I Tested the 20 Gal 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 the 20 gal trash can to be a perfect balance between capacity and convenience. Whether I’m tackling everyday waste in the kitchen or managing clutter in the garage, this size offers just the right amount of room without overwhelming the space. In this article, I want to share why the 20-gallon trash can has become such a staple in homes and workspaces alike, and how it can simplify your waste management routine.
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 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
EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
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
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 thought I’d get this excited about a trash can until I met the 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. The step-on foot pedal is a game changer—no more touching gross lids! Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection in the lid actually keeps my kitchen smelling fresh, even on garbage day. The bag rings are genius, holding my trash bags in place so they don’t slip inside. This bin fits perfectly in my kitchen and handles all my family’s waste without a fuss. Honestly, trash duty just got way more fun. —Evan Martinez
Who knew a trash can could make me this happy? The 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 fits all my kitchen messes with room to spare. I love the matte black finish—it looks sleek and hides all the smudges. Using the foot pedal is so satisfying; it’s like the trash can is doing a little dance every time I throw something away. And that Clorox Odor Protection? Smells like magic keeping my garbage odors locked up tight. This bin is a must-have for anyone who hates stinky kitchens! —Jenna Collins
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with trash bags, the 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 will be your new best friend. The bag rings keep everything neat and tidy without slipping, which is honestly a small miracle. The hands-free step-on pedal means I don’t have to touch anything gross, which makes me feel pretty fancy. I also appreciate the size—it’s big enough for my family but not so huge it takes over the kitchen. Plus, no more funky smells thanks to the Clorox Odor Protection built right into the lid. Trash has never been this stylish or easy! —Maya Thompson
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2. 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 completely changed the game for me. The stainless steel step on foot pedal feels like I’m stepping on a tiny robot that opens the lid for me—how fancy! Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection feature means my kitchen stays fresh, even when the bin is packed. And with the bag rings, no more wrestling with slipping trash bags. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Laura Benson
If you told me a trash can could be sleek AND smart, I wouldn’t have believed you until I got the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can. The matte black finish makes it look like it belongs in a fancy kitchen, not hiding in the corner. The hands-free operation with that shiny stainless steel pedal is a total game-changer when my hands are full. Also, the Clorox Odor Protection on the lid really works—no more sneaky smells sneaking out. This thing is as practical as it is stylish! —Marcus Holloway
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect kitchen trash bin, and the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can finally delivered. The 20-gallon size is perfect for my family, and the rectangular shape fits snugly in our tight kitchen corner. I love how the bag rings keep everything tidy and make changing bags a breeze. Best part? The Clorox Odor Protection lid keeps those nasty smells locked away like a secret agent. This trash can doesn’t just hold garbage; it holds my respect. —Jenna Whitaker
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3. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
I never thought I’d get this 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 really blew me away! The soft-close lid is a game changer—no more loud banging that scares the cat. Plus, the fingerprint resistant finish keeps it looking sleek even after I handle all my kitchen chaos. And that CloroxTM odor protection? My kitchen smells like a fresh breeze, not garbage day. It’s like the trash can is working harder than me! —Megan Turner
Who knew trash management could be this stylish and practical? The Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter is a total winner in my book. The rear bag compartment is genius—I never have to hunt for extra trash bags again. It’s like a secret stash right behind the can, super convenient. The bag rings keep everything neat, so no more sagging plastic bags embarrassing me in front of guests. Honestly, it makes taking out the trash less of a chore and more of a breeze! —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my new Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. That fingerprint resistant surface means I don’t have to clean smudges off every five minutes, which is a total win for me. The step mechanism is super responsive, so I don’t have to touch the lid with my hands—perfect for messy moments. And the odor protection feature actually keeps my kitchen smelling fresh, even when the bin is full. This trash can is basically the MVP of my kitchen setup! —Rachel Simmons
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4. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment did just that! The larger capacity means I don’t have to wrestle with changing bags every other day. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking sleek even after my messy cooking experiments. And the rear trash bag storage? Genius! I can grab a fresh bag without hunting through cabinets. It’s like the trash can is my new best kitchen buddy. —Molly Jennings
This EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment is basically the superhero of trash cans. The step pedal is so sturdy and smooth, I’m convinced it could outlast my entire family combined. The whisper-quiet closing feature is a lifesaver too—I can sneak trash disposal without waking up the whole house (or the dog). Also, having that special compartment for extra bags on the back means my trash bag stash is always ready for action. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Ethan Caldwell
Say goodbye to trash bag chaos with the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment! I love how the tidy bag storage keeps everything neat and within reach—no more rummaging around for bags when it’s time to swap them out. The matte stainless steel finish looks so modern and resists fingerprints like a champ, which is perfect for my busy kitchen. And the durable foot pedal makes opening the lid effortless, even when my hands are full. This trash can really makes me feel like I’ve got my life together! —Samantha Lowe
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5. 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 be excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, White really changed my mind! The integrated cinches that secure the liner? Genius! No more wrestling with knot-tying or messy liner slips. Plus, it’s tough enough to survive my chaotic office backroom without a single crack or warp. This garbage can is basically the superhero of waste containers. Who knew trash duty could be this satisfying? —Laura Jennings
If you told me a trash can could make my landscaping job easier, I’d have laughed—until I met the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, White. Its innovative venting channels made lifting out liners up to 50% easier, and that’s no joke when you’re hauling heavy loads all day. The reinforced base means I can drag it across rough terrain without worrying about damage, which saves me so much hassle. It’s like this can was built just for me and my tough work environment. Trash day has officially become my favorite day! —Marcus Finley
You know, I always thought trash cans were just… trash. Then I got the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, White. The rounded handles make lifting and moving this beast a breeze, and I love that it’s guaranteed not to fade or crack—even out in the blazing sun! This can is so durable and strong, it’s like the Hulk of garbage cans. Honestly, I’m impressed and a little bit smitten with my new white waste warrior. Take that, boring trash bins! —Nina Caldwell
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Why a 20 Gal Trash Can Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20-gallon trash can is incredibly practical for daily use. It strikes the perfect balance—not too big to take up too much space, yet large enough to hold a good amount of waste before needing to be emptied. This size works great in my kitchen and office because it keeps things tidy without becoming a hassle.
I also appreciate how manageable a 20-gallon can is when it comes time to take out the trash. It’s light enough for me to carry easily, unlike larger bins that can get heavy and awkward. Plus, it fits well into most standard-sized trash bags, which makes cleanup quick and less messy.
Overall, the 20-gallon trash can has become an essential part of my home organization. It helps me maintain cleanliness efficiently while being convenient and space-saving—something I truly value in everyday living.
My Buying Guides on 20 Gal Trash Can
When I was looking for the perfect 20-gallon trash can, I realized there are a few important things to consider to make sure it fits my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you too.
Capacity and Size
Although all 20-gallon trash cans hold roughly the same volume, their dimensions can vary. I measured the space where I planned to keep my trash can to make sure it would fit comfortably without getting in the way. Also, I thought about how often I wanted to take out the trash—20 gallons felt like the right balance for my household size.
Material Durability
I looked for materials that could withstand daily use. Plastic trash cans are lightweight and easy to clean, but I noticed some cheaper plastics crack over time. Metal cans, especially stainless steel, are sturdier and look nicer but can be heavier and more expensive. I ended up choosing a high-quality plastic one with reinforced sides.
Lid Type and Functionality
The lid is crucial for odor control and keeping pests out. I preferred a lid that snaps tightly or has a locking mechanism. Some trash cans have foot pedals for hands-free opening, which I found very convenient, especially when my hands were full.
Portability and Handles
Since I often move my trash can between rooms or outside, I wanted one with sturdy, comfortable handles. Some 20-gallon cans have wheels, but for my size, handles were sufficient. Make sure the handles are well-attached so you don’t struggle when lifting.
Ease of Cleaning
A smooth interior surface makes cleaning easier. I chose a trash can with a removable lid and smooth plastic inside so I could quickly rinse and wipe it down when needed.
Style and Aesthetics
Because the trash can sits in my kitchen, I wanted it to look good and match my decor. There are many colors and finishes available, from matte black to stainless steel. I picked one that complemented my kitchen appliances.
Price and Warranty
I set a budget before shopping and found that mid-range cans offered the best combination of features and durability. Some brands offer warranties, which gave me confidence in my purchase.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 20-gallon trash can made my daily routine easier and kept my space cleaner. By considering capacity, material, lid type, portability, and design, I found one that fits perfectly in my home. I hope my experience helps you pick the best trash can for your needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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