13 Gallon Trash Can Buying Guide: The Most Popular Size, Explained

📅 Last updated: June 28, 2026 — We review and update our recommendations regularly.

If you’ve spent any time shopping for a kitchen trash can, you’ve probably noticed that 13 gallons comes up constantly. It’s the size you’ll see most often on store shelves, the size most trash bags are designed around, and the size that ends up in most American kitchens by default. But “most popular” doesn’t automatically mean “right for you,” and there’s more to know about this specific size than you might expect.

This guide takes a close look at the 13 gallon trash can specifically: why it’s so popular, who it’s actually best suited for, what to look for when buying one, how it compares to other common sizes, and when you might be better off sizing up or down instead. We’ll also cover bag compatibility, maintenance, sustainability, and a few less obvious use cases worth knowing about. By the end, you’ll know whether 13 gallons is genuinely the right call for your household, and you can browse our full selection of 13 gallon trash cans at DumpRecycle.com once you’ve decided.

Why 13 Gallons Became the Standard Size

A Practical Middle Ground

Thirteen gallons sits in a sweet spot between too small and too big for a huge number of households. It’s large enough to avoid daily emptying for most one- to three-person households, but small enough to fit comfortably in a standard kitchen without dominating the floor space or becoming awkward to carry to the curb when full.

The Trash Bag Industry Connection

Part of why 13 gallons became so dominant is circular: trash bag manufacturers standardized around this size decades ago, which made 13-gallon cans more convenient to keep stocked, which in turn reinforced the can size’s popularity. Today, “13 gallon” or “tall kitchen bag” sized liners are some of the easiest to find in any grocery or hardware store, in bulk packs, at competitive prices, which adds a real convenience advantage to choosing this size.

A Size That Works Across Most Kitchen Layouts

Unlike larger 20-gallon-plus cans, which can be genuinely awkward in smaller or galley-style kitchens, a 13-gallon can fits comfortably in the vast majority of kitchen layouts without requiring special accommodation. This broad compatibility is a major reason manufacturers default to this size across so many different product lines.

Who a 13 Gallon Trash Can Is Actually Right For

Singles and Couples

For one or two people, a 13-gallon can is often more than sufficient, typically requiring emptying only every three to five days depending on cooking habits, which strikes a comfortable balance between convenience and not letting trash sit too long.

Small to Medium Families

Many families of three or four also do perfectly well with 13 gallons, especially if they’re diligent about taking the trash out every two to three days rather than letting it accumulate. If your household generates a lot of packaging waste or cooks elaborate meals daily, you might find yourself wanting more capacity, which we’ll cover in the section on when to size up.

Secondary Cans Throughout the Home

Even households with a larger primary kitchen can often use 13-gallon cans as secondary units, such as in a home office, basement, or laundry room, where more capacity than a small bathroom can offers is useful without needing a full 20-gallon-plus outdoor-style bin.

Apartments and Smaller Homes

Limited kitchen floor space often makes 13 gallons the practical ceiling for what comfortably fits without obstruction, making it the default choice for apartment dwellers and smaller homes more broadly.

When You Might Need a Different Size Than 13 Gallons

Signs You Should Size Up

If you find yourself needing to empty your trash daily, if bags frequently overflow before collection day, or if you regularly host gatherings that generate a surge of waste, a 16 to 20 gallon can might serve you better. Frequent cooks and larger families (five or more people) often find themselves outgrowing the 13-gallon standard.

Signs You Should Size Down

If you’re consistently taking out a barely-full bag well before it needs emptying, or if floor space is genuinely tight, an 8 to 11 gallon can might be a better fit, freeing up space without meaningfully increasing how often you need to take out the trash.

Considering Your Specific Waste Stream

Households that compost food waste separately or recycle aggressively often find that their general trash volume drops considerably, sometimes making a smaller can than 13 gallons perfectly adequate even for a kitchen.

