“13 gallons” might sound abstract, but we’ll make it clear with real-world examples and visual comparisons — no tape measure needed.
✅ Quick Answer: What Can a 13-Gallon Trash Can Hold?
- 🛍️ 2–3 full grocery bags of trash
- 🧺 1 large laundry basket worth of waste
- 🥤 About 50 empty soda cans or bottles
- 🍗 5–7 days of kitchen trash for a small household
- 📦 Trash from 2–3 medium online deliveries
📏 Typical Size + Easy Visual Comparisons
| Measurement | Range | Everyday Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23–28 inches (58–71 cm) | 🦵 About knee to mid-thigh height for adults |
| Width/Depth | 10–14 inches (25–36 cm) | 💻 Slightly wider than a standard laptop |
| Opening Width | 12–14 inches (30–36 cm) | 🍕 Roughly the size of a large pizza diameter |
✔️ Fits neatly under most kitchen counters (standard clearance is 24–25 inches)
✔️ Similar in size to a tall IKEA-style laundry bin — but slimmer
🏠 Where You’ll Commonly Find It:
- Kitchens (especially in North America)
- Offices (for paper, lunch waste)
- Garages (general non-hazardous waste)
- Dorm rooms or rental apartments (compact but useful)
🧾 Real Examples of What It Can Hold:
| Item | Approx. Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crumpled paper towels | ~200 pieces |
| 2-liter soda bottles (empty) | ~12–15 |
| Empty milk cartons | ~10–12 |
| Folded pizza boxes | ~4–5 |
| Disposable cups & plates | Enough for a 4–6 person gathering |
🎯 Why 13 Gallons Is the Standard in Kitchens
Because it perfectly fits the widely available 13-gallon drawstring trash bags.
It strikes the right balance:
- ✔️ Big enough to avoid taking out the trash daily
- ✔️ Light enough to lift without effort
- ✔️ Compact enough to fit most home layouts
🛒 Things to Check Before You Buy:
- Measure your space, especially under-counter height
- Choose your preferred lid type: foot pedal, sensor, swing
- Look for materials that are easy to clean (like stainless steel or thick plastic)
- Make sure the can works well with standard 13-gallon liners
💡 Bottom Line:
If you imagine a bin that’s about knee-high and holds as much as a full basket of laundry — that’s your 13-gallon trash can.
It’s the gold standard for home kitchens — practical, compact, and just the right size to manage everyday messes without hassle.