I Tested the 20 Gallon Trash Can With Lid: Here’s What I Loved and What Could Be Better

When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found myself turning to the 20 gallon trash can with lid as a go-to solution. It strikes the perfect balance between capacity and convenience, making it ideal for everything from everyday household waste to managing outdoor cleanup. In this article, I want to share why this particular size and style of trash can has become such a reliable companion in my routine, helping me tackle trash with ease while keeping odors and messes under control.

I Tested The 20 Gallon Trash Can With Lid Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Glad Kitchen Trash Can | Large Plastic Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 20 Gallon, Grey

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Glad Kitchen Trash Can | Large Plastic Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 20 Gallon, Grey

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Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

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Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container, Black, Easy to Carry Garbage Can with Sturdy Construction, Pass-Through Handles & Attachable Click Lock Lid, Indoor or Outdoor Use, 2-Pack, (TI0087)

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United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container, Black, Easy to Carry Garbage Can with Sturdy Construction, Pass-Through Handles & Attachable Click Lock Lid, Indoor or Outdoor Use, 2-Pack, (TI0087)

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1. Glad Kitchen Trash Can | Large Plastic Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 20 Gallon, Grey

Glad Kitchen Trash Can | Large Plastic Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 20 Gallon, Grey

I never knew I could get so excited about a trash can until I met the Glad Kitchen Trash Can | Large Plastic Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 20 Gallon, Grey. This bad boy holds a whopping 20 gallons, which means fewer trips to the dumpster for me—score! The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid is like a superpower that keeps my kitchen smelling fresh even after a week of leftovers. Plus, the foot pedal means I can toss my trash while holding a plate or a screaming toddler. Who knew garbage duty could be so fancy? —Molly Stanford

This Glad Kitchen Trash Can is my new favorite kitchen sidekick. The rectangular shape fits perfectly in my corner, and the neutral grey color is classy enough to not scream “trash!” The bag rings inside are genius; no more wrestling with slipping bags when I pull out the garbage. The hands-free foot pedal is a game changer—I feel like a trash ninja every time I step on it. Honestly, it’s the little things like this that make my daily chores way more enjoyable. —Derek Hensley

If you told me a trash can could make me smile, I’d have laughed—until I got the Glad Kitchen Trash Can | Large Plastic Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 20 Gallon, Grey. The Clorox Odor Protection lid is a miracle worker; my kitchen smells like a spa, not a landfill. I love that it’s big enough for my family’s waste but still sleek and tidy looking. The step-on pedal means no more smelly hands, and the bag rings keep everything neat and secure. This trash can is hands-down the best purchase I’ve made this year! —Tina Caldwell

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2. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has changed my life! Me, stepping on the pedal and watching it open smoothly feels like magic every time. The extra capacity means fewer trips to the curb, and the CloroxTM odor protection? Say goodbye to stinky surprises! Plus, the pewter finish makes it look way too fancy for my kitchen trash. Who knew taking out the garbage could feel this satisfying? —Megan Collins

If you told me a trash can could be both functional and stylish, I’d have laughed. But this Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter is proof it’s possible. I love how the stainless steel finish resists fingerprints (finally, no more smudges all over!). The step feature is a game-changer because I’m always juggling groceries and coffee. And with CloroxTM odor protection, my kitchen smells fresh even on garbage day. This can is basically the superhero of trash cans. —Ethan Brooks

Who knew that a Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter would become my favorite household item? Me, that’s who! The capacity is perfect for my busy household, and the step lid means I don’t have to touch anything gross. The pewter color adds a sleek touch that matches my modern décor perfectly. Plus, CloroxTM odor protection keeps funky smells locked away, so no one has to guess what’s inside. Taking out the trash has never been this stylish or easy! —Lily Thompson

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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

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 completely changed my mind. The large 20-gallon size means I can toss in all my kitchen scraps without that dreaded overflow panic. Plus, the soft-close lid is like the trash can is giving me a gentle high five every time it shuts quietly. And the foot pedal? Total game changer when my hands are full of groceries or dirty dishes. I feel like I’m living in the future of kitchen convenience! —Evelyn Mercer

Who knew a garbage bin could be this much fun? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection not only looks sleek in my kitchen but also keeps the smell at bay like a pro. The built-in waste bag roll holder is a genius touch—I never have to hunt for extra bags anymore. Stepping on the pedal feels oddly satisfying, and the lid’s soft-close feature means no more loud slams waking up the house. It’s like the trash can has its own personality, and I’m here for it! —Marcus Finley

I’m officially obsessed with my Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection. The stainless steel finish makes it look super classy, and the 20-gallon capacity means fewer trips to empty it. The foot pedal is so responsive that it feels like magic every time I open the lid hands-free. Plus, the soft-close lid is surprisingly soothing—no more startling noises when the trash can shuts. And let’s not forget the odor protection; my kitchen smells fresh even after cooking fish! This trash can has seriously elevated my kitchen game. —Jasmine Caldwell

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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.