What to Look for in a 13 Gallon Trash Can

Lid Mechanism

At this size, step (foot pedal) cans are extremely popular since 13 gallons is a common kitchen size and kitchens benefit most from hands-free operation. Touchless sensor cans and touch-top lids are also widely available at this capacity, so you have real choice in how you want to interact with the can day to day.

Material

Stainless steel and high-density plastic (HDPE) are both common at the 13-gallon size. Stainless steel offers a more modern look and better odor resistance, while HDPE plastic offers a lighter, more affordable option that still holds up well to regular use. Our stainless steel trash can guide goes into more depth if you’re leaning toward that material specifically.

Shape and Footprint

Thirteen-gallon cans come in round, oval, and rectangular shapes, each with a different footprint for the same capacity. Rectangular and slim designs tend to fit better against walls or in corners, while round cans are sometimes easier to line with a bag and empty cleanly. Measure your intended spot and compare it against the specific dimensions listed for any can you’re considering, not just the gallon capacity.

Liner Lock Rim

Since 13 gallons is heavily used in kitchens, where the can gets handled multiple times a day, a liner lock rim that holds the bag securely in place is a genuinely valuable feature at this size, preventing the common frustration of bags slipping down inside the can.

Odor Control Features

A built-in charcoal filter in the lid is worth considering for a 13-gallon kitchen can, especially if you don’t take the trash out daily, since this size will typically hold food waste long enough for odor to become noticeable without some form of control.

13 Gallon Trash Can Bag Compatibility

Standard Bag Sizing

Trash bags labeled “13 gallon” or “tall kitchen bag” are designed to fit cans of this capacity with appropriate overhang for tying off securely. These are among the most widely available bag sizes at grocery and hardware stores, typically sold in large multi-packs at competitive per-bag pricing.

The Importance of Matching Bag Dimensions, Not Just Volume

Bag sizing isn’t purely about volume matching; the bag’s height and width also need to suit your specific can’s shape. A tall, narrow 13-gallon can and a shorter, wider 13-gallon can both need “13 gallon” bags, but if your can’s dimensions are unusual, double-check the manufacturer’s specific bag recommendation rather than assuming any 13-gallon bag will fit equally well.

Scented vs. Unscented Liners

Some 13-gallon liners come pre-scented to help with odor control between trash days. These can be a helpful supplement to a can’s built-in odor features, though some users prefer unscented bags to avoid mixing fragrances with food odors in a way that creates an unpleasant combination smell rather than masking the problem.

13 Gallon Trash Cans by Room

Kitchen

This is, by far, the most common application for a 13-gallon can, and it’s the size most kitchen-specific cans are designed around by default.

Home Office

A 13-gallon can in a home office handles a higher volume of paper waste than a typical small office can, which is useful if you do a lot of shredding, print frequently, or simply generate more general waste than a standard 5-gallon office can would comfortably hold.

Garage and Workshop

For garages and workshops generating moderate amounts of waste, a 13-gallon can offers more capacity than a typical indoor can without stepping all the way up to a large outdoor bin, making it a reasonable middle-ground option for smaller workshop spaces.

Laundry Rooms

Laundry rooms often accumulate lint, packaging from detergent and supplies, and the occasional discarded sock, and a 13-gallon can comfortably handles this kind of moderate, irregular waste stream without needing frequent emptying.

Comparing 13 Gallon Cans to Other Common Sizes

13 Gallon vs. 8 Gallon

An 8-gallon can takes up meaningfully less floor space and works well for very light kitchen use, single occupants, or secondary cans, but it requires more frequent emptying than 13 gallons for most households’ actual kitchen waste volume.

13 Gallon vs. 20 Gallon

A 20-gallon can offers roughly 50 percent more capacity, which matters for larger families or frequent cooks, but it also takes up considerably more floor space and can feel oversized in smaller kitchens. If you’re torn between the two, consider your actual kitchen floor space constraints as much as your household size.

