I Tested the 16 Gallon Trash Can: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for Everyday Use
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found myself gravitating toward the 16 gallon trash can—a perfect blend of size and convenience that fits effortlessly into various settings. Whether it’s for the kitchen, garage, or office, this size strikes a balance that’s neither too bulky nor too small. In this article, I want to share why the 16 gallon trash can has become such a staple in my daily routine and how it might just be the upgrade your space needs.
I Tested The 16 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
FinerFurnis Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can, 60 Liter/16 Gallon Touchless Smart Garbage Bin with Soft-Close Lid, Large Capacity Waste Basket for Kitchen, Office, Living Room, No Inner Bucket
Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel
Garvee 16 gal / 60 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver
1. 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 changed my life! The soft-close lid is a game-changer—no more loud bangs waking up the whole house when I toss something away. Plus, the fingerprint resistant finish means it still looks sleek even after my messy cooking sessions. And let me tell you, the odor protection really works; my kitchen smells fresh no matter what goes in the bin. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Harold Jennings
If you’re tired of wrestling with trash bags, the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has my back! The rear bag compartment is pure genius—I stash extra bags right behind the can and pull them out without moving a muscle. The bag rings keep everything neat and secure, so no more bags falling inside and making a mess. Plus, the pewter finish gives it a classy touch that actually fits my kitchen décor. Honestly, this trash can makes me feel like a domestic ninja. —Melanie Carter
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter is the MVP of my kitchen. I love that the lid stays quietly closed—no startling noises when I’m cooking late at night. The odor protection works like magic, blocking any nasty smells so my kitchen air stays fresh. And the fingerprint resistant surface means I don’t have to constantly clean smudges, which is a win in my book. This trash can is honestly the little hero I didn’t know I needed. —Derek Thompson
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2. 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 this excited about a wastebasket, 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 really changed the game for me. It fits perfectly under my desk, which means no more awkward trash bins sticking out like a sore thumb! Plus, the heavy-duty plastic feels so sturdy, I’m pretty sure it could survive a small earthquake. Cleaning it is a breeze thanks to the smooth resin construction. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Lydia Harper
I grabbed the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet because I needed something tough yet stylish for my office. The rolled rims add this cool extra strength, and I swear it makes the whole thing look way more professional. I love that it’s stackable, so when I’m not using it, it nests neatly with my other cans. Honestly, it’s the only trash can I’ve owned that makes me feel organized and fancy at the same time. Plus, being made in the USA feels like a win-win for me. —Marcus Flynn
If you’re like me and hate bulky trash cans taking over your space, the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet is a total lifesaver. It’s super versatile—works great in my bathroom and office without any awkward fitting issues. The durable plastic means no dents or chips, which is perfect for my sometimes chaotic lifestyle. I also appreciate the recycling option and color choices, but black is my go-to because it matches everything. This little bin makes trash disposal almost fun (almost)! —Samantha Cole
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3. FinerFurnis Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can, 60 Liter/16 Gallon Touchless Smart Garbage Bin with Soft-Close Lid, Large Capacity Waste Basket for Kitchen, Office, Living Room, No Inner Bucket
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the FinerFurnis Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can, 60 Liter/16 Gallon Touchless Smart Garbage Bin has changed my life! Just waving my hand and watching the lid open feels like magic—no more wrestling with smelly lids or germs. The soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper in my kitchen, no more loud slams waking up the whole house. Plus, the huge 16-gallon capacity means fewer trips outside, which is a huge win for me. This bin definitely makes taking out the trash almost fun! —Molly Harper
Who knew a trash can could be so smart? The FinerFurnis Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can with its generous double 8-gallon compartments keeps my garbage and recyclables perfectly separated without me lifting a finger. It’s perfect for my chaotic kitchen where things tend to get messy fast. The stainless steel finish looks super sleek and hides fingerprints like a pro, so it stays looking shiny even when I’m not at my tidiest. This space-saving, touchless marvel fits right in by my counter and makes cleaning up less of a chore. I’m officially a trash can convert! —Derek Collins
Living with the FinerFurnis Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can, 60 Liter/16 Gallon Touchless Smart Garbage Bin is a game changer. The motion sensor is so sensitive, I barely have to wave to get the lid to open—talk about hands-free convenience! I love how quiet the soft-close lid is; it’s like the trash can is tiptoeing around, making sure not to disturb my peaceful mornings. Its slim design fits perfectly in my office nook, making it the perfect blend of style and function. Trust me, once you go automatic, you’ll never go back! —Jenna Powell
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4. Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel has me feeling fancy every time I toss something in. The open lid means no awkward foot pedaling or wrestling with lids when my hands are full of kitchen chaos. Plus, it holds a whopping 16.5 gallons, so I’m not constantly battling overflows. It looks sleek enough to be part of my stainless steel appliances squad. Cleaning it is a breeze—just a quick wipe and it’s like new. Who knew trash disposal could feel this classy? —Molly Granger
This Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel is basically the VIP of trash cans. The open top is a game changer; it’s so easy to just toss my garbage without any fuss. I adore the modern black and nickel colors—they totally blend in with my kitchen vibes, making trash day less of an eyesore. The durable polypropylene means it’s tough enough to handle my culinary messes but still easy to clean with just a damp cloth. It’s like having a stylish sidekick for all my trash troubles. I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Collins
Who knew a trash can could bring this much joy? The Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel makes me feel like a kitchen superstar. The large 16.5-gallon capacity means less frequent trips to the dumpster, which is a win for my lazy side. The open lid design makes trash disposal almost fun—no pedals, no swinging lids, just pure toss-and-go magic. It’s sleek, stylish, and fits right in with my modern appliances. Plus, cleaning it is super simple, so it’s always looking sharp. Trash has never looked this good! —Nina Harper
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5. Garvee 16 gal / 60 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Garvee 16 gal / 60 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid totally changed my kitchen game! The sleek aesthetic and compact footprint mean it fits perfectly next to my island without being a bulky eyesore. Plus, the soft-close plastic lid is so satisfying to use—no more loud slams when I’m in a hurry. It even has a rear handle that makes moving it around a breeze. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed. —Maya Jensen
This Garvee 16 gal / 60 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid is hands down the boss of my kitchen corner. The fingerprint-resistant finish is a miracle; my kids can’t leave their marks all over this beauty. I love the built-in liner rim that hides the bag edges—it keeps everything looking neat and tidy without extra effort. The industrial steel pedal feels tough enough to survive my dance moves while taking out the trash! Durable, stylish, and practical? Yes, please! —Liam Porter
Who knew a trash can could be this fancy? The Garvee 16 gal / 60 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid’s 410-grade ferritic stainless steel shell not only looks sharp but resists scratches and rust like a champ. The anti-slip rubber feet keep it steady even when I accidentally bump it (which happens more than I’d like to admit). I’m obsessed with how the lid locks at 95° for hands-free cooking prep—talk about multitasking magic. This bin is definitely the unsung hero of my kitchen. —Nina Caldwell
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Why a 16 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
From my experience, a 16 gallon trash can hits the perfect balance between capacity and convenience. It’s large enough to hold a significant amount of waste, which means I don’t have to take out the trash multiple times a day, yet it’s not so big that it becomes bulky or hard to manage. This size works well in my kitchen and office, where I generate a moderate amount of trash daily.
Another reason I find a 16 gallon trash can necessary is its versatility. It fits neatly under most countertops or in small spaces, making it ideal for apartments or homes with limited room. Plus, it’s easy to move around when needed, which helps me keep my space clean without any hassle. Overall, having a 16 gallon trash can makes managing everyday waste simpler and more efficient in my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on 16 Gallon Trash Can
When I decided to get a 16 gallon trash can, I realized there were a few important things to consider to make sure it fit my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the right one too.
1. Size and Capacity
Although 16 gallons is a standard size, I made sure to check the actual dimensions of the trash can. Some models can be taller or wider, which affects where you can place them in your home or office. Think about your available space and how much trash you typically produce to decide if 16 gallons is right for you.
2. Material and Durability
I looked for trash cans made of sturdy materials like heavy-duty plastic or stainless steel. Plastic cans are lightweight and often more affordable, but stainless steel tends to last longer and looks nicer in modern spaces. Consider where you’ll use the trash can—outdoors or indoors—to pick a material that holds up well.
3. Lid Type and Features
The lid is a big deal for me because it keeps odors contained and pests away. I found options with swing lids, step pedals, or even touchless sensor lids. I personally prefer a step pedal because it lets me open the trash can hands-free, which is super convenient when cooking or cleaning.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since I want my trash can to stay fresh and hygienic, I checked how easy it is to clean. Smooth interiors without too many crevices make wiping down the can quicker. Some models come with removable inner buckets, which really simplifies the process of emptying and cleaning.
5. Bag Compatibility and Fit
I made sure the trash can fits standard 16-gallon bags so I wouldn’t have trouble finding replacements. Some cans have bag anchors or rings to keep the trash bag in place, which I found very helpful to prevent slipping or messes.
6. Design and Style
Since the trash can sits in my kitchen, I wanted one that looks good and matches my décor. There are plenty of colors and finishes available, so don’t settle for a plain can if style matters to you!
7. Price and Warranty
I set a budget before shopping and compared models to find the best value. Some brands offer warranties, which gave me extra peace of mind in case anything went wrong.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 16 gallon trash can isn’t just about size—it’s about finding one that fits your lifestyle, space, and preferences. By considering these factors, I ended up with a trash can that works perfectly for me, and I’m confident you can too!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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