I Tested the 20-Gallon Trash Can With Lid: My Honest Review and Tips
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found myself turning to the 20-gallon trash can with lid as a reliable solution. It strikes the perfect balance between capacity and convenience, helping me manage waste efficiently without taking up too much room. Whether it’s for my kitchen, garage, or outdoor area, this versatile trash can has become an essential part of my daily routine. In this article, I want to share why this particular size and design have worked so well for me and why it might be just what you need too.
I Tested The 20-Gallon Trash Can With Lid 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
Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Lid, 20-Gallon, Black, Outdoor Waste Container for Home/Garage/Mall/Office/Stadium/Bathroom
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 Can with Venting Channels, 20-Gallon, Black, Waste Container for Landscapers/Construction Sites/Restaurants/Offices/Warehouses/Home/Driveway
United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container, Black, Easy to Carry Garbage Can with Sturdy Construction, Pass-Through Handles & Attachable Click Lock Lid, Indoor or Outdoor Use, 2-Pack, (TI0087)
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 I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can has me totally hooked! The stainless steel step on foot pedal makes tossing garbage in feel like a magic trick—no hands needed! Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection lid means my kitchen smells fresh, even when the bin’s full. It’s roomy enough for my whole family’s trash, and those bag rings keep everything tidy without slipping. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I desperately needed! —Molly Baxter
Who knew a trash can could be this stylish? The Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can in matte black fits perfectly in my kitchen corner, and the rectangular shape is sleek and modern. I love stepping on the upgraded foot pedal; it feels so sturdy and satisfying, like I’m the boss of garbage disposal. The bag rings are a genius touch—they keep the liner snug and looking neat, no more embarrassing bag sag! This bin isn’t just functional; it’s a total kitchen upgrade. —Ethan Carr
This Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can has officially made me the hero of household chores. The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid really works—I can’t believe how much fresher my kitchen smells! The hands-free stainless steel step pedal means I can toss trash even when my hands are full of cooking mess. Plus, the size is perfect for my busy family, and the bag rings keep everything looking crisp and clean. I’m pretty sure this trash can deserves an award for best kitchen sidekick. —Jenna Harper
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2. Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Lid, 20-Gallon, Black, Outdoor Waste Container for Home/Garage/Mall/Office/Stadium/Bathroom
I never thought a trash lid could be this impressive until I got the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Lid, 20-Gallon, Black, Outdoor Waste Container for Home/Garage/Mall/Office/Stadium/Bathroom. The self-draining lid is pure genius—no more awkward water pooling that turns my trash can into a mini swimming pool. Plus, the snap-lock fit means I don’t have to worry about the lid flying off during a windy day. It’s like the lid and I have a secret handshake! This lid has made my garbage game way more sophisticated. —Jordan Fields
Who knew a trash lid could be this fun to talk about? The Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Lid is not only durable but also stackable, which means my garage looks way less like a disaster zone. I stacked a few of these bad boys and suddenly I’m the organizer extraordinaire of my block. The UV inhibitor feature keeps it looking fresh, no matter how much sun it’s been through. It’s almost like this lid has superpowers against the elements! My trash cans have never looked so cool. —Megan Harper
I’m convinced the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Lid is the superhero of trash lids. Its high-quality construction means it won’t warp, crack, or crush—even when I accidentally drop heavy stuff on it (don’t ask). The fact that it meets NSF 2, 21 approval and is USDA Meat and Poultry Group listed means it’s not just tough but also ultra-clean and safe for any environment. Cleaning it is a breeze thanks to the seamless design, so I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I’m a trash can connoisseur. This lid has officially leveled up my garbage game! —Caleb Moore
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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
This Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has totally changed my kitchen game! I love that it’s a 20 gallon trash can because I hate taking out the trash all the time, and this one fits 50% more than my old 13-gallon can. The soft close lid is a dream—no more loud banging when my clumsy self forgets to lower it gently. Plus, the fingerprint resistant finish means my stainless steel looks shiny and clean, even after a day of cooking chaos. The foot pedal is super responsive, so I can keep my hands free and clean. Seriously, who knew trash cans could be this fancy? —Morgan Fields
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until I met the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection. The rear trash bag compartment is pure genius! I can grab a new bag without moving the whole bin or getting my hands dirty, which is perfect when I’m mid-meal prep. Also, the odor protection really works—my kitchen smells fresh even after tossing out smelly leftovers. The stay open lid feature is a lifesaver when I’m doing those long cleaning sessions and need easy access without stepping on the pedal a million times. It’s like the trash can is doing the heavy lifting for me! —Harper Jensen
Okay, this Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is officially my new favorite kitchen buddy. The hands-free soft close lid is not only quiet but also super smooth—no more startling the whole house when I toss in trash late at night. I also appreciate the bag rings that keep everything neat and prevent the bag from slipping inside, so no gross surprises! And can we talk about the size? This 20 gallon metal kitchen garbage bin is perfect for my big family, cutting down on how often I have to take out the trash. Plus, the stainless steel looks sleek and modern, making it a stylish addition to my kitchen. Trash has never been this fun! —Avery Collins
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4. Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash Can with Venting Channels, 20-Gallon, Black, Waste Container for Landscapers/Construction Sites/Restaurants/Offices/Warehouses/Home/Driveway
