7 Best Metal Trash Cans to Buy in 2026

This heavy-duty stainless steel workhorse redefines what a kitchen trash can should be—engineered for endurance, silence, and seamless integration into high-traffic spaces. With a 150,000-step rated steel pedal, it’s built to outlast most appliances in your home, while the patented Lid Shox technology delivers a buttery-smooth, silent close that eliminates the dreaded slam. The fingerprint-proof finish is a game-changer for busy kitchens, resisting smudges like a pro and keeping the brushed steel looking pristine with minimal effort. If you’re tired of wobbly cans, noisy lids, or bags that slip and tear, this model tackles those frustrations head-on with surgical precision.

In real-world use, the 50-liter capacity handles multiple days of household waste without overflow, making it ideal for families or avid cooks. The built-in wheels and removable inner bucket turn what’s usually a messy chore into a glide—just roll, lift, and park the bucket for easy liner changes. Its internal hinge design lets you tuck it flush against the wall, maximizing space in tight corners. While the large size is a plus, it can be overkill for small apartments or minimalist setups, and the premium build means it demands a premium footprint—both physically and financially.

Compared to the EKO Madison or Amazon Basics models, the simplehuman stands as the gold standard in performance and longevity, trading portability for rock-solid engineering and thoughtful touches. It’s the go-to for homeowners who want a set-it-and-forget-it trash solution with no compromises on durability or user experience. While the EKO offers a slightly higher pedal rating, simplehuman’s holistic design—silent lid, wheel system, and liner fit—edges it ahead in daily usability and integrated functionality.

When maximum capacity meets rugged reliability, this 31-gallon steel trash can steps up as the ultimate utility bin for high-volume or outdoor environments. Its airtight lid seals in odors like a champ, making it a standout for patios, garages, or office break rooms where trash sits longer between pickups. The leakproof, heavy-duty steel body shrugs off rain, UV exposure, and temperature swings, proving it’s built for the long haul—whether you’re storing yard clippings or bulk recyclables. If you’ve struggled with flimsy bins that warp or crack, this one delivers serious peace of mind with industrial-grade resilience.

During testing, the 31-gallon volume handled a weekend of outdoor grilling waste, lawn trimmings, and office paper without breaking a sweat. The wide opening and sturdy handle make loading and transporting a breeze, even when full. It’s easy to wipe down, and the silvery finish resists minor scratches, maintaining a clean look over time. However, the lid doesn’t offer soft-close functionality, so it can clang shut if not lowered carefully, and the sheer size makes it less ideal for compact indoor kitchens where maneuverability matters.

Pitted against the TNLOJI 31-gallon model, this can offers a superior airtight seal and smoother finish, but at a higher price point. It’s best suited for users who need large-scale, