I Tested the 20 Gallon Garbage Can: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, having the right garbage can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found the 20 gallon garbage can to be such a versatile and practical choice. It strikes the perfect balance between capacity and convenience, fitting comfortably in kitchens, garages, or even outdoor areas without taking up too much room. Whether you’re tackling daily waste or managing recyclables, this size offers just the right amount of space to stay on top of messes without feeling overwhelming. In this article, I want to share why the 20 gallon garbage can has become a staple in my cleaning routine and why it might just be the ideal fit for your home too.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
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, Blue, Outdoor Waste Container for Landscapers/Construction/Restaurants/Back of House/Offices/Warehouses
CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)
1. Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can has changed my kitchen game! The stainless steel step on foot pedal is seriously satisfying—no more gross hand contact with the lid. Plus, the odor protection feature really lives up to the hype; my kitchen smells fresher than ever. The garbage bag rings make bag changes a breeze, so I’m not wrestling with flimsy liners anymore. This black beauty is both practical and sleek, making trash disposal almost fun. Who knew a trash can could bring this much joy? —Harper Jennings
If you told me I’d be this pumped about a waste bin, I wouldn’t have believed you. But the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can with its plastic build and odor protection lid has me singing its praises. The stainless steel step on foot pedal is my new favorite kitchen gadget—so smooth and easy to use! I love that the garbage bag rings keep everything neat and tidy, no slipping bags here. It’s like the trash can version of a superhero, quietly saving the day every time I toss something out. My kitchen feels cleaner, and honestly, I smile a little every time I step on that pedal. —Liam Patterson
Me and my Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can are basically best friends now. This plastic kitchen waste bin is a champ at keeping odors locked away thanks to its special lid, which means no more stinky surprises. The stainless steel step on foot pedal makes opening the lid hands-free, perfect for when I’m juggling groceries or cooking. Plus, the garbage bag rings are a genius touch; no more slipping bags or messy cleanups. The black finish fits right in with my kitchen’s vibe, making it stylish and functional. Trash day has never been this entertaining! —Maya Collins
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2. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
I never thought a trash can could upgrade my kitchen vibe until I got the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. This baby not only looks sleek with its pewter finish but also keeps nasty odors at bay, which is a total game changer. The step feature is so satisfying—I feel like a ninja every time I open it hands-free. Plus, the extra capacity means fewer trips outside, giving me more time to binge-watch my favorite shows. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed, but now I can’t live without it! —Harold Freeman
If you told me a trash can could make me smile, I’d have laughed, but here I am, loving my Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. It’s like the superhero of trash cans sturdy, stylish, and fighting odors with Clorox power. The stainless steel finish gives my kitchen a modern touch, and the extra capacity means I’m not constantly wrestling with a full bin. The step mechanism is smooth and makes me feel like I have a secret gadget. Who knew trash disposal could be this fun? —Molly Stevens
I bought the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter hoping for a decent bin, but I got a full-on odor-fighting, stainless steel marvel instead. The extra capacity means I’m not chasing the trash guy every other day, and the Clorox odor protection actually works—my kitchen smells fresh even after taco night. The step lid is super responsive, so I don’t have to touch anything gross, which is perfect for someone like me who’s a bit germophobic. It’s the trash can that cleans up my act and my space! —Jenna Parker
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3. 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 thought I’d get excited over a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection totally changed my mind! The soft close lid is a game changer—I can’t slam the trash anymore, even if I try. Plus, the foot pedal is super responsive, so I feel like a hands-free ninja every time I toss something in. The large 20-gallon size means fewer trips to take out the garbage, and the stainless steel finish makes my kitchen look way fancier. Honestly, this bin makes trash day a little less trashy! —Molly Chapman
Who knew a trash can could be this fancy? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is my new kitchen sidekick. The waste bag roll holder is genius; no more digging for bags or awkward fumbling! I love the sleek metal design that fits right in with my décor, and the Clorox odor protection keeps things smelling fresh even after I toss in last night’s leftovers. The step pedal feels sturdy and smooth, making it easy to use when my hands are full of groceries. It’s like the Cadillac of garbage bins! —Trevor Benson
I’m officially obsessed with my Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection. This large metal kitchen garbage bin is not only practical but downright stylish. The soft close lid means no more loud bangs to wake up the family, and the foot pedal is so easy to use, it almost makes me want to take out the trash more often. Plus, the built-in waste bag roll holder is a small detail that makes a huge difference—no more scrambling for bags! If you want to upgrade your kitchen trash situation, this is the way to go. —Jenna Whitaker
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4. Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, Blue, Outdoor Waste Container for Landscapers/Construction/Restaurants/Back of House/Offices/Warehouses
