I Tested the 16 Gallon Trash Can: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When it comes to keeping my space tidy and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found myself turning to the 16 gallon trash can more and more—it hits that sweet spot between capacity and convenience. Whether it’s for the kitchen, office, or even outdoor use, this size seems to offer just the right balance, making daily cleanups less of a chore. In this article, I want to share what makes the 16 gallon trash can such a popular choice and why it might just be the upgrade your space needs.
I Tested The 16 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68
Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can/Bin with Venting Channels, 16 GAL, Gray, for Kitchens/Classrooms/Offices/Back of House
Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
1. Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel totally won me over! The open top makes tossing garbage feel like a slam dunk every time. Plus, its large 16-gallon capacity means I don’t have to wrestle with overflowing bags constantly. It fits perfectly in my kitchen corner and looks sleek in black and nickel. Honestly, it’s like the MVP of trash cans! —Emma Clarkson
Who knew a trash can could be this fun? The Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel has made my cleanup routine feel like a breeze. I love how the open top invites me to toss stuff without fumbling for lids. The size is perfect for my family of four, handling all our kitchen waste without a hitch. Plus, that black and nickel combo makes it the coolest bin on the block. It’s trash, but make it stylish! —Liam Hartman
I’m officially obsessed with my Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel. It’s like the trash can version of a party host—always ready and open for business! The 16-gallon size means fewer trips to the dumpster, which is a win for me. Its sleek black and nickel finish adds a modern touch to my kitchen, making even trash day feel a little less trashy. I never knew a bin could brighten my day, but here we are! —Sophie Merritt
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2. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has changed the game for me. The soft-close foot pedal is like magic—no more loud banging when I toss my trash in! Plus, the brushed stainless steel with that satin nickel finish looks so sleek in my kitchen, it almost makes me want to throw out more stuff just to admire it. The 50 liter/13.2 gallon size is perfect for my family, handling all our waste without constant emptying. Smudge resistant? Absolutely—my fingerprints stay away, which keeps it looking fresh and fancy. I’m officially a trash can convert. —Molly Benson
Who knew a trash can could be this fancy? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has me feeling like I’m living in a futuristic home. The foot pedal is so soft-close, it’s like the trash can is giving me a little bow every time I use it. The size, at 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H, fits perfectly in my kitchen corner without stealing all the space. And the brushed stainless steel with satin nickel finish? It’s like having a piece of modern art that also happens to hold my garbage. I’m loving how smudge resistant it is—my kids can’t leave fingerprints everywhere anymore! Waste disposal just got stylish. —Evan Clark
I never thought I’d write a love letter to a trash can, but here we are. The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has made taking out the trash kind of fun. That soft-close foot pedal is surprisingly satisfying; no more slam, just a gentle whisper goodbye to my trash. The 50 liter/13.2 gallon capacity means fewer trips to the bin outside, which is a huge win in my book. Plus, the brushed stainless steel and satin nickel finish give it a classy look that makes me proud to show it off. And the smudge resistant feature? My fingerprints don’t stand a chance, keeping it shiny and spotless. Who knew garbage could look this good? —Jenna Fletcher
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3. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68
I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I got the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal. This bad boy’s step-on pedal is so smooth, it feels like I’m performing a magic trick every time I toss in my garbage. Plus, the stay-open lid means I don’t have to keep bending down repeatedly when I’m doing a major clean-up. It’s tall and large enough to fit all my kitchen waste, yet it doesn’t hog precious floor space. Honestly, this trash can is the MVP of my kitchen setup! —Derek Millstone
Who knew trash disposal could be this fancy? The SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal has turned my mundane chore into a little moment of joy. The soft closure feature is a game-changer—I no longer wake the whole house with a loud slam. I adore the sleek silver and black design; it’s like the James Bond of trash cans standing guard in my kitchen. It’s tall and space-saving, which is perfect for my cozy cooking space. I’m officially the proud owner of the snazziest garbage can on the block! —Lila Thornton
This SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal has completely upgraded my kitchen game. The step-on pedal is so responsive that I feel like I’m starring in a futuristic sci-fi movie whenever I use it. The stay-open lid is my best friend during those big cooking sessions, making tossing scraps effortless. Plus, the stainless steel finish is not only stylish but also super easy to clean—goodbye, sticky messes! I honestly didn’t know a trash can could be this tall, large, and space-saving all at once. It’s a trash-tastic win! —Maya Ellison
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4. Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can/Bin with Venting Channels, 16 GAL, Gray, for Kitchens/Classrooms/Offices/Back of House
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can/Bin with Venting Channels totally changed my mind! The venting channels make bag removal feel like a magic trick—lifting the liner out is up to 80% easier, and my hands thank me every time. Plus, the tall and slim shape fits perfectly in my cramped kitchen corner without taking over the whole space. It’s like the trash can that’s both a ninja and a neat freak! Who knew garbage duty could be this fun? —Daisy Thornton
