I Tested the 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can: Here’s What I Found
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve been drawn to the 30 gallon stainless steel trash can—a perfect blend of durability, style, and practicality. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, office, or any high-traffic area, this type of trash can offers more than just a place to toss waste. It’s about combining functionality with a sleek, modern design that complements any setting. In this article, I’ll share why the 30 gallon stainless steel trash can has become a staple in my space and why it might just be the ideal choice for yours too.
I Tested The 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
simplehuman 115 Liter / 30 Gallon Bullet Open Top Trash Can Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge, Brushed Stainless Steel
EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel
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
Safco Open Top Trash Can, 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Modern Garbage Can for Indoor Use, White
EKO Urban 24 Gallon Round Stainless Steel Open Top Waste Bin, Tall Commercial Trash Can for Indoor/Outdoor, Extra Large Metal Garbage Bin for Office, Restaurant, Restroom, 90L
1. simplehuman 115 Liter / 30 Gallon Bullet Open Top Trash Can Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge, Brushed Stainless Steel

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this simplehuman 115 Liter Bullet Trash Can has changed my kitchen game forever. The extra-wide opening is like a giant mouth ready to devour any food tray or oversized garbage I throw at it—no more awkward balancing acts with pizza boxes! Plus, the heavy-gauge steel means it survived my clumsiest moments without a single dent. Changing the bag is so easy with the lift-off lid, I almost feel like a trash can ninja. If trash cans had fan clubs, I’d be the president. —simplehuman
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the simplehuman Bullet for my restaurant lobby, and wow, it’s a beast in the best way possible. The 30-gallon size means I’m not constantly running around changing bags during busy hours, and the open top is perfect for those “just dump it” moments when the line’s out the door. The side handles make moving this steel giant way less of a workout, and I swear it’s ADA-compliant because even my clumsy delivery guy can’t mess it up. Highly recommend for anyone who likes clean spaces without the drama. —simplehuman
What’s up, I’m Raj! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until I met the simplehuman 115 Liter Bullet. The brushed stainless steel looks so sleek that even my mother-in-law complimented it (and she’s tough!). I love how the custom fit liners stay put and don’t give me that sad saggy bag look. Plus, the lid lifts off like magic—changing bags has never felt this satisfying. If trash cans were superheroes, this one would wear a cape and still look classy. —simplehuman
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2. EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel

Hey there, it’s Jake here! I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the EKO Mirage X has totally changed my kitchen game. The motion sensor is so smooth, I wave my hand like a wizard and the lid opens like magic—no more awkwardly dropping stuff while trying to open the bin! Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel means my trash can still looks like a shiny superstar after my kids have “helped” me cook. The best part? The “stay open” feature lets me toss in all my kitchen scraps without playing lid Jenga. If you want your trash can to be smarter than your smartphone, this is it! —EKO Team
Hi, this is Maria! I bought the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter trash can because, honestly, I was tired of wrestling with my old, rusty bin. This beauty’s 25% more capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster—and my arms are thanking me. The touchless sensor is so sensitive, it practically reads my mind (or maybe just my hand). And can we talk about how sleek and fingerprint-resistant it is? My husband tried to leave smudges as a prank, but nope, this trash can laughs in the face of fingerprints. It’s like the James Bond of trash cans—stylish, smart, and always ready for action! —EKO Team
Hey folks, it’s Dave! I never thought a trash can could make me chuckle, but the EKO Mirage X proved me wrong. The lid opens so smoothly that I feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie every time I throw out garbage. The “press-to-open” feature is a game-changer when I’m doing a big clean-up and need the lid open for a while—no more lid slamming or juggling trash bags. And the stainless steel finish? It’s like my kitchen got a fancy makeover overnight. I’m officially a trash can convert—who knew I’d say that? —EKO Team
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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

Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can is a game-changer! I used to do a trash run every other day, but now? I barely make it once a week thanks to its massive 20-gallon size. The soft-close lid is like magic—no more dramatic slam sounds that scare the cat. Plus, the foot pedal means I can keep my hands messy while still opening the bin like a pro. And the rear bag compartment? Genius! I’m officially trash-can royalty. —Glad Team
Hey there, it’s Mia! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. The Clorox Odor Protection works wonders—my kitchen smells fresher than my gym socks ever did. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking sleek, even after my toddler’s sticky hands have made their rounds. I love the stay-open lid feature when I’m prepping meals; it’s like the can understands my chaos. Honestly, this trash can has made trash day less trashy. —Glad Team
What’s up, I’m Carlos! If you told me I’d be raving about a garbage bin, I’d have laughed… but this one changed the game. The bag rings keep everything tidy, so no more wrestling with bags falling inside the can. The pedal is sturdy and perfect for those hands-full-of-groceries moments. And the fact that it fits 50% more trash means fewer trips outside—my laziness just found a new best friend. If you want a trash can that’s both functional and kind of fancy, this is it! —Glad Team
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4. Safco Open Top Trash Can, 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Modern Garbage Can for Indoor Use, White

