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Kitchen Trash Can Sizes
Compare volume, footprint, open-lid clearance and liner fit separately. None can be safely inferred from capacity alone.
Quick answer
A 13-US-gallon capacity is approximately 49.2 litres. Choose a kitchen trash can by actual dimensions, open-lid clearance, waste between bag changes and liner compatibility; capacity alone does not confirm fit.
US gallon to litre conversion
| US liquid gallons | Approximate litres |
|---|---|
| 8 | 30.3 |
| 10 | 37.9 |
| 13 | 49.2 |
| 16 | 60.6 |
| 20 | 75.7 |
| 23 | 87.1 |
Litres = US liquid gallons × 3.785412, rounded here to one decimal. NIST conversion factors distinguish US and Imperial gallons. The table does not predict a can’s height or which bag will fit.
Measure the complete working space
- Mark the maximum width and depth at the intended location.
- Compare closed height, fully open lid and required rear clearance from the exact model drawing.
- Check removal space for the filled bag or bucket, plus pedal and sensor access.
- Open nearby drawers, appliance doors and cabinet doors to check interference.
- For pull-out bins, use clear cabinet and opening dimensions and the installation manual, not external cabinet width.
Choose capacity from your waste
Observe how quickly your current bag fills and how often you want to empty it. Consider trash and recycling separately and how heavy a filled bag is to handle. Household headcount is not enough to prescribe a capacity. A divided unit’s total must be split into its individual compartments.
Liner fit examples
| Situation | Decision |
|---|---|
| Same capacity, different rim shape or height | Check each model’s specified liner and actual dimensions |
| Bag reaches rim but not bottom | Do not treat nominal volume as a fit check; use a compatible liner |
| 60 L dual bin | Read the capacity and liner code for each compartment |
| Open-lid height missing under a counter | Request the dimension before ordering |
Compare step cans and dual bins only after checking fit.
Frequently asked questions
Are kitchen trash can dimensions standard?
No. Compare the exact model drawing and working clearances; the same capacity can have different shapes and liner requirements.
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