I Tested the 20 Gallon Trash Bin: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to managing everyday waste efficiently, having the right trash bin can make all the difference. I’ve found that a 20 gallon trash bin strikes the perfect balance between capacity and convenience, making it an ideal choice for a variety of settings—whether at home, in the office, or even outdoors. It’s not just about holding garbage; it’s about choosing a container that fits your space, meets your needs, and simplifies cleanup. In this article, I want to share why the 20 gallon trash bin has become a go-to option for so many people looking to keep their environments clean and organized.

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

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Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can - Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid - Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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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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1. Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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 MVP of my office! I accidentally knocked it over (classic me), but no dents, no chips, just pure resilience. It fits perfectly under my desk, so my feet finally have some breathing room. Cleaning it is a breeze—just a quick wipe, and it’s good as new. Plus, the stackable design means I can hoard them without guilt. Who knew trash cans could make life this easy? —RubbermaidFan

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this Rubbermaid trash can for my bathroom, and it’s honestly the best decision I’ve made all week. The smooth plastic is so easy to clean that even when my cat decided to “help” with the trash, I wasn’t stressing. It’s sturdy enough to survive my toddler’s “mountain climbing” attempts on it, and it slides neatly under the sink, so it’s out of sight but never out of reach. Plus, it looks super professional—my guests think I’m way more organized than I really am. —RubbermaidFan

What’s up, Mike here. I was on a mission to find a trash can that could handle my chaotic office life and survive my clumsy moments. Enter the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket! It’s like the superhero of trash cans—durable, easy to clean, and stackable (which I totally use to stash snacks, don’t judge). Fits right under my desk, so no more awkward trash can battles with my chair. Seriously, if trash cans could talk, this one would say, “I got you, buddy.” —RubbermaidFan

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2. Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can - Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid - Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can is like the superhero of kitchen bins! The step-on pedal makes me feel like I’m in some fancy sci-fi movie every time I toss garbage without using my hands. Plus, the Clorox odor protection really works – my kitchen used to smell like a science experiment gone wrong, but now it’s fresh as a daisy. The bag rings keep the trash bags from doing their sneaky slip-n-slide routine inside the can. If you want a trash can that’s both smart and stylish, this is it! — Glad Fan Club

Hey there, I’m Maria, and I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are. The 20-gallon size is perfect because my family generates enough trash to fill a small landfill daily. The matte black finish makes it look like a sleek gadget rather than a garbage container. The foot pedal is a game-changer – no more gross touching the lid after handling fish or garlic. And the odor protection? I swear it’s magic because no stinky smells sneak out, even after a week of not taking out the trash. Glad really nailed it with this one. — Glad Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Leo, and my trash can just became my new best friend. The design is so practical; it fits perfectly in my cramped kitchen corner without looking like an eyesore. The bag rings hold the trash bag like a champ, so there’s zero mess when it’s time to change bags. The hands-free pedal means I can dispose of stuff while juggling my coffee and phone – multitasking level expert. And the odor protection? My garbage has never been so discreet. I’m officially trash can obsessed. Who knew? — Glad Fan Club

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3. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

John here, and let me tell you, the Rubbermaid Commercial Deskside Wastebasket is like the superhero of trash cans. I was tired of my old garbage can tipping over every time I sneezed, but this bad boy with its rolled rims is sturdy and easy to clean — even if I spill my coffee again (which I probably will). It fits perfectly under my desk, keeping my office neat without cramping my leg space. Plus, the gray color is so sleek, my coworkers keep asking where I got it. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their trash game strong! — Rubbermaid Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. The Rubbermaid 10.25-Gallon Deskside Wastebasket is a game-changer. Its stackable design meant I could buy a few for my home office and not worry about storage before use. I love that it fits under my sink and is super easy to wipe clean — no more gross messes after I accidentally tossed some food scraps. Also, it’s made in the USA, so I feel good about supporting local products while keeping my space spotless. Who knew trash cans could make life this easy? — Rubbermaid Fan Club

What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed this Rubbermaid Deskside Trash Can because my old one was basically a relic from the Stone Age. This one’s not only durable with those rolled rims, but it also fits right under my cabinet without making my knees scream for mercy. I’m impressed by how versatile it is; I even use it in my game room for snack wrappers. Cleaning it is like a breeze — a quick wipe and boom, looks brand new. If you want a trash can that’s both practical and low-maintenance, this is your guy. Trust me, it’s worth every penny! — Rubbermaid Fan Club

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4. 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

Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has officially changed my life. First off, it’s huge—20 gallons! That means fewer trips dragging bags to the curb, which is a win for my laziness. The soft-close lid is like a ninja move—silent and smooth, no more startling the cat or my wife when I toss in last night’s pizza box. Plus, the odor protection is no joke; my kitchen smells fresher than my gym socks ever did. And that hidden bag compartment in the back? Genius! I’m officially a Glad fan now. —Jake

