Find the Right 50 Liter Garbage Can Without Guessing the Size, Lid or Bag
A 50 liter garbage can holds about 13.2 US gallons and is a common full-size kitchen bin. Before buying, measure the exact floor space, check how high the lid opens, decide whether you need a step, sensor or locking lid, and verify the liner size for the specific model.
Quick Answer: How Big Is a 50 Liter Garbage Can?
A 50 L garbage can is approximately 13.2 US gallons. It is commonly used as a large kitchen trash can, but there is no universal 50 L shape. Always compare the assembled width, depth, closed height and lid-open height for the exact model.
About 13.2 gallons
Canadian packaging normally uses litres. Some retailer and bag listings use 13 or 13.2 gallons.
Full-size indoor bin
It often works for a couple or family that separates recycling and food scraps.
Check the rim shape
Standard 13-gallon or 50 L bags fit many models, but not every 50 L can.
Closed size is not enough
A bin may fit under a counter when closed but strike it when the lid opens.
Measure your available space in centimetres, add at least 2 cm of practical clearance, and use the fit checker below before ordering.
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Is a 50 Liter Kitchen Trash Can Right for Your Household?
Household size matters, but sorting habits matter more. A home that separates organics and recycling may need less garbage capacity than a smaller household that puts everything into one bag.
Couples and small families
A 50 litre garbage bin often works when recycling and food scraps are separated and the bag leaves the kitchen weekly.
Low-waste one-person home
A smaller 20–30 L can may stay cleaner because wet waste does not sit indoors while you wait for a large bag to fill.
Large or high-waste household
Consider more frequent bag changes, a second sorting bin or a larger system instead of overfilling one 50 L can.
50 L Garbage Can Size: Compare Real Canadian Models
These examples show why capacity alone is not enough. A slim can saves width, a square can uses more depth, and a sensor can needs clear space above the lid.
Retailers may list width × depth × height, length × width × height or packaged dimensions. Use assembled product measurements and confirm the lid-open diagram before ordering for a tight location.
Measure these five things
- Clear floor width at the narrowest point.
- Clear floor depth before the bin enters the walking path.
- Maximum closed height below a counter, shelf or window.
- Maximum height and rear clearance when the lid opens.
- Space required to lift out the inner bucket and remove a full bag.
Interactive 50 L Garbage Can Fit Checker
Choose a verified example model and enter the clear space available. The result adds 2 cm of planning clearance around the closed can.
It cannot see uneven walls, baseboards, door swings, heat registers or how far an unlisted lid moves backward. Verify the latest manufacturer diagram before ordering.
What Garbage Bag Size Fits a 50 Litre Garbage Bin?
Start with bags labelled 45–50 L, 49–50 L, tall kitchen or 13 gallon. Then check the bin’s internal rim shape, usable height and manufacturer liner code.
Try a standard 50 L kitchen bag
This works for many general-purpose cans, but test a small package before buying a large box.
Usually the same capacity class
A 13-gallon bag often fits a 50 L can, but rim width and bin height can still cause slipping or tearing.
Use the model liner code
Simplehuman Classic 50 L uses Code Q. The 50 L D-shaped plastic model uses Code P.
Estimate minimum flat bag dimensions
Measure the inside opening and usable interior height. Do not use the outside metal or plastic shell.
The result is a practical estimate. Tapered walls, thick rims, inner buckets and bag-retaining rings can change the fit.
Signs the bag does not fit
- The bag slips below the rim after a few items are added.
- The liner covers the opening but does not reach the bottom.
- The drawstring will not fold over all four corners.
- The bag stretches tightly and tears during removal.
- The inner bucket will not slide back into the can.
50 Liter Garbage Can With Lid: Which Type Is Best?
Choose the lid for your waste type, kitchen layout, pets, children and maintenance preference.
A stable step can with a soft-close lid, removable inner bucket and easy-to-find bags is usually simpler to maintain than a powered sensor model.