13 Gallon vs. 32 Gallon and Larger

These larger sizes are really a different category altogether, generally intended for outdoor, garage, or commercial use rather than typical indoor kitchen application. If you’re considering a 32-gallon-plus can for your kitchen, you’re likely overestimating your actual daily waste volume unless you’re running a very large household or doing substantial food preparation work.

Maintenance Tips Specific to 13 Gallon Trash Cans

Cleaning Frequency

Given that 13-gallon cans are most commonly used in kitchens, where they see heavy daily use, a weekly wipe-down and monthly deep clean is a reasonable baseline, with prompt attention to any spills or leaks as soon as they’re noticed.

Checking the Pedal or Sensor Regularly

Since this size is so frequently paired with step or sensor lid mechanisms, it’s worth periodically checking that the pedal moves smoothly or that the sensor responds reliably, addressing any stiffness or lag before it becomes a bigger problem.

Rotating Liners Properly

Because 13-gallon kitchen cans get used so frequently, it’s worth keeping a small stock of liners on hand specifically sized for your can, rather than discovering you’re out mid-task and reaching for a mismatched size that doesn’t fit properly.

Common Mistakes When Buying a 13 Gallon Trash Can

Assuming All 13 Gallon Cans Are the Same Size

As covered earlier, two cans both rated at 13 gallons can have meaningfully different height, width, and depth depending on their shape. Always check the full dimension listing rather than assuming capacity alone tells you everything about fit.

Buying the Wrong Bag Size by Default

Some shoppers assume any “large” trash bag will work with a 13-gallon can, but ill-fitting bags lead to slipping, bunching, or tearing. Always check the manufacturer’s specific bag size recommendation.

Overlooking Lid Clearance

Step cans need room for the pedal to fully depress, and this is easy to overlook when measuring only the can’s footprint. Account for the full clearance needed for the lid mechanism to operate properly in your chosen spot.

Choosing Based on Price Alone

The cheapest 13-gallon can on the market often cuts corners on pedal durability, lid sealing, or liner lock features. Since this size sees such heavy use in most households, it’s one of the better categories to spend slightly more for genuine quality.

The History Behind the 13 Gallon Standard

How Trash Bag Sizing Standards Developed

Trash bag sizing in the United States developed somewhat informally over decades, with manufacturers converging on a handful of common capacities that matched typical household waste containers of the time. Thirteen gallons emerged as a particularly common “tall kitchen bag” size by the mid-to-late 20th century, around the same period that step cans and other kitchen-specific trash can designs were becoming standard household fixtures.

Why Manufacturers Kept Building Around This Size

Once trash bag manufacturers had established 13 gallons as a common, reliably stocked size, trash can manufacturers had a strong incentive to design products around that same capacity, since compatibility with widely available, affordably priced liners is a meaningful selling point. This created a reinforcing cycle that cemented 13 gallons as the default kitchen can size that persists today.

Regional and International Variations

It’s worth noting that this particular size standard is largely a North American convention. In many other countries, kitchen waste containers are more commonly sized and labeled in liters, with no exact equivalent to the specific 13-gallon standard. If you’re comparing products from international retailers, converting to a common unit (13 gallons is approximately 49 liters) helps you compare accurately.

A Closer Look at 13 Gallon Can Dimensions

Typical Height Ranges

Most 13-gallon cans range from roughly 24 to 28 inches in height, though this varies based on shape. Taller, narrower designs maximize vertical capacity in a smaller footprint, while shorter, wider designs prioritize stability and easier access to the bottom of the can.

Typical Width and Depth Ranges

Round 13-gallon cans typically have a diameter in the 12 to 15 inch range, while rectangular designs vary more widely depending on how slim or standard the profile is. Slim rectangular designs, often marketed specifically for narrow kitchen gaps, can be as little as 8 to 10 inches in depth while maintaining the full 13-gallon capacity through additional height.

