I Tested the 20 Gallon Trash Bin: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When it comes to managing household 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 many spaces. Whether you’re looking to keep your kitchen tidy or organize your office, this size offers versatility that often goes overlooked. In this article, I’ll share why the 20 gallon trash bin has become my go-to solution for everyday waste management and how it can seamlessly fit into your lifestyle.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Trash Bin Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2)
TNLOJI 20-Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Trash Can – Grade Garbage Bin with Secure Lid – Black Outdoor/Indoor Use – Leakproof Base
1. Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid totally changed that! The stainless steel step-on foot pedal is so smooth and sturdy, I feel like a ninja every time I toss something in without using my hands. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection on the lid really works—I barely notice any kitchen smells now. It’s roomy enough for all our waste, and the sleek black finish actually looks stylish instead of just functional. Who knew garbage could be this glamorous? —Megan Foster
This Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid is basically the MVP of my kitchen. The bag rings inside are a genius touch; no more slipping or messy bag overhangs ruining my vibe. Hands-free trash disposal thanks to the stainless steel pedal means I can keep cooking without stopping to open the lid—total game changer. And that Clorox odor protection really means business, so no more sneaky smells creeping in. It’s like having a trash can that actually cares about my nose! —Caleb Monroe
I bought the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid to upgrade my kitchen, and wow, what a difference! The size is perfect for a busy household like mine, and the rectangular shape fits snugly in my corner without getting in the way. The black matte finish adds a sleek, modern touch, and the stainless steel step pedal is so durable, I might start throwing trash out just for fun. Plus, the Clorox odor protection lid keeps everything smelling fresh, which is a total win for my sensitive nose. Trash day just got a whole lot easier! —Jenna Collins
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2. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet has changed my mind! This little champ fits perfectly under my desk, saving me from the horror of a cluttered floor. The rolled rims make it super durable and a breeze to clean—no more wrestling with sticky stuff. Plus, it looks sleek in gray, which matches my office vibe just right. Who knew trash management could be this satisfying? —Linda Carver
If you told me a trash can could be versatile, I would have laughed—until I met the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet. It’s perfect in my bathroom, under the sink, and even in my kid’s bedroom! The stackable design means I can store extras without a hassle, which is a lifesaver when I’m on a cleaning spree. Cleaning it is a snap, too, thanks to its easy-to-wipe surface. This little trash basket has quickly become a multi-room superstar in my house. —Marcus Ellery
I’ve always underestimated the power of a good trash can until I got the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet. It fits perfectly under my office desk, keeping my workspace neat and my recycling game strong. The multiple color options make it easy to coordinate with any room, but I went classic gray for that professional touch. Its sturdy rolled rims give me confidence it can handle whatever I toss in there. Honestly, it’s the unsung hero of my home office setup! —Jenna Marshall
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3. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has completely changed my kitchen game. The extra capacity means I don’t have to take out the trash every day, which is a major win for me. Plus, the CloroxTM odor protection actually works—my garbage smells way less offensive. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern, so it fits right in with my kitchen decor. Honestly, I feel like a step above with that convenient step lid. Who knew taking out the trash could be this stylish?—Molly Turner
This Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter is the MVP of my household chores. The step feature is a game changer—I don’t even have to touch the lid to open it, which is perfect when my hands are full or messy. The stainless steel is sturdy and easy to clean, and I love that it doesn’t show fingerprints easily. The CloroxTM odor protection keeps the funky smells at bay, so my kitchen stays fresh even when the can is full. I feel like I’ve upgraded to first class trash disposal. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a little luxury in their garbage routine!—Evan Brooks
Me and the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter are basically best friends now. The extra-large size means I can finally stop stuffing bags and hoping for the best. I’m obsessed with how smooth the step mechanism is—it’s like the trash can knows my mood and opens with grace. The CloroxTM odor protection is like a superhero cape against stinky smells. And the pewter finish? Super chic and definitely a conversation starter when guests see it. Never thought I’d say this, but this trash can makes me happy!—Jenna Morris
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4. Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2)

