Bin Size Calculator
Enter how many people live in the home, how often the bin is collected and whether you recycle well. The calculator gives the bin size in litres, the US cart size and how full it gets.
- Bin size
- Waste
- Space used
Many councils set bin sizes, so check what they allow.
A person makes about 60 litres of general waste a week, 35 with good recycling. A family of four who recycle and have fortnightly collections make about 280 litres between pickups, so they need a 360 litre bin, or a 240 if they compost too.
Wheelie bin size chart
Fortnightly, recycling. Search for a household.
| People | Waste (L) | Bin | US cart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70 | 120 L | 32 gal |
| 2 | 140 | 140 L | 64 gal |
| 3 | 210 | 240 L | 64 gal |
| 4 | 280 | 360 L | 96 gal |
| 5 | 350 | 360 L | 96 gal |
| 6 | 420 | Two bins | Two carts |
| 8 | 560 | Two bins | Two carts |
Litres.
People and bin
Fortnightly, recycling. Slide the people.
The bin fills up.
How to size a bin
People to litres. Step through it.
People
Count.
Squash boxes and rinse cans to save space.
140, 240 or 360 litres
Bin sizes. Compare them.
Small.
Standard.
Large.
Smaller bins encourage recycling in many council areas.
Before you order
Bin checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Store the bin out of the sun to cut smells.
What you get
Bin sizing. Each tile explains one result.
Litres.
Per collection.
Per cent.
Effect.
US size.
A black bin bag holds about 60 litres.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
What size bin do I need?
About sixty litres a person a week, less if you recycle well, times the weeks between collections.
What size bin for a family of four?
A two hundred and forty litre bin for weekly collection, or three sixty fortnightly.
How many bags fit in a wheelie bin?
About four in a two hundred and forty litre bin.
How big is a standard wheelie bin?
Two hundred and forty litres.
What is a sixty four gallon cart?
A US trash cart of about two hundred and forty litres.
Does recycling mean a smaller bin?
Yes, often by about a third or more.
Can I get a bigger bin from the council?
Many councils allow it for large households.
A bin that never overflows
Size your bin to your household and collections and the lid always closes.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.