Have you woken up to trash all over your lawn? Or is there clear evidence of a sneaky little animal having visited your outdoor garbage? Then it might be time for a new trash can.
What kind of outdoor garbage can would you prefer? Something that locks, something that looks good in your backyard, or something budget-friendly? Either way, we can help!
With our recommendations for the best outdoor trash cans, you’ll find something that works great for you. We based this list on expert advice, real customer reviews, and unique product features.
- Aesthetic design in two colors
- Durable waterproof resin material
- Double lid closure secures trash bags
- Budget-friendly
- High strength plastic construction
- Easy to transport & maneuver
- Made from galvanized steel
- Resistant to weather and chemicals
- Great balance
- UV-resistant
- Includes trash holder
- Great balance and won't tip over
- Durable & eco-friendly construction
- Controls odors
- Easy to clean
- Beautiful wicker design
- UV-resistant
- Comes with interior trash bag holder
- Has wheels & locking mechanism
- Keeps critters out
- Heavy-duty plastic construction
Product Reviews
We’ve spent hours researching real customer reviews, product descriptions, and expert advice. With this in mind, as well as applying our own insight and experience, we have a comprehensive list of the best outdoor trash cans.
Here are our seven super recommendations.
Suncast 33 Gallon Hideaway Can
Best With Attached Lid
For a seamless trash-emptying operation, it’s good to have something with an attached lid. So when you open up your outdoor trash can to deposit that week’s trash, the lid stays attached. You do the whole process one-handed, and quickly, so you can return to whatever you are doing!
The Suncast 33 Gallon Hideaway Can have an attached lid that opens at a 90-degree angle so you can easily fit it in your trash bags. You also don’t have to reach back too far to close it again once you’ve deposited your trash.
The lid feature also makes it harder for animals and rodents to get into your trash. It’s not 100 percent secure, but it’s better than no lid!
The trash can is made from durable resin that resists fading and water, no matter the weather. Leave this trash can outside year-round.
Pros
- Aesthetic design option available in two colors.
- Durable waterproof resin material.
- Holds up to 33 gallons.
- Double lid closure secures trash bags.
- Hinged lid allows for easy access.
- Assemble within five minutes.
Cons
- Smaller opening, so bigger trash bags might not fit through.
- The handle seems like it’s been installed backward.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 33 gallons |
| Material | Resin |
| Security | Closing lid |
| Weight | 14.33 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16 x 15.75 x 31.7 inches |
Our Ratings
Carlisle Bronco Round Waste Container
Best Cheap Pick
On a budget but need a good quality outdoor trash can? Say hello to the Carlisle Bronco can!
It’s budget-friendly but still has amazing reviews. This particular one is a 10-gallon, but they have a wide range of options, going up to 55 gallons if you want something bigger. Plus, you can choose from nine colors, including black, green, and yellow.
It’s made from high-strength plastic to withstand daily use, even in commercial settings. It’s also NSF certified to be food safe.
This can doesn’t have wheels, but it’s still easy to transport because of the Integrated Comfort Curve handles. They are ergonomically shaped to fit into the palm of your hand. So you can securely maneuver the can without the worry of spilling the contents.
These trash cans don’t come with a lid, but you can certainly buy them separately. The lids are tight sealing, keeping odors in and animals out. There are also small holes in the lid and handle, so you can secure them together with a zip tie. Never lose the lid!
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Many size and color options.
- High-strength plastic construction.
- Easy to transport and maneuver.
- NSF certified as food safe.
Cons
- Lid sold separately.
- The plastic freezes in cold temperatures.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 10-55 gallons |
| Material | Plastic |
| Security | Snap shut lid (sold separately) |
| Weight | 16.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16.1 x 16.1 x 17 inches |
Our Ratings
Behrens Galvanized Steel Trash Can
Best Metal Trash Can
Metal trash cans are the most durable and easiest to clean. Usually, they’re a little pricier, but the Behrens Galvanized Steel Trash Can is budget-friendly!