Why These Measurements Matter More Than the Capacity Number Alone

Because shape varies so much at this single capacity point, two 13-gallon cans can look and fit completely differently in your specific kitchen. Always cross-reference the actual height, width, and depth listed in a product’s specifications against your measured space rather than assuming the gallon rating alone tells you everything you need to know about fit.

13 Gallon Trash Cans for Specific Household Types

College Students and Dorm Living

For dorm rooms or small shared living spaces, a 13-gallon can is often considered too large, with smaller 5 to 8 gallon cans being more practical given limited space. However, for students living in apartments with proper kitchens, 13 gallons remains a reasonable standard choice.

Young Professionals Living Alone

A single professional with a moderate cooking routine typically finds 13 gallons more than sufficient, often needing to empty the can only once every five to seven days, which fits well with a busy schedule that doesn’t always allow for frequent trash runs.

Growing Families

As families grow from two to three or four members, many find that a 13-gallon can that once lasted a week now needs emptying every three to four days. This is a natural signal that it might be time to consider sizing up to 16 or 20 gallons, particularly if the household’s cooking frequency has also increased.

Empty Nesters Downsizing

Households transitioning from a larger family size back to one or two people often find that a 13-gallon can, previously their standard size, now lasts considerably longer between empties, sometimes prompting a deliberate downsize to an 8 or 10 gallon can to better match their reduced waste volume.

Where to Buy 13 Gallon Trash Cans and What to Compare

Material Comparison Shopping

When comparing 13-gallon cans across different materials, stainless steel options typically run noticeably higher in price than comparable plastic models, but often last longer and resist odor absorption better over years of use. Weigh the upfront cost difference against your expected ownership timeline when deciding.

Lid Mechanism Price Differences

Touchless sensor cans at the 13-gallon size typically command a price premium over simple step or swing-lid versions, reflecting the added electronic components. Decide whether the hygiene and convenience benefit justifies that premium for your specific household’s needs and budget.

Bundle and Multi-Pack Considerations

Some retailers offer 13-gallon trash cans bundled with a starter supply of matching liners, which can offer modest savings compared to purchasing the can and bags separately, particularly convenient for setting up a new home or replacing an existing can all at once.

Pairing a 13 Gallon Trash Can With Recycling

Single 13 Gallon Can Plus Separate Recycling Bin

Many households pair a standalone 13-gallon trash can with a separate recycling bin nearby, often in a similar or slightly smaller capacity, depending on how much recyclable material the household generates relative to general waste.

Dual-Compartment 13 Gallon Combination Units

Some manufacturers offer dual-compartment units where the total combined capacity equals roughly 13 gallons, split between trash and recycling sections. These work well for households trying to save floor space, though each individual compartment ends up smaller than a dedicated single-stream 13-gallon can.

Matching Capacity to Actual Recycling Volume

Before choosing a dual-compartment design, consider your household’s actual ratio of trash to recyclables. Many households generate considerably more general trash than recyclables, making an evenly split dual-compartment can less efficient than one with a larger trash side and smaller recycling side.

13 Gallon Trash Cans in Commercial and Semi-Commercial Settings

Small Offices and Break Rooms

A 13-gallon can is a common choice for small office break rooms and shared kitchenettes, offering enough capacity for moderate daily use without requiring the larger, heavier-duty bins typical of full commercial kitchens.

Salons, Studios, and Small Retail Spaces

Businesses with light-to-moderate daily waste, such as hair salons, small retail shops, or studio spaces, often find 13 gallons sufficient for back-of-house waste, particularly when paired with more frequent emptying than a typical home would require.

When Commercial Use Demands a Larger Size

Higher-traffic commercial environments, such as cafes or busier retail stores, generally outgrow 13 gallons quickly and benefit from stepping up to 23-gallon or larger commercial-rated cans designed for more frequent, heavier use cycles.

