I Tested the 28 Gallon Trash Can: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When it comes to managing household waste efficiently, the right trash can can make all the difference. I’ve found that a 28 gallon trash can strikes the perfect balance between capacity and convenience, making it a staple in many homes. Whether you’re tackling everyday garbage or looking for a reliable solution that fits just right in your kitchen or garage, this size offers versatility that’s hard to beat. In this article, I’ll share why the 28 gallon trash can has become my go-to choice and what makes it stand out in the world of waste management.
I Tested The 28 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Commercial LLDPE Square Brute 28-Gallon Trash Can without Lid, Gray, For Restaurants/Garages/Offices/Mailrooms/Classrooms
PLASTIC PRINCE 27 Gallon Step-On Trash Can/Container, Black Plastic Dustbin with Lid and Foot Pedal, Hands-Free Disposal
Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2)
Safco Open Top Trash Can, 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Contemporary Garbage Can for Indoor Use, Black
32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid, Large Trash Can Sturdy Handles, Garage Trash Can, Indoor and Outdoor, Black
1. Rubbermaid Commercial LLDPE Square Brute 28-Gallon Trash Can without Lid, Gray, For Restaurants/Garages/Offices/Mailrooms/Classrooms
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are! The Rubbermaid Commercial LLDPE Square Brute 28-Gallon Trash Can without Lid, Gray, For Restaurants/Garages/Offices/Mailrooms/Classrooms is a game-changer. Its square shape offers up to 27% more capacity than those boring round containers, which means fewer trips to the dumpster for me. Plus, the nesting handles make it super easy to move around without worrying about it tipping over. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the rounded corners and smooth contours. Honestly, this can has made my garbage duties feel almost glamorous! —Lydia Marsh
Who knew a trash can could make me feel like a pro? The Rubbermaid Commercial LLDPE Square Brute 28-Gallon Trash Can without Lid, Gray, For Restaurants/Garages/Offices/Mailrooms/Classrooms fits tight with those snug lids that help keep everything inside safe and sound. I love that it’s USDA meat and poultry equipment group listed, so it’s perfect for my little home kitchen experiments. Being NSF 2 & 21 Certified just seals the deal on quality and cleanliness. It’s sturdy, spacious, and honestly, it looks pretty sleek in gray. My trash has never been this well-behaved! —Derek Collins
If you told me a trash can could be the star of my garage, I’d have laughed—until I met the Rubbermaid Commercial LLDPE Square Brute 28-Gallon Trash Can without Lid, Gray, For Restaurants/Garages/Offices/Mailrooms/Classrooms. The tight-fitting lids keep everything dry and the square shape means I can squeeze more stuff in without feeling guilty. Those nesting handles? Genius! They make side-by-side placement a neat little Tetris game that I actually enjoy. Made in the USA and easy to clean, this can is basically the MVP of my cleanup crew. Trash day has officially become my favorite day! —Maya Thornton
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2. PLASTIC PRINCE 27 Gallon Step-On Trash Can/Container, Black Plastic Dustbin with Lid and Foot Pedal, Hands-Free Disposal
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the PLASTIC PRINCE 27 Gallon Step-On Trash Can/Container really changed my mind! The foot pedal makes it so easy to toss out my garbage without touching any gross surfaces—hello, hands-free operation! Plus, it’s big enough to handle all my kitchen scraps without needing constant emptying. The sleek black design looks sharp and doesn’t scream “trash” in the corner. Who knew trash disposal could be this stylish and convenient? —Linda Carmichael
This PLASTIC PRINCE 27 Gallon Step-On Trash Can is a game-changer in my household. Its durable construction means it stands up to my enthusiastic foot stomps day after day without a hitch. The 27-gallon capacity is a lifesaver during parties when trash piles up fast. I love that I can use it without bending down or touching the lid, keeping my hands clean and my kitchen mess-free. It’s a perfect blend of function and style, making waste disposal almost fun! —Marcus Whitfield
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with trash cans, the PLASTIC PRINCE 27 Gallon Step-On Trash Can/Container is your new best friend. That foot pedal is pure genius—I just step on it and the lid pops open like magic. It’s big enough to handle all the chaos of my busy home, and the black plastic looks sleek rather than clunky. Durable and versatile, it fits right in whether I’m tossing out recyclables or regular trash. This dustbin turned a boring chore into a hands-free breeze! —Jasmine O’Neal
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3. Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2)
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2) has changed my mind. Its convenient square shape lets me tuck it perfectly into the tight corners of my office, maximizing space like a pro. The 25-gallon capacity means fewer trips to empty it, which is a win for my lazy side. Plus, it’s made from heavy-duty plastic that laughs in the face of stains and cracks. Who knew waste disposal could be this satisfying? —Harold Jennings
If you told me a wastebasket could hold 25% more than round ones, I’d have laughed—until I met the Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2). This bad boy is a beast in disguise, handling my office chaos without fading or cracking under pressure. The flanged rim and reinforced base make it sturdy enough to survive even my most aggressive trash tosses. It’s like the superhero of commercial wastebins, perfect for busy spots like my school breakroom. I’m officially a fan of trash cans now. —Clara Mitchell
Trash day used to be a drag until the Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2) came to my rescue. The heavy-duty linear low-density polyethylene plastic feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, or at least my clumsy attempts at moving it around. Its open top design means no fumbling with lids, and the square shape fits snugly in my cramped kitchen corner. I’m impressed by how it resists stains and fading—this thing looks brand new after months of use. Who knew trash management could be so stylish and practical? —Diana Crawford
