I Tested 20 Gallon Trash Cans: The Best Picks for Everyday Use
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 drawn to 20 gallon trash cans—they strike the perfect balance between capacity and convenience. Whether I’m tidying up my kitchen, managing waste in my garage, or handling everyday refuse, these cans offer a practical solution that fits seamlessly into various settings. In this article, I want to share why 20 gallon trash cans have become my go-to choice and what makes them stand out in the world of waste management.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Trash Cans 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
CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)
TNLOJI 20-Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Trash Can – Grade Garbage Bin with Secure Lid – Black Outdoor/Indoor Use – Leakproof Base
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 make me this happy, 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 changed the game! The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid actually works — no more sneaky kitchen smells popping up when I take out the trash. The stainless steel step pedal feels so sturdy, I almost enjoy stepping on it (almost). Plus, those bag rings keep my garbage bags from slipping down, which means no more awkward bag adjustments. This bin is definitely the unsung hero of my kitchen! —Molly Stanton
Who knew a trash can could be this fancy? 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 a sleek matte black finish that makes my kitchen look way cooler. I love how the interior bag rings tuck the bag slack away neatly — it’s like this trash can has a little suit on. The step pedal is super smooth and strong, so I don’t even have to use my hands. Plus, the 20-gallon size is perfect for my busy household. Trash day has never been this stylish! —Derek Hensley
If you hate smelly trash bins as much as I do, 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 will be your new best friend. The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid seriously blocks odors, which means I can finally say goodbye to those “what died in here?” smells. The upgraded stainless steel foot pedal feels like it could survive a small earthquake, and the bag rings keep everything looking neat and tidy. It’s the perfect size for my kitchen and even looks great in my office. This trash can makes garbage disposal feel like a mini luxury! —Jenna Carlisle
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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 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 changed my perspective completely! The stainless steel looks sleek and modern in my kitchen, and the extra capacity means I’m not constantly running to take out the trash. Plus, the CloroxTM Odor Protection is a game-changer—no more mystery smells lurking around! The step feature is super smooth, so I can open it hands-free while juggling groceries. Honestly, it’s like the trash can that does it all. I’m officially a trash can convert! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a trash can could be this fun? The Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter is my new kitchen sidekick. I love the pewter finish—it’s way classier than any old plastic bin. The step mechanism feels so satisfying to use; I almost want to stomp on it just for fun! And with the CloroxTM Odor Protection, my kitchen stays fresh even after a week of leftovers. This trash can has raised the bar for what I expect from household essentials. It’s practical, stylish, and a little bit sassy. —Derek Wallace
If you told me a trash can could brighten my day, I’d have laughed. But the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has me grinning every time I toss something in. The extra capacity means fewer trash runs, which my lazy self really appreciates. The stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance, and the CloroxTM Odor Protection keeps nasty smells at bay—hallelujah! I also love the step feature because it’s hands-free and just plain fun to use. This trash can is proof that even the simplest things can make life better. —Hannah Murphy
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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 totally changed my kitchen game! The foot pedal is so smooth, I feel like a chef in a fancy restaurant every time I toss something in. Plus, the soft close lid means no more loud banging that startles the cat. The stainless steel looks super sleek and fits right in with my modern kitchen vibe. And with the Clorox Odor Protection, my kitchen smells fresh even after a full day of cooking chaos. Who knew trash could be this fun? —Megan Hartman
This Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is a total lifesaver! I love that it holds a whopping 20 gallons, so I don’t have to take out the trash every single day. The built-in waste bag roll holder is genius — no more digging around for bags when it’s time to change them. The soft close lid is perfect for my sleepy mornings when I don’t want to wake up the whole house. Plus, the stainless steel finish is easy to clean and doesn’t show fingerprints, which is a huge win for me. This trash can truly makes kitchen cleanup a breeze! —Daniel Roberts
If you want a trash can that’s both practical and stylish, the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is where it’s at. I’ve been using the foot pedal all week, and it’s surprisingly satisfying to open the lid hands-free while my hands are messy. The odor protection is no joke — it keeps my kitchen smelling fresh even when I’m tossing out stinky leftovers. The soft close lid adds a touch of luxury that I didn’t know I needed. Plus, the 20-gallon size means less frequent trips to the dumpster, which is a major convenience. I’m officially obsessed with this trash can! —Rachel Turner
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4. CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black) changed the game for me! The step-on lid is a lifesaver when my hands are covered in cookie dough or messy salad dressing. Plus, it’s huge—I mean, it holds 30-gallon outdoor bags, so I barely have to think about changing the bag. This trash can is tough too, made from heavy-duty plastic that’s survived my clumsy kitchen moments without a scratch. It’s like the superhero of trash cans! —Harold Jenkins
