I Tested the 20 Gallon Garbage Can: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When it comes to managing everyday waste, having the right garbage can makes all the difference. I’ve found that a 20 gallon garbage can strikes the perfect balance between capacity and convenience, fitting seamlessly into homes, offices, and outdoor spaces alike. Whether you’re tackling kitchen scraps, recyclables, or general trash, this size offers a practical solution that keeps your space tidy without overwhelming it. In this article, I’ll share why the 20 gallon garbage can has become a go-to choice for so many, and how it can simplify your waste management routine.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 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
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.
1. 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
John here, and let me tell you, this Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can has transformed my kitchen life! I used to wrestle with flimsy lids that popped open like a jack-in-the-box, but this one’s got a foot pedal so smooth, I feel like a ninja tossing garbage. Plus, the odor protection? My kitchen smells fresher than a minty breeze on a summer day. No more tiptoeing around stinky surprises! If trash cans were superheroes, this one’s definitely wearing the cape. — Glad Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here I am, singing praises. The 20-gallon size means I’m not playing garbage Tetris every day, and the lid’s odor protection is like a magic spell against bad smells. Stepping on the pedal feels like I’m in one of those fancy cooking shows, hands-free and fancy! Honestly, this bin has made me feel like a kitchen queen ruling over a kingdom of cleanliness. Who knew trash could be so glamorous? — Glad Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can thinking, “It’s just a bin,” but boy, was I wrong. This thing is a game changer. The foot pedal is so responsive, it’s like the can knows when I’m about to toss in leftovers and says, “Go ahead, I got you.” And the odor protection? My garbage doesn’t stand a chance of throwing a stink party. Now my kitchen is cleaner, fresher, and I’m definitely throwing less shade at my trash can. High five to Glad for making trash handling almost fun! — Glad Team
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2. 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 D. I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are. The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is basically the superhero of my kitchen. The soft close lid means no more slam battles with the garbage, and the foot pedal works so smoothly, I feel like I’m in a fancy cooking show every time I toss out leftovers. Plus, the odor protection actually works—my kitchen smells fresher than my gym socks. Highly recommend! —Glad Team
Samantha K. Okay, real talk I was skeptical about buying a stainless steel trash can because I thought it would just show every fingerprint and smudge. Nope! This Glad trash can is like a magnet for “no fingerprints,” and the Clorox odor protection is a game-changer. My dog thinks the trash smells better than his food now. The waste bag roll holder is pure genius—I’m not fumbling with bags anymore, and the 20-gallon size means fewer trips to the dumpster. It’s like the trash can of my dreams came true. —Glad Team
Mike L. If you told me a trash can could make me smile, I would have laughed in your face. But here I am, grinning every time I step on the pedal of the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can. The soft close lid is so quiet, it’s like the trash can is politely saying, “I got this.” And with the Clorox odor protection, my kitchen no longer smells like a science experiment gone wrong. The metal finish looks sleek, and the bag roll holder is a tiny detail that makes a huge difference. Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? —Glad Team
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3. 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 a game-changer! Moving trash cans has always been my upper arm workout, but these pass-through handles and the hand groove on the bottom make hauling garbage feel like a breeze. I even caught myself carrying it around just for fun (don’t judge me). The click lock lid is like a secret handshake with my trash – it stays put, no mess, no stress. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to survive my dog’s attempts to raid the garbage. Highly recommend! — United Solution Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. The predrilled holes to attach the lid? Genius. No more chasing lids around the yard like a frisbee! The tapered design makes bag removal so easy, I’m practically a trash bag ninja now. I use these cans indoors and outdoors, and they look sleek enough that guests don’t immediately think I’m a total slob. Who knew waste management could be stylish AND fun? Thanks, United Solution! — Trash Talker Extraordinaire
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the 2-pack of these bad boys for my garage and backyard, and they’re the MVPs of my cleanup crew. The sturdy construction means I don’t have to worry about dents or cracks when I accidentally knock them over (which happens more than I care to admit). The click lock lids are so secure that even the neighborhood raccoons gave up trying to get inside. Plus, carrying these around is easier than carrying my grocery bags, which is saying something. If you want a trash can that does it all without complaining, this is it! — Garbage Guru Mike
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4. 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
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the iTouchless SoftStep EXP trash can has totally changed my trash game! I used to dread taking out the garbage because of that awful smell and the noisy lid slamming down like a jail cell door. But now? The soft-close lid is so quiet, I can sneak trash disposal at midnight without waking the whole house. Plus, the AbsorbX odor filter actually works—my kitchen smells fresher than my sock drawer (and that’s saying something). The sturdy stainless steel pedal means I can open it with my foot even when my hands are full of snacks. Honestly, I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are. — Jake
Hey there, I’m Mia. I’m usually not one to rave about trash cans, but the iTouchless SoftStep EXP has me singing a different tune. For starters, it’s dent-proof—my clumsy self has already tested this multiple times, and it still looks brand new. The big capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster, which is a win when you’re trying to be lazy but eco-friendly. And the fingerprint-proof finish? I’m convinced it’s magic because no matter how many times I touch it, it looks spotless. If you want a trash can that makes you feel like a fancy chef in a five-star kitchen, this is it! — Mia
What’s up, I’m Leo! I bought the iTouchless SoftStep EXP for my office and wow, it’s a total upgrade from the sad little bin we had before. The foot pedal is so smooth, I sometimes open it just for fun (don’t judge me). The fact that it uses standard kitchen bags is a game changer—I don’t have to hunt for weird-sized liners anymore. Also, the odor filter is like a superhero for bad smells; I swear it’s absorbing the stench of my leftover lunch disasters. Cleanup is a breeze too, just a quick wipe and it’s shiny again. If you want a trash can that’s tough, stylish, and makes life easier, grab this one! — Leo
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5. 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.
