How Big Is a 16-Gallon Trash Can? | Size By Model

A 16-gallon trash can is a medium indoor bin, but its size depends on the model—roughly 11 to 24.5 inches wide and 24 to 30 inches tall.

The label “16 gallons” describes capacity, not a fixed footprint. A slim kitchen model sits around 11 inches wide, while a stainless steel step-on can runs closer to 18.5 inches wide and nearly 30 inches tall. Before buying, measure your intended spot against the model’s outside dimensions—the number on the box won’t tell you if it fits under your counter.

Why “16 Gallons” Doesn’t Mean One Fixed Size

The gallon rating only tells you how much waste the bin holds—about 60 to 61 liters, depending on the retailer’s conversion. The shape and proportions vary so much that two 16-gallon cans can look completely different side by side.

A slim rectangular model might be built for a narrow gap beside a fridge, while a square step-on can takes up more floor space but offers a wider opening. Some retailers list a 16-gallon bin as 60 L; others round to 61 L for the same capacity.

Real Dimensions of Popular 16-Gallon Models

Looking at actual products shows just how much the footprint shifts. The Rubbermaid Slim Jim 16-gallon, a common commercial-style choice, measures 22 x 11 x 25 inches overall, with an inside depth of about 18 7/8 inches. The simplehuman 16-gallon step can runs wider at 18.5 x 13.1 inches, but it’s also taller at 29.9 inches. A stainless steel step-on model sold at Target stands 23.82 inches high closed—but 35.63 inches with the lid open.

That last number matters more than most people expect. If you’re sliding a can under a counter or beside a kitchen island, the open-lid height is the measurement that decides whether it fits.

Measuring Your Space Before You Buy

Use the outside dimensions from the product listing, not the rim or inside measurements. Uline’s listing for the Rubbermaid Slim Jim notes that outside dimensions include the handles, so a bin that looks like it fits on paper may still catch on cabinet pulls.

• Width and depth: Compare against the actual gap—add an inch or two so the can isn’t squeezed tight.
• Closed height: Check this for under-counter placement; most models run 24 to 30 inches tall.
• Open-lid clearance: Step-on cans need room for the lid to swing; on the Target model that’s nearly 36 inches.

For a tested lineup of bins that fit real kitchens, see our best 16-gallon trash can picks before you commit.

Common 16-Gallon Dimensions At a Glance

Prices vary with the build. The Rubbermaid Slim Jim 16-gallon runs about $51 on Uline, while a stainless steel step-on model with a soft-close lid and liner retainer ring lands closer to $100 at Target.