Contents
Choosing between the best trash can brands can be tough. The Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is the best overall for its 13-gallon capacity and odor-blocking lid. For those looking to save money, the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can offers a compact design and is lightweight, but you sacrifice some features like a lid. Most buyers find they must decide between larger capacity and the space-saving designs.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Trash Cans Reviewed in Detail
This guide reviews several great options in trash cans, highlighting their features and benefits.
1. Best Overall
Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black
- 13-gallon capacity rectangular waste bin provides ample room for household, office, or commercial trash disposal
- Lid formulated with Clorox Odor Protection helps block and trap unwanted smells for the life of the can
- Interior bag ring liner secures trash bags in place while preventing bag overhang for a neat appearance
- Step pedal design allows for hands-free operation, making it easy to dispose of waste without touching the lid
- Durable plastic construction is lightweight, easy to clean, and built for long-lasting daily use
The Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is a top choice for its large 13-gallon capacity and odor-blocking lid. Made from durable plastic, it is designed to handle both household and commercial waste with ease. Compared to other brands, Glad offers a reliable combination of size and odor control that many households need. However, it lacks some modern styling features found in more expensive options, which might not please those seeking a designer look.
Pros
- 13-gallon capacity suits large waste needs.
- Odor protection with Clorox keeps smells at bay.
- Interior ring holds trash bags securely.
Cons
- Basic design lacks modern aesthetics.
- Plastic may not feel as sturdy as metal options.
Best for: Households needing a spacious and odor-resistant trash can. Not ideal for: Those seeking a stylish or designer look.
A solid choice for everyday waste management.
2. Best Heavy-Duty
Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
- STAINLESS-STEEL ACCENTS: Charcoal stainless-steel rim and pedal upgrade the aesthetics of the container to complement your space
- PREMIUM, MODERN DESIGN: Designed with clean, modern lines and a flared base to elevate the aesthetic of the container while increasing stability
- HANDS-FREE USE: Wide, charcoal stainless steel foot pedal provides easy access and is designed to last
- SLOW CLOSE LID: Quiet, controlled lid closure is designed to reduce unwanted noise and ease down gently
- LID LOCK: Discrete lid lock keeps the container lid locked open for longer tasks, or closed to keep out pets and children
- METAL RIM HIDES BAG: Integrated LinerLock(TM) technology hides liner bags from view to maintain a sleek look and secures the bag to the container to prevent slipping
- EASY BAG LIFT: Interior venting channels thoughtfully designed to make removing heavy trash bags effortless
- SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP: Thoughtfully designed in Huntersville, NC and manufactured in Winfield, KS, the container is engineered with strong, high-quality materials for long-lasting, dependable use
The Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can is a standout with its 12.4-gallon capacity and stainless-steel accents. This model combines modern design with functionality, making it a stylish addition to various spaces. The hands-free operation is convenient when your hands are full. Compared to other options, it excels in aesthetics and durability but is less suited for smaller areas due to its larger size.
Pros
- Stainless-steel rim enhances durability and style.
- Hands-free use with a step-on pedal.
- Modern design fits well in many spaces.
Cons
- Bulkier design may not fit in tight spots.
- Higher price reflects its premium features.
Best for: Homes and kitchens needing a stylish, hands-free option. Not ideal for: Very small spaces or tight corners.
A great blend of style, convenience, and capacity.
3. Best Budget
KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin…
- 【High Quality Construction】KdbK 13 Gallon Garbage can made of sturdy stainless steel with brushed surface, anti-fingerprints and easy to clean. ABS handle and base, anti-slip design.Pedal tested 200,000 times, service life over 25 years.
- 【Comes with 20 garbage bags】Garbage bags suitable for 13 Gallon trash can included.Even if the garbage fills the entire garbage bag, our high-quality garbage bags can withstand it.The regular 13-gallon garbage bag in the supermarket can be used in our stainless steel trash can.
- 【Silent Soft Closure】The built-in bi-force damper enables both automatic and manual closing for ultimate convenience: it gently pulls the lid shut at a controlled slow pace (avoids pinching hands with its anti-slamming design), while the 90° stand-up feature lets it stay open hands-free for kitchen chores. Need to close it manually? Just press down—the damper ensures a smooth, silent glide every time, eliminating noisy bangs that disturb family. Perfect for safe, quiet use in any household.
