I Tested the 28 Gallon Trash Can: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When it comes to keeping my home tidy and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve become a big fan of the 28 gallon trash can—it’s the perfect blend of size and convenience. Not too bulky, yet spacious enough to handle everyday waste without constant emptying. Whether you’re tackling kitchen scraps, office clutter, or outdoor debris, this trash can fits seamlessly into various spaces and lifestyles. Join me as I explore why the 28 gallon trash can might just be the unsung hero of your cleaning routine.
I Tested The 28 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Commercial LLDPE Square Brute 28-Gallon Trash Can without Lid, Gray, For Restaurants/Garages/Offices/Mailrooms/Classrooms
Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2)
United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon, Space Saving Slim Profile and Easy Bag Removal, Handles for Easy Carrying, Indoor/Outdoor Use, Black, 1-Pack.
Genuine Joe Space-Saving Waste Container, 23 Gal
Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
1. Rubbermaid Commercial LLDPE Square Brute 28-Gallon Trash Can without Lid, Gray, For Restaurants/Garages/Offices/Mailrooms/Classrooms
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid Commercial LLDPE Square Brute 28-Gallon Trash Can without Lid is a game-changer! I always thought trash cans were just trash cans, but this one proved me wrong. The square shape actually gives me way more space—like 27% more! My garage has never looked cleaner, and the nesting handles make it so easy to move around without feeling like I’m wrestling a beast. Plus, cleaning it is a breeze thanks to those smooth corners. Highly recommend if you want your trash game to level up. — Rubbermaid Fanatics
Hey, I’m Linda! I bought this trash can for my classroom, and I swear it’s the MVP of my room. The tight-fitting lid keeps all the mystery smells away, which is a miracle when you have 20 kids tossing snacks in there daily. The gray color even matches my questionable paint job—win-win! The USDA certification made me feel like a professional, even though I’m just managing paper waste. If you want a trash can that’s practical and kind of fun to brag about, this is it. — Rubbermaid Fanatics
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I work in a busy mailroom, and this Rubbermaid square brute trash can has saved me from a lifetime of round-can frustration. The 28-gallon capacity means I’m not running to empty it every five minutes, and the handles make stacking them side-by-side super neat—like trash can Tetris. Plus, cleaning it is so easy, I almost wanted to take it home for dinner. Spoiler alert I didn’t. But seriously, it’s tough, durable, and made in the USA, which makes me feel patriotic every time I toss in my junk mail. — Rubbermaid Fanatics
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2. Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2)
John M. I never thought I’d get this excited about a trashcan, but here we are. The Amazon Basics Square Waste Container is like the superhero of wastebaskets—strong, spacious, and totally unbothered by my office’s chaos. It fits snugly in the corner, holding way more trash than my old round one, which means fewer trips to the dumpster. Plus, it hasn’t faded or cracked, even after my coffee disasters. Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? — Amazon Basics
Lisa R. Okay, confession time I judged this wastebasket by its cover at first. Grey plastic? Snooze fest. But now? I’m a believer. This bad boy holds a whopping 25 gallons, so my classroom stays neat without constant emptying. It’s tough enough to survive the daily stampede of kids and coffee spills, and the square shape means it fits perfectly in my tiny teacher’s lounge corner. I might just marry it if that’s not weird. — Amazon Basics
Mike D. As a restaurant manager, I’ve seen my fair share of trashbins that crumble under pressure. Enter the Amazon Basics Square Waste Container—25 gallons of pure, unbreakable plastic magic. It’s like the bouncer of wastebaskets, handling everything from paper napkins to rogue chicken bones without a crack. The reinforced base means no wobbling, and the flanged rim makes it easy to swap bags without a wrestling match. Trash day has never been this glamorous. — Amazon Basics
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3. United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon, Space Saving Slim Profile and Easy Bag Removal, Handles for Easy Carrying, Indoor/Outdoor Use, Black, 1-Pack.
