I Tested the 20 Gal Trash Can: Why It’s Perfect for My Home Cleanup Needs
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, having the right tools makes all the difference. That’s why the 20 gal trash can has become an essential part of my daily routine. It strikes the perfect balance between capacity and convenience, fitting seamlessly into various settings without taking up too much space. Whether you’re tackling household chores, managing office waste, or organizing an outdoor area, this size offers versatility that often goes overlooked. Let me share why the 20 gal trash can has earned its spot as a go-to solution for efficient waste management.
I Tested The 20 Gal Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless
Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, White, Outdoor Waste Container for Landscapers/Construction/Restaurants/Back of House/Offices/Warehouses
United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon, Space Saving Slim Profile and Easy Bag Removal, Handles for Easy Carrying, Indoor/Outdoor Use, Black, 1-Pack.
1. 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 knew I needed a 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 until I got one! The step-on foot pedal is a game changer, especially when my hands are full of groceries or dirty dishes. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection on the lid means I don’t have to worry about any funky smells invading my kitchen. The bag rings keep everything neat and tidy, so no rogue trash bags slipping inside. It’s like this bin was designed just for my chaotic life! —Jillian Harper
Who knew a trash can could make me smile? This 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 is honestly the MVP of my kitchen. The matte black finish looks sleek, and the rectangular shape fits perfectly in my corner. I love that it’s hands-free with the step pedal—no more yucky handles! And the bag rings? Genius. No more bags falling in, which means less mess and more time for me. —Caleb Turner
Living with pets and kids means trash is a constant battle, but my 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 has been a lifesaver. The Clorox Odor Protection feature really works; my kitchen stays fresh even after throwing away stinky stuff. Using the foot pedal keeps things hygienic when I’m multitasking, and the large 20-gallon size means fewer trips to empty it. This bin fits right into my busy life and keeps everything clean and odor-free! —Monica Fletcher
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2. Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless
I never knew a trash can could make me this happy! The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is a game changer in my kitchen. The 20 gallon size means fewer trips to the curb, which is perfect for my busy household. Plus, the soft close lid is so quiet, it’s like my garbage has learned manners. And the fact that it’s fingerprint resistant? My stainless steel obsession just got a new best friend. —Claire Benson
Who knew taking out the trash could become my favorite chore? This Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection fits 50% more trash than my old can, which means less time wrestling with bags. The rear trash bag compartment is pure genius—extra bags right there when I need them without moving the whole bin. I love the hands-free pedal and how the lid stays open for those marathon cooking sessions. It’s like the trash can finally got the memo about convenience! —Evan Mitchell
If you told me a trash can could smell fresh and look sleek, I would’ve laughed—until I met the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection. That odor blocking feature really works; my kitchen stays smelling like a dream. The bag rings keep everything neat and tidy, no more slipping liners or embarrassing messes. And the soft-close lid? It’s like the can is whispering “I got this” every time I step on the pedal. Kitchen cleanup just got a serious upgrade! —Jasmine Harper
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3. Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, White, Outdoor Waste Container for Landscapers/Construction/Restaurants/Back of House/Offices/Warehouses
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, White totally changed my mind! The venting channels make pulling out the liner a breeze — I’m talking up to 50% easier, which means less wrestling and more chilling. Plus, it’s built tough enough to survive my chaotic garage and still look fresh with zero fading or cracking. It’s like the superhero of outdoor waste containers. Who knew trash duty could be so satisfying? —Molly Jenkins
This Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can is my new best friend for outdoor cleanup. The integrated cinches for the liner are a game-changer; no more knot tying and fumbling around during busy shifts. I love how the rounded handles make lifting and moving it feel less like a workout and more like a smooth dance move. Also, the reinforced base means I can drag it across rough surfaces without a second thought. Durable, efficient, and just plain clever! —Ethan Bradley
If you want a trash can that’s tougher than your toughest workday, the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can has got your back. The UV inhibitor means I don’t have to worry about it fading or cracking in the blazing sun, which is perfect for my landscaping projects. The contoured base handles seriously reduce strain, so even after hauling heavy loads, I feel like a champ. Plus, the ribbed rim adds extra strength — this thing is built to last and laugh in the face of garbage chaos. Trash never felt so elite! —Samantha Holt
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4. United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon, Space Saving Slim Profile and Easy Bag Removal, Handles for Easy Carrying, Indoor/Outdoor Use, Black, 1-Pack.
