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The Best Outdoor Trash Can

Last updated on August 21, 2023
Best Outdoor Trash Can

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You likely have garbage cans throughout your home, but if you spend any time outdoors, trash disposal can become a problem. Collecting waste to take inside when you’re grilling out or entertaining is inconvenient. You may even find yourself dedicating time to clean up after every backyard gathering.

A good outdoor trash can will save you loads of time and energy over the years. But there are a few things to consider before you buy one. Patios and decks need different receptacles than the type of garbage can you’d use for your weekly trash collection. You can find cans of all different sizes and designs, each with unique features that work better in some areas than others.

As with indoor receptacles, odor protection is an important feature of any outdoor trash can, especially if it’s in an area where you’ll be entertaining.  Look for one with a lid that seals well enough to lock in odors without being tough to open when you or your guests need access. Critters can also be a concern, especially if you’re in a heavily-forested area prone to bears. In those instances, look for a lid that locks between uses.

If you’re looking for a trash can for an area like a workshop or garage, you can swap features like lid security for convenient access. A swing-top lid will keep odors at a minimum while also ensuring access is easy. Pay close attention to the space you have available for your trash can and shop accordingly.

The appearance of your trash can will undoubtedly serve as a deciding factor as you shop. You can choose between cans made from stainless steel, polypropylene or other materials, as well as selecting from a variety of colors with some cans. As you’re shopping, consider how easy or difficult it will be to clean your trash can. Although it’s not likely to be something you’ll do often, having a removable liner can really come in handy for cleaning.

Our Picks For The Top Outdoor Trash Cans

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Suncast Hideaway Compact Hinged Lid Outdoor Trash Can, 33-Gallon

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Suncast

Hideaway Compact Hinged Lid Outdoor Trash Can, 33-Gallon

Bears, rodents, and other creatures can make their way into outdoor garbage cans, making the locking lid on this outdoor trash can a valuable feature. The design is also water-resistant, which means you won't have to worry about rain or moisture making its way in. The resin will keep it going through years of use.

Overall Take

Keep Out CrittersThe lid of this outdoor trash can locks to to keep odors in and critters out.

 Best Value

Keter Wood Design Removable Rim Outdoor Trash Can, 32-Gallon

Keter

Wood Design Removable Rim Outdoor Trash Can, 32-Gallon

Those who regularly entertain will love the stylish metallic design of this outdoor trash can. The lid comes with an easy-to-grip handle that makes removing and inserting trash easy. The lid is also hinged, so you won't have to worry about losing it.

Overall Take

Sleek DesignThe metallic design of this outdoor trash can makes it an eye-catching addition to outdoor areas like patios and decks.

 Runner Up

Rubbermaid Warp-Resistant Venting Outdoor Trash Can, 32-Gallon

Rubbermaid

Warp-Resistant Venting Outdoor Trash Can, 32-Gallon

No more struggling to get stuffed bags out, thanks to the contoured design of this outdoor trash can. The reinforced base can withstand being moved across even the roughest surfaces, and the UV inhibitor keeps the can from fading. You can choose from five different sizes and seven colors, including two that include recycling emblems.

Overall Take

Easy Bag RemovalThis outdoor trash can features a contoured design and rounded handles to make bag removal easy.

 Best Seller

Hyper Tough 45 Gallon Wheeled Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can

Hyper Tough

45 Gallon Wheeled Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can

Comes with an attached lid, easy-grip handle and rugged wheels that make transporting your trash from the curb and back effortless.

Overall Take

Rolls smoothlyLarge capacity for households that need a larger trash can for weekly pickups.

What to Look For

  • There are a variety of trash can designs, each with its own benefits. Stainless steel finishes can be tempting, but keep in mind they can be prone to showing fingerprints, smudges and dirt more easily than cans of other builds.
  • Cleaning will always be an issue with garbage cans. No matter how careful you are to keep all trash in bags, leaks and spills are unavoidable. Some outdoor cans come with internal liners that you can remove and clean separately from the outer shell.
  • One common issue with garbage cans is bag removal. If you overstuff your bag with trash before removing it, you may find yourself struggling to get the bag out, possibly straining yourself or tearing the bag.
  • Ease of access is another issue, particularly if your trash can is meant for individual item disposal rather than collecting large bags that you bring from inside the house. Look for a lid that provides security while still making it easy to get your trash inside.
  • Many outdoor trash cans have attached lids. There’s a good reason. A lid that can be removed can easily get lost or accidentally tossed in with the week’s garbage, forcing you to track down a replacement. Since lids aren’t always sold separately by manufacturers, you may even find yourself buying a completely new trash can after losing the lid.
  • Water resistance is another valuable feature. Any outdoor trash can will be exposed to the elements 24/7, so make sure your lid keeps water out and that the base of your garbage can will keep it steady through even the most intense windstorms.
  • If you’ll be moving your trash can around every now and then, especially if it’s heavier, make sure you choose one that can be easily relocated. Some have wheels, while others are designed to withstand being dragged across rough surfaces.

More to Explore

Outdoors enthusiasts know that avoiding bears is part of any adventure, and big parks like Yellowstone have learned over the years to keep the furry mammals away from visitors. That wasn’t always the case. In fact, until the 1970s, there was a garbage dump located in Yellowstone. Bears were actually embraced as an important part of the park experience from the 1890s until the 1940s, performing nightly shows for guests. Each night, bears would leave the safety of the woods to enjoy the food in the park’s garbage dump. This, unfortunately, trained the bears to come out of the woods to find food, putting visitors at risk. In the latter part of the twentieth century, Yellowstone seemed to realize its mistake and, like many parks, adopted strict protective policies, including fines for anyone caught feeding bears.

More to explore