How do I choose the right size trashcan for a busy dog park within our landscape facility?

When I’m tasked with outfitting a dog park inside our landscape facility, I don’t just grab any bin off the shelf. I think of myself as the caretaker of a high-traffic, four-legged community—where wagging tails meet muddy paws, and plastic bags float like little kites before landing in the trash. Choosing the right size trashcan is a delicate balance between capacity, durability, and service frequency. Here’s my tried-and-true approach.

First, measure the foot traffic. For a busy dog park, I estimate around 20 to 30 visits per hour during peak times, with each visit likely producing at least one waste bag. That means I need a can that can hold about 100 to 150 bags per day without overflowing. I usually opt for a 35-gallon to 50-gallon commercial-grade bin. Anything smaller means emptying it every hour—trust me, I’ve learned from the days of tiny patio cans that turned into sad, overstuffed monuments. A 35-gallon can works for medium parks with moderate use, but for a high-traffic zone? I go with 50 gallons. That gives me a full day’s capacity, so I only have to empty it once in the morning and once in the evening.

But capacity isn’t just about volume—it’s also about shape and accessibility. I choose a tall, slim profile with a wide opening that accommodates both small dog waste bags and larger litter (like empty water bottles or dropped gloves). A lid is non-negotiable for controlling odors and keeping rain out, but it needs to be easy to open with one hand, because our visitors often have a leash in the other. I’ve found that a foot-pedal or step-action lid works best; it’s hands-free and dog-proof.

Durability is my second big factor. In a dog park, bins get bumped, knocked over, and even chewed (yes, some dogs love plastic). I pick a heavy-duty, UV-resistant plastic or powder-coated steel can that can withstand sun, rain, and enthusiastic paws. A 50-gallon steel model, for example, is tough enough to stay upright in wind and won’t crack if a dog jumps at it. Plus, it’s easy to clean with a hose.

Finally, I think about serviceability. At our facility, we have a maintenance team that services all bins twice a day. So I match bin size to their route: not so big that they bulk-lift an overloaded can, but not so small that they waste trips. And I always place two bins—one at each entrance—to distribute the load. The result? A cleaner park, happier dogs, and a landscape facility that looks tidy even on the busiest afternoons.

So, next time you’re standing in front of a warehouse of trashcans, ask yourself: How many paws will visit today? And then pick the one that can handle the wag. That’s how I choose the right size—with respect for the mess, the crew, and the pups.