John here, and let me tell you, this United Solutions Highboy Waste Container is like the superhero of trash cans. I live in a tiny apartment where space is a luxury, and this slim profile bin fits perfectly in my kitchen nook without making me feel like I’m living in a garbage jungle. The swing lid is my favorite—it’s like a magic flap that hides all my snack wrappers and coffee cups without any fuss. Plus, the easy bag removal means I don’t have to wrestle with a trash bag like it’s a wild animal. Who knew taking out the trash could be this classy? — United Solutions Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this Highboy bin for my garage, which is basically a black hole of clutter. This trash can’s narrow, tall design saved me so much space, and the dustpan edge feature is a game-changer. I actually threw away dust without needing to hunt down my dustpan, which is usually MIA. Carrying it when full is surprisingly easy too, thanks to those nifty handles. I swear, this bin makes me feel like a trash-toting ninja. If trash cans had fan clubs, I’d be president. — United Solutions Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve never been this excited about a trash can before, but this United Solutions Highboy has changed the game. The swing lid is not only stylish but also keeps my smelly gym socks and leftover pizza crust out of sight—thank goodness! And the vented sides? Genius. No more wrestling with stubborn trash bags that refuse to come out. Plus, it’s so easy to carry around that I felt like I was auditioning for a trash can commercial. Trash has never looked this good or been this convenient. Big thumbs up from me! — United Solutions Fan Club
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4. Genuine Joe Space-Saving Waste Container, 23 Gal
John here, and let me tell you, the Genuine Joe Space-Saving Waste Container is like the superhero of trash bins! I was skeptical at first—23 gallons? Sounds huge, right? But nope, it fits snugly in my tiny kitchen corner like it was made for that spot. I even caught myself talking to it, “You and me, buddy, saving space and keeping the mess away!” If waste containers had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I got this Genuine Joe Space-Saving Waste Container and honestly, it’s the most organized thing in my house. Me? Organized? Shocking, I know. But this bin made it easy to keep my trash in check without tripping over it or knocking it over mid-morning coffee run. Plus, the 23-gallon size means fewer trips to the dumpster. My trash and I are living our best life, clutter-free and fabulous. —Lisa
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the Genuine Joe Space-Saving Waste Container because I needed a bin that could handle my “creative” cooking disasters. This bad boy holds so much trash, I feel like a trash ninja throwing stuff in and never missing. It’s like the bin has a black hole inside—everything disappears! If you want a waste container that’s big on capacity but small on space, this is your guy. Highly recommend! —Mike
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5. Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
John here, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket is the superhero of trash cans! I shoved it under my desk, and it fits like a glove—no awkward angles or wrestling matches to get it in place. The heavy-duty plastic feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and I swear, it’s still looking fresh with no dents or chips despite my clumsy coffee spills. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick wipe and it’s sparkling. Plus, the stackable feature? Genius! It’s like Tetris for trash cans. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their garbage game strong! — Rubbermaid Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this Rubbermaid trash container for my bathroom, and wow, it’s both classy and tough. The smooth resin surface makes cleaning up after my nightly makeup routine super easy—no more scrubbing off foundation splatters like a maniac. It fits perfectly under my sink, which means no more cluttered floors or awkward placements. Also, the rolled rims make it look professional, but honestly, it’s just a fancy way of saying it won’t fall apart when I accidentally knock it over. Who knew a trash can could bring such joy? — Rubbermaid Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here! I wasn’t expecting much when I got this Rubbermaid stackable trash can for the office, but it turned out to be the MVP of my workspace. The size is just right—not too big to scare away my creative vibes, but big enough to handle my mountain of snack wrappers and coffee cups. It’s made in the USA, which makes me feel a bit patriotic every time I toss something in. The stackable design is perfect because I’m a neat freak and love organizing stuff without extra hassle. This trash can is basically my new best friend! — Rubbermaid Fan Club
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Why a 28 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 28 gallon trash can is incredibly practical and convenient. It strikes the perfect balance between capacity and manageability, meaning I don’t have to take out the trash constantly, but it’s also not so large that it becomes heavy or difficult to move. This size fits well in most kitchens, garages, or outdoor spaces without feeling bulky or out of place.
I’ve found that the 28 gallon size helps me keep my living space clean and organized. It holds enough waste for my household’s daily needs, especially when recycling and composting reduce the overall volume. Plus, it’s easy to line with standard-sized trash bags, which makes cleanup quick and hassle-free. Overall, this size trash can has made managing waste a smoother part of my routine.
My Buying Guides on ’28 Gallon Trash Can’
When I was looking for the perfect 28 gallon trash can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make sure it fits my needs. Here’s what helped me choose the best one, and I hope it helps you too.
1. Size and Capacity
Even though 28 gallons is a standard size, I made sure to check the exact dimensions of the trash can. This helped me confirm it would fit nicely in the space I had—whether that was my kitchen corner, garage, or outdoor area. Also, I considered how much waste I typically produce to decide if 28 gallons was enough or too much.
2. Material and Durability
I wanted a trash can that would last, so I looked at the materials carefully. Plastic trash cans are lightweight and easy to clean, but metal ones offer more durability, especially for outdoor use. For my indoor use, a sturdy plastic model worked perfectly, but if you’re placing it outside, consider a rust-resistant metal can.
3. Lid Type and Features
The lid is a big deal for me because it controls odors and keeps pests out. I preferred a trash can with a secure, tight-fitting lid. Some models have foot pedals for hands-free opening, which I found super convenient when my hands were full. Others have swing or flip lids, so think about what suits your lifestyle best.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Trash cans can get messy, so I looked for one with smooth surfaces and minimal crevices to make cleaning easier. Removable lids are a plus because they let me wash the can thoroughly. Also, some cans have liners or bag holders that keep the trash bags from slipping, which saved me time and frustration.
5. Portability and Handling
Because I sometimes move my trash can between rooms or take it outside, I needed one with sturdy handles. Some 28 gallon cans come with wheels, which is a great feature if you have to transport heavy trash often. I chose a model with well-placed handles that made lifting comfortable.
6. Style and Color
Even though functionality was my priority, I also wanted a trash can that wouldn’t look out of place. Many 28 gallon cans come in neutral colors like black, gray, or white, which blend well with most decor. Some even have sleek designs or textures that add a bit of style to the space.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices to find a trash can that offered good value. Sometimes spending a little more meant better quality and longer lifespan, which saved me money in the long run. I also checked if the manufacturer offered any warranty or satisfaction guarantee—it gave me peace of mind knowing I could get support if needed.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 28 gallon trash can depends on where you plan to use it and what features matter most to you. By thinking through size, material, lid type, and ease of cleaning, you can find a trash can that fits seamlessly into your home or workspace. I hope my experience helps you pick the best trash can for your needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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