Color and Style Options at the 13 Gallon Size

Classic Black and White

Black and white remain the most universally available colors at this size, fitting into virtually any kitchen color scheme without clashing, which is part of why they remain the best-selling options across most brands.

Stainless Steel and Brushed Metal Finishes

For kitchens with stainless steel appliances, a matching brushed metal 13-gallon can creates a cohesive look, and this finish is widely available across nearly every major brand at this capacity.

Bold and Decorative Colors

Some manufacturers offer 13-gallon cans in bolder colors or patterns for households wanting their trash can to stand out as a deliberate design choice rather than disappearing into the background. These are less common than neutral options but increasingly available as manufacturers diversify their product lines.

Sustainability Considerations for 13 Gallon Trash Cans

Recycled Plastic Content

Many 13-gallon plastic cans now incorporate post-consumer recycled material in their construction. Check the product specification if this factors into your purchasing decision, since manufacturers increasingly highlight recycled content percentages as a selling point at this popular size.

Bag Waste Over Time

Because 13-gallon cans are used so frequently in kitchens, the cumulative number of trash bags used over a can’s lifetime adds up considerably. Some households offset this by choosing thinner, more efficiently manufactured liners or by composting food waste separately to reduce overall bag consumption.

Long-Term Durability as an Environmental Factor

A well-built 13-gallon can, particularly in stainless steel or thick HDPE plastic, can reasonably last a decade or more with proper care. Choosing a durable option over the cheapest available model reduces how many cans end up discarded and replaced over your years of ownership.

Replacing an Old 13 Gallon Trash Can

Signs It’s Time for a Replacement

A pedal that no longer springs back, a lid that won’t seal properly, persistent odor that cleaning doesn’t resolve, or visible cracks in the plastic are all signs that your current 13-gallon can has reached the end of its useful life.

Disposing of Your Old Can Responsibly

Once you’ve decided to replace an old can, check whether it’s made primarily of recyclable material. Metal cans can typically go through standard metal recycling, while plastic cans depend on the specific resin and your local recycling program’s acceptance guidelines.

Transitioning Smoothly

When replacing a kitchen can specifically, it’s worth having your new 13-gallon can and a fresh supply of correctly sized liners ready before removing the old one, minimizing any gap in your household’s daily routine during the swap.

Reading Product Listings for 13 Gallon Trash Cans

Checking Whether Capacity Is Listed in Gallons or Liters

Since 13 gallons converts to approximately 49 liters, some listings, particularly from international brands, may describe what’s functionally the same product using liters instead. Don’t assume a “50 liter” can is meaningfully different from a 13-gallon one; do the conversion before comparing.

Distinguishing Marketing Claims From Genuine Features

Terms like “premium,” “heavy-duty,” or “commercial-grade” appear frequently in 13-gallon can listings but don’t always reflect a meaningful difference in construction. Look past these terms to the actual specified material, wall thickness (if listed), and warranty terms for a more accurate sense of build quality.

Cross-Referencing Reviews for Long-Term Performance

Because 13-gallon cans are so commonly used in high-frequency kitchen settings, reviews mentioning performance after several months or years of daily use are particularly valuable. Look specifically for comments about pedal durability, lid seal degradation, or odor issues that might not show up in a review written immediately after purchase.

13 Gallon Trash Cans as Part of a Coordinated Kitchen Setup

Matching With Recycling and Compost Bins

A well-thought-out kitchen waste setup often pairs a 13-gallon trash can with appropriately sized recycling and, if applicable, compost containers, all coordinated in finish and placement to make sorting as effortless as possible for everyone in the household.

Considering Future Flexibility

If you’re setting up a kitchen from scratch, it’s worth considering whether 13 gallons will remain the right size as your household’s needs change over time, or whether a slightly more flexible setup, such as stackable or modular bins, might serve you better through different life stages.

