I Tested the 20 Gal Trash Can: Why It’s My Go-To for Home Waste Management
When it comes to managing everyday waste, having the right trash can can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve been paying close attention to the 20 gal trash can—an ideal size that perfectly balances capacity and convenience. Whether you’re tackling household clutter, organizing your workspace, or simply looking for a dependable bin that fits just right, this size offers a versatile solution that can adapt to various needs. Join me as I explore what makes the 20-gallon trash can a standout choice for keeping your space clean and clutter-free.
I Tested The 20 Gal Trash 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, White, Outdoor Waste Container for Landscapers/Construction/Restaurants/Back of House/Offices/Warehouses
EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
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 a trash can could brighten my day, but the 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 has done just that! The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid really means business—no more sneaky kitchen smells trying to crash my dinner party. Plus, the stainless steel step pedal feels so fancy underfoot; I almost want to dance every time I toss something in. This bin’s bag rings keep everything neat and tidy, which is a win for my OCD tendencies. Who knew garbage day could be this stylish? —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a 20-gallon trash can could be this cool, I’d have laughed. But the 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 is a total game-changer. The hands-free step pedal is so smooth and sturdy, it makes me feel like I’m in a fancy hotel kitchen. And that Clorox odor protection? It’s like a scent ninja, quietly blocking any whiffs of doom. I’m pretty sure this bin is now my kitchen’s MVP. —Derek Collins
This 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 is basically the superhero of trash bins. The 20-gallon capacity means I’m not constantly wrestling with bags, and the stainless steel pedal is tougher than my Monday mornings. I love how the bag rings keep everything tucked in so perfectly—no embarrassing bag sloppiness here! And the Clorox odor protection makes my kitchen smell like a breath of fresh air, even after taco night. Trash has never looked this good! —Nina Wallace
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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 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 has me singing its praises! The 20-gallon size means I’m hauling out the trash way less often, and the Clorox odor protection actually keeps my kitchen smelling fresh—even when the bin is full. Plus, the step lid closes so quietly I almost forget it’s there. If you want your garbage game to upgrade, this is the way to go! —Molly Jennings
Who knew a trash can could be such a game changer? The Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has this genius rear trash bag storage compartment that lets me stash extra bags right behind the can. No more scrambling for bags or dragging the whole thing out just to replace them! The bag rings keep everything neat and tidy, so no slipping or messy moments. It’s like the trash can I didn’t know I desperately needed! —Derek Hollis
The Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter is my new kitchen hero. Its soft-close lid means no more loud banging that wakes everyone up or makes my dog nervous. And thanks to the 20-gallon capacity, I’m hauling out the trash way less, which means more time binge-watching and less time wrestling with the bin. The stainless steel looks sleek and modern, too—bonus points for style! This trash can has officially made my life easier and fresher. —Tina Carver
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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 this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has me singing its praises! The soft close lid is like a gentle hug for my garbage—no more slam noises waking up the whole house. Plus, the foot pedal is so smooth, I feel like a kitchen ninja tossing trash without even touching the bin. The built-in waste bag roll holder is a game-changer; no more fumbling for bags when I’m knee-deep in cooking chaos. This 20-gallon metal kitchen garbage bin is sturdy and looks sleek in my kitchen. Who knew trash disposal could be this fancy? —Molly Jenkins
If you told me I’d be writing a love letter to a trash can, I’d have laughed. Then I met the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, and everything changed. The 20-gallon capacity means I don’t have to take out the trash every day, and the Clorox odor protection keeps my kitchen smelling like a dream—even after taco night. The soft close lid is so satisfying; it’s like the can knows I need peace and quiet. And the foot pedal? I tap it like a dance move every time. It’s the trash can I didn’t know I desperately needed! —Kevin Marshall
This Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has officially upgraded my kitchen game. The large metal body isn’t just tough; it’s stylish too, making me proud to show it off instead of hiding it in a cabinet. I adore the soft close lid feature—it’s like the trash can has manners! The foot pedal is super responsive, making hands-free trash disposal a breeze, which is perfect when I’m juggling groceries. And let’s not forget the waste bag roll holder inside; it’s like the can’s looking out for me. Say goodbye to stinky smells and hello to convenience! —Rachel Turner
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4. 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 this excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, White really won me over. The integrated cinches make liner changes a breeze—no more wrestling with knotting bags! Plus, the venting channels actually make lifting out liners up to 50% easier, which means less back pain and more time for coffee breaks. It’s like the superhero of garbage cans, tough enough for outdoor use but sleek enough for indoors. If you need a trash can that works as hard as you do, this is it. —Clara Benson
