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.
- Beautiful design
- Durable resin material
- Double lid closure
- Budget-friendly
- High strength plastic construction
- Easy transport & maneuver
- Made from galvanized steel
- Weather resistant
- Great balance
- UV resistant
- Includes trash holder
- Great balance
- Durable & eco-friendly construction
- Controls odors
- Easy to clean
- Beautiful design
- UV resistant
- Comes with 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.
1. Suncast 33 Gallon Hideaway Can
Best Outdoor Trash Can 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 get back to whatever you were doing!
The Suncast 33 Gallon Hideaway Can has an attached lid that opens at a 90-degree angle so you can easily fit 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 itself is made from durable resin that resists fading and water, no matter the weather. Leave this trash can outside year-round.
One thing to note: the opening isn’t that big. So if you have bigger trash bags, they might not fit through the opening. This is a good option for smaller trash bags, or as an outdoor trash can at your patio area for waste. It’s not the best solution for collecting your entire week’s trash for the trash collectors to collect from.
Pros
- Beautiful design.
- Durable resin material.
- Holds up to 33 gallons.
- Double lid closure secures trash bags.
Cons
- Smaller opening so bigger trash bags might not fit through.
- The handle seems like it’s been installed backwards.
Product Specs
Capacity | 33 gallons |
Material | Resin |
Security | Closing lid |
Weight | 6.6 pounds |
Dimensions | 16 x 15.75 x 31.7 inches |
2. Carlisle Bronco Round Waste Container
Best Cheap Outdoor Trash Can
On a budget but need a good quality outdoor trash can? Say hello 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 a bit bigger. Plus, you can choose from nine different colors including black, green and yellow.
It’s made from high-strength plastic to withstand daily use, even in commercial settings. Guess what? It’s also NSF certified to be food safe. So this could also be a cost-effective way to do large food prep and store food if you need it for that reason.
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 so they keep 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.
Cons
- Lid sold separately.
- The plastic freezes in cold temperatures.
Product Specs
Capacity | 10 gallons |
Material | Plastic |
Security | Snap shut lid (sold separately) |
Weight | 2.9 pounds |
Dimensions | 9 x 9 x 0.8 inches |
3. Behrens Galvanized Steel Trash Can
Best Metal Outdoor 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 perfect 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 sweding. The quality and rigid structure is what makes 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
- Lots of size options.
- Made from sustainable and durable galvanized steel.
- Resistant to weather, chemicals and rodents.
- Great balance.
Cons
- Lid is difficult to remove, so not good for one-handed use.
- No wheels.
Product Specs
Capacity | 31 gallons |
Material | Sustainable galvanized steel |
Security | Closing lid |
Weight | 8.7 pounds |
Dimensions | 20 x 20 x 27 inches |
4. 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, consider that it won’t be odor free since there’s no lid. But if you use odor repellent trash bags, stench won’t be an issue.
What’s it made from? High density and UV resistant polyethylene. Therefore, it works great 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 30 gallon capacity which is very generous. 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.
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 |
5. ZYCLL The Mall PedalTrash Can
Best 10-Gallon Outdoor Trash Can With Lid
The ZYCLL Mall PedalTrash can is the perfect 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!
It’s got a more industrial design, so it’s great for emptying your week’s trash for the trash collectors. It’s not the most beautiful design for backyard furniture, though.
However, the durable construction makes it awesome 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 bad odors so your neighbours won’t be holding their nose 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.
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 |
6. Crosley Furniture Outdoor Wicker Trash Bin
Best Looking Outdoor Trash Can
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 out 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 itself 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 difficult 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 design.
- UV resistant.
- Bag holder inside.
Cons
- Difficult to assemble.
Product Specs
Capacity | Not specified |
Material | Rattan wicker |
Security | Attached lid, doesn’t lock |
Weight | 21 pounds |
Dimensions | 16 x 16 x 31.5 inches |
7. United Solutions 32 Gallon Outdoor Trash Can
Best Outdoor Trash Can 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 perfect 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 ideal 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.
It’s made of heavyweight plastic, so it’s been designed to last a long time. It also has 32 gallons of capacity, so it’s perfect for a week’s worth of trash for a big family.
Also, you can use this for seed and chemical storage. It also works well as a container for pet food!
Next time you need to take the trash out, it’s a little more appealing with this trash can.
Keep In Mind
Pros
- Wheels and a locking mechanism.
- Keeps critters out.
- Heavy-duty plastic construction.
- Works as seed and chemical storage.
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 | 22.38 x 20.98 x 33.46 inches |
Product | Best | Capacity | Material | Security | Weight | Dimensions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Suncast 33 Gallon Hideaway Can | Attached Lid | 33 gal. | Resin | Closing lid | 6.6 lbs | 16 x 15.75 x 31.7″ |
Carlisle Bronco Round Waste Container | Cheap | 10 gal. | Plastic | Snap shut lid | 2.9 lbs | 9 x 9 x 0.8″ |
Behrens Galvanized Steel Trash Can | Metal | 31 gal. | Galvanized steel | Closing lid | 8.7 lbs | 20 x 20 x 27″ |
Safco Canmeleon Open Top Pentagon | Plastic | 30 gal. | Plastic | Lid with opening | 10 lbs | 18.5 x 18 x 28.75″ |
ZYCLL The Mall PedalTrash Can | 10-Gallon | 10 gal. | Eco-friendly plastic | Closing lid | N/A | 15.5 x 16.7 x 23.6″ |
Crosley Furniture Wicker Trash Bin | Design | N/A | Rattan wicker | Attached lid | 20.5 lbs | 16 x 16 x 31.5″ |
United Solutions | Locking Lids & Wheels | 32 gal. | Plastic | Locking lid | 7.24 lbs | 22.38 x 20.98 x 33.46″ |
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.
How to Choose (Buying Guide)
To get the best outdoor trash can for your home, here are the top details you should consider.
FAQs About Outdoor Trash Cans
Outdoor Trash in Style
Who knew choosing a trash can could be so important? Finding the right one can make your life so much easier. These trash cans can deter curious critters, contain odors and spruce up your outdoor living space.
For example, if you want something that makes one-handed trips to the trash can easier, go for the Suncast 33 Gallon Hideaway Can. The Carlisle Bronco Round Waste Container is good if you’re on a budget and want something that’s easy to maneuver.
Finally, the Behrens Galvanized Steel Trash Can is weather, chemical and rodent resistant. So you can rest assured it will last a long time.