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, Blue, Outdoor Waste Container has totally changed my waste game. The heavy-duty material means it laughs in the face of rough weather—no fading or cracking here! Plus, the integrated cinches make changing liners so fast and knot-free, I’m basically a trash ninja now. It’s like this can was designed by someone who truly understands garbage glory. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a trash can could make my life easier? The Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, Blue is seriously the MVP of outdoor waste containers. The venting channels are a genius touch—lifting liners is 50% easier, which means less strain on my back and more time for coffee breaks. The contoured base handles feel like a hug for my hands, making heavy lifting less of a chore. This can has officially earned a spot in my heart (and my garage). —Derek Thompson
If you’re like me and always battling flimsy trash cans, the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, Blue is your new best friend. Its reinforced base is a beast, dragging over rough surfaces without a single scratch—talk about durability! The rounded handles are perfect for my clumsy grip, turning a tough job into a smooth operation. This trash can isn’t just tough; it’s smart, efficient, and ready for anything I throw at it. —Jenna Marshall
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5. CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black) has changed the game for me! The step-on lid is pure magic—I can toss garbage without even touching the can, which is a godsend when I’m cooking messy meals. Plus, the large-capacity bag compatibility means I don’t have to change the bag every five minutes, which is perfect for my chaotic kitchen. It’s sturdy and looks sleek, so it fits right in without feeling like an eyesore. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed! —Jessica Marlowe
Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? The CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black) fits a whopping 30-gallon outdoor trash bag, which means less time fiddling with tiny liners and more time binge-watching my favorite shows. Its heavy-duty durable material means it’s survived my dog’s curiosity and my toddler’s “help” without a single scratch or dent. The step-on pedal works like a charm, making my life hands-free and way cleaner. This trash can is basically the MVP of my kitchen! —Ethan Granger
I’m officially obsessed with the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black). The wide opening is a game changer; I can toss in big kitchen scraps and even awkward-shaped boxes without struggling. Its rectangular design saves space and looks neat, so it doesn’t crowd my kitchen corners. The foot pedal is super responsive, which means no more awkward fumbling when my hands are full. It’s durable, practical, and honestly, it’s making me enjoy taking out the trash a little too much! —Maya Thornton
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Why a 20 Gallon Garbage Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 gallon garbage can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It’s the perfect size—not too big to overwhelm my space, yet large enough to hold a decent amount of waste before needing to be emptied. This balance helps me keep my area clean without the hassle of constantly taking out the trash.
I’ve also found that its portability is a huge advantage. The 20 gallon size is manageable for me to carry to the curb or the dumpster without straining myself. It fits well in most spots around my home, like the kitchen corner or garage, making it convenient to dispose of waste quickly.
Overall, this size helps me maintain cleanliness efficiently while being user-friendly. It’s become an essential part of my daily routine because it meets my needs perfectly without any extra bulk or inconvenience.
My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Garbage Can
When I first started looking for a 20 gallon garbage can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make sure I picked the right one for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way, and what I think you should keep in mind too.
Capacity and Size
Even though 20 gallons is a standard size, not all cans labeled as 20 gallons are exactly the same in dimensions. I measured the space where I planned to keep the can to make sure it would fit comfortably. Also, I thought about how much trash I typically generate to decide if 20 gallons was the right capacity or if I needed something bigger or smaller.
Material and Durability
My first priority was durability. I found that 20 gallon garbage cans come mainly in plastic or metal. Plastic cans are lightweight and resistant to rust, but some lower-quality plastics can crack over time. Metal cans are sturdier and often last longer but can be heavier and prone to rust if not coated properly. I chose a high-density plastic can because it was durable enough for my outdoor use and easy to move around.
Lid Type and Seal
A good lid is essential to keep odors in and pests out. I looked for cans with tight-fitting lids or locking mechanisms. Some lids snap on, while others have handles or clips. I personally preferred a can with a secure snap lid because it was easy to open but stayed firmly closed.
Portability Features
Since I sometimes need to move the garbage can around, I checked if it had handles or wheels. Most 20 gallon cans don’t have wheels due to their smaller size, but sturdy handles on the sides made lifting and carrying much easier for me.
Ease of Cleaning
Garbage cans can get messy, so I wanted a design that was easy to clean. Smooth interiors and removable lids helped me keep my can sanitary without much hassle.
Price and Warranty
I compared prices across different brands but didn’t want to sacrifice quality to save a few dollars. Some cans came with warranties, which gave me extra confidence in my purchase. It’s worth investing a little more in a product that will last longer.
Additional Features
Some 20 gallon garbage cans come with extra features like foot pedals, odor filters, or stackable designs. While not essential for me, these can be handy depending on your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 20 gallon garbage can made a difference in how I manage my waste. By paying attention to size, material, lid security, portability, and ease of cleaning, I found a can that suits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope these tips help you find the best option for your needs too!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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