The best outdoor trash cans for cleaner spaces are wheeled, weather-resistant models with tight-fitting lids, enough capacity for your collection schedule, and a liner size that does not leave waste exposed around the rim.
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Our Top Picks
United Solutions 32 Gallon Wheeled Outdoor Garbage Can32 Gallon - 2 Pack26.09 x 21.69 x 33.7 inches7.45 poundsCheck on Amazon
NATUREPON 45 Gallon Wheeled Outdoor Trash Can with45 Gallon26.09 x 21.69 x 33.7 Inches11 poundsCheck on Amazon
Top 3 picks at a glance
Quick recommendations by outdoor situation
| Situation | Best fit | Why | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal household trash at the curb | 64-gallon wheeled cart | Good balance of capacity, stability, and maneuverability | Can be difficult to lift when completely full |
| Small patio, apartment, or low weekly waste | 20- to 32-gallon lidded can | Less floor space and easier carrying | Requires more frequent emptying |
| Large family or infrequent collection | 96-gallon cart | Maximum capacity with two-wheel movement | Needs a wide storage area and considerable pushing force when full |
| Raccoons, dogs, or other persistent animals | Locking-lid animal-resistant can | Prevents the lid from being lifted or tipped open | Locks add an extra step on collection day |
| Covered porch or sheltered service area | Galvanized-steel can with fitted lid | Strong shell and resistance to many dents and punctures | Usually lacks wheels and is not automatically animal-proof |
What to prioritize when buying an outdoor trash can
Capacity that matches your collection schedule
Nominal capacity is not the same as usable capacity. A can should retain space for tying the liner, closing the lid, and avoiding liquid or food waste being pressed against the top. A practical planning rule is to use about 80% of the stated volume.
For example, a 32-gallon can provides approximately 25.6 gallons of useful working capacity:
32 gallons × 0.80 = 25.6 gallons
If your household produces around 18 gallons of bagged trash between collections, that size leaves a reasonable margin. If it produces 30 gallons, a 32-gallon can will either overflow or force you to compress waste, which can split bags and make odors worse. A 64-gallon cart provides about 51 gallons of practical capacity, making it a better choice for a larger household or a collection schedule every two weeks.
- 20–32 gallons: best for small households, patios, workshops, and short collection intervals.
- 44–64 gallons: the most versatile range for many homes.
- 96 gallons: useful for high-volume households, but less convenient to store and move.
Weather resistance and construction
Outdoor cans face ultraviolet light, rain, freezing temperatures, wind, and repeated impacts from carts or collection equipment. High-density polyethylene is a strong general-purpose choice because it does not rust and usually tolerates impacts better than thin plastic. Commercial-grade cans such as the Rubbermaid Commercial BRUTE line are valued for thick plastic walls and reinforced rims, although many versions are designed to be carried rather than rolled.
Wheeled carts from established municipal-cart manufacturers, including Toter, generally offer better stability and lid fit than lightweight household bins. Look for UV-inhibited plastic, a reinforced hinge area, and a lid that overlaps the body rather than resting loosely inside it.
Galvanized-steel cans, such as Behrens outdoor trash cans, resist sunlight and can handle rough use, but they can eventually corrode where the coating is scratched. They are also noisier in wind and rain and are typically less convenient to move when full. Steel is a sensible option under a roof or in a sheltered service area; thick plastic is usually easier for fully exposed storage.
Animal-proof lids are more important than extra capacity
A large can with a loose lid is not animal-resistant. Raccoons and dogs can exploit a lid that merely sits on top, especially if the can is light enough to tip. For animal-prone areas, choose a model with a locking mechanism, a lid that clips firmly into the body, or a cart specifically sold with an animal-resistant closure.
Check three separate protections:
- Lid retention: Can an animal lift the front edge without moving the entire can?
- Tip resistance: Is the base wide enough, and are the wheels positioned to keep the cart stable?
- Latch durability: Does the latch remain usable after dirt, ice, and repeated opening?
For severe animal pressure, store the can behind a gate or inside a ventilated enclosure as well as using a locking lid. No household can is a substitute for securing the container against a determined bear or large animal. In bear country, follow local wildlife guidance and use certified bear-resistant containers where required.
Odor control depends on the liner and the lid
A lid reduces odor release, but it cannot compensate for wet food waste sitting in a warm, unventilated can. A tight lid with a gasket may contain smells better, while a slightly vented commercial design can reduce condensation and trapped moisture. The better choice depends on what goes inside: a sealed lid helps with food odors, whereas a dry, ventilated can is often easier to keep clean for ordinary household waste.
Use a leak-resistant liner for food waste and avoid putting loose liquids into the can. Double-bagging is useful for particularly wet refuse, but it is less effective than draining containers first. Wash the inside with detergent and water when a bag leaks, then dry it fully before inserting a new liner. Moisture left beneath a liner is a common source of persistent odor.