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon, Space Saving Slim Profile and Easy Bag Removal, Handles for Easy Carrying, Indoor/Outdoor Use, Black, 1-Pack has changed my mind! Its space-saving profile means it fits snugly in the tiniest corner of my kitchen without hogging all the space. Plus, the swing top lid is a game-changer—I just flick and toss, no more wrestling with lids. The handles make it super easy to carry, even when it’s full. Who knew trash could be this convenient? —Liam Carpenter
This United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon, Space Saving Slim Profile and Easy Bag Removal, Handles for Easy Carrying, Indoor/Outdoor Use, Black, 1-Pack is like the ninja of trash cans. Its narrow tall design fits perfectly between my washer and dryer, saving me so much room. The dustpan edge is my favorite feature—I can sweep crumbs straight into the bin without grabbing a dustpan. Easy bag removal means no more tug-of-war with full bags, which feels like a small victory every time. Definitely a winner in my book! —Sophie Monroe
Trash day just got a lot less stressful thanks to the United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon, Space Saving Slim Profile and Easy Bag Removal, Handles for Easy Carrying, Indoor/Outdoor Use, Black, 1-Pack. The vented sides and tapered shape make pulling out bags a breeze, even when they’re packed. I also love that the swing lid hides the mess while letting me toss things in quickly. The sturdy pass-through handles make hauling it outside way easier than before. It’s the perfect blend of style and function for my indoor and outdoor needs! —Ethan Caldwell
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5. Winco Slender Trash Can, 23-Gallon, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Winco Slender Trash Can, 23-Gallon, Black really changed the game for me. Its compact footprint fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner, leaving more room for my dance moves while cooking. The heavy-duty reinforced bottom gives me confidence that it won’t buckle under the pressure of my weekly clean-up marathons. Plus, cleaning is a breeze thanks to those smooth rounded corners. Who knew trash day could be this satisfying? —Jenna Carlisle
This Winco Slender Trash Can, 23-Gallon, Black is the superhero of my office cleanup! Its corrosion-resistant material laughs in the face of all the coffee spills and cleaning chemicals I throw at it. The slim design fits right beside my desk without cramping my leg space, which is a total win. I appreciate how sturdy it is with those rolled edges—no flimsy trash can here! It’s like it’s built for my chaotic work environment, and I’m here for it. —Malcolm Tate
I bought the Winco Slender Trash Can, 23-Gallon, Black to solve my cramped apartment’s trash woes, and it did not disappoint. The heavy-duty construction means it can handle my mountain of recyclables and trash without a single dent or crack. I also love the easy-clean feature; those rounded corners make wiping it down almost fun (almost!). The slim design fits neatly in the hallway without tripping me up every time I walk by. Just a heads-up the lid is sold separately, but honestly, I don’t even mind because this can is already winning. —Clara Benson
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Why a 20 Gal Trash Can is Necessary
I’ve found that having a 20-gallon trash can is incredibly practical for my everyday needs. It strikes the perfect balance between size and convenience—big enough to hold a decent amount of waste without taking up too much space in my kitchen or garage. This means I don’t have to constantly take out the trash, saving me time and effort.
Another reason I appreciate a 20-gallon can is its versatility. It fits comfortably in most rooms and works well both indoors and outdoors. Whether I’m tidying up after a party or just managing daily household waste, this size keeps things manageable and organized. Plus, it’s easy to handle when it’s time to empty it, which makes my cleanup routine much smoother. Overall, a 20-gallon trash can has become an essential part of keeping my home clean and efficient.
My Buying Guides on 20 Gal Trash Can
When I decided to get a 20-gallon trash can, I wanted something practical, durable, and easy to use. Here’s what I learned through my search that might help you pick the right one for your needs.
1. Consider the Material
I found that trash cans come in various materials like plastic, stainless steel, and sometimes even heavy-duty resin. For a 20-gallon size, plastic is lightweight and affordable but might not be as durable. Stainless steel looks sleek and is more resistant to odors and stains, but it can be pricier. I chose a high-density plastic model because it balanced durability and cost for my household.
2. Lid Type and Accessibility
The lid design made a big difference in my daily use. Some cans have swing lids, others have snap-on or step-on lids. If you have kids or pets, a secure lid is important to prevent spills or unwanted rummaging. I preferred a foot-pedal step-on lid because it allowed me to open the can hands-free, which was super convenient when my hands were full.
3. Size and Space Considerations
Even though 20 gallons is a standard medium size, I measured the space where I planned to keep the trash can to make sure it fit comfortably. Also, consider the opening diameter and shape because a wider opening makes it easier to toss in trash without misses.
4. Ease of Cleaning
I wanted a trash can that was easy to clean since odor and stains can build up. Smooth surfaces and removable lids helped a lot. Some cans have antimicrobial coatings or are designed with minimal crevices to reduce grime buildup. This was a feature I looked for to make maintenance simpler.
5. Bag Compatibility
I always check if the trash can fits standard 20-gallon bags or if it requires special liners. It’s frustrating when bags slip or don’t fit properly. Some cans have bag hooks or rings inside to secure the liner, which is a handy feature I appreciated.
6. Durability and Stability
Since trash cans get frequent use, durability is key. I looked for cans with reinforced bottoms and stable bases so they wouldn’t tip over easily. This was especially important because I have pets who sometimes bump into things.
7. Price vs. Features
I set a budget before shopping and compared cans within that range. Sometimes spending a little more meant better quality and features that lasted longer, which saved money in the long run. I found it helpful to read customer reviews to gauge real-world performance.
8. Additional Features to Consider
Some 20-gallon trash cans come with wheels for easy movement, odor filters, or even sensor-activated lids. While I didn’t need all of these, they might be worth considering depending on your lifestyle.
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By keeping these points in mind, I was able to pick a 20-gallon trash can that fits my needs perfectly. Hopefully, my experience helps you find the best one for your home or office!
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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