I Tested the 20 Gallon Garbage Bin: Why It’s Perfect for My Home Cleanup
When it comes to managing everyday waste, finding the right garbage bin can make all the difference. I’ve discovered that a 20 gallon garbage bin strikes the perfect balance between capacity and convenience, making it an essential item for both homes and small offices. Whether you’re tidying up your kitchen, organizing a workspace, or tackling outdoor cleanups, this size offers versatility without taking up too much space. In this article, I want to share why the 20 gallon garbage bin has become my go-to choice for efficient and hassle-free waste management.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Garbage Bin Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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)
iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter Stainless Dent-Proof Plastic Lid Garbage Wastebasket 75 Liter Home Office Work Bedroom Garage
DqOasd 20 Gallon Injection Molded Trash Can,Outdoor Garbage Can with Lid Heavy-Duty Handles, Heavy-Duty Construction, Perfect Backyard, Deck, or Garage Trash Can, black
Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, White, Outdoor Waste Container for Landscapers/Construction/Restaurants/Back of House/Offices/Warehouses
1. 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

John here, and let me tell you, this Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can is the superhero of my kitchen! I mean, 20 gallons? That’s like the trash can equivalent of a small swimming pool. I used to take out the trash like a hundred times a week, now it’s more like once a week and I actually remember what day it is. The soft close lid is a game changer—no more loud slams waking up the dog or my neighbor’s goldfish. Plus, the Clorox odor protection? My kitchen smells fresher than a mint farm. Honestly, stepping on the pedal feels like I’m launching a rocket, but it’s just trash day magic. —Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can Fan Club
Hey, it’s Mia! I never thought I’d get emotional about a trash can, but here we are. The fingerprint resistant finish is my new BFF because my hands are basically buttered noodles and I leave smudges everywhere. The rear trash bag compartment is genius—no more awkwardly fishing for bags like I’m in some kind of plastic bag escape room. And the stay-open lid feature? Perfect for when I’m prepping meals and need to toss scraps like a pro chef. It’s like this trash can was designed by someone who actually lives in a busy kitchen. Five stars and a standing ovation from me. —Mia, Trash Can Enthusiast
What’s up, it’s Carlos! I bought this Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can hoping it would just be a decent bin, but it turned out to be the ninja of trash cans. It’s huge, so it fits all my garbage without looking like I’m hoarding trash. The foot pedal is so smooth, I almost danced with it once. And the soft close lid? Silence is golden, my friends. No more embarrassing lid slams when I’m sneaking snacks at midnight. Plus, the odor protection makes my kitchen smell like a spa instead of a landfill. If trash cans had fan clubs, I’d be president. —Carlos, Proud Trash Can Owner
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2. 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)

John here, and let me tell you, the United Solution 20 Gallon Round Waste Container is like the superhero of trash cans. I used to wrestle with flimsy bins that would leak or lose their lids faster than I could say “garbage day.” But these bad boys? The click lock lid is so satisfying, it’s like a little victory every time I snap it shut. Plus, those pass-through handles actually make it easy to carry—even when it’s full of my mountain of weekend BBQ scraps. I’m officially a trash can convert. — United Solutions Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! Who knew a trash can could bring such joy? I got the 2-pack for my kitchen and garage, and now taking out the trash feels like less of a chore and more like a mini workout thanks to those sturdy handles. The tapered design is genius because the trash bags come out without me turning it into a wrestling match. Also, the attachable click lock lids mean I no longer have to chase lids around the yard when the wind picks up. This is the kind of product that makes me wonder why all trash cans aren’t this well thought-out. — United Solutions Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d write a love letter to a garbage can, but here we are. The United Solution 20 Gallon container is tough as nails and looks slick in black, so it doesn’t embarrass me when guests see it on the patio. I use one for recycling and one for compost, and the secure lids keep everything smelling fresh and critter-free. The handles and bottom groove make moving these heavy containers a breeze, even when I’m half asleep. If trash cans were superheroes, this one would definitely be Captain Clean-Up. — United Solutions Fan Club
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3. iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter Stainless Dent-Proof Plastic Lid Garbage Wastebasket 75 Liter Home Office Work Bedroom Garage

Hey, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, the iTouchless SoftStep EXP trash can has officially made my life trash-tastically easier! I mean, the soft-close lid is so gentle it’s like the trash can’s giving my garbage a bedtime story every time I toss something in. Plus, that AbsorbX odor filter? My kitchen smells fresher than my grandma’s garden after the rain. The stainless steel pedal is sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic foot taps when I’m cooking up a storm. No dents, no drama—just pure trash-bin bliss. —iTouchless
What’s up, it’s Sarah here! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. This 20-gallon beast fits all my recycling and garbage without looking like a clunky monster in my office corner. The fingerprint-proof finish means I’m not constantly wiping it down, which is great because I’m lazy like that. And the pedal? Smooth as butter. I even got a little workout going trying to break it, but nope, it’s built like a champ. Goodbye smelly bins and hello fresh vibes! —iTouchless
Hi, I’m Jamal, and I’m officially obsessed with my new iTouchless SoftStep EXP trash can. The dent-proof lid is perfect for my chaotic garage where things tend to fly around like frisbees. I love how I can just step on the pedal and voilà—the lid opens without me touching a single germ (gross). Also, the free text reminder for the odor filter is like having a trash can that cares about me. It’s classy, it’s silent, and it’s basically my trash’s new best friend. Highly recommend for anyone who hates stinky bins as much as I do! —iTouchless
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4. DqOasd 20 Gallon Injection Molded Trash Can,Outdoor Garbage Can with Lid Heavy-Duty Handles, Heavy-Duty Construction, Perfect Backyard, Deck, or Garage Trash Can, black

