When designing a backyard or patio, your top priorities are probably a grill, seating and maybe lighting. And as much use as you hope to get out of a grill, there’s a good chance the most useful thing in your backyard is a trashcan. Whether it’s for paper plates when hosting or empty pizza boxes because you didn’t actually end up using the grill, having an outdoor trashcan will save you and your guests the trouble of having to go in and out of the house any time you have to trash a used napkin. Choosing the right trashcan might seem pretty trivial, but it makes a big difference when it’s outdoors.
What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Trashcan
When choosing an outdoor trashcan, it’s worth considering whether it’ll be out in view all the time, or stowed in a shed when not in use. Any outdoor trashcan that you’re planning on leaving outdoors permanently should have some sort of cover, whether that’s a lid or a domed open top. Your outdoor trashcan has to be secure enough to prevent any hungry raccoons from helping themselves to a feast and heavy enough to not be knocked over by the wind. Since it’ll be a permanent fixture, it should be good-looking enough to mix in with your patio decor. If you’re only bringing out the trashcan when you’re cleaning, or it’s discretely stored in a shed, you can make do with a lidless outdoor can. A lidless Brute trash can is well suited to dragging around for cleaning up leaves, where a lid might otherwise get in the way.
How We Chose the Best Outdoor Trash Cans
We included some unobtrusive options that would mix in well with any outdoor decor. These can be a permanent outdoor fixture and can be a great option for anyone who frequently entertains. We also included options that are practical, if not especially good-looking — these are great for storing in a shed or behind a building, and some of them can be easily dragged around for raking leaves.
Keep reading to find the best outdoor trash cans available online.
1. Suncast 33 Gallon Outdoor Trash Can
This 33-gallon trash can comes in brown, white and dark taupe. It has a square shape, making it easy to tuck into a corner or place against a wall. The exterior has a wicker design and the lid is secured using a latch mechanism. The resin coating is designed to make it resistant to weather.
Pros: Latch-lock top, available in three colors.
Cons: Textured interior means bags can rip when removing them.
2. Toter 25564-R1209 Residential Heavy Duty Two Wheeled Trash Can
If your family is the type that barbecues all day into partying all night, this industrial-sized garbage can is the trashcan for you. Able to hold a 64-gallon garbage bag, this thing’s enormous, fitting everything from food scraps to party mishaps. When the night’s over, simply roll this baby from the backyard to the sidewalk for garbage pickup.
Pros: The can is huge. It’s awesome for parties and larger groups because it can hold just about everything without having to constantly change the bag. It also has a lid to ensure no pests are getting inside.
Cons: It might be too big and bulky for some. Additionally, it isn’t the prettiest. If you’re looking for more of a decorative can, this one isn’t for you.
3. Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG263200BLUE BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash Can
Guaranteed to never fade or warp, this heavy-duty lidless outdoor garbage can last through a tone of use. It’s made of high-quality materials to ensure that it can take the heaviest of hits, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store. For the affordable price, why wouldn’t you snag this?
Pros: Incredibly durable. Comes in tons of colors.
Cons: Not the prettiest overall, so it won’t add many decorative factors to your yard. It also doesn’t have a lid, so we can’t promise the neighborhood pests won’t stay out.
4. Safco Products Canmeleon Outdoor Trash Can
We know you’ve seen this exact outdoor trash can in your local park, but have you ever considered having one in your backyard? Well if not, you totally should. This easy four-way-open top allows for quick trash shoot-age from any direction, while at the same time allows coverage from rain or snow.
Pros: Easy, modern design that looks stellar outside.
Cons: While there is a top cover, there are multiple open entrances that offer no safety from neighborhood pests.
5. Trashco Flings Bins POP UP Recycle Bins
If you don’t have an outdoor patio and just need an option for temporary use or something small that you can keep out of sight, these simple recycling containers pop up and fold down. They’re disposable, but they’re a great option to reuse as well. They come in a set of 10, and the brand also makes black pop-up trash bags so you can easily separate recycling from trash.
Pros: Pop-up design makes them portable and convenient. Good for parties and outdoor events.
Cons: Bag can get torn when being removed.