13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Sizes and Dimensions Explained | Visual Guide

A standard 13-gallon kitchen trash can measures roughly 24 inches tall by 16 inches wide by 13 inches deep, designed to fit under most countertops and pair with the ubiquitous 13-gallon drawstring bag.

Standing in the aisle comparing trash cans, the numbers blur fast. One key fact cuts through: 13 gallons is the U.S. kitchen gold standard — the size that matches the most common liners, fits under standard counters, and handles a family of four’s daily waste. Knowing the exact dimensions, lid types, and placement rules turns a confusing choice into a five-minute decision. Here’s what those numbers actually mean in your kitchen.

What Are The Standard Dimensions Of A 13 Gallon Trash Can?

A rectangular 13-gallon can typically sits 24 to 26 inches tall, 15 to 16 inches wide, and 12 to 13 inches deep. These measurements let the can slide under a standard 36-inch counter with a few inches of clearance above the lid. The opening spans about 12 to 14 inches across — roughly the diameter of a large pizza — so tossing dinner plates or cereal boxes doesn’t require a second shove.

Dimensions vary by shape and brand. One common model from Hefty measures 15.85 inches long, 12.85 inches wide, and 23.13 inches tall. The Songmics step can comes in at 16.375 inches long, 12.625 inches wide, and 24.75 inches tall. Both qualify as 13-gallon cans, and both accept standard 13-gallon liners.

How Much Waste Does 13 Gallons Actually Hold?

Thirteen gallons equals roughly 50 liters or about three full grocery bags of crumpled trash. In real-world terms, that can holds around 200 crumpled paper towels or 12 to 15 empty 2-liter soda bottles. For a household of four, it typically fills in two to three days before needing a change.

The 13-gallon size is a deliberate standard. Bag manufacturers produce more 13-gallon liner volume than any other kitchen size, and the cans are designed to match. Trying a 10-gallon bag leaves slack that slips inside the can. A 20-gallon bag overhangs and wrinkles, making it harder to tie off without exposing the rim to leaks. Stick with 13-gallon drawstring liners for the tight, secure fit they were made to create. Walmart’s 13-gallon trash can selection shows just how many brands and styles share this single bag size.

Will It Fit Under My Counter?

A standard kitchen base cabinet offers 24 to 25 inches of clearance from the floor to the bottom of the countertop overhang. Most 13-gallon cans fall between 23 and 26 inches tall. If your cabinet has a fixed shelf or a countertop at 24 inches, choose a can 23 inches or shorter — the Hefty model at 23.13 inches is a safe pick. For mobile placement next to an island, match the can’s height to the countertop: pair a 27-inch can with a 36-inch counter, or a 30-inch can with a 42-inch counter. Depth is the second hidden trap. A 16-inch-deep can will not sit flush in a cabinet that narrows to 14 inches once the plumbing trap is accounted for. Measure the usable space, not just the cabinet face, before committing.

Which Lid Mechanism Works Best?

The lid type matters almost as much as the size. Four common mechanisms dominate the 13-gallon market, and each changes how you interact with the can daily.

• Step (foot pedal): Press the pedal, and the lid hinges open. Hands stay free. The lid stays open until you press the pedal again or push the lid down. Best for cooking or handling raw ingredients.
• Sensor (touchless): A motion sensor detects your hand or body and opens the lid automatically. Batteries required. Useful when your hands are messy, but more electronics to fail over time.
• Swing lid: A plastic flap pushes inward and swings back. No pedals or batteries. Less odor control because the seal is loose — better for dry waste than wet kitchen scraps.
• Spring-top: The lid snaps shut after you let go. Strong odor seal. Takes a firm push to open, so two-handed use is common.

If odor control is a priority — say, for a kitchen that handles meat scraps daily — skip the swing lid and go with a spring-top or a step can with a tight gasket. Stainless steel models with fingerprint-resistant finishes, like the KOHLER K-20940, resist smudging better than raw steel. Plastic models weigh around 5.8 pounds and may tip if overloaded with dense wet waste; a heavier steel base helps stability.

Cleaning And Maintenance Tips

Clean the can monthly to prevent odors from settling into the material. Use a mild detergent and a damp cloth for both interior and exterior. Avoid abrasive scrubs on stainless steel — micro-scratches trap smells and attract fingerprints. For plastic models, a diluted bleach wipe works, but rinse thoroughly. The step pedal mechanism on most cans has a pivot point that can collect grime; a quick wipe there keeps the lid operating smoothly.

Common Mistakes When Buying A 13 Gallon Trash Can

Three errors cause most returns and frustration. First is height blindness: buying a 26-inch can for a 24-inch under-counter cabinet, which forces the can to stick out or prevents the drawer above from opening. Always measure the clearance with the lid closed. Second is bag mismatch: using a 10-gallon bag in a 13-gallon can leaves the bag loose inside, and using a 20-gallon bag creates sagging folds that hide leaks. Only 13-gallon liners fit correctly. Third is ignoring the plumbing envelope: a 15-inch-wide can may not fit into a cabinet that has a garbage disposal, P-trap, or drain pipe protruding into the space. Measure width at the narrowest point inside the cabinet, not the cabinet face.

Choosing The Right Can For Your Kitchen

The decision comes down to three measurements and one habit. Measure your counter clearance, the usable width and depth of your cabinet or floor space, and your typical household size. Families of four benefit from the full 13-gallon size. Couples or single cooks may prefer a smaller 8-gallon can that needs less bag-changing. The lid mechanism should match how you cook — step cans for frequent hands-full use, spring-tops for best odor trapping. Plastic offers light weight and lower cost; stainless steel adds weight and durability. For a roundup of top-rated models that fit these specs, check our tested list of the best 13 gallon kitchen trash can options.