Best Outdoor Trash Cans: Picks and What to Look For

A wheeled, lidded polyethylene can in the 32 to 96 gallon range suits most households that put bins at the curb, a lockable or latching can suits areas with raccoons or bears, and a stainless or powder-coated steel can suits patios and entrances where looks matter. Pick based on pickup rules, animal pressure, and how far you have to move the can.

Start with your local rules

Many municipalities supply or specify approved curbside bins, and some limit size or require specific lid types. Check with your waste hauler before buying, because a can that does not match the lift mechanism on collection trucks may not be emptied. If your city provides a cart, a private can is typically for the garage, side yard, or patio rather than the curb.

United Solutions 32 Gallon Wheeled Outdoor Garbage Can with Attached Snap Lock Lid and Heavy-Duty Handles, Black, Heavy-Duty Construction, Perfect Backyard, Deck, or Garage Trash Can, 2 Pack

Chosen because it specifies Black and Heavy-Duty Construction.

View on Amazon →

Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Sturdy Round Trash Can, 32 Gallon, Grey, Pack of 2

Chosen because it specifies 32 Gallon and Grey.

View on Amazon →

32 Gallon Trash can, Outdoor Garbage can with Handles & Click Lock Lid, Indoor or Outdoor Durable

Chosen because it specifies Outdoor Garbage can with Handles & Click Lock Lid and Indoor or Outdoor Durable.

View on Amazon →

32 Gallon Outdoor Trash Can with Lid, Durable Wheeled Garbage Bin for Backyard, Deck or Garage, Black, Can with Attached Snap Lock Lid and Durable Handles (32 Gallon)

Chosen because it specifies Durable Wheeled Garbage Bin for Backyard and Deck or Garage.

View on Amazon →

At a glance: outdoor trash can types

Material and weather durability

Most outdoor cans use high-density polyethylene or polypropylene, which resists rust, dents, and freezing temperatures better than thin metal. Makers such as Toter and Rubbermaid describe UV-resistant resins; look for that language if the can sits in direct sun. Steel cans are tough and hard for animals to chew through, but a galvanized finish can corrode over time. Stainless steel resists rust well, but many stainless step-cans are intended for covered or sheltered spots.

Wheels matter. Larger rubber wheels and a sturdy axle roll more easily over gravel and curbs than small plastic wheels. If your driveway is long or slopes, test for the tilt angle and handle height listed by the maker.

Lids, latches, and animal resistance

A tight, hinged lid reduces odors and keeps rain out. For raccoons, which can open simple lids, look for a latching or locking lid. Wildlife agencies in some regions certify specific bear-resistant products, and certifications are tested by independent groups, so read the claim and follow local guidance rather than assuming any latch works. Bungee cords are a stop-gap but not a substitute for a designed locking system. Storing bins in a garage or shed until pickup morning is often the simplest and most effective approach.

Capacity guide

• 20-33 gallons: households of one to two, kitchens, patios.
• 45-64 gallons: a typical family with weekly pickup.
• 65-96 gallons: large families or bulk waste, but only if your hauler accepts them.

Remember that the stated gallon figure is nominal. A full bin with heavy items can be tough to wheel, so consider your own strength and the stated weight capacity.

Care and safety notes

• Use liners sized to fit the can; oversize liners can tear at the rim.
• Rinse the can periodically with water and mild detergent; let it dry before relining.
• Do not place hot ashes, embers, or flammable liquids in plastic cans. Follow local rules for disposal of hazardous waste, batteries, and paint.
• Keep cans on level ground, away from fences and heat sources, and clear of vehicles.
• Lift with care. Heavy loads can cause back strain, and wheeled carts should be tilted rather than carried.

Budget tiers and trade-offs

Budget

Basic molded plastic with a snap-on lid. Fine for garages or sheltered spots, but lids may crack and wind can blow them off.

Mid-range

Thicker resin, hinged or latching lids, and wheels on larger sizes. Most households find this tier practical for daily use.

Premium

Heavy-duty or certified animal-resistant models, stainless steel with soft-close lids, or enclosures that hide the can. They cost more but solve specific problems like wildlife or aesthetics.

Pick X if … decision table

Fit and compatibility checklist

• Ask your hauler about size limits and lift compatibility.
• Measure storage spots, including lid clearance when open.
• Check the wheel type and handle height against your driveway.
• Choose liners that match the stated gallon size.
• Think about wind: a hinged, weighted lid stays shut better than a snap-on one.

Alternatives

• Bin storage shed or cabinet: hides cans and can be latched for animals.
• Separate recycling and compost bins: reduce what goes in the main can and may be needed under local rules.
• Bear-resistant lockers: for regions with documented bear activity, follow local wildlife guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size outdoor trash can should I buy?

Match it to your household and pickup schedule. Thirty-odd gallons suits one or two people, 45 to 64 gallons fits a typical family, and 90-plus gallons suits big households if your hauler allows them. Check local limits first.

Plastic or metal: which lasts longer?

Both can last years. Plastic resists rust and is lighter, while steel resists chewing and heat but can rust or dent. Choose plastic for ease and steel for animal resistance, and read the maker’s stated warranty.

How do I keep raccoons out of my trash?

Use a can with a locking or latching lid, keep it in a garage or shed until pickup, and avoid overfilling. Some areas recommend certified animal-resistant cans, so follow local wildlife guidance.

Why does my trash can smell and how can I reduce it?

Odors come from food waste and moisture. Bag trash tightly, rinse the can occasionally, let it dry, and keep the lid closed. Placing it in shade also helps.

Can I put hot ashes in a plastic trash can?

No. Hot ashes can stay hot for days and melt plastic. Use a metal container with a lid that is designed for ashes and keep it away from buildings, following local fire safety rules.

Do I need wheels?

If you roll the can any distance or the can is above roughly 45 gallons, wheels are worth having. For small cans kept near the house, handles are enough.