The Best Outdoor Trash Can - 2021
We looked at the top 12 Outdoor Trash Cans and dug through the reviews from 31 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Outdoor Trash Cans.
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Our Picks For The Top Outdoor Trash Cans
- The Best Outdoor Trash Can
- 1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Brute Rollout Heavy-Duty Trash Can, 50-Gallon
- 2. Keter Patio Trash Can with Lid, 32-Gallon
- 3. Suncast Trash Hideaway, 33-Gallon
- 4. Suncast Outdoor Patio Trash Can, 33-Gallon
- 5. Rubbermaid Heavy-Duty Trash Can, 32-Gallon
- 6. Toter Two Wheeled Trash Can, 64-Gallon
- 7. Carlisle Outdoor Trash Can, 32-Gallon
- 8. Seville Classics Wheeled Trash Can, 17-Gallon
- 9. Umbra Swing-Top Trash Can, 10-Gallon
- 10. Behrens Galvanized Steel Trash Can, 10-Gallon
- 11. Umbra Swing-Top Trash Can, 16.5-Gallon
- 12. Rubbermaid Trash Can with Lid, 23-Gallon
Sturdy Trash CanThe Rubbermaid Brute Heavy-Duty Trash Can, 50-Gallon is perfect for any home that needs an outdoor trash can.
Classic DesignThe metallic design of the Keter Patio Trash Can with Lid, 32-Gallon makes it an eye-catching addition to outdoor areas like patios and decks.
Keep Out CrittersThe lid of the Suncast Trash Hideaway, 33-Gallon locks to to keep odors in and critters out.
Easy AssemblyGarbage odors are no fun, even outdoors, but the Suncast Outdoor Patio Trash Can, 33-Gallon is designed to keep odors in.
Why we recommend these outdoor trash cans?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 12 Outdoor Trash Cans and also dug through the reviews from 31 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Outdoor Trash Cans.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Brute Rollout Heavy-Duty Trash Can, 50-Gallon
Our Take
The Rubbermaid Brute Heavy-Duty Trash Can, 50-Gallon is sturdy enough for anything you want to throw away. This trash can is hefty, but still easy to transport, thanks to its wheels and full-range lid. The handle is ergonomic, too.
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Suncast Trash Hideaway, 33-Gallon
Our Take
Bears, rodents, and other creatures can make their way into outdoor garbage cans, making the locking lid on the Suncast Trash Hideaway, 33-Gallon 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.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
Overall Product Rankings
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Brute Rollout Heavy-Duty Trash Can, 50-Gallon
Our Outdoor Trash Can Findings
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Brute Rollout Heavy-Duty Trash Can, 50-Gallon
What We Liked: The Rubbermaid Brute Heavy-Duty Trash Can, 50-Gallon is sturdy enough for anything you want to throw away. This trash can is hefty, but still easy to transport, thanks to its wheels and full-range lid. The handle is ergonomic, too.
Keter Patio Trash Can with Lid, 32-Gallon
What We Liked: Those who regularly entertain will love the stylish metallic design of the Keter Patio Trash Can with Lid, 32-Gallon. 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.
Suncast Trash Hideaway, 33-Gallon
What We Liked: Bears, rodents, and other creatures can make their way into outdoor garbage cans, making the locking lid on the Suncast Trash Hideaway, 33-Gallon 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.
Suncast Outdoor Patio Trash Can, 33-Gallon
What We Liked: You’ll get easy assembly and a tight lid seal with the Suncast Outdoor Patio Trash Can, 33-Gallon. The design of the lid minimizes odor escape, keeping your outdoor areas smelling great year round. The design of the can may make it tough to remove overstuffed trash bags, but this is the case with many garbage cans.
Rubbermaid Heavy-Duty Trash Can, 32-Gallon
What We Liked: No more struggling to get stuffed bags out, thanks to the contoured design of the Rubbermaid Brute Heavy-Duty Trash Can, 32-Gallon. 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.
Umbra Swing-Top Trash Can, 10-Gallon
What We Liked: If you have a garage or workshop, the Umbra Swing-Top Trash Can, 10-Gallon can easily slide into a corner for easy trash disposal. The shiny appearance makes it an attractive addition to any decor. It also features a swing-top lid and a durable polypropylene material that is easy to clean.
Our Outdoor Trash Can Buying Guide
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 convenience of 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.
DWYM Fun Fact
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.
The Outdoor Trash Can Tips and Advice
- 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.
About The Author
Stephanie Faris is a novelist and professional writer. She lives in a beautiful one-acre home in the suburbs on the outskirts of Nashville. Her home and garden work has appeared on popular home sites. She's a true homebody and loves looking at new houses for sale for inspiration on her own home remodeling projects.