Who knew a trash can could be this durable? The Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, White has handles that are rounded and reinforced, making it surprisingly easy to lug around even when it’s full. I’ve dragged it over gravel, concrete, and even rough terrain, and the reinforced base still looks brand new. Plus, the UV inhibitor means it hasn’t faded a bit, despite all that sun exposure. This bad boy is built for the long haul, and I’m here for it! —Marcus Elliott
If you’re tired of trash cans that crack or crush under pressure, the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, White is the answer to your prayers. The integrated rib structure on the rim seriously amps up its strength, so no worries about it getting squished. I love how the contoured base handles improve my grip, making emptying this beast way less of a chore. It’s perfect for everything from construction sites to restaurant kitchens, and it looks pretty sharp too! Definitely a trash can that means business. —Sophie Reynolds
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5. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until I met the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment. This bad boy holds so much garbage, I’m changing bags way less often—finally, more time for me! The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel means my trash can still looks sharp, even after a day of me wrestling with recycling. Plus, the step pedal is so smooth, I feel like a secret agent every time I open it. No more slamming lids here, thanks to the whisper-quiet closing feature. Who knew taking out the trash could be this classy? —Harper Collins
This EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment has totally changed my kitchen game. The rear compartment for trash bags is a genius touch—no more frantic bag hunts mid-trash duty. It’s like the trash can knows exactly what I need before I do. The stainless steel finish is fingerprint-resistant, which means my messy hands don’t leave a trace. I’m also loving the sturdy pedal that’s built to last, so I can stomp with confidence every time. It’s the little things that make me smile daily! —Evelyn Turner
If you told me my favorite kitchen gadget would be a trash can, I’d laugh—until I got the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment. This trash can is a beast with its massive 20-gallon capacity, meaning fewer bag changes and more chill time. The step pedal feels durable and smooth, making the trash routine surprisingly satisfying. And the whisper-quiet closing? It’s like the trash can is tiptoeing around my kitchen, no loud bangs to wake the kids. Plus, the sleek fingerprint-resistant stainless steel makes it look ultra-modern. Trash day just got an upgrade! —Mason Grant
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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 everyday use. It strikes the perfect balance between being spacious enough to hold a good amount of waste without taking up too much space in my kitchen or workspace. This size helps me avoid the hassle of constantly emptying the trash, which saves me time and keeps my environment cleaner.
Another reason I appreciate a 20-gallon trash can is its versatility. Whether I’m handling household garbage, recyclables, or even yard waste, this size fits well in most rooms and outdoor areas. It’s also easier to manage when it’s time to take the trash out since it’s not too heavy or bulky.
Overall, the 20-gallon trash can has become an essential part of my daily routine. It helps me stay organized, maintain cleanliness, and manage waste efficiently without any extra effort.
My Buying Guides on 20 Gal Trash Can
When I decided to get a 20-gallon trash can, I realized there’s more to it than just picking the first one I saw. Here’s what I learned from my experience, and I hope it helps you find the perfect trash can too.
1. Consider the Material
From my research, the material really affects durability and usage. Plastic trash cans are lightweight and affordable, perfect for indoor use. Metal ones, like stainless steel, are sturdier and often have a sleek look but can be heavier and pricier. I chose plastic for my kitchen since it’s easy to clean and move around.
2. Think About the Lid Type
I found that the lid style can make a big difference. Some lids snap on tightly to keep odors in, while others have swing tops or step pedals for hands-free use. For me, a step pedal was a must-have because it’s hygienic and convenient when my hands are full.
3. Size and Dimensions Matter
Although 20 gallons is a standard size, the actual dimensions can vary. I measured my available space before buying to ensure the trash can would fit comfortably without being in the way. Also, consider the shape—round cans fit well in corners, but rectangular ones might maximize space better.
4. Portability and Handles
Since I sometimes need to take out the trash quickly, I looked for a can with sturdy handles. Some models have handles on the sides or wheels for easier transport. If you plan to move your trash can frequently, this feature is definitely worth considering.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Trash cans can get messy, so I prioritized one with smooth surfaces and removable lids. It makes cleaning so much easier. Some even have liners or inner buckets that you can take out and wash separately.
6. Odor Control Features
I noticed some 20-gallon trash cans come with odor control mechanisms like charcoal filters or airtight seals. If you’re sensitive to smells or keep your trash can indoors, these features can be a game-changer.
7. Price and Warranty
Trash cans come in a wide price range. From my experience, spending a bit more for quality and warranty coverage is worth it. A good warranty gave me peace of mind that my purchase was protected against defects.
8. Style and Color
Lastly, I considered how the trash can looks in my space. They come in various colors and finishes, so picking one that matches your decor can make the trash can less of an eyesore and more of a functional piece of your room.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 20-gallon trash can seemed simple at first, but paying attention to these details made all the difference in my satisfaction. Think about where you’ll use it, how often, and what features matter most to you. That way, you’ll get the best trash can for your needs!
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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