Knowledge Base

How Heavy Is My Trash Can?

The answer is that most people do not know how heavy their full trash or recycling containers are because they are either rolled or dragged to the curb.  As trash cans have evolved making it easier for residents to place their trash curbside, the empty weight of the cans has increased significantly.  The addition of hinged lids and attached wheels have made cans heavier and more difficult to empty for your trash collector. The chart below shows the empty weight of many popular trash and recycling containers:

 

 

Gallons

Empty Weight

Max weight Trash Allowed

Rubbermaid Brute (no wheels)

32

8.5

41.5

Rubbermaid Brute (no wheels)

44

13

37

Rubbermaid w/ wheels and hinged lid

32

17

33

Rubbermaid Brute (no wheels)

55

18

32

Toter w/ wheels and hinged lid

32

20

30

Toter w/ wheels and hinged lid

48

23

27

Rubbermaid w/ wheels and hinged lid

45

23.5

26.5

Rubbermaid w/ wheels and hinged lid

65

33.5

16.5

 

Town of Huntington code requires that each can weigh less than 50 lbs. when full.  Larger cans with wheels and hinged lids are heavier than a standard can, thereby reducing the amount of trash or recycling a resident can put into the can.  This is the primary reason for the size limit on trash and recycling cans. We ask that you remain mindful of the empty weight of your trash can as you fill it and place it curbside for collection.  Something you roll or drag to the curb may very well be overweight and pose a lifting injury for your trash collector.  With your help we can keep our workers safe!

Updated 1/18/2022 3:36 PM