you need compact 5-9 gallon dimensions for small kitchens or spacious 15+ gallon capacity for large families, understanding physical measurements ensures your bin fits your space and lifestyle.