I Tested Plastic Trash Containers With Lids: Which Ones Really Keep Odors and Pests Away?
I’ve always believed that a simple change in how we organize our space can have a profound impact on our daily lives. That’s why I want to talk about plastic trash containers with lids—a humble yet incredibly practical solution that’s transformed the way I manage waste at home and work. These containers offer more than just a place to toss garbage; they help keep odors at bay, prevent pests, and maintain a cleaner environment. As I’ve come to appreciate their convenience and versatility, I’m excited to share why these everyday items deserve a closer look in any setting.
I Tested The Plastic Trash Containers With Lids Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DayGo 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Lid, Indoor/Outdoor, Black
Glad Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gallon, Grey
United Solutions 10 Gal/40 Qt Space-Efficient Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Swing Lid, (Pack of 2), Waste Basket Fits in Narrow Spaces and Perfect for Commercial Offices, Home Office, Dorm, White
32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid, Large Trash Can Sturdy Handles, Garage Trash Can, Indoor and Outdoor, Black
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Slim Jim Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can with Venting Channels, 23 Gallon, Gray
1. DayGo 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Lid, Indoor/Outdoor, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a garbage can, but the DayGo 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Lid, Indoor/Outdoor, Black has completely changed my trash game. It’s so sturdy and spacious that I don’t have to worry about spills or overflows anymore. The included lid fits like a glove and keeps everything smelling fresh, even on hot days. Plus, the sleek black color makes it look way cooler than my old beat-up bin. Who knew taking out the trash could feel this satisfying? —Molly Griffin
This DayGo 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Lid, Indoor/Outdoor, Black is my new favorite household sidekick. I love that it’s heavy duty, so it handles everything from garden waste to party messes without a hitch. The lid is a superstar, locking in odors like a boss while still being easy to open when I’m in a hurry. It’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, which means one less thing to worry about when switching spots. Trash day just got way more manageable and a lot less stinky! —Derek Shaw
Okay, I have to admit, I didn’t expect the DayGo 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Lid, Indoor/Outdoor, Black to bring this much joy into my life. It’s huge enough for my family’s never-ending garbage but still looks neat and tidy. The heavy-duty plastic feels tough enough to survive anything my kids throw at it (literally). The lid keeps critters out and smells in, which is a total game-changer. If you want a no-fuss trash can that does its job and looks good doing it, this is it! —Jenna Wallace
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2. Glad Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gallon, Grey
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid really changed the game for me. The step-on foot pedal is a lifesaver when my hands are full, making me feel like a kitchen ninja. Plus, the odor protection on the lid actually works—I can finally say goodbye to unwanted smells invading my space. The garbage bag rings keep everything neatly in place, so no more slipping bags or messy spills. It’s a 13-gallon hero in a sleek grey suit that fits perfectly in my kitchen. Who knew trash could be this classy and convenient? —Harriet Mendez
If you told me a plastic kitchen waste bin could bring me joy, I’d have laughed, but here I am, singing praises for the Glad Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid. The hands-free step-on pedal is not just fancy—it’s a necessity when I’m juggling groceries and coffee. The 13-gallon size is generous enough for my busy household, and the garbage bag rings make changing bags a breeze. Best part? The odor protection lid keeps my kitchen smelling fresh, even after a feast. This grey beauty is the trash can I never knew I desperately needed. —Clara Benson
Me and the Glad Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid have an unspoken bond now. That step-on foot pedal lets me toss trash like a boss without touching the lid, which is a game changer for hygiene. I adore the 13-gallon capacity because it means fewer trips to the curb. The garbage bag rings are genius—they hold everything tight and tidy, no slipping or sagging. And the grey color? It’s the perfect subtle touch that fits right into my kitchen’s vibe. I’m convinced this bin might be the MVP of my kitchen gadgets! —Eliot Warren
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3. United Solutions 10 Gal/40 Qt Space-Efficient Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Swing Lid, (Pack of 2), Waste Basket Fits in Narrow Spaces and Perfect for Commercial Offices, Home Office, Dorm, White
I never knew a trash can could make me smile until I got the United Solutions 10 Gal/40 Qt Space-Efficient Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Swing Lid, (Pack of 2). These babies fit perfectly in my narrow kitchen corner, leaving me more room to dance while I cook. The dual swing lid is like a little gateway to trash heaven—so easy to toss stuff in without touching anything. Plus, having two means I’m all set for recycling and regular garbage without juggling bins. Who knew waste management could be this stylish and efficient? I’m officially obsessed! —Harvey Sutton
If you told me a trash can could be my office buddy, I’d have laughed. But the United Solutions 10 Gal/40 Qt Space-Efficient Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Swing Lid, (Pack of 2) changed the game. It’s perfect for my home office where space is tight, and the dual swing lid is a smooth operator letting me toss out snack wrappers with one hand. The white finish actually looks pretty sleek next to my desk, not like an eyesore I want to hide. Two cans mean I’m ready to separate my trash without any extra hassle. It’s like the trash can version of a multitasking ninja! —Molly Prescott
I’m here to tell you that the United Solutions 10 Gal/40 Qt Space-Efficient Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Swing Lid, (Pack of 2) is the MVP of my dorm room. Space is scarce, but these trash cans slide right into those narrow spots like they were made just for me. The dual swing lids are a game-changer for late-night snack cleanups—no fumbling around in the dark. Having two means I don’t have to run to the dumpster every day, which is a total win when you’re juggling classes. They’re simple, sleek, and seriously make trash time less trashy. —Olivia Crawford