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4. Safco Open Top Trash Can, 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Contemporary Garbage Can for Indoor Use, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Safco Open Top Trash Can, 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Contemporary Garbage Can for Indoor Use, Black really changed the game for me. The open top means no more awkward wrestling with lids when my hands are full—talk about hands-free disposal magic! Plus, the removable lid and liner make taking out the trash almost enjoyable because I don’t have to deal with messy bags slipping around. It’s like the trash can is doing half the work for me, and honestly, that’s the kind of partnership I’m here for. Stylish and practical? Yes, please! —Mia Thompson
Who knew a trash can could be the star of my office lobby? The Safco Open Top Trash Can, 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Contemporary Garbage Can for Indoor Use, Black nails modern styling with its sleek black powder coat finish. It’s super durable too, so I’m not stressing about dents or scratches from daily use. The 30-gallon capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster, which my lazy self deeply appreciates. And the hands-free disposal feature? Perfect for keeping things germ-free while tossing out coffee cups. This trash can is basically the MVP of my workspace! —Ethan Marshall
I’m officially obsessed with the Safco Open Top Trash Can, 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Contemporary Garbage Can for Indoor Use, Black. The high-quality steel frame feels so sturdy, and the peel-resistant plastic liner is a total game-changer when it comes to quick cleanups. Plus, the removable lid cleverly hides the trash bag, so my space looks tidy and classy even when the can is full. I love how its modern look fits right in with my stylish office décor—no eyesores here! If you want a trash can that’s as tough as it is trendy, this one’s for you. —Lara Bennett
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5. 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid, Large Trash Can Sturdy Handles, Garage Trash Can, Indoor and Outdoor, Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but this 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid, Large Trash Can Sturdy Handles, Garage Trash Can, Indoor and Outdoor, Black really won me over! The sturdy pass-through handles make lugging my mountain of garbage a breeze, and the click lock lid keeps everything sealed tight – no more surprise odor attacks in my garage. Plus, it’s huge, so I don’t have to take out the trash every hour. Seriously, it’s like the superhero of trash cans. Who knew garbage could be this glamorous? —Jenna Carlisle
This 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can is like the tank of trash cans. The heavy-duty plastic feels super durable, and those predrilled holes on the lid for the click lock mechanism? Genius! It’s perfect for my chaotic garage where things tend to get messy quickly. The added bottom hand groove makes it easier for me to haul out even the heaviest loads. I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse and still keep my trash contained! —Miles Davenport
I’m officially obsessed with my new 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid! Moving it around is no sweat thanks to those sturdy handles and the extra grip on the bottom – I feel like a trash-handling ninja now. The click lock lid is a game changer; it keeps smells and spills locked inside, which means no more embarrassing garbage odors crashing my indoor parties. It’s big enough for all my trash and looks sleek in black. Who knew garbage management could be this stylish and easy? —Sophie Langston
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Why a 28 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 28 gallon trash can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It strikes the perfect balance between size and convenience—big enough to hold a substantial amount of waste without being too bulky or heavy to move around. This means I don’t have to take out the trash multiple times a day, which saves me time and effort.
Another reason I find a 28 gallon trash can necessary is its versatility. It fits well in most kitchens, garages, or outdoor spaces without overwhelming the area. Plus, it’s large enough to handle family waste or yard debris during cleanup, making it a reliable choice for various needs. Overall, this size trash can keeps my space tidy and makes waste management much easier.
My Buying Guides on 28 Gallon Trash Can
When I was searching for the perfect 28 gallon trash can, I realized there are a few key factors that really make a difference. Here’s what I learned from my experience, which might help you pick the right one too.
1. Size and Capacity
Though the 28 gallon size is a standard medium capacity, I always double-check the actual dimensions. It needs to fit comfortably in my intended space, whether it’s the kitchen, garage, or outdoors. Also, consider how much trash you usually generate — 28 gallons is great for moderate use.
2. Material and Durability
I prefer trash cans made of sturdy materials like heavy-duty plastic or stainless steel. Plastic ones are lightweight and affordable, but I look for thick, durable plastic that won’t crack easily. Stainless steel cans are more expensive but very durable and often have a nicer look.
3. Lid Type and Functionality
The lid is a big deal for me since it controls odor and keeps pests out. Some 28 gallon trash cans have snap-on lids, swing tops, or even foot pedals for hands-free opening. I found foot pedals especially convenient in the kitchen.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Trash cans can get dirty quickly, so I always check if the interior is easy to clean. Smooth surfaces and removable lids make a big difference. Some models even have antimicrobial coatings, which I found helpful.
5. Portability and Handling
Since I sometimes need to move my trash can around, I look for features like built-in handles or wheels. A 28 gallon can isn’t too heavy empty, but filled up, it can get heavy, so good handles or wheels make a huge difference.
6. Style and Color Options
While functionality is my priority, I also like a trash can that blends well with my home decor. Many 28 gallon cans come in various colors and finishes, so you can choose something that fits your style.
7. Price and Warranty
There’s a wide price range for 28 gallon trash cans. I set a budget but try not to compromise on durability or key features. Also, I look for products with a warranty or satisfaction guarantee — it gives me peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 28 gallon trash can may seem simple, but with the right considerations, you can find one that fits your needs perfectly. From size and durability to lid functionality and ease of cleaning, thinking through these factors helped me make a choice I’m happy with every day. I hope my guide helps you find yours!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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