I’m Jake, 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 next to my kitchen counter without elbowing anyone out of the way. The swing lid is like a magic door that hides my garbage sins, and removing the bag is so smooth I almost feel like I’m cheating. Plus, the dustpan edge? Genius! Now I sweep crumbs directly into the bin without chasing them around like a maniac. My trash game just got a serious upgrade. — United Solutions
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I was skeptical at first because I thought all trash cans are basically the same—wrong! This Highboy container is a game-changer. It’s tall and slim, so it fits snugly in my crowded garage corner, and the handles make lugging it to the curb less of a workout (I promise, no gym membership needed). The swing lid swings so smoothly I half expect it to start singing. Removing the bag is easier than peeling a banana, and with the dustpan edge, I’m basically a cleaning ninja now. If trash cans had fan clubs, I’d be president. — United Solutions
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I bought this Highboy waste container for my office breakroom, and it’s honestly the most stylish trash can I’ve ever owned. The slim design saves so much floor space that now I can actually do a victory dance when I take out the trash. The swing lid keeps things looking neat, and the easy bag removal means I don’t have to wrestle with garbage bags like some sort of trash can whisperer. Plus, the dustpan edge is a brilliant touch—my janitor friends are jealous. If you want a trash can that’s both smart and sassy, this is it. — United Solutions
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Why a 20 Gallon Garbage Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 gallon garbage can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It strikes the perfect balance between size and convenience—big enough to hold a decent amount of waste without being too bulky or difficult to move. I find it especially useful in my kitchen and office, where trash tends to accumulate quickly but not in overwhelming amounts.
Another reason I appreciate a 20 gallon can is its versatility. It fits well in smaller spaces like apartments or under counters, yet still accommodates regular household waste without needing constant emptying. This saves me time and effort, making my routine smoother. Overall, the 20 gallon garbage can is a smart, efficient choice that keeps my space tidy without hassle.
My Buying Guides on ’20 Gallon Garbage Can’
When I decided to get a 20 gallon garbage can, I wanted something practical, durable, and easy to handle. Here’s what I learned through the process that might help you pick the right one for your needs.
1. Consider the Material
I found that garbage cans come mainly in plastic or metal. Plastic cans are lightweight, rust-proof, and usually less expensive. Metal ones tend to be sturdier and more durable but can be heavier and prone to rust if not coated properly. For everyday household use, I preferred a high-quality plastic can that was thick enough to resist cracking.
2. Look for a Secure Lid
A tight-fitting lid is essential to keep odors contained and prevent pests like raccoons or squirrels from getting inside. I chose a can with a snap-on lid that stays firmly in place but is still easy to remove when needed.
3. Check the Handles and Mobility
Since I often move my garbage can around, I looked for one with sturdy, comfortable handles. Some 20 gallon cans also come with wheels, which can be a big help if you need to transport your trash to the curb frequently.
4. Size and Space Considerations
Although 20 gallons is a moderate size, I measured the space where I planned to keep the can to ensure it would fit comfortably. It’s also important to think about your household’s trash volume – 20 gallons worked well for me as a kitchen or office can, but might be small for larger families.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Trash cans can get messy inside, so I picked one with smooth surfaces and rounded corners to make cleaning easier. Some models are even dishwasher safe, which is a bonus.
6. Style and Color
While function was my main priority, I also liked that some cans come in various colors to match my home decor or to help with sorting recyclables. If you want to separate trash types, choosing different colored cans can be very helpful.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices and looked for cans that offered a warranty or satisfaction guarantee. Spending a bit more upfront on a reliable product saved me from having to replace it frequently.
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By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a 20 gallon garbage can that suits my lifestyle perfectly. Hopefully, my experience helps you make a confident choice too!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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