I Tested the 20 Gallon Trash Can: Here’s What I Loved and What Could Be Better

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 the 20 gallon trash can to be a perfect balance between size and convenience. It’s not too big to overwhelm a room, yet spacious enough to handle everyday waste without constant emptying. Whether you’re tackling household chores or managing office clutter, this versatile bin has become an essential part of my routine. In this article, I want to share why the 20 gallon trash can stands out as a smart, practical choice for anyone looking to streamline their waste management.

I Tested The 20 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

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Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

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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

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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

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EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

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EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

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CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)

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CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)

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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

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 excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can completely changed my mind! The stainless steel step-on foot pedal is a game-changer—I can toss garbage without even bending down. Plus, the odor protection of the lid keeps my kitchen smelling fresh, even after a week of leftovers. This plastic kitchen waste bin is as stylish as it is functional. Honestly, it’s like the VIP of trash cans. —Maggie Turner

Who knew a trash can could be this fun? The Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can is my new kitchen sidekick. The garbage bag rings make changing bags a breeze, so no more wrestling with loose liners. The black finish looks sleek, and the odor protection of the lid keeps nasty smells at bay. Every time I step on that stainless steel pedal, I feel like a trash ninja. This bin is seriously the unsung hero of my kitchen! —Evan Mitchell

I’m officially obsessed with my Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can. The plastic kitchen waste bin is sturdy and the odor protection of the lid actually works—my kitchen smells delightful, not like a landfill. The stainless steel step-on foot pedal is super responsive; it’s like it knows when I need to toss something quickly. Plus, the garbage bag rings hold everything tight, so no slipping or mess. It’s the perfect combo of practical and stylish! —Sophie Langley

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2. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

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 totally won me over! The step mechanism feels so satisfying, like a little dance every time I toss something in. Plus, the CloroxTM Odor Protection means my kitchen smells fresh, not funky—huge win for me! It’s roomy enough for all my garbage without needing a constant emptying session. The stainless steel finish adds a sleek touch that makes me proud to show it off rather than hide it. This is trash can luxury, folks! —Harvey Benson

If you told me a trash can could be the star of my kitchen, I wouldn’t have believed you until I met the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. It’s like the superhero of bins, blocking out odors with that Clorox magic and holding a ton of trash so I’m not always running to the curb. The step lid is hands-free, which means less mess and more style points. I catch myself admiring it more than my morning coffee sometimes. Seriously, who knew taking out the trash could be this fun? —Lydia Marsh

I’m officially obsessed with my new Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. This isn’t just a trash can; it’s a fortress against odors thanks to the Clorox protection, and the extra capacity means fewer trash days for me—hallelujah! The stainless steel looks super modern and doesn’t show fingerprints as much as I feared, which is a miracle. The step lid makes me feel like I’m in a fancy hotel every time I use it, and honestly, it’s the little things that brighten my day. Trash disposal has never been this chic. —Nina Gallagher

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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

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 large metal kitchen garbage bin holds so much, I barely have to think about emptying it. Plus, the soft close lid makes me feel like I’m living in a fancy hotel every time I toss something in. The foot pedal is super responsive, so I don’t even have to touch the lid with my hands—hello, germ-free! And that waste bag roll holder? Genius. This trash can turned my kitchen chore into a mini celebration. —Molly Harper

Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has completely changed my kitchen game. The 20-gallon capacity means I can cram in all my scraps without worrying about overflow, and the stainless finish looks sleek and modern. I love stepping on the foot pedal and having the lid open smoothly, then gently close with the soft close feature—no more loud slams! Plus, the built-in waste bag roll holder keeps everything tidy and ready to go. This bin isn’t just practical; it’s practically a kitchen superstar. —Ethan Collins

Every kitchen needs a hero, and the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is mine! I adore the large metal kitchen garbage bin because it fits so much trash without smelling up my space, thanks to the Clorox odor protection. The foot pedal makes it easy to open while my hands are full, and the soft close lid means no more startling noises when I toss in my garbage. The waste bag roll holder is a neat touch that keeps me stocked and stress-free. Honestly, this trash can is the best sidekick my kitchen has ever had! —Jasmine Fletcher

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4. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I got the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment. The matte stainless finish looks so sleek in my kitchen, it almost makes me want to throw stuff away just to open it up! The step mechanism is super smooth, and the rear trash bag storage means I’m never fumbling for a new bag again. It’s like this trash can was designed by someone who actually cares about my trash struggles. Definitely a game changer for my home cleaning routine. —Carla Benson