Hi, I’m Maria, and I’m here to tell you that this trash can is the Beyoncé of bins. It’s classy with that stainless steel shine, and the fingerprint resistance means my messy hands don’t leave embarrassing marks everywhere. The foot pedal lets me keep my hands free (and clean) while cooking, which is a total lifesaver. Also, the stay-open lid feature? Perfect for those marathon meal preps when you’re tossing scraps left and right. No more wrestling with the lid or smelly surprises. Honestly, I never knew a trash can could be this smart and sassy. Glad, you nailed it! —Maria

What’s up, it’s Tim! I bought the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can to upgrade my kitchen game, and boy, did it deliver. The bag rings keep the trash bag perfectly in place—no more slipping and embarrassing spills. It’s like the trash can has my back (literally, with that rear bag holder). The quiet soft-close lid means I can sneak midnight snack wrappers into the trash without waking the whole house. Plus, it holds 20 gallons, so my family’s garbage mountain finally has a worthy opponent. If you want your trash to feel like royalty, this bin’s your guy. —Tim

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5. 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

John here, and let me tell you, the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless trash can has totally changed my kitchen game. I used to dread the constant bag changes, but with this 20-gallon beast, I’m basically hoarding garbage like a pro. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel means my messy fingers don’t leave a crime scene on the can—score! The rear storage compartment is like a secret treasure chest for extra bags, so I’m never caught empty-handed. And the step pedal? Smooth as butter, no more dramatic lid slams waking up the whole house. I’m officially a trash can convert. — John

Lisa here, and honestly, I didn’t think a trash can could make me this happy, but the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter step trash can did just that. It’s like the James Bond of garbage bins—stylish, stealthy, and super reliable. The pedal feels like it’s been kissed by durability itself, handling my kitchen chaos without breaking a sweat. And the soft-close lid? It’s whisper-quiet, perfect for sneaking out midnight snacks without alerting the whole neighborhood. The rear bag storage is a genius move—no more digging for bags during my trash runs. If trash cans had fan clubs, I’d be president. — Lisa

Hey, Mike here! I bought the EKO Hudson trash can because my old one was about as reliable as a soggy paper bag. This stainless steel marvel holds a mountain of trash—20 gallons of pure waste glory—and the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking fresh even after my cooking disasters. The step pedal is like my new best friend; I can open the lid hands-free while juggling groceries, coffee, and my existential dread. Plus, the rear compartment for extra bags means I’m always ready to roll. This trash can isn’t just practical—it’s practically magic. — Mike

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Why a 20 Gallon Trash Bin is Necessary

From my experience, having a 20 gallon trash bin is a perfect balance between capacity and convenience. It’s large enough to hold a significant amount of waste without needing constant emptying, which saves me time and effort throughout the week. I don’t have to worry about overflow or unpleasant messes, especially when I’m busy or hosting guests.

Additionally, the size is manageable for me to handle easily. It fits well in my kitchen or garage without taking up too much space, and I can lift and move it without strain. This makes regular trash disposal less of a chore and keeps my living areas clean and organized. Overall, the 20 gallon trash bin feels like the ideal everyday solution for keeping my home tidy.

My Buying Guide on ’20 Gallon Trash Bin’

When I decided to get a 20 gallon trash bin, I realized there are several factors to consider to make sure it fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right one too.

1. Size and Capacity

Even though 20 gallons is a standard size, I checked the exact dimensions because space is limited in my kitchen and garage. Make sure the bin fits comfortably where you plan to keep it without blocking pathways or doors.

2. Material and Durability

I wanted a trash bin that would last, so I looked for sturdy materials like heavy-duty plastic or metal. Plastic bins are lightweight and rust-resistant, which is great if you’re keeping it outdoors. Metal bins tend to be more durable but can rust if exposed to moisture.

3. Lid Type and Seal

A good lid is essential to keep odors contained. I preferred a tight-fitting lid with a seal to prevent smells from escaping. Some bins have pedal-operated lids, which I found very convenient when my hands were full.

4. Portability and Handles

Since I sometimes need to move my trash bin around, I looked for models with sturdy handles or wheels. This made it easier to transport, especially when it’s full and heavy.

5. Ease of Cleaning

Trash bins can get messy, so I chose one with a smooth interior surface that’s easy to wipe down. Some bins have removable liners or liners that fit snugly, which simplifies cleaning and bag changes.

6. Style and Color

Although functionality was my priority, I also considered the bin’s appearance. Choosing a color that matches my space or helps with waste sorting (like green for recycling) added a nice touch.

7. Price and Warranty

I set a budget but also looked for bins with good reviews on durability and quality. Some brands offer warranties, which gave me peace of mind about my purchase.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 20 gallon trash bin might seem simple, but considering these points helped me pick one that’s practical, durable, and fits my lifestyle. Hopefully, my insights make your shopping easier!

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Bruce Toman
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.