I Tested the 18 Gallon Trash Bin: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to managing everyday waste, having the right trash bin can make all the difference. I’ve found that an 18 gallon trash bin strikes the perfect balance between size and convenience, fitting seamlessly into various spaces while handling a respectable amount of waste. Whether you’re tidying up a busy kitchen, organizing your garage, or tackling outdoor cleanup, this versatile bin often becomes an essential part of the process. In this article, I want to share why the 18 gallon trash bin has become such a popular choice and how it can simplify your waste management routine without overwhelming your space.
I Tested The 18 Gallon Trash Bin Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, White and Black ULTB520W68
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
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
Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
1. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can has changed the game for me! The spacious 18-gallon size means I’m not constantly running back and forth to empty it, which is a total win for my busy kitchen life. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel looks so sleek, I almost want to show it off to guests. The soft-close lid is a lifesaver—no more loud slams waking up the whole house. This trash can makes taking out the trash feel like less of a chore and more like a little victory. —Molly Harper
Step on the pedal of this SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can and you’ll feel like a kitchen ninja. The 7.8″ wide pedal is super comfy to step on, which is perfect when my hands are full of groceries or cooking messes. I love that the lid stays open when I need it to, especially during those big clean-ups where I feel like I’m throwing away half the fridge. The carbon filter is a sneaky hero, keeping those gross odors locked away so my kitchen smells fresh all day. Trust me, this trash can has turned garbage duty into something I almost look forward to. —Jared Collins
Who knew a trash can could have so many cool features? The SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with its stay-open lid and soft closure is basically the perfect kitchen sidekick. The large, tall design fits all my kitchen scraps and then some, sparing me from endless trips outside. I also appreciate the included liner bags that fit just right, making trash day that much easier. The stainless steel body is not only durable but also resists fingerprints, which means less cleaning for me—score! This trash can has officially upgraded my kitchen game. —Lena Whitman
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2. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, White and Black ULTB520W68
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, White and Black ULTB520W68 has totally changed my kitchen game. The 18-gallon size means I’m not making a million trips to empty it, which is a serious win for my busy household. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a ninja—no more loud slams startling me mid-cooking! The step-on pedal is wide and sturdy, so even my clumsiest moments don’t result in spills. I’m officially trash-can obsessed. —Maya Collins
This SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can is my new kitchen sidekick. The stainless steel finish not only looks sleek but is super easy to wipe down when life inevitably gets messy. I adore the stay-open lid feature; it makes those big cooking days a breeze because I can just prop it open and keep tossing without struggling. The carbon filter is a genius touch—no more funky smells invading my kitchen space! If you want a trash can that’s as hardworking as you are, this one’s it. —Jordan Pierce
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can with its 7.8″ wide pedal feels like it was designed just for my clumsy feet. I love that it’s tall and space-saving, fitting perfectly in my kitchen corner without cramping my style. The soft-close lid is the real MVP, quietly shutting without any drama. Plus, with those 15 included liner bags, I’m totally stocked and ready for whatever mess life throws at me. This trash can isn’t just functional—it’s fun! —Lila Thompson
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3. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d get excited over a trash can, but the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black changed the game for me! The hands-free step on foot pedal is a total lifesaver when my hands are full of groceries or sticky dough. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection on the lid actually works—my kitchen smells way better. The sleek matte black finish fits right in with my decor, and those bag rings mean no more bags slipping down to the bottom. Who knew trash duty could feel this fancy? —Madeline Brooks
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with trash bags, the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black is a dream come true. The secure bag rings are genius because my garbage bags stay put—no more awkward fishing missions. The slim, rectangular shape fits perfectly in my kitchen corner without cramping my style, and the soft-close lid is oddly satisfying to watch. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection keeps things smelling fresh, even when I forget to take out the trash for a day or two. Trash day just got a whole lot easier! —Ethan Collins
I’ve officially declared the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black the MVP of my kitchen. The hands-free pedal makes it so easy to toss stuff while juggling my toddler, and the matte black finish is surprisingly chic. The narrow design fits snugly beside my fridge, proving you can have style and functionality in a trash can. The Clorox Odor Protection is a total game-changer—goodbye embarrassing smells! Honestly, I didn’t know a trash can could make me smile, but here we are. —Sophie Turner
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4. 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