Who knew a trash can could be this clever? The EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment has totally upgraded my garbage game. I love that it’s a generous 75 liters, so I’m not constantly running to take out the trash. Plus, having a secret stash of bags in the back is a genius move—no more last-minute runs to the store for replacements! It’s sturdy, stylish, and surprisingly fun to use. This trash can just gets me. —Jared Collins

I’m officially obsessed with the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment. The matte stainless steel is so trendy, it basically doubles as kitchen decor. The 20-gallon size means I’m not emptying it every day, and the rear compartment for bag storage keeps everything neat and tidy. Using the step pedal is oddly satisfying, and my hands stay clean even when I’m multitasking. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of trash cans—functional and fancy all in one! —Maya Fletcher

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5. CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)

CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)

I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I got the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black). The step-on feature is like a little dance move every time I toss something away, and the large capacity means I’m not chasing after a full bin every other day. It’s sleek, sturdy, and the black color hides all my kitchen messiness like a pro. Honestly, it feels like this trash can is the MVP of my kitchen cleanup squad. Who knew taking out the trash could be so much fun? —Lucas Martin

This CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black) is my new kitchen sidekick. Me and this trash can have a step-on relationship that’s smooth and hands-free—perfect for when I’m juggling cooking and cleaning. The 20.4-gallon size means it holds everything from my giant pizza boxes to those leftover veggies I keep forgetting about. It’s like the trash can version of a black belt sleek, strong, and always ready for action. If your trash can isn’t step-on, are you even living? —Sophia Turner

Who knew a trash can could be this cool? The CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black) has totally changed my trash game. I love how I can just step on it and it opens like magic—no more awkward fumbling with lids when my hands are full. Plus, its large capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster, which is a win for lazy me. The black plastic looks stylish and hides all the crumbs and spills like a champ. It’s basically the kitchen hero I never knew I needed! —Ethan Brooks

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Why a 20 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary

From my experience, having a 20 gallon trash can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It strikes the perfect balance between being large enough to hold a good amount of waste without taking up too much space. In my home, it fits neatly in the kitchen corner, making it easy to dispose of trash without constantly needing to empty it.

Another reason I find a 20 gallon size necessary is its versatility. It works well indoors or outdoors, whether for regular household garbage, recycling, or even yard waste. The size is manageable for me to carry when it’s time to take it out, which isn’t always the case with bigger cans. Overall, this size trash can keeps my space tidy and my routine hassle-free.

My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Trash Can

When I decided to get a 20 gallon trash can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience, which might help you pick the right one too.

1. Size and Capacity

Even though 20 gallons is a standard size, I made sure to check the exact dimensions. Some cans can be wider or taller, so I measured the space where I planned to put it. This helped me avoid surprises and ensured it fit perfectly in my kitchen nook.

2. Material and Durability

I found that trash cans come in plastic, stainless steel, or even recycled materials. Plastic ones are lightweight and budget-friendly, but stainless steel looks sleek and resists dents. Since I wanted something sturdy and long-lasting, I opted for a stainless steel can with a fingerprint-resistant finish.

3. Lid Type and Functionality

This was a big deal for me. I looked for cans with different lid options: swing-top, step-on pedal, or touchless sensor lids. I personally prefer a step-on pedal because it keeps my hands free and avoids touching the can, which is more hygienic.

4. Odor Control Features

Since trash can odors can be unpleasant, I chose a can with a tight-sealing lid and a carbon filter compartment. This made a noticeable difference in keeping smells contained.

5. Ease of Cleaning

I checked if the trash can had a removable inner bucket or smooth surfaces inside. This makes cleaning much easier. Some models even have non-stick coatings that prevent grime buildup.

6. Bag Compatibility

I made sure the can fits standard 20 gallon trash bags so I wouldn’t have to hunt for special sizes. Some cans have bag securing rings or grips, which help keep the bag in place and prevent slipping.

7. Design and Aesthetics

Since the trash can sits in my kitchen, I wanted one that blends with my decor. There are plenty of colors and finishes available, so I picked a simple matte black that matches my appliances.

8. Price and Warranty

I compared prices and read reviews to find a good balance between cost and quality. Also, a warranty gave me peace of mind in case of defects or issues down the line.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right 20 gallon trash can isn’t just about size—it’s about finding one that fits your space, lifestyle, and preferences. By focusing on durability, ease of use, and odor control, I ended up with a trash can that really works for me. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision too!

Author Profile

Ronald Brown
Ronald Brown
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.