Hey, I’m Jake, and I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can—until I met the Safco Open Top Trash Can. This bad boy is like the superhero of garbage bins. The open top means I don’t have to wrestle with lids when my hands are full or, let’s be honest, covered in snacks. The stainless steel looks so sleek in my office that even my boss complimented it (which is a miracle). Plus, the removable liner makes cleaning a breeze—no more trash bag wrestling matches. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to trash in style! —Safco Team
Hi, I’m Maria, and this Safco 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can has seriously upgraded my lobby game. Before, the trash cans were eyesores that screamed “please ignore me,” but now? They’re so modern and chic that guests actually notice them. The open top is a germ-fighting ninja move; no lid to touch means fewer yucky germs. Also, it’s sturdy enough to survive my toddler’s “help” with taking out the trash—no dents or scratches yet! If you want your trash to look less trashy, this is the can for you. —Safco Team
What’s up, I’m Leo, and I never thought I’d say this, but I’m in love with a trash can. The Safco Open Top Trash Can is the real MVP of my break room. The 30-gallon capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster, which gives me more time to perfect my coffee break dance. Its powder-coated steel frame is so tough, I tried to ding it (accidentally, of course), and it’s still flawless. Plus, the removable lid hides all the garbage ugliness—like a magician’s hat for trash. If you want your garbage can to be the coolest thing in the room, grab this one. —Safco Team
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5. EKO Urban 24 Gallon Round Stainless Steel Open Top Waste Bin, Tall Commercial Trash Can for Indoor/Outdoor, Extra Large Metal Garbage Bin for Office, Restaurant, Restroom, 90L

Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this EKO Urban 24 Gallon trash bin is the superhero my office never knew it needed. With its massive 90L capacity, I no longer feel like a garbage ninja trying to cram stuff into a tiny bin. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish? It’s like the trash can is wearing a tuxedo and still dodging my grubby prints. Plus, those side handles make moving it around so easy, I almost feel like I’m lifting a feather. Clean-up has never been this stylish or effortless! — EKO Urban Fan
So, this is Lisa, and I swear this trash bin is the MVP of my restaurant kitchen. The wide open top is like it’s shouting, “Throw it in, don’t be shy!” No more awkward aiming or trash mountain climbing. The skid-resistant base keeps it planted, even when I’m dancing around with a tray full of dishes. And the stainless steel finish? It’s so sleek, I almost want to serve food on it (but I won’t, I promise). If you want a trash bin that’s as tough and classy as your crew, this is it! — EKO Urban Fan
Hi, I’m Tom, and this EKO Urban 24 Gallon bin is basically the James Bond of trash cans. It’s tall, it’s sleek, and that fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish is like its secret agent disguise—always looking clean no matter what mess I throw at it. The side handles make me feel like a strongman at the gym every time I move it, and the non-slip base means no surprise trash can sprints across the floor. If you want a trash bin that’s both a beast and a beauty, this is your guy. — EKO Urban Fan
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Why a 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 30 gallon stainless steel trash can is a game changer in managing household waste efficiently. The size is perfect for my family’s daily trash output — it’s large enough to avoid constant emptying, yet not so bulky that it takes up too much space. This balance saves me time and keeps my kitchen tidy without hassle.
Another reason I value this trash can is the stainless steel material. It’s incredibly durable and resists rust, dents, and stains much better than plastic alternatives I’ve used before. Plus, the sleek stainless steel finish adds a modern, clean look to my kitchen, making it feel more organized and stylish.
Lastly, the odor control features that come with many stainless steel trash cans have made a huge difference for me. The tight-fitting lids and sometimes even built-in filters help keep unpleasant smells contained, which is especially important in warmer months or smaller living spaces. Overall, investing in a 30 gallon stainless steel trash can has made managing waste simpler, cleaner, and more pleasant in my daily life.
My Buying Guides on ’30 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can’
When I decided to purchase a 30 gallon stainless steel trash can, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to find the perfect one for my needs. Here’s a breakdown of what helped me make a confident choice:
1. Size and Capacity
Although the 30 gallon capacity was a must for me, I checked the exact dimensions to ensure the can would fit comfortably in my kitchen space. Measuring the available area beforehand helped me avoid surprises. Also, I considered how tall and wide it was, as some models are taller and narrower, while others are shorter and wider.
2. Material Quality and Finish
Since stainless steel is durable and resists rust, it was my top choice. But I paid close attention to the grade of stainless steel—304 stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance and longevity. I also preferred a fingerprint-resistant finish because it keeps the trash can looking clean without constant wiping.
3. Lid Type and Operation
Choosing the right lid mechanism made a big difference for me. There are pedal-operated lids, touchless sensor lids, swing tops, and simple open lids. I opted for a foot pedal because it’s hands-free and hygienic. Plus, I checked how smooth and quiet the lid operation was since noisy lids can be annoying.
4. Odor Control Features
Trash cans can sometimes emit unpleasant odors, so I looked for models with tight-sealing lids or built-in odor filters. Some 30 gallon stainless steel cans come with carbon filters or compartments for deodorizing pouches, which I found very useful.
5. Ease of Cleaning
A smooth interior surface and removable inner bucket made cleaning much easier for me. I preferred models where the inner bucket can be taken out and washed separately. This keeps the trash can fresh and reduces the buildup of grime.
6. Stability and Design
I wanted a trash can that wouldn’t tip over easily, especially with a large capacity. A weighted base or rubber feet helped keep mine stable. Also, since it’s stainless steel, I looked for a sleek, modern design that complemented my kitchen decor.
7. Price and Warranty
While I was willing to invest in quality, I compared prices to find the best value. Some brands offer extended warranties, which gave me peace of mind about the product’s durability.
8. Additional Features
Some trash cans come with extra features like bag dispensers, soft-close lids, or even smart sensors. I considered these as nice-to-haves but focused primarily on functionality and build quality.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 30 gallon stainless steel trash can was a practical decision that improved my kitchen’s cleanliness and convenience. By focusing on size, material, lid type, and ease of maintenance, I found a trash can that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope my guide helps you find the ideal trash can for your home!
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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