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has me singing its praises! The soft-close lid is a game changer—no more loud banging when I toss stuff in. Plus, the fingerprint resistant finish means it still looks sleek and shiny, even after a day of me trying to multitask with messy hands. The rear bag compartment is pure genius; I just grab a new bag without moving the whole can. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Molly Greer
This Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has seriously upgraded my kitchen vibe. I love that the odor protection feature really works—no more whiffs of yesterday’s leftovers lurking around. The bag rings keep everything tidy, so the bag never slips inside, which used to be my biggest trash-day nightmare. The large 20 gallon size means fewer trips to the curb, and the foot pedal is super responsive. It’s like my trash can is a silent butler, quietly handling the mess. —Derek Finch
If you’re anything like me, you want your trash can to be functional but also a little bit fancy. The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection nails that balance perfectly. I adore how the soft-close lid keeps things quiet—my midnight kitchen raids are now stealth missions. The fingerprint resistant stainless steel looks clean and polished, even with my less-than-clean hands. And the rear bag compartment? Genius! I’m never fumbling for new bags again. Trash day just got a major glow-up. —Jenna Collier
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5. Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet has changed the game. This sturdy little guy fits perfectly under my desk, saving me from awkward trash placement battles. The heavy-duty plastic means it’s survived all my clumsy moments without a dent or chip—talk about durable! Plus, the smooth resin makes cleanup a breeze, which is a total win in my book. Who knew trash day could be this satisfying? —Molly Garner
This Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet is like the Swiss Army knife of trash cans. Its stackable design makes storage and transport ridiculously easy, which is perfect because I’m all about efficiency. It’s not just for the office either—I use it in my bathroom, bedroom, and even my tiny kitchen corner. The rolled rims add strength and make it super easy to clean, which means no more awkward scrubbing sessions for me. It’s durable, practical, and honestly kind of fun to use. —Derek Mitchell
If you told me a trash can could be a conversation starter, I’d have laughed before meeting the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet. Its sleek black design fits neatly under my sink, saving space and making my cleaning routine way smoother. I love that it’s made in the USA and built tough enough to handle all my recycling and trash without peeling or denting. The option to choose colors is a bonus, but I’m sticking with classic black because it looks so professional. This little can packs a punch! —Jenna Collins
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Why an 18 Gallon Trash Bin Is Necessary
I’ve found that having an 18 gallon trash bin is incredibly practical for everyday use. It’s the perfect size—not too big to take up excessive space, but large enough to hold a good amount of waste without constant emptying. This balance makes managing trash much easier, especially in my kitchen or office where waste accumulates regularly.
Another reason I appreciate my 18 gallon bin is its versatility. It fits well in small apartments or tight spaces, yet still handles the volume of trash generated by a small family or group. Plus, it’s easy to move around when needed, which helps keep my space clean and organized without hassle.
Overall, having an 18 gallon trash bin has made my daily cleanup routine smoother. It’s a simple but effective tool that helps me maintain a tidy environment without the frustration of overflowing garbage or bulky containers.
My Buying Guides on 18 Gallon Trash Bin
When I decided to buy an 18 gallon trash bin, I realized there are several factors to consider to get the best fit for my needs. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
1. Size and Capacity
Although 18 gallons is a standard size, I made sure to check the exact dimensions of the bin. Sometimes bins with the same capacity can have different shapes, which affects where they fit in my space. I measured the area where I planned to keep the bin to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Material and Durability
I looked for bins made from sturdy plastic or metal. Plastic bins are lightweight and usually cheaper, but metal bins tend to last longer and handle rough use better. Since I needed something for outdoor use, I chose a bin with weather-resistant material.
3. Lid Design
A lid is essential to keep odors contained and pests out. I preferred a bin with a tight-fitting lid that’s easy to open and close. Some bins have pedal-operated lids, which is super convenient when your hands are full.
4. Portability
Since I sometimes move my trash bin around, I checked for bins with wheels or handles. Wheels make moving heavy trash much easier, especially when the bin is full.
5. Ease of Cleaning
I wanted a bin that’s simple to clean. Smooth interiors without many crevices help prevent buildup of grime and make rinsing out the bin hassle-free.
6. Odor Control Features
Some bins come with built-in odor control like charcoal filters or sealed lids. If you’re like me and sensitive to smells, this can be a big plus.
7. Price and Warranty
I compared prices but didn’t compromise on quality. Also, I checked if the manufacturer offered a warranty, which gave me extra confidence in my purchase.
8. Aesthetic and Color
Since the bin is visible in my kitchen and garage, I picked a color and design that blended well with my decor.
Final Thoughts
Buying an 18 gallon trash bin isn’t just about capacity. Considering these factors helped me find a bin that suits my lifestyle and space perfectly. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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