Choosing the right bin size seems simple, but getting it wrong leads to problems—too small and you're constantly emptying it, too large and it takes up valuable space or sits half-empty accumulating odours. This guide helps you determine the perfect bin capacity for every room in your home, considering household size, lifestyle, and available space.
Understanding Bin Capacity Measurements
Bin sizes are measured in litres (L), representing the volume the bin can hold. However, the stated capacity is usually the total volume—in practice, you'll fill bins to about 80% to allow for bag closure. Here's a general sense of common sizes:
- 3-10L: Small bathroom or bedside bins
- 20-30L: Compact kitchen bins, office bins
- 30-45L: Standard kitchen bins for small households
- 45-60L: Family-sized kitchen bins
- 60-80L: Large kitchen bins, small commercial
- 120L: Standard outdoor wheelie bin
- 240L: Large outdoor wheelie bin
Kitchen Bin Size Guide
Your kitchen bin is the workhorse of household waste management. Getting this size right is crucial for both convenience and hygiene.
Factors to Consider
Before choosing a kitchen bin size, consider these variables:
- Household size: More people generate more waste
- Cooking habits: Home-cooking produces more organic waste than takeaway
- Recycling habits: Active recyclers produce less general waste
- Composting: Diverting food scraps significantly reduces bin volume
- Collection frequency: How often do you want to empty it?
- Available space: Kitchen layout may limit options
1-2 people: 30-40L is usually sufficient
3-4 people: 45-50L provides comfortable capacity
5+ people: 60L or larger, or consider dual-bin systems
The Case for Smaller Bins
Counterintuitively, a slightly smaller bin can be better for hygiene. When bins take too long to fill, waste sits longer, increasing odour and bacterial growth—especially problematic in Australian summers. A 30-40L bin that's emptied every 2-3 days is often more hygienic than a 60L bin emptied weekly.
Dual and Multi-Compartment Options
Many modern kitchen bins feature multiple compartments for waste separation. A common setup is a 40L main compartment with a 20L recycling section. While the total capacity is 60L, the divided design helps you sort waste at the source and can eliminate the need for multiple bins.
Bathroom Bin Sizing
Bathroom bins serve a different purpose than kitchen bins and require different considerations.
Standard Bathrooms
For typical household bathrooms, a 3-6L bin is usually sufficient. Bathroom waste is mostly lightweight items—tissues, cotton balls, empty containers—so even small bins hold plenty. A compact size also fits easily in limited bathroom floor space.
Family Bathrooms
Bathrooms serving multiple family members, especially with children, may need 6-10L capacity. Consider whether nappies or other bulky items will be disposed of here—if so, size up accordingly or use a dedicated nappy bin.
En-Suites and Powder Rooms
These low-traffic bathrooms can use the smallest bins available, typically 3L. Focus on style here, as minimal waste is generated.
Choose bathroom bins with lids. Unlike kitchen bins where frequent access matters, bathroom bins often contain items you'd prefer concealed. Swing or pedal lids work well.
Bedroom and Home Office Bins
Bedside and home office bins handle light waste—tissues, paper scraps, small wrappers. A 5-10L bin typically provides weeks of capacity while remaining unobtrusive.
Home Office Considerations
If you work from home and generate significant paper waste, consider a larger 15-20L office bin. Alternatively, use a small bin for general waste and a separate recycling container for paper.
Outdoor Wheelie Bin Sizes
Australian councils typically offer wheelie bins in two sizes: 120L and 240L. Some councils allow households to choose, while others assign sizes based on property type or charge different rates.
120L Bins
The smaller wheelie bin suits:
- 1-2 person households
- Households with active recycling and composting
- Properties with limited storage space
- Those paying volume-based waste charges
240L Bins
The larger option suits:
- Families of 3+ people
- Households with nappy-age children
- Properties with fortnightly collection
- Those unable to actively compost or recycle
- Kitchen (1-2 people): 30-40L
- Kitchen (3-4 people): 45-50L
- Kitchen (5+ people): 60L+
- Bathroom: 3-6L standard, 6-10L family
- Bedroom/Office: 5-10L
- Outdoor: 120L for small households, 240L for families
Space Considerations
Even the perfect capacity doesn't help if the bin doesn't fit your space. Measure carefully before purchasing, considering:
- Floor footprint: The base dimensions matter for kitchen cupboards or tight spaces
- Height: Under-bench bins need clearance; pedal bins need room for the lid to open
- Door swing: Pull-out cabinet bins require adequate door clearance
- Traffic flow: Bins shouldn't obstruct walkways or frequently-opened doors
When to Size Up or Down
Your ideal bin size may change over time. Consider resizing if:
- Your household size changes (new baby, children leaving home)
- You significantly increase recycling or composting
- You consistently empty a half-full bin or overflow regularly
- Odour problems persist despite regular emptying
- You move to a new home with different space constraints
The right bin size balances capacity with convenience and hygiene. By considering your household's specific needs—size, habits, space, and lifestyle—you can choose bins that work efficiently without dominating your living spaces. When in doubt, err slightly smaller for hygiene reasons, especially in warm Australian climates where waste decomposes quickly.