This 31-gallon trash can is the best size for most families. It’s made from sustainable galvanized steel that’s 100 percent recyclable.
These high-quality materials mean it’s built to last. It’s a heavy-duty garbage can, but it also offers itself for other uses, such as storage, yard waste, seed, and pet storage.
If you’re keeping this outside, you’re in luck! The can is weather-, chemical- and rodent-resistant. The offset bottom gives this can great balance, so it shouldn’t tip over during windy weather.
Each can is double-seamed with deep side swedging. The quality and rigid structure make this a workhorse for storing your trash and waste.
While it doesn’t have wheels, it has a handle on each side of the trash can. So you can easily lift and transport this from spot to spot.
If you aren’t sure you need a 31-gallon can, this also comes in 20, 10, 7.5, six, and four-gallon sizes.
Pros
- Many size options.
- Made from sustainable and durable galvanized steel.
- Resistant to weather, chemicals, and rodents.
- Great balance.
- Useful for trash, yard waste, pet food storage, and more.
Cons
- Lid is difficult to remove, so not good for one-handed use.
- No wheels.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 4-31 gallons |
| Material | Sustainable galvanized steel |
| Security | Closing lid |
| Weight | 6.14 pounds |
| Dimensions | 17.5 x 17.5 x 23.5 inches |
Our Ratings
Safco Canmeleon Open Top Pentagon Trash Can
Best Plastic Outdoor Trash Can
Do you want a trash can that works inside or outdoors? One that will look good in any space? The Safco Canmeleon is the way to go.
It can be used indoors or outdoors, and will match most people’s home decor. It has a unique five-fluted panel design. The open top looks great and makes it easy to deposit trash.
Of course, it won’t be odor free since there’s no lid. But stench won’t be an issue if you use odor-repellent trash bags.
It’s made from high-density and UV-resistant polyethylene. Therefore, it works excellently outside because it won’t fade in the sun. The telescoping base hides the trash bags so you won’t see them.
You can actually fasten the bottom of the trash can to the pavement. You can use weighted sand or paving bricks. This stops people from tipping or stealing the can, but it also ensures it has great balance in bad weather.
Lastly, it has a generous 30-gallon capacity. You can remove the top portion when you need to take out the trash for easy removal.
Pros
- Works inside and outside since it’s UV resistant.
- Trash holder hides the trash bags.
- Great balance so it won’t tip over.
- 30-gallon capacity.
- High-density quality materials are long-lasting.
- Allows for hands-free disposal.
Cons
- The opening isn’t wide enough to fit bigger trash items.
- Opening won’t keep rodents out.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 30 gallons |
| Material | Plastic |
| Security | Lid with opening |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Dimensions | 18.5 x 18 x 28.75 inches |
Our Ratings
ZYCLL The Mall PedalTrash Can
Best 10-Gallon Outdoor Trash Can
The ZYCLL Mall PedalTrash can is the best solution for a one to two-person household. It’s only 10 gallons, so it doesn’t hold a whole lot of trash. But it’s enough to see one or two people through the week!
The durable construction makes it excellent for the backyard. It is built to last. So no matter the weather, and no matter what you throw away, this trash can will hold it. Plus, it’s made from eco-friendly materials.
To make it even more appealing, it controls odors. The lid closes tightly to contain any foul odors so your neighbors won’t be holding their noses when they walk past your house.
If it does get stinky, it’s an easy trash can to clean. The plastic nature and small size of the can means you can quickly clean this trash can between uses.
If you don’t like this trash can, there is a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Durable and eco-friendly construction.
- It controls odors.
- Easy to clean.
- 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
- Suits indoor and outdoor use.
Cons
- Too small for some families.
- Industrial design doesn’t suit everyone.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 10 gallons |
| Material | Eco-friendly plastic |
| Security | Closing lid |
| Weight | N/A |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 16.7 x 23.6 inches |
Our Ratings
Crosley Furniture Outdoor Wicker Trash Bin
Most Aesthetic
Just because it holds trash doesn’t mean a trash can can’t be cute. The Crosley Furniture outdoor wicker trash bin is our top pick for an aesthetically pleasing trash can.