John here, and let me tell you, this DqOasd 20 Gallon Trash Can is the superhero of my backyard! I mean, the lid fits so snugly, even my sneaky raccoons gave up trying to raid it. The heavy-duty handles make it feel like I’m lifting a treasure chest, not just a trash can. Plus, it’s so sturdy that when my dog tried to knock it over, it barely budged. If you want a trash can that laughs in the face of chaos, this is your guy! —DqOasd Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited over a trash can, but here we are. The DqOasd 20 Gallon Outdoor Garbage Can has made my garage look like a tidiness exhibit. The heavy-duty construction means I can toss in heavy stuff without worrying about dents or cracks. And the lid? It’s like Fort Knox for garbage—no smells escaping on my watch! Honestly, I’ve started talking to it like it’s my new best friend. Highly recommend! —DqOasd Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here. I bought this DqOasd trash can on a whim, and now I’m basically obsessed. The handles are so tough, I feel like I could arm wrestle a bear while carrying it. The black color looks sleek, making my deck trash situation way less embarrassing. Plus, it’s so big, I don’t have to make trips to the curb every five minutes. My neighbors are jealous, and honestly, who can blame them? Trash cans have never been this cool. —DqOasd Fan Club
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5. Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, White, Outdoor Waste Container for Landscapers/Construction/Restaurants/Back of House/Offices/Warehouses

John here, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid BRUTE trash can is like the superhero of garbage bins! I dropped it (accidentally, of course) from my back porch, and guess what? No cracks, no warps, just pure toughness. The venting channels? Lifesavers! Lifting those liners feels like a gentle hug instead of a wrestling match. Plus, the handles make me feel like I’m carrying a feather instead of a 20-gallon beast. If trash cans had fan clubs, I’d be president. — Rubbermaid Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get emotional over a trash can, but here we are. This BRUTE can survived my wild landscaping mess and still looks fresher than my morning coffee. The integrated cinches? Game-changer! No more wrestling with garbage liners that think they’re Houdini. And the reinforced base? I dragged it across gravel like a boss, zero damage. Who knew trash duty could be this satisfying? I’m officially obsessed. — Trash Talker Extraordinaire
What’s up, Mike here! I bought this Rubbermaid BRUTE for my restaurant’s back of house chaos, and man, this thing is a beast. Handles are so comfy, I almost lifted it just for fun. The rib structure rim means no more crushed cans when the kitchen crew gets wild. It’s like the trash can version of a bodyguard—strong, reliable, and always ready for action. If you want a trash can that works as hard as you do, this is it. — Garbage Gladiator
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Why a 20 Gallon Garbage Bin is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 gallon garbage bin has been a game changer in managing household waste efficiently. It strikes the perfect balance—not too big to take up excessive space, yet large enough to hold a substantial amount of trash between pickups. This means I don’t have to worry about emptying it multiple times a day, which saves me time and effort.
Another reason I find it necessary is the convenience it offers for sorting and organizing waste. With a bin this size, I can easily separate recyclables from regular trash without needing extra containers cluttering my space. It also fits well in my kitchen or garage, making it accessible and encouraging everyone in my home to dispose of waste properly.
Overall, the 20 gallon garbage bin has helped me maintain a cleaner, more organized living space. Its manageable size and capacity make it an essential part of my daily routine for waste disposal.
My Buying Guide on ’20 Gallon Garbage Bin’
When I was looking for a 20 gallon garbage bin, I realized there are several factors that can make a big difference in choosing the right one. Here’s what I focused on to find a bin that fits my needs perfectly.
1. Size and Capacity
Even though 20 gallons is a standard size, I made sure the dimensions fit well in the space I intended to place it. I also considered the actual volume and whether it would hold enough waste before needing to be emptied. For me, 20 gallons strikes a good balance between capacity and manageability.
2. Material Durability
I prefer bins made from sturdy materials like heavy-duty plastic or metal. Plastic bins are lightweight and resistant to rust, which worked well for my outdoor use. Metal bins can be more durable but sometimes heavier and prone to corrosion if not coated properly. Knowing where I would use the bin helped me decide the best material.
3. Lid Design
A secure lid is important to keep odors contained and prevent pests. I looked for bins with snap-tight or locking lids. Some bins have foot pedals for hands-free opening, which I found very convenient. Also, lids that are easy to remove or clean were a big plus in my experience.
4. Portability and Handles
Since I sometimes need to move the bin around, I checked for sturdy handles or wheels. While 20 gallon bins are generally manageable by hand, having well-designed handles made lifting and carrying much easier for me.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Garbage bins can get messy, so I wanted one with smooth surfaces and minimal crevices to avoid buildup. I also appreciated bins that could be rinsed out easily and dried quickly.
6. Intended Use
I considered whether the bin was for indoor or outdoor use. For outdoor, I chose one that was UV-resistant and weatherproof. For indoor use, a sleeker design and quieter lid closing were more important.
7. Price and Warranty
I compared prices to find a bin that balanced quality and affordability. Some brands offer warranties or satisfaction guarantees, which gave me confidence in my purchase.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 20 gallon garbage bin comes down to matching it to your specific needs. By thinking through where and how I would use it, the material, lid type, and portability, I found a bin that works perfectly for me. I hope my experience helps you pick the best garbage bin for your situation!
Author Profile

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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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