Aesthetic Coordination With Kitchen Design

Since a 13-gallon can frequently sits in a visible part of the kitchen, many households now treat its color and finish as a genuine design decision rather than an afterthought, coordinating it with cabinet hardware, appliance finishes, or overall kitchen color schemes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 13 gallon trash can the right size for a kitchen?

For most households of one to four people, yes. It’s the most common kitchen trash can size in the United States for good reason, balancing adequate capacity with a manageable footprint. Larger families or frequent cooks may prefer sizing up to 16 or 20 gallons.

How many bags does a 13 gallon trash can use per week?

This varies widely by household, but a typical one- to two-person household taking out the trash every three to four days uses roughly two bags per week, while a busier household emptying it every other day might use three to four bags weekly.

What size bags fit a 13 gallon trash can?

Look for bags labeled “13 gallon” or “tall kitchen bag,” which are specifically sized for this capacity and widely available in multi-packs at most grocery and hardware stores.

Can a 13 gallon trash can work outdoors?

While technically possible, 13-gallon cans are generally designed for indoor use and aren’t built with the weather resistance or wheel options common to dedicated outdoor bins. For outdoor or curbside use, a larger, more weather-resistant can in the 32-gallon-plus range is typically a better fit.

How tall is a typical 13 gallon trash can?

Height varies by shape and brand, but most 13-gallon cans range from roughly 24 to 28 inches tall. Always check the specific product’s listed dimensions, since shape (round, oval, or rectangular) affects height even at the same overall capacity.

Why do so many trash cans come in 13 gallon sizing specifically?

This size became standard largely because trash bag manufacturers settled on it as a common “tall kitchen bag” capacity decades ago, which in turn encouraged trash can manufacturers to design products around that same size for liner compatibility. The result is a reinforcing cycle that’s kept 13 gallons as the default kitchen size ever since.

Is it worth paying more for a stainless steel 13 gallon can over a plastic one?

For a can that sees heavy daily kitchen use, many households find the upgrade worthwhile, since stainless steel resists odor absorption better over time and tends to feel sturdier underfoot when using a step pedal. If your 13-gallon can will see lighter use, such as in a home office or laundry room, the price difference is harder to justify and a quality plastic option will likely serve you just as well.

Safety and Stability Considerations for 13 Gallon Cans

Base Stability

At 13 gallons, especially in taller, narrower designs, base stability matters more than you might expect. A can that tips easily when nearly empty (since it’s lightest and least stable at this point) can create a frustrating mess to clean up, particularly if it happens to be holding food waste or liquid at the time. Look for a wider base relative to height if stability is a concern in your household, particularly with kids or pets around, and consider how the can’s weight distributes when it’s freshly emptied versus nearly full.

Sharp Object Disposal

If your household disposes of broken glass, razors, or other sharp items in your kitchen can, a slightly heavier-duty liner rated for puncture resistance is worth the small additional cost over standard thin bags, which can tear and create a hazard for whoever empties the can.

Weight When Full

A fully loaded 13-gallon can filled with dense waste like food scraps and liquids can be surprisingly heavy, often in the range of 15 to 25 pounds depending on contents. If lifting and carrying is a concern for anyone in your household, consider a can with sturdy handles or a slightly smaller capacity that’s easier to manage when full.

Less Obvious Uses for a 13 Gallon Trash Can

Gift-Giving for New Homeowners and Renters

A quality 13-gallon trash can is a surprisingly practical and well-received housewarming gift, especially paired with a starter supply of correctly sized liners, since it’s an item nearly every new household needs but rarely thinks to prioritize buying themselves right away.

Temporary or Event Use

Beyond permanent household use, 13-gallon cans are a popular choice for temporary setups like home renovation projects, garage sales, or hosting larger gatherings where additional waste capacity is needed beyond your everyday setup, without committing to a much larger permanent bin you won’t use the rest of the year.

RV and Vacation Home Use

The 13-gallon size translates well to RVs, cabins, and vacation homes where kitchen space is limited but you still want meaningfully more capacity than a small bathroom-sized can offers. Many seasonal or part-time residences default to this size for exactly the same reasons it dominates full-time kitchens.