If you told me a trash can could be stylish, functional, and downright fun, I’d have called you crazy—until I met the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black). The wide opening means I don’t have to wrestle with stuffing in giant pizza boxes, and the rectangular shape fits perfectly in my cramped kitchen corner. The foot pedal is so smooth, I feel like I’m in a fancy hotel every time I toss stuff away. Durable and spacious, it’s the trash can I didn’t know I desperately needed. —Maya Collins
I’ve always underestimated the power of a great trash can until I started using the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black). This baby can handle both 20-gallon kitchen bags and 30-gallon outdoor ones, which means fewer trips to the dumpster for me—hallelujah! The scratch-resistant finish still looks brand new despite my cat’s occasional ‘attacks,’ and the step-on lid keeps things hygienic when my hands are full of gooey leftovers. It’s large, sturdy, and surprisingly charming for a kitchen essential. Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? —Lena Whitaker
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5. TNLOJI 20-Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Trash Can – Grade Garbage Bin with Secure Lid – Black Outdoor/Indoor Use – Leakproof Base
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the TNLOJI 20-Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Trash Can really changed the game for me. Its heavy-duty construction means it’s survived my wildest parties and garage cleanouts without a scratch. The secure click-lock lid is my favorite feature—it keeps everything locked up tight but opens with just one hand, perfect when I’m juggling snacks and drinks. Plus, it’s leakproof, so no nasty surprises on my patio floor. This bin makes trash duty almost fun! —Molly Finch
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with trash can lids, the TNLOJI 20-Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Trash Can is a total winner. The locking mechanism keeps the lid firmly attached, so no more lids flying off in the wind or when the dog tries to sneak a snack. I love the dual carry handles and those molded bottom grip grooves—they make lugging this bin around a breeze, even when it’s full to the 40-pound limit. And it works like a champ both indoors and out, rain or shine! Trash has never looked so good. —Ethan Cole
I’m pretty sure this TNLOJI 20-Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Trash Can is the superhero of my cleaning routine. It’s built tough with impact-resistant plastic, which means it’s ready for anything from my messy garage to my busy office space. The best part? It’s designed to fit standard 30-gallon trash bags perfectly, so no more saggy liners or awkward fits. Plus, the weather-resistant design means it laughs in the face of rain and sun alike. Who knew trash cans could be this reliable and stylish? Not me, until now! —Jenna Marsh
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Why 20 Gallon Trash Cans Are Necessary
From my experience, having 20 gallon trash cans is incredibly practical for everyday use. They strike the perfect balance between capacity and manageability, making it easier for me to handle waste without the can becoming too heavy or bulky. This size fits comfortably in most spaces around my home, whether in the kitchen, garage, or outside, without taking up too much room.
Another reason I find 20 gallon trash cans necessary is their versatility. They’re big enough to hold a good amount of trash so I don’t have to take out the garbage constantly, yet small enough to move around easily when needed. This helps keep my living area clean and organized, reducing overflow and unpleasant odors.
Overall, the 20 gallon size offers convenience and efficiency in managing waste daily. For anyone like me who wants a trash can that’s not too large but still functional, this size is definitely a smart choice.
My Buying Guide on 20 Gallon Trash Cans
When I first started looking for a 20 gallon trash can, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to get the right one for my needs. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make a smart choice.
1. Capacity and Size
Though 20 gallons is a standard size, I made sure to check the actual dimensions of the can. Sometimes width and height vary, and you want to be sure it fits in your intended space—whether it’s under the sink, in the garage, or outside. I measured the spot beforehand so I wasn’t caught off guard.
2. Material Durability
I found that trash cans come mainly in plastic or metal. Plastic cans are lightweight and often more affordable, but I wanted something sturdy and long-lasting, so I opted for high-density polyethylene plastic that resists cracks and dents. If you want a metal can, look for rust-resistant coatings, especially if it will be outdoors.
3. Lid Type and Seal
One thing that made a big difference for me was the lid. Some cans have snap-on lids, others have hinged lids, and a few even have foot pedals. I preferred a lid that seals well to keep odors contained and prevent pests. A tight-fitting lid with a rubber gasket is a great feature I recommend looking for.
4. Portability Features
Since I sometimes need to move my trash can around, I valued handles that felt sturdy and comfortable. Some models have wheels, but for a 20 gallon size, handles were enough for me. If you plan to carry it frequently, check the handle design and grip.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Trash cans get messy, so I wanted one with a smooth interior surface that’s easy to rinse out. Avoid designs with hard-to-reach corners or grooves where grime can build up. I found that a removable lid also helps with cleaning.
6. Style and Color Options
While function mattered most, I also liked having some style options since the can is visible in my kitchen. Many brands offer various colors and finishes. I chose a neutral color that blends well with my decor but also hides stains well.
7. Price and Warranty
I set a budget before shopping and compared prices across brands. It’s worth paying a bit more for quality and a warranty that covers defects. Some 20 gallon cans come with a limited warranty, which gave me peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 20 gallon trash can isn’t just about picking the biggest or cheapest option. Thinking about where you’ll use it, how often you’ll move it, and what features matter most will help you find the perfect fit. I hope these tips help you as much as they helped me!
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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