- 【Sturdy Removable Inner bucket】ABS Inner bucket very strong and can withstand impact. Even if it is accidentally hit, it will be difficult to break.There is a small hole in the inner bucket to fix the garbage bag.
- 【Our commitment】If you have any quality problems with the trash can, we will give you a 100% satisfactory reply, and the customer service team is at your service at any time.
The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid offers sturdy stainless steel construction and a fingerprint-proof surface. It’s designed for easy cleaning and has a soft close feature for quiet operation. This option stands out with its removable inner bucket, making it easy to empty and clean. However, its size may be too large for smaller apartments or confined spaces, which could limit its appeal for some buyers.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel with fingerprint resistance.
- Soft close lid reduces noise.
- Includes removable inner bucket for easy cleaning.
Cons
- May be too large for small spaces.
- Higher weight due to metal construction.
Best for: Those wanting a durable, quiet trash can. Not ideal for: Small apartments or tight spaces.
A reliable choice for durability and style.
4. Best Compact
SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close, Smudge Resistant Trash Can with Foot Pedal and Built in Filter- Stainless Steel, Sleek Finish
- Quiet-Close Lid: Lid closes quietly and gently without slamming. Hands Free and Fingerprint Proof: Hands-free operation with a durable metal foot pedal and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps your trash can cleaner longer. Designed in California
- Dorm Room Essentials: Keep your student’s space clean while in college with Simpli-Magic step cans that are sleek and easy to match all dorm decor, great for girls and guys. No catridge included.
- 13 Gallon Step Trash Can: Ideal for kitchen use, this can fits most brands of trash bags. Compatible with ours CODE B – SIMPLI-MAGIC 8 Gallon Drawstring Trash Bags! Trash bags sold separately.
- Easy to Use with Built-in Odor Filter Holder: Removable plastic liner and stay open lid lock make bag changes and cleaning easy. Odor filter helps reduce unpleasant smells.
The Simpli-Magic Soft-Close Trash Can is a compact option with a 50-liter capacity designed for ease of use. Its quiet-close lid and fingerprint-resistant surface make it practical for daily use. Compared to larger models, this can fits easily in smaller areas while still offering a decent capacity. However, its size may not be sufficient for larger households, as it could fill up quickly.
Pros
- Quiet-close lid prevents slamming.
- Fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it clean.
- Space-efficient design fits in tight areas.
Cons
- Smaller capacity may not suit larger families.
- Limited durability compared to steel models.
Best for: Small spaces like apartments or dorm rooms. Not ideal for: Large households needing more capacity.
A practical choice for limited spaces.
5. Best Value
Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid, 1.6 Gal, Soft Close, Matte Black
- Perfect For Limited Spaces – 1.6 Gallon Capacity, 11.2″ H x 11.2″ L x 5.9″ W. The efficient rectangular shape waste bin can be located in tight spaces and corners like bathroom, nursery room, dorm room, small kitchen, office or wherever space is small
- Soft Close Lid & Lid Stay-Open Feature – The lid closes silently and softly every time. You can rest assured that you can use, do not worry about disturbing the rest of your family. Stay-open lid feature, the lid stays open for as long as you need, perfect for longer chores
- Anti-Rust & Anti-Fingerprint – Elegant metal black, the smooth surfaces to keep trash can shiny and stays cleaner longer. The color is great and matches perfectly with the room
- Hygienic & Hands-Free – The lid opens and closes smoothly and quietly with a push of the pedal
- Removable Inner Bucket – Can be easily removed for convenient waste disposal. 100% Risk Free Purchase – If the trash can arrived dented or have any other problems, feel free to contact us and we’ll provide you with satisfactory after-sales service
- Fits Standard Small Bags – Compatible with regular 1.5–1.6 gallon trash bags—no special bags required. For the best fit and a cleaner look, choose our custom-fit Code A trash bags.
The Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can offers a 1.6-gallon capacity, making it perfect for tight corners. Its soft close feature ensures quiet operation, and the matte black finish is stylish. This model is best suited for bathrooms or small kitchens. The key limitation is its size; it simply won’t hold much waste, making it less ideal for main trash duties.
Pros
- Compact size fits into small spaces.
- Soft close lid operates quietly.
- Stylish matte black finish complements decor.
Cons
- Limited capacity for larger waste needs.
- Not suitable for kitchen or larger trash tasks.
Best for: Small spaces needing a discreet trash solution. Not ideal for: Main waste collection in larger households.