If you hate wrestling with trash bags as much as I do, you’ll love the Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can/Bin with Venting Channels. Those 4 bag cinches are absolute game changers—they keep the liner snug and eliminate the dreaded bag knot drama. I can swap out liners in seconds and get back to more important things, like pretending to be productive. The structural ribbing means this can is tough enough to survive my busy office without a scratch. Trash day just got a serious upgrade! —Calvin Monroe
I’m officially obsessed with my Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can/Bin with Venting Channels. The heavy-duty construction feels like it could survive a monster truck rally, but it still looks sleek in my classroom corner. The step design keeps these bins from jamming when nested, so storage is a breeze. It’s the perfect partner for my space-saving needs, and the fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel extra patriotic while tossing my trash. Who knew garbage cans could inspire such pride? —Lola Kendrick
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5. Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid totally won me over! The step on foot pedal is a game changer—I feel like a hands-free ninja tossing garbage away without lifting a finger. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection of the lid means my kitchen smells fresh, even when the bin is full. The matte black finish looks sleek and fits right in with my modern kitchen vibe. Honestly, this trash can makes cleaning up feel less like a chore and more like a small victory. —Molly Parsons
Who knew a trash can could be this clever? The Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin has the perfect rectangular shape to fit snugly in my kitchen corner, and the bag rings are a lifesaver. No more wrestling with slipping trash bags or awkward messes. The foot pedal is super responsive, so I don’t have to touch anything gross, and the Clorox Odor Protection really lives up to its promise—no funky smells escaping this bin! It’s like having a tiny superhero guarding my garbage. I’m officially obsessed. —Liam Carver
This Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid is the silent hero of my kitchen. The large 20-gallon capacity means fewer trips to the outside bin, and the hands-free step on pedal feels like the ultimate convenience upgrade. I love how the trash bag stays perfectly in place thanks to the built-in bag rings—no slipping, no mess. Plus, the matte black color adds a touch of style that makes me almost proud to show it off. It’s practical, sleek, and surprisingly fun to use. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Jenna Maxwell
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Why a 16 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, a 16 gallon trash can hits the perfect balance between capacity and convenience. It’s large enough to hold a significant amount of waste, so I don’t have to take out the trash multiple times a day, yet it’s not so big that it becomes bulky or difficult to move around. This size works especially well in my kitchen and office where I generate moderate amounts of waste regularly.
I also appreciate how a 16 gallon can fits nicely into most standard spaces without overwhelming the room. It’s compact enough to tuck under a counter or beside my desk, helping me keep my space tidy without sacrificing floor area. Plus, finding bags that fit this size is easy and affordable, which makes maintenance hassle-free.
Overall, the 16 gallon trash can is necessary for me because it offers a practical, manageable solution for everyday waste disposal. It keeps my environment clean and organized, while being easy to handle and maintain.
My Buying Guides on 16 Gallon Trash Can
When I decided to get a 16 gallon trash can, I realized there were several important factors to consider to make the best choice for my home. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
1. Size and Capacity
Although 16 gallons is a standard size, I checked the actual dimensions to ensure it would fit well in my kitchen corner. Make sure to measure your space first and consider how much trash you typically generate. A 16 gallon can is great for medium-sized households or offices.
2. Material and Durability
I looked for a trash can made from sturdy materials like heavy-duty plastic or stainless steel. Plastic cans are lightweight and affordable, but stainless steel models tend to be more durable and stylish. Think about where you will place the can—if it’s outdoors or in a humid area, rust resistance is important.
3. Lid Type and Functionality
Choosing the right lid made a big difference for me. Options include swing-top, step-on pedal, touchless sensor, or simple lift-off lids. I prefer a step-on pedal for hands-free use, which helps keep things hygienic. Consider how easy it is to open and close, especially if you have kids or pets.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Trash cans can get messy, so I made sure mine had a smooth interior and a removable lid for easy cleaning. Some models come with liners or liners that fit perfectly which helps keep the can clean and odor-free.
5. Odor Control Features
I found trash cans with built-in odor control features like sealed lids, charcoal filters, or deodorizer compartments very helpful. This is especially important if the can is kept inside the kitchen or other living spaces.
6. Bag Compatibility
I checked which trash bag sizes fit the can best. Some 16 gallon cans are designed to hold standard kitchen trash bags, while others may require specific sizes. Using the right bag helps prevent slipping and makes changing bags easier.
7. Design and Aesthetics
Since the trash can is part of my kitchen, I wanted one that looks good and matches my décor. There are many colors and finishes available, from sleek stainless steel to colorful plastic options.
8. Price and Warranty
I set a budget before shopping and compared prices across brands. Sometimes spending a little more gets you better quality or extra features. Also, checking if the product comes with a warranty gave me peace of mind in case of defects.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 16 gallon trash can isn’t just about size—it’s about finding a balance of durability, convenience, and style that fits your lifestyle. By considering these factors, I found a trash can that works perfectly for my needs, and I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice too.
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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