It’s definitely not for emptying your weekly trash into. It’s more suited for your patio area, where you can dispose of waste from your lunch, barbeque, or party.
This can hold trash bags easily. When it’s full, just pull out the trash bag and take it to your other outdoor trash can for trash collection day.
The trash can is constructed with UV-resistant rattan outdoor wicker. It won’t fade in the sun, and water won’t leak through the lid. However, the sides and bottom are not water-resistant, so it’s a good idea to hide it on rainy days.
The can is high-quality and durable with a steel frame, so it will last a long time if you care for it properly.
When this arrives, it’s quite tricky to set up, so keep that in mind. But once it’s up and running, you’ll notice a trash bag holder inside to keep your trash bags in place, which is a great bonus!
Pros
- Beautiful wicker design.
- UV resistant, so it’s durable in all weather types.
- Interior trash bag holder.
- Durable steel frame.
- It matches other Palm Harbor furniture.
Cons
- Difficult to assemble.
- Expensive price point.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 12 gallons |
| Material | Rattan wicker |
| Security | Attached lid, doesn’t lock |
| Weight | 20.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16 x 16 x 31.5 inches |
Our Ratings
United Solutions 32 Gallon Outdoor Trash Can
Best With Locking Lids And Wheels
The United Solutions trash can is the ultimate solution if you want a trash can with a locking lid and wheels. The locking lid is the best way to discourage animals and rodents from getting into your trash can.
The hook and lock handle makes it hard for critters to get inside. Plus, if it does tip in the windy weather, it shouldn’t open and spill.
The wheels are handy if you need to bring your trash can to the front of your house for trash collection. Wheels make it super easy to transport the heavy trash can around. We also recommend this if you’re going to be trailing it around while picking up trash around the yard.
You can use this for seed and chemical storage. It also works well as a container for pet food!
Keep In Mind
Pros
- Wheels and a locking mechanism.
- Keeps critters out with snap lock lid.
- Heavy-duty plastic construction will withstand all temperatures.
- Works as seed and chemical storage.
- Rugged wheels allow for easy transportation.
Cons
- It’s hard to open one-handed.
- Will blow over in the wind if empty.
Product Specs
| Capacity | 32 gallons |
| Material | Plastic |
| Security | Locking lid |
| Weight | 7.24 pounds |
| Dimensions | 22.4 x 21 x 33.5 inches |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Capacity | Material | Security | Weight | >Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suncast 33 Gallon Hideaway Can | With Attached Lid | 33 gal. | Resin | Closing lid | 14.33 lbs | 16 x 15.75 x 31.7″ |
| Carlisle Bronco Round Waste Container | Cheap Pick | 10-55 gal. | Plastic | Snap shut lid (sold separately) | 16.5 lbs | 16.1 x 16.1 x 17″ |
| Behrens Galvanized Steel Trash Can | Metal Trash Can | 4-31 gal. | Galvanized steel | Closing lid | 6.14 lbs | 17.5 x 17.5 x 23.5″ |
| Safco Canmeleon Open Top Pentagon | Plastic Outdoor Trash Can | 30 gal. | Plastic | Lid with opening | 10 lbs | 18.5 x 18 x 28.75″ |
| ZYCLL The Mall PedalTrash Can | 10-Gallon Outdoor Trash Can | 10 gal. | Eco-friendly plastic | Closing lid | N/A | 15.5 x 16.7 x 23.6″ |
| Crosley Furniture Wicker Trash Bin | Aesthetic | 12 gal. | Rattan wicker | Attached lid, doesn’t lock | 20.5 lbs | 16 x 16 x 31.5″ |
| United Solutions | With Locking Lids & Wheels | 32 gal. | Plastic | Locking lid | 7.24 lbs | 22.4 x 21 x 33.5″ |
Do I Need To Buy an Outdoor Trash Can?