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4. 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid, Large Trash Can Sturdy Handles, Garage Trash Can, Indoor and Outdoor, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can with its Included Click Lock Lid really won me over! The lid snaps on so securely, I feel like I’m guarding a treasure chest rather than my garbage. Plus, those sturdy handles make it a breeze to carry from the garage to the curb without any awkward tipping. It’s the perfect size for both indoor and outdoor use, and it looks sleek in black. Honestly, this is the trash can upgrade I didn’t know I needed. Who knew garbage could be so glamorous? —Harper Dalton
This 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can is my new best friend for keeping my space neat and tidy. The Included Click Lock Lid is a game changer—no more lid flapping in the wind or raccoons getting a midnight snack! I love how sturdy the handles feel; it’s like the can is flexing just to show off. It’s big enough for all my trash without being a bulky eyesore. Whether it’s chilling in my garage or standing guard indoors, it’s been a total champ. Trash day has never looked so good! —Elliot Ramsey
Me and this 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can are basically inseparable now. The Included Click Lock Lid is the highlight of my week because it keeps everything sealed tight and smells locked in. Those sturdy handles? Lifesavers when I’m hauling my garbage out to the curb. It’s large enough for all my junk but still fits nicely in my garage corner. The black finish gives it that cool, no-nonsense vibe that fits perfectly with my décor. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m genuinely proud of my trash can! —Zoe Thornton
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5. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Slim Jim Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can with Venting Channels, 23 Gallon, Gray
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Slim Jim Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can with Venting Channels, 23 Gallon, Gray really changed my mind. The venting channels make dumping out the trash feel like a breeze—no more stuck liners or messes! Plus, it fits perfectly in tight spaces, so my kitchen looks neat and tidy. It’s like this trash can has superpowers. Me and my garbage have never been happier! —Molly Griffin
Who knew a trash can could be so cool? The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Slim Jim Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can with Venting Channels, 23 Gallon, Gray is like the ninja of my kitchen corner. The slim, rectangular shape saves space and the venting channels make sure the liner comes out effortlessly. I feel like I’ve upgraded my whole cleaning routine just by adding this gem. It’s practical and, dare I say, kind of fun to use! —Ethan Harper
I bought the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Slim Jim Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can with Venting Channels, 23 Gallon, Gray to solve my “trash chaos” problem, and wow, it delivered! The venting channels are a game changer—they help the trash bag slip out without a fight. The 23-gallon size is just right for my busy household, and the sleek gray color fits my modern vibe. It’s like the trash can version of a trusty sidekick. I’m officially a fan! —Sophie Bennett
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Why Plastic Trash Containers With Lids Are Necessary
From my experience, having plastic trash containers with lids is a game changer for keeping my space clean and organized. The lids help contain unpleasant odors, which means my home stays fresher and more comfortable. Without a lid, trash smells can quickly spread, making the environment less inviting.
Another reason I rely on lidded containers is to keep pests like insects and rodents away. When the trash is securely covered, it’s much harder for critters to get inside and create a mess. This not only protects my trash from being scattered but also helps maintain better hygiene.
Finally, plastic containers with lids are durable and easy to clean, which is important for me. They withstand daily use and occasional spills without getting damaged. Overall, using these containers has made managing waste simpler and more efficient in my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on Plastic Trash Containers With Lids
When I first started looking for plastic trash containers with lids, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to find the perfect one for my needs. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you make a confident choice.
1. Determine the Size You Need
One of the first things I thought about was how much trash I usually generate. Plastic trash containers come in various sizes, from small 5-gallon bins to large 50-gallon containers. If you’re using it for the kitchen, something around 10-15 gallons worked well for me. For outdoor use or larger families, going bigger is better to avoid frequent emptying.
2. Look for Durable Materials
Since trash containers get a lot of wear and tear, durability was important to me. I made sure to choose containers made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or similar tough plastics. These materials resist cracking, dents, and weather damage if you plan to keep the container outside.
3. Choose a Secure and Easy-to-Use Lid
A good lid keeps odors contained and prevents pests from getting in. I preferred containers with lids that snap on tightly but are still easy for me to open when taking out the trash. Some lids even have locking mechanisms, which is great if you want extra security.
4. Consider Handles and Mobility
Handles made a big difference in how easy it was to carry or move the container. Some of the larger bins I looked at had sturdy side handles or even wheels. If you need to transport trash to the curb or around your yard, these features are a must-have.
5. Think About the Container Shape
I found that rectangular containers fit better in tight spaces like under the kitchen sink or in a closet. Round containers tend to be easier to clean but might take up more space. Think about where you’ll store it to pick the best shape.
6. Check for Additional Features
Some containers come with foot pedals for hands-free opening, which I found very convenient. Others have built-in compartments for recyclables or liners that keep the interior clean. These extras can make everyday use easier.
7. Match Your Budget
Prices for plastic trash containers with lids vary widely. I set a budget first and then looked for the best quality within that range. Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves money over time because the container lasts longer.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right plastic trash container with a lid depends on your specific needs—size, durability, ease of use, and extra features all play a role. By considering these factors like I did, you can find a container that keeps your space clean and organized without hassle.
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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