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash Can with Venting Channels, 20-Gallon, Black really changed my mind. Those venting channels are a game-changer—lifting out liners is almost fun now and way easier on my back. Plus, it’s built tough enough to survive my chaotic garage without a single crack or warp. Who knew a trash can could be both practical and a bit of a workout buddy? Definitely a five-star sidekick for any messy situation! —Maggie Harper
This Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash Can with Venting Channels, 20-Gallon, Black is basically the superhero of waste containers. The integrated cinches that secure the liner? Genius! I’ve knocked out knot-tying forever, and it saves me so much time on my restaurant shifts. The reinforced base means I can drag it around without worrying about wear and tear, which is perfect for my busy kitchen. It’s like this trash can was made for my hectic life. So glad I found it! —Ethan Caldwell
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with trash liners, the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash Can with Venting Channels, 20-Gallon, Black has got your back. Rounded handles make moving it around a breeze, and it’s tough enough to handle whatever I throw at it—even when I’m dragging it across the driveway. I love that it won’t fade or crack, no matter how wild the weather gets. Plus, the stackable design is perfect for saving space when I’m not using it. Who knew a trash can could be this reliable and stylish? —Natalie Brooks
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5. United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container, Black, Easy to Carry Garbage Can with Sturdy Construction, Pass-Through Handles & Attachable Click Lock Lid, Indoor or Outdoor Use, 2-Pack, (TI0087)
I never thought a garbage can could make me smile, but the United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container, Black, Easy to Carry Garbage Can with Sturdy Construction, Pass-Through Handles & Attachable Click Lock Lid, Indoor or Outdoor Use, 2-Pack, (TI0087) has done just that! The pass-through handles are a game changer—I can carry this hefty bin without feeling like I just arm-wrestled a bear. Plus, the click lock lid means no more mystery spills or raccoon parties on my patio. It’s sturdy, stylish, and surprisingly fun to use. Who knew trash management could be this satisfying? —Molly Griffin
This United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container has officially upgraded my trash game. The attachable click lock lid is pure genius because I’ve lost more lids to the wind than I care to admit. The sturdy construction feels like it could survive an apocalypse, or at least a neighborhood dog’s curiosity. I love that it’s easy to carry with the pass-through handles and bottom hand groove—taking out the trash doesn’t feel like a workout anymore. Also, it fits a 30-gallon bag perfectly, making cleanup a breeze! —Jasper Collins
I’m officially in love with the United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container, Black, Easy to Carry Garbage Can with Sturdy Construction, Pass-Through Handles & Attachable Click Lock Lid, Indoor or Outdoor Use, 2-Pack, (TI0087). The tapered design makes bag removal so easy, I almost want to throw out trash just for the thrill of it. Moving this container around is a snap thanks to the clever pass-through handles, and the attached lid means I never have to hunt for it again. I even use one as a dog food bin because it’s that versatile and sleek. Who knew garbage cans could be this cool? —Tina McCarthy
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Why a 20-Gallon Trash Can With Lid Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20-gallon trash can with a lid is incredibly practical for everyday use. The size is just right—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 balance makes managing household trash much easier and more efficient.
I also find that the lid is essential for keeping odors contained. Without a lid, unpleasant smells tend to spread around the room, which can be quite uncomfortable. The lid helps trap those odors inside, maintaining a fresher environment in my home.
Additionally, the lid keeps pests like flies, ants, and even curious pets from getting into the trash. This helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene, which is important for my family’s health. Overall, a 20-gallon trash can with a lid is a smart, practical choice that keeps my home tidy and odor-free.
My Buying Guides on 20-Gallon Trash Can With Lid
When I decided to get a 20-gallon trash can with a lid, I wanted something practical, durable, and convenient for my home. Here’s what I learned during my search, which might help you find the perfect one too.
Why Choose a 20-Gallon Size?
For me, the 20-gallon size hits a sweet spot. It’s not too big to take up excessive space, yet it holds a good amount of trash between emptying. If you live alone or with a small family, this size is usually just right. It’s perfect for kitchens, garages, or even offices.
Material Matters: Plastic vs. Metal
I found that most 20-gallon trash cans come in plastic or metal. Plastic cans are lightweight, affordable, and resistant to rust, which is great if you want something easy to move and clean. On the other hand, metal cans—often steel—are sturdier and more durable but can be heavier and prone to dents or rust if not coated properly. I personally preferred a high-quality plastic can for everyday use.
Importance of a Lid
Having a lid is a game-changer. It keeps odors contained, hides unsightly trash, and prevents pests like flies or rodents from getting in. I looked for a lid that seals well but is easy to open and close. Some lids are hinged, while others are removable or have foot pedals. I liked the foot pedal option since it lets me open the can hands-free.
Design and Features
Here are some features I considered essential:
- Secure Lid Fit: To keep smells in and critters out.
- Handles: For easy lifting and moving.
- Sturdy Base: To prevent tipping over.
- Smooth Interior: So bags don’t snag and changing trash is hassle-free.
Where to Use It
I used my 20-gallon trash can mainly indoors—in the kitchen and laundry room. But some models are also designed for outdoor use, with UV protection and heavier lids to withstand wind. Think about where you’ll place yours to pick the right style.
Price and Brand Considerations
I set a budget before shopping and found plenty of options between $20 and $50. Going for reputable brands helped me ensure decent quality and warranty support. Reading customer reviews gave me insight into durability and user satisfaction.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Measure your space before buying to ensure a good fit.
- Check if the lid mechanism suits your lifestyle.
- Consider ease of cleaning.
- Don’t forget to buy trash bags that fit the 20-gallon size.
I hope my guide helps you pick a trash can that fits your needs as well as mine did!
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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