When you empty your indoor trash can, you need to take the trash somewhere. For some residential areas, that will be an individual trash can. If you live in apartments, however, there might be a communal area; in this case, you won’t need to buy your own.
Some cities and towns have their own guidelines for which garbage cans are allowed. Some areas will even provide them! Check with your landlord or real estate agent for more details.
Factors to Keep in Mind
Here are the top details you should consider when shopping.
Capacity
Think about how much capacity you require. You want to ensure that your trash will fit between the trash collectors removing the trash.
How Many Gallons Is an Outdoor Trash Can?
Outdoor trash cans vary from about 10 gallons to 35 gallons. The more people who live in your family and the more trash you throw out, the bigger your trash can should be.
Durability
The durability of your trash can depends on the material. The main materials are plastic and metal, but you can also get wicker.
Wicker is the least durable option. Metal is the most durable, and it’s super easy to clean. Plastic may chip or crack under stress, so it can break if it gets too heavy.
However, plastic is a good option if you want something durable but a little less expensive.
Security
The trash can will be outside, so it needs to withstand animals, rodents, and bad weather. Animals can break into the trash can, and windy weather can tip it over.
Also, consider if the trash can has a lid, and it’s even better if it locks. Look for one with good balance, so it’s less likely to tip and spill.
Ease of Use
There are a few things that can make an outdoor trash can easier to use. For example, wheels make it easy to transport and maneuver. If it’s wide and short rather than tall and narrow, it’s easier to empty since you can reach the bottom.
The way the lid works can also help. If it is attached to the trash can, it’s easier to open one-handed.
Ease of Cleaning
Metal trash cans are the easiest to clean because stains lift a lot easier. Plastic is also quite easy, whereas wicker is the most difficult. You should clean your trash can every week or two, so it’s important that it’s easy to clean.
Budget
Lastly, consider your budget. Outdoor trash cans come in a wide range of prices, but we have a variety of trash cans to fit various budgets. So rest assured you’ll find something for you.
FAQs
Should You Keep Garbage Cans in the Garage?
There are a few benefits to keeping your trash can in the garage:
- It keeps your lawn looking tidy since your trash can is out of sight.
- It deters rodents getting into your trash.
- It stops neighbors from using your trash can.
There are also some reasons you may not want to keep the trash can in there:
- If it’s very smelly, you might still attract critters that will then look for ways inside your house.
- If the trash can is really smelly, the smell can travel inside the house.
- Your garage will smell bad, especially in the high heat.
Therefore, it’s up to you whether you choose to keep your trash can in the garage.
How Do I Keep My Outdoor Trash Can From Smelling?
Here are our top tips:
- Baking soda: Put one cup of baking soda into the trash can when it’s empty. This will tackle and absorb odors.
- Clean it: Clean and disinfect your trash can regularly. Trash cans smell worse the longer they’re left uncleaned. Use soapy water or bleach to clean your trash can.
- Dryer sheets: Put dryer sheets in the trash can to tackle bad odors.
How Do You Prevent Maggots in Your Trash Can?
Maggots will be attracted to your trash can’s stinky smells and food residue. So between trash collection days, give your trash can a good clean. This is especially vital if the food has leaked or there are juices at the bottom of the trash can.
You can also put some basil in the bottom of your trash can because bugs hate basil (1).
How Do I Disinfect My Outdoor Trash Can?
Spray the bin with distilled white vinegar or a surface cleaner with disinfectant properties. Let it sit on the bin for about 10 minutes, then wipe it with a clean wet rag. This process will disinfect the trash can.
Will a Stainless Steel Trash Can Rust Outside?
Most likely, but it is more robust than other materials. It takes a lot of standing water to corrode a stainless steel trash can.
How Do You Build an Outdoor Garbage Can Enclosure?
Create a wooden base, sides, and back, topped off with an angled waterproof roof. You can include doors if you want to protect the trash cans from critters.
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