Liner compatibility prevents messy overhang
Check the liner’s stated gallon range and dimensions, not just the word “large.” A 32-gallon can may need a liner with approximately 33–39 gallons of rated capacity so the bag reaches over the rim and can be tied without pulling the opening down into the container.
| Can size | Practical working volume | Typical liner range | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 gallons | About 16 gallons | 20–24 gallons | Patio and light household waste |
| 32 gallons | About 26 gallons | 33–39 gallons | Small to medium households |
| 44 gallons | About 35 gallons | 45–55 gallons | Higher-volume waste in a stationary can |
| 64 gallons | About 51 gallons | 60–65 gallons or cart-specific liners | Wheeled curbside carts |
| 96 gallons | About 77 gallons | 90–96 gallons | Large households and infrequent pickup |
Measure the can’s opening before buying replacement liners. A tall, narrow cart may require a different bag shape from a short, wide commercial can even when both are labeled 32 gallons.
Moving a full can without damaging the lid or wheels
For distances longer than a few steps, two-wheel carts are usually easier than lifting cans. The wheel diameter matters: wheels around 10 inches roll more smoothly over driveway cracks and grass than small caster wheels. Pneumatic wheels can absorb bumps but require maintenance; solid wheels never need inflation and are usually preferable for routine curbside use.
Move a cart by pulling it at a slight angle rather than dragging it vertically on both wheels over rough ground. Keep the lid closed before moving, and do not pull by the lid handle unless the manufacturer explicitly provides that handle for transport. On slopes, position the can so the lid opens uphill, reducing the chance that the contents shift toward the hinge.
If the can must be carried, stay below roughly 32 gallons unless you are certain the waste is light. Wet paper, food scraps, and liquids can make even a medium container uncomfortably heavy. A larger wheeled cart is safer than repeatedly lifting an overfilled small can.
Best outdoor trash cans: practical buying choices
Best all-purpose choice: a 64-gallon wheeled cart
A 64-gallon cart is the strongest default recommendation for many homes. It offers enough room for ordinary weekly waste, has large wheels, and can be rolled to the curb without carrying it. Choose a model with a hinged lid, UV-resistant plastic, and a compatible liner if you prefer bagged collection.
Best compact choice: a 32-gallon commercial plastic can
A 32-gallon Rubbermaid Commercial BRUTE-style can is easier to fit beside a garage or on a small patio. It is durable and simple to wash, but verify whether the exact version includes wheels or a locking lid; many commercial cans require a separate dolly or accessory. This size works best when trash is collected weekly and animal pressure is limited.
Best high-volume choice: a 96-gallon cart
A 96-gallon Toter-style cart is useful when a household produces substantial waste or has less frequent collection. Its large footprint and full-load weight make storage location important. Place it close to the route it will travel, because moving a fully loaded 96-gallon cart across gravel or a steep slope is harder than the empty-can impression suggests.
Best sheltered metal option: a galvanized-steel can
A 20- to 31-gallon galvanized-steel can is suitable for a covered porch, workshop, or utility area where a rigid shell is more important than wheels. Pair it with a fitted lid and keep it away from standing water. It is not the best choice for loose food waste in a raccoon-prone yard unless the lid can be secured independently.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an outdoor trash can without a liner?
You can, but a liner is useful for containing wet waste and reducing cleanup after leaks. Use a leak-resistant liner for food waste, and avoid putting loose liquids into the can. If a bag leaks, wash the inside with detergent and water, then dry it fully before using the container again.
Should I choose wheels or a stationary trash can?
Choose wheels when the container must travel more than a few steps to the curb. Two-wheel carts are generally easier to move than lifting a full can, especially over driveway cracks or grass. A stationary commercial can can work well in a sheltered area, but it may require a separate dolly or accessory.
Where should I store an outdoor trash can?
Store a plastic can in a location protected from persistent animal access when possible, and use a gate or ventilated enclosure in severe animal-pressure areas. A galvanized-steel can is sensible under a roof or in a sheltered service area. Fully exposed storage generally favors thick plastic because it is easier to move and does not rust.
How do I keep an outdoor trash can from smelling?
Keep food waste contained in a leak-resistant liner and drain containers before placing them inside. A tight lid can help contain food odors, while a dry, ventilated can may reduce condensation and trapped moisture. After a leak, wash the interior with detergent and water, then dry it fully because moisture beneath a liner can cause persistent odor.
What should I check before buying replacement bags?
Check the liner’s stated gallon range, dimensions, and the can’s opening rather than relying only on the word “large.” The bag should reach over the rim and leave enough material to tie it without pulling the opening into the container. Tall, narrow carts may need a different bag shape from short, wide commercial cans.
Final buying checklist
- Choose capacity using your actual gallons per collection period, then allow about 20% headspace.
- Select UV-resistant plastic for exposed areas and galvanized steel for sheltered, rugged use.
- Use a locking or firmly retained lid where animals are a concern.
- Confirm the liner’s dimensions and capacity before choosing the can.
- Prefer large solid wheels for grass, cracked pavement, and long routes.
- Consider how heavy the container becomes when wet waste fills it.
- Plan a cleaning and drying routine; odor control is largely a moisture-management problem.