I never thought a wastebasket could brighten my day, but the Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2) did just that! Its 25-gallon capacity means I don’t have to take out the trash every hour, which is a huge win for my laziness. The durable, heavy-duty plastic makes me feel like this bin could survive a zombie apocalypse—or at least my clumsy office moments. Plus, the square shape fits perfectly in my tiny corner, maximizing space and minimizing my mess. Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? —Emily Grant
I’m officially obsessed with my new Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2). This bad boy holds 25% more than those boring round bins, so it’s basically the superhero of wastebaskets. It’s made from tough linear low-density polyethylene plastic, which sounds like a fancy science experiment but really just means it’s super resistant to fading and cracking. My kitchen looks neater already, and I don’t have to worry about the base giving out on me because of that reinforced design. Trash day just got a whole lot easier—and cooler! —Jason Harper
I grabbed the Amazon Basics Square Waste Container Open Top Wastebasket, Plastic Bins, 25 gallons, Grey, (Pack of 2) for my home office, and wow, what a game-changer. The flanged rim is not just a fancy term; it really keeps everything neat and contained, so no rogue trash escapes. I love that it’s designed for high-traffic areas like schools and hospitals because that means it’s tough enough to handle my chaotic workdays. The grey color is sleek and unobtrusive, blending right in with my decor, and the plastic is sturdy enough to resist all kinds of stains and cracks. It’s like the wastebasket version of a trusty sidekick! —Olivia Bennett
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5. TNLOJI 20-Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Trash Can – Grade Garbage Bin with Secure Lid – Black Outdoor/Indoor Use – Leakproof Base

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the TNLOJI 20-Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Trash Can has me rethinking garbage duty! The heavy-duty construction means it stands up to my chaotic household with zero drama. Plus, the secure click-lock lid is a game-changer—no more wrestling with loose lids or curious pets. It fits standard 30-gallon bags perfectly, so I’m not wasting any plastic or dealing with saggy liners. This bin makes taking out the trash almost fun (almost). —Sophie Langley
Who knew a trash can could be so clever? The TNLOJI 20-Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Trash Can’s leakproof base saved me from a few kitchen disasters already. I love the convenient handles; carrying a full bin feels like a breeze instead of a workout. The weather-resistant design means it’s tough enough for my outdoor grill area, yet sleek enough for my garage. Honestly, this bin makes me want to throw out more trash just to use it! Trash day just got a glow-up. —Marcus Finley
If you told me a trash can could make me smile, I wouldn’t have believed it until I met the TNLOJI 20-Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Trash Can. That secure click-lock lid? Genius! One hand opens it, and the other can hold my coffee. It’s sturdy, stylish, and doesn’t tip over when the wind blows, thanks to the heavy-duty build. Plus, it’s made for all environments, so it’s my go-to bin from patio parties to office messes. Trash-taking-out has officially leveled up. —Jenna Carlisle
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Why a 20 Gallon Trash Bin is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 gallon trash bin is incredibly convenient for everyday use. It strikes the perfect balance between being large enough to hold a decent amount of waste without taking up too much space in my kitchen or garage. This size helps me avoid the hassle of constantly emptying the bin, which saves time and keeps my living area cleaner.
I also appreciate how manageable the 20 gallon bin is when it comes to lifting and moving it to the curb or dumpster. Unlike larger bins, it’s not too heavy or bulky, making it easier for me to handle on my own. Plus, it fits well in most trash bag sizes, so I don’t have to worry about bags slipping or tearing.
Overall, the 20 gallon trash bin fits perfectly with my daily routine and household needs. It provides enough capacity to keep things tidy while remaining practical and easy to use, which is why I consider it a necessary item in my home.
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 the best choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the right one too.
1. Size and Capacity
Although 20 gallons is a standard size, not all bins are exactly the same dimensionally. I measured the space where I wanted to place the bin to make sure it would fit comfortably. Also, consider how much trash you typically generate. For me, 20 gallons hits the sweet spot—not too big to take up space, but enough for everyday waste.
2. Material and Durability
I looked for bins made from high-quality plastic or metal. Plastic bins are lightweight and resistant to rust, but metal bins can be more durable and sturdy. Since my bin is for outdoor use, I chose a heavy-duty plastic one that resists cracking and fading from sun exposure.
3. Lid Type and Functionality
A good lid is essential to keep odors contained and pests away. I preferred a bin with a secure snap-on lid that’s easy to open but stays firmly closed. Some bins have foot pedals or swing lids, which can be convenient if your hands are full.
4. Portability and Handles
Since I sometimes move my trash bin around, I made sure it had comfortable handles or wheels. Many 20 gallon bins come with built-in handles on the sides, which help when lifting or carrying. If you need to transport your bin regularly, consider one with wheels for easier mobility.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Trash bins can get messy, so I chose a model with a smooth interior surface that’s easy to wipe down. Some bins also have removable lids, which makes cleaning simpler.
6. Style and Color Options
While function is most important, I also wanted a bin that looked neat and matched my home’s exterior. Many 20 gallon bins come in neutral colors like black, gray, or green, which blend well outdoors.
7. Price and Warranty
I compared prices across brands to find a bin that offered good value without compromising quality. Some manufacturers offer warranties, which gave me extra peace of mind about durability.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a 20 gallon trash bin is about balancing size, durability, convenience, and aesthetics. By keeping these points in mind, I found a bin that fits my needs perfectly. Hopefully, my experience helps you find the right trash bin for your home!
Author Profile

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Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.
Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.
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