Studio Apartments and Micro-Living Spaces

In very small living spaces where the kitchen, living, and sometimes sleeping areas share a single room, a single well-chosen 13-gallon can sometimes serves as the household’s only trash receptacle, making the choice of material, lid mechanism, and odor control features even more important than in a home with multiple dedicated cans throughout different rooms.

13 Gallon Trash Cans in Rental and Multi-Unit Buildings

Why This Size Travels Well

Among common trash can sizes, 13 gallons hits a practical balance for renters: large enough to be genuinely useful, but light and compact enough to move between apartments without much hassle, unlike bulkier 20-gallon-plus options.

Coordinating With Shared Waste Systems

In buildings with a shared chute or centralized collection point, a 13-gallon can comfortably bridges the gap between your kitchen and that shared location, without the excess capacity that a larger can would offer but you’d rarely need given frequent access to shared disposal.

Storage Between Moves

If you anticipate moving again before your next can replacement, look for stackable or nesting-compatible 13-gallon designs that store more easily during a move than bulkier, oddly shaped alternatives.

Warranty and Return Tips Specific to 13 Gallon Cans

Checking Mechanical Component Coverage

Since 13-gallon cans are so frequently paired with step or sensor lid mechanisms, check whether the manufacturer’s warranty specifically covers these moving parts, not just defects in the can’s body or shell.

Testing Within the Return Window

Because this size typically goes into heavy daily kitchen use right away, test the lid mechanism thoroughly within your retailer’s return window rather than assuming everything will hold up over time without verification.

Saving Your Purchase Details

Keep your receipt and product model number on hand after buying, since this information is often required for warranty claims or when ordering replacement parts like pedals or liners down the line.

A Quick Recap Before You Buy

Confirm Your Household Fits the 13 Gallon Profile

Revisit how often you currently take out your kitchen trash and how much floor space you actually have available. If 13 gallons matches your household’s real-world habits rather than just being the default option on the shelf, you’re in good shape to move forward confidently with this size.

Decide on Material and Lid Mechanism Together

Since material and lid mechanism both affect price and daily experience, it helps to decide on these together rather than separately, for example pairing a stainless steel shell with a step pedal for a kitchen that sees heavy daily use, or a simpler plastic swing-lid design for a lower-traffic secondary can elsewhere in the home.

Double-Check Bag Compatibility Before Finalizing

Before completing your purchase, confirm the manufacturer’s recommended liner size and make sure that size is easy to find and reasonably priced in your area, since ongoing bag costs are a real part of the can’s total cost of ownership over time.

Final Thoughts

The 13 gallon trash can earned its place as the default kitchen size for good reason: it works for a huge range of households, fits comfortably in most kitchen layouts, and pairs with some of the most widely available trash bags on the market. That said, “most popular” isn’t the same as “automatically right for you,” and it’s worth honestly assessing your household size, cooking habits, and available floor space before committing to this size by default. Consider not just your current needs but how they might shift over the next few years, since a thoughtful choice now can save you an unnecessary upgrade or downgrade purchase later.

Once you’ve confirmed that 13 gallons is the right call for your space, you’ll know exactly what features and materials to prioritize. Browse our full selection of 13 gallon trash cans at DumpRecycle.com, filterable by material, lid type, and shape, to find the right one for your kitchen or any other room in your home.

Related Trash Can Buying Guides

For a deeper dive into this size, see our 13 gallon trash can ultimate guide. Looking for a specific model? Check out our reviews of the Glad 13 gallon kitchen trash can and the ElloAllo 13 gallon touchless trash can. If you want the full picture on choosing a kitchen can, our kitchen trash can buying guide covers sizes, lids, and placement. For general guidance on what is actually recyclable, the EPA’s recycling basics page is a helpful outside resource.

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