How to Test a 50 Liter Step Trash Can Before Buying
Use this 60-second test in the store. It catches weak pedals, unstable bases, awkward lids and difficult bag changes.
Press the pedal five times
The lid should open smoothly without the bin sliding or rocking.
Press from a slight side angle
A stable can should not twist when your foot is not perfectly centred.
Watch the lid close
Soft close should end with the lid fully shut, not partly open.
Check stay-open mode
It should hold during food preparation or bag changes and release without forcing the hinge.
Lift the inner bucket
Confirm you can remove it without scraping the lid or lifting the entire can.
Inspect the liner retainer
A ring, rim or bucket edge should stop the bag from falling inside.
Check cleaning access
Look around the pedal, hinge and bucket corners for places that will trap liquid or crumbs.
Simplehuman 50 Liter Garbage Can: Choose the Correct Model and Liner
Simplehuman sells more than one 50 L shape. Do not order liners, parts or a replacement lid using capacity alone.
50 L stainless steel step can
- Model number: CW1816.
- Dimensions: 50.3 × 32.5 × 65.3 cm.
- Open-lid height: approximately 89.2 cm.
- Recommended liner: Code Q.
- Internal hinge and stay-open lid.
- Manufacturer lists a 10-year warranty.
50 L locking step can
- Model number: CW1355.
- Semi-round body with flat back.
- Slide lock helps restrict pets and children.
- Recommended liner: Code P.
- Plastic body is lighter than stainless steel.
- Manufacturer lists a 5-year warranty.
Check the model number and the liner code printed inside or under the lid before buying a large box of replacement bags.
How to Find a 50 L Garbage Can Near Me in Canada
Local inventory depends on your postal code and selected store. Search with both litre and gallon terms because Canadian retailer listings use both.
Search more than one phrase
Try “50 L garbage can,” “50 litre garbage bin,” “13 gallon kitchen trash can,” “50 L step can” and “50 L garbage can with lid.”
Select your postal code or local store
Do this before trusting “in stock,” pickup time, aisle number or delivery information.
Open the specification section
Save the assembled width, depth, height and model number. Do not use package measurements.
Confirm floor-model availability
Call the store when you need to test the pedal, lock, inner bucket or lid movement.
Check bags before checkout
Confirm whether the can uses common 50 L bags or a proprietary liner code.
Keep packaging until the fit is tested
Place the can in its final location, open the lid fully and install a real bag before discarding the box.
Check a slim 50 L step can
The type A model is useful when floor width and depth are limited. Select your store to see current pickup inventory.
Check dimensions and local Canadian Tire stockCompare steel step cans
Use the assembled dimensions section and check nearby-store availability before travelling.
Check the HDX 50 L step canCheck a simple 50 L lidded bin
The LÖVKVAST can hold two bags and uses a removable lid instead of a pedal or sensor.
Check IKEA measurements and availabilityCompare open-top and sensor models
Warehouse and online availability can differ. Check the exact item and dimensions before purchasing.
Check the Nine Stars 50 L sensor binMaximum width, maximum depth, closed-height limit, lid-open limit, preferred bag size, pet-lock requirement and target budget.
Sensor and Smart 50 L Garbage Cans: Useful Upgrade or Extra Maintenance?
Newer bins may add motion sensors, voice control, odour filters, automatic sealing or dual compartments. Buy the feature only when it solves a real problem.
Touch-free opening
Useful with messy hands, but the sensor needs clear space and can open when people repeatedly pass nearby.
Check battery type
Large C batteries, AA batteries, rechargeable packs and wall adapters create different ongoing costs.
Convenient but refill-dependent
Self-sealing systems may require proprietary bag cartridges that are harder to find locally.
Helpful only when maintained
Check the filter size, replacement interval, Canadian availability and whether the bin still works without it.
Sorting in one footprint
Useful for garbage and recycling, but each compartment is smaller and may need a different bag.
Look for manual override
A powered lid should still be usable when batteries die or the sensor stops responding.
