Choosing a Trash Can Receptacle

There are hundreds of different types of trash can receptacles available. In choosing a trash can, there are several important qualities to look for.

The most important quality is that the waste receptacle looks like a place for depositing litter. All too often, in an attempt to make them blend into the environment, waste receptacles become unrecognizable as places to put rubbish. Although trash cans should be compatible with other street or park furniture and with the architectural character of the area, a waste receptacle should never hide its main function as a clearly recognizable place to deposit litter.

Equally important in the design of a good waste receptacle is that it is easy to use. Trash receptacles that have the following characteristics are best:

- The opening of the receptacle should be large enough to accommodate litter. The exact size of the opening varies depending on the situation. For example, in parks, where people may deposit larger items, the hole will need to be larger. A rule of thumb is that the opening should be at least 10 inches wide, which is large enough to accommodate a folded newspaper or a take-out food container. When the opening is too small, an item such as a newspaper can get jammed in it and litter will get strewn around the outside of the receptacle. In addition, the opening should not be more than 36 inches above the ground so that it can be used by the handicapped.

- The size of the receptacle should be related both to how much it is expected to be used and how frequently it will be emptied. A well-managed public space will always have smaller receptacles that are emptied often rather than one large receptacle that is not frequently emptied. In most areas, a 30 to 50 gallon container is adequate.

- A waste receptacle should also be sturdy, because of the many other activities such as sitting, leaning, etc., that may occur next to or on top of it.