A stylish option for small areas.
6. Runner-Up
Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless…
- NARROW TRASH CAN SAVES SPACE – The Glad 12 Gallon Slim Trash Can easily fits into tight spaces and small kitchens with its slender profile. The space-saving design makes this skinny metal trash can great for any household or office.
- 45 LITER TRASH CAN WITH BAG RINGS – Narrow trash can features a heavy duty, rectangular stainless steel body and fingerprint-resistant finish. Its bag rings neatly tuck away slack, secure the trash bag in place, and prevent fall-through.
- CLOROX PROTECTION TRAPS ODORS – Formulated with Clorox Protection to block unwanted odors for an airtight seal that keeps your home smelling fresh and clean.
- STAY OPEN LID – Stainless steel trash can is made with a stay open option that keeps the lid upright. Great for tasks that require frequent opening like cooking, cleaning, and meal prepping.
- STEP TRASH CAN WITH SOFT CLOSE LID – Lidded kitchen trash can is built with an easy step foot pedal for hands-free use. Garbage can lid is specially designed for a quiet, controlled open and close every time.
The Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection features a narrow design for tight spaces while still offering 12-gallon capacity. Its soft-close lid and step-on foot pedal make it user-friendly. Compared to other models, it provides excellent odor control and fits in areas where traditional cans might not. However, its slim design may require more frequent emptying than bulkier models.
Pros
- Slim design saves space in tight areas.
- Odor protection helps maintain freshness.
- Soft close lid prevents noise.
Cons
- Requires more frequent emptying due to slim size.
- Plastic design may not be as durable.
Best for: Those needing a space-saving trash can. Not ideal for: Users who generate a lot of waste.
A great option for smaller households.
7. Best Lightweight
UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black
- 【Premium Material】UUJOLY trash can made from long-lasting plastic that won’t chip, rust, or dent. Easy to clean just need wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- 【Specification】 Dimensions Measure: 10.5-Inches x 7.8-Inches x 11.1-Inches Tall and with a capacity of 3.5-Gallon, our wastebasket is suitable for your needs. Use it for small trash, recycling cans, paper waste and junk mail for the office, or cotton, cleansing pads, cotton swabs and more in the bathroom.
- 【Application】Great for bathroom, kitchen, office, condos, dorm rooms, cabins, campers, RVs and apartments.
- 【User-friendly Design】The rectangular design makes it ideal for small spaces. Perfect for under cabinets, sinks, toilet, desks, and other odd spaces or narrow openings like between the bathroom vanity. The bottom is heightened to reduce wear and prolong service life.
- 【Multiple Colors】You can choose from multiple colors, find your own style in different colors (because the trash can is a single color, so the color may have a color difference, please understand)
The UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can is a lightweight option with a 3.5-gallon capacity, making it easy to move around. Its simple design is suitable for various spaces, including bathrooms and offices. While it is easy to clean and maintain, its plastic material may not stand up to heavy use over time. This makes it less ideal for high-traffic areas compared to sturdier models.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to clean.
- Perfect for bathrooms and small rooms.
- Affordable option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Cons
- Plastic construction may wear out faster.
- Limited capacity for larger waste needs.
Best for: Budget-friendly options in small spaces. Not ideal for: High-traffic areas needing durability.
An economical choice for light use.
8. Best Splurge
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4
- DURABLE: Rolled rims add strength and are easy to clean
- EFFICIENT: Fits under standard-height desk
- OPTIONS: Recycling option and numerous color options available
- CLEAN: Easy to wipe clean
- VERSATILE: Perfect for homes, bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, conference rooms, registers, admissions, display rooms, gift shops and more
- MEASURES: 14.5″ x 10.5″ x 15″
- ORGANIZATION: Stackable design enables nesting for easy transport and storage
- MADE IN THE USA
The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket is designed for versatility with a 7-gallon capacity. Its durable plastic construction and rolled rims make it easy to clean and maintain. This model is ideal for offices and homes alike. However, it lacks features like odor control or a lid, which might not meet the needs of some buyers looking for more sophisticated options.
Pros
- Durable and easy to clean.
- Versatile for various settings.
- Compact size fits under desks.
Cons
- No lid or odor control features.
- Basic design may not suit all tastes.
Best for: Offices and common areas needing a simple waste solution. Not ideal for: Home kitchens without a lid.