How to Keep a 50 Liter Kitchen Garbage Can Clean
Remove wet waste
Do not let leaking food packaging sit at the bottom of a large bag.
Inspect under the liner
Wipe hidden moisture before installing the next bag.
Clean touch points
Wipe the rim, pedal, lid, handle, liner ring and floor beneath the can.
Dry completely
Do not trap moisture between the inner bucket and outer shell.
Use a soft cloth and the manufacturer-approved cleaning method. Avoid abrasive pads, steel wool and harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
Common 50 L Garbage Bin Problems: Cause and Fix
Can You Use a 50 L Garbage Can for Municipal Curbside Pickup?
A 50 L indoor kitchen garbage can is not automatically an approved curbside container. Canadian municipalities may require a city-issued cart, tagged bags, clear bags, a maximum resident-owned can size or shared building bins.
Usually a household storage bin
The kitchen bag is normally moved into the approved outdoor cart, communal bin or building garbage room.
Check local rules first
Do not set out a purchased kitchen can unless your municipality or private hauler accepts that container style.
Keep batteries, electronics, paint, oil, propane cylinders, chemicals, sharps and hot ashes out of a normal kitchen garbage can.
Product Specification and Stock-Checking Links
Specifications, prices, colours and stock can change. Use these pages after measuring your space and before placing an order.
50 Liter Garbage Can FAQ
How big is a 50 liter garbage can?
A 50 litre garbage can holds about 13.2 US gallons. Outside dimensions vary by shape, so check the exact width, depth, closed height and lid-open height for the model you are considering.
Is a 50 liter garbage can the same as a 13 gallon trash can?
They are in approximately the same capacity class. Fifty litres equals about 13.2 US gallons, so retailers may label similar cans or bags as 13 gallon, 13.2 gallon or 50 L.
What size garbage bag fits a 50 L garbage can?
Start with bags labelled 45–50 L, 49–50 L, tall kitchen or 13 gallon. Check the internal rim and height, and use the manufacturer liner code when one is provided.
Is a 50 liter kitchen trash can large enough for a family?
It can work for many couples and small-to-medium families, especially when food scraps and recyclables are separated. Larger households may need more frequent emptying or a second sorting bin.
What are normal 50 L garbage can dimensions?
There is no standard outside size. Current examples range from a slim 38.8 × 29.4 × 71.7 cm model to wider or deeper square and steel models. Measure the exact product rather than relying on capacity.
Should I buy a 50 liter garbage can with a lid?
A lid is recommended for most kitchens because it hides waste and improves odour, pet and child control. Open-top bins are better suited to dry waste in busy office or utility spaces.
Is a 50 liter step trash can better than a sensor can?
A step can is mechanically simple and does not need batteries. A sensor can provides touch-free opening but needs power, clear sensor space and occasional troubleshooting.
Which liner fits a Simplehuman 50 L garbage can?
The Simplehuman 50 L Classic Rectangular Step Can uses Code Q liners. The 50 L Semi-Round Plastic Step Can uses Code P liners. Confirm the model and code under the lid before ordering.
How do I find a 50 L garbage can near me in Canada?
Select your postal code or preferred store on Canadian retailer websites. Search both “50 L garbage can” and “13 gallon kitchen trash can,” then confirm local pickup inventory before travelling.
Can I use a 50 litre garbage bin for municipal curbside pickup?
Only when your municipality, building or private hauler accepts resident-owned cans of that size and design. Many Canadian systems require official carts, tagged bags, clear bags or communal bins instead.
Final Buying Decision
Choose a 50 liter garbage can only after checking four things: the assembled footprint, the full lid-opening path, the correct bag or liner code, and how easily the inner bucket can be removed and cleaned.
For most Canadian kitchens, a stable soft-close step can is the simplest option. Choose a locking model for pets, a slim model for tight spaces, a sensor model only when touch-free opening is worth the battery maintenance, and a smaller bin when waste would otherwise sit indoors too long.