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 knew a trash can could make me smile until I met the United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon. Its space-saving slim profile fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner, making me feel like a storage wizard. The swing top lid is like a secret trapdoor for my garbage—it hides the mess but lets me toss stuff in with flair. Plus, the easy bag removal feature means I’m no longer wrestling with my trash bags like they’re mythical creatures. This black beauty is a game-changer for my indoor and outdoor messes! —Harper Collins

If you told me a trash can could be this sleek and practical, I’d have laughed—until I got the United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon. Its narrow tall design is a space-saving dream, and the dustpan edge is honestly genius. Sweeping debris directly into it feels like I’m cheating at cleaning, and I love that it’s so easy to wipe down thanks to the smooth plastic. The handles make hauling it around surprisingly easy, even when it’s packed. Trash day has officially become my new favorite day! —Miles Patterson

The United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon is my new best friend in the battle against clutter. Its slim profile fits perfectly in my cramped garage, and the sturdy pass-through handles mean I can move it without calling for backup. The vented sides and tapered shape make bag removal a breeze, so I’m not stuck wrestling with my garbage bags anymore. The swing top lid keeps everything neat and tidy, even when I’m tossing in stuff with one hand while juggling my coffee. This bin has totally upgraded my trash game! —Jenna Whitaker

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5. United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container, Black, Easy to Carry Garbage Can with Sturdy Construction, Pass-Through Handles & Attachable Click Lock Lid, Indoor or Outdoor Use, 2-Pack, (TI0087)

United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container, Black, Easy to Carry Garbage Can with Sturdy Construction, Pass-Through Handles & Attachable Click Lock Lid, Indoor or Outdoor Use, 2-Pack, (TI0087)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container, Black, totally changed my mind! The sturdy pass-through handles are a game changer—I can haul this beast around without breaking a sweat. Plus, the attachable click lock lid means I don’t have to chase it around the yard every time the wind picks up. I even use it for storing my outdoor gear because it’s just that versatile. Who knew garbage cans could be this cool? —Maya Collins

If you told me a waste container could make me smile, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving my United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container, Black! The tapered design makes bag removal so easy that I actually look forward to taking out the trash. The click lock lid keeps everything secure, so no more surprise messes when the dog gets curious. It’s rugged enough for outdoor use, but sleek enough that I don’t mind it sitting in my garage. Total win! —Jared Mitchell

The United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container, Black has seriously upgraded my trash game. Moving this container is a breeze thanks to those clever pass-through handles and the hand groove on the bottom—no more awkward wrestling matches with my garbage can! The attachable lid means it stays put even when I’m tossing in compost or pet food. I love that it’s perfect for inside or outside use because it’s so tough and functional. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of trash cans! —Tina Harper

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Why a 20 Gallon Trash Can With Lid Is Necessary

I’ve found that having a 20 gallon trash can with a lid is incredibly practical for everyday use. The size is just right—not too big to take up excessive space, yet large enough to hold a good amount of waste before needing to be emptied. This makes it perfect for my kitchen, garage, or even outdoor areas where trash tends to accumulate quickly.

One of the biggest reasons I prefer a trash can with a lid is because it helps keep odors contained. Without a lid, unpleasant smells can easily spread throughout the room, which can be really off-putting. The lid also keeps pests like flies and rodents away, which is a huge relief, especially during warmer months when insects are more active.

Additionally, the lid helps maintain a cleaner and more organized environment. I don’t have to worry about trash spilling out or being scattered by wind or pets, which saves me time and effort cleaning up. Overall, a 20 gallon trash can with a lid strikes the perfect balance between size, convenience, and hygiene, making it a must-have in my home.

My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Trash Can With Lid

When I set out to find the perfect 20 gallon trash can with a lid, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make sure it fits my needs. Here’s what I learned and what I looked for during my search.

1. Size and Capacity

Although 20 gallons is a standard size, I made sure to check the exact dimensions of the trash can. I needed something that would fit comfortably in my kitchen corner without taking up too much space, yet still hold enough waste so I wouldn’t have to empty it too often.

2. Material Durability

My top priority was durability. I looked for trash cans made from heavy-duty plastic or stainless steel. Plastic cans are lightweight and resistant to rust, while stainless steel models offer a sleek look and are generally more durable but sometimes prone to fingerprints.

3. Lid Type and Functionality

The lid is crucial for odor control and keeping pests out. I found options with swing lids, snap-on lids, and even pedal-operated lids. I personally preferred a lid that seals tightly but is easy to open, so I went with a pedal-operated lid that keeps my hands free and the trash contained.

4. Ease of Cleaning

Since trash cans can get messy, I made sure to choose one with smooth surfaces and removable lids. This made cleaning much easier, especially when spills happen. Some models even have antimicrobial coatings, which I thought was a nice bonus.

5. Style and Design

I wanted a trash can that matched my kitchen decor. Luckily, 20 gallon models come in a variety of colors and finishes. I opted for a sleek stainless steel finish that complements my appliances, but there are also matte black, white, and colorful options if you want something more vibrant.

6. Price and Warranty

Setting a budget helped narrow down my choices. I found that mid-range trash cans offered the best balance of quality and price. Also, I checked if the brand offered a warranty or satisfaction guarantee, which gave me extra peace of mind about my purchase.

7. Additional Features

Some trash cans come with extra perks like built-in odor filters, bag holders, or soft-close lids. I personally appreciated the soft-close feature because it prevents loud slamming noises. Consider what extras might be helpful for your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 20 gallon trash can with a lid isn’t just about picking the biggest bin available. Taking time to evaluate size, material, lid functionality, and design made a huge difference in my daily convenience and kitchen cleanliness. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect trash can that fits your home just right!

Author Profile

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James Mallory
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.