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Bin capacity must hold the waste accumulated between collections: weekly mass divided by collection frequency, converted to volume through the in-bin density of about 100-150 kg/m3 for uncompacted residual waste. Reducing collection frequency directly increases the container volume required.
Bin volume
Volume per collection = households x waste per household / frequency / in-bin density
Because two weeks of waste must be stored. Authorities moving to fortnightly residual collection typically pair it with weekly food waste collection to control odour and vermin, and larger recycling capacity.
Around 100-150 kg/m3 for loose residual waste in wheeled bins, higher where food waste is included and lower for dry recyclables, which can be as low as 40-60 kg/m3 for mixed plastics and cans.