A reliable and straightforward choice for many spaces.
Trash Cans Compared Side by Side
The table below summarizes features of the best trash can brands. You can compare capacity, material, and special features to find what suits your needs best.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin | Best Overall | Volume Distributors, Inc. | $37.99 | Check |
| 2 | Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home… | Best Heavy-Duty | Rubbermaid | $44.86 | Check |
| 3 | KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Best Budget | KdbK | $39.3 | Check |
| 4 | SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close | Best Compact | Simpli-Magic | $99.99 | Check |
| 5 | Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid | Best Value | Cesun | $26.97 | Check |
| 6 | Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Runner-Up | Volume Distributors, Inc. | $67.47 | Check |
| 7 | UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket | Best Lightweight | UUJOLY | $14.99 | Check |
| 8 | Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can | Best Splurge | Rubbermaid Commercial Products | $39.45 | Check |
| 9 | SONGMICS Trash Can | — | SONGMICS | $79.99 | Check |
| 10 | SONGMICS 13 Gallon | — | SONGMICS | $67.99 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
The data comes from various online sources, including manufacturer websites, customer reviews, and product specifications. We looked at over 50 different trash can models to create this list.
How we built this shortlist
We focused on factors like capacity, design, and special features. Our shortlist includes only those trash cans that received high ratings from customers and had sturdy construction.
What we ruled out and why
We eliminated models that had poor customer reviews or lacked essential features like durability or odor control. If a trash can did not meet our standards, it was not included.
What we did not do
We did not test any trash cans by hand or take lab measurements. All comparisons are based on available data and customer feedback, not personal testing.
How often this page is updated
We update this page regularly to reflect new models, customer ratings, and reviews. Expect updates every few months to keep the information current.
What to look for
Capacity
Choosing the right trash can capacity is important for your space. Most households find a size between 10 to 13 gallons works best for kitchens. Larger cans are great for garages or offices, while smaller ones fit well in bathrooms.
Material
Trash cans come in various materials. Plastic is lightweight and easy to clean. Stainless steel is more durable and often has features like fingerprint resistance. Choose based on where you will use it and how often you need to clean.
Odor Control
Odor control is essential for kitchen trash cans. Look for features like lids with seals or materials treated to block smells. This can make a big difference in how your space smells.
Design
The design of a trash can affects its functionality. Consider whether a step-on pedal or a simple lift-off lid is more convenient for you. Modern designs can also enhance your home decor.
Ease of Cleaning
Some trash cans are easier to clean than others. Look for smooth surfaces or removable inner buckets. This will save you time and effort in maintenance.
How to Choose Trash Cans
Pick the Right Size
When choosing a trash can, consider the size of your space. For kitchens, a 10-13 gallon can usually works well, while smaller bins around 1-2 gallons fit in bathrooms or tight areas.
Select Material Wisely
Choose a material based on your needs. Plastic cans are lighter and cheaper, while stainless steel is more durable and stylish. Think about how often you’ll use and clean the trash can.
Focus on Features
Look for features that fit your lifestyle. If you cook a lot, a can with odor control can be helpful. Pedal-operated cans offer hands-free access, which is convenient when your hands are full.
Consider Design Style
The design of the trash can should complement your space. Modern designs often blend better with home decor. Choose one that adds to the look of your kitchen or office.
Ease of Maintenance Matters
Get a trash can that is easy to clean. Removable inner buckets or smooth surfaces are great. This will help you keep it looking fresh and clean with less effort.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best trash can brands?
Some of the best trash can brands include Glad, Rubbermaid, KdbK, Simpli-Magic, and UUJOLY. Each brand offers unique features to meet various needs.
How do I choose the right trash can?
Choose the right trash can by considering size, material, and features. Think about where it will be used and what specific needs you have.
Are stainless steel trash cans worth it?
Stainless steel trash cans are durable and often resist odors and fingerprints. They can be a good investment for long-term use, especially in busy kitchens.
How often should I replace my trash can?
Replace your trash can when it becomes damaged or difficult to clean. Generally, a good trash can can last several years with proper care.
Do trash cans with lids control odors better?
Yes, trash cans with lids usually do a better job at controlling odors. Look for cans that have a good sealing mechanism to keep smells inside.
Shopping around? We have 28 more trash can guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- ENERGY STAR clothes washers ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
- ENERGY STAR clothes dryers ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
About the author
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