Final answer:
The amount of trash that should be allowed in a trash can before it is changed can vary, with new recommendations suggesting up to 8 diameters side-to-side and 15 diameters deep from the top.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertaining to how many inches from the top of a trash can should trash be allowed to fill before it is changed does not have a universal answer, as it largely depends on the context in which the trash can is used. However, an older "rule of thumb" suggested leaving a space of 5 side-to-side and 7-8 inches deep from the top. Newer practices indicate that it's better to allow for as much as 8 diameters side-to-side and 15 diameters deep before changing the bag to prevent overflow and allow for closure of the bag without spillage.
It's important to consider that trash management is not just about when to change the bag but also how we can minimize waste altogether. Actions such as rinsing cans before disposal, recycling when possible, and using a trash compactor to reduce volume can all contribute to more efficient waste management. A trash compactor, for instance, can reduce the volume of its contents to 0.350 their original value, which subsequently increases the density of the trash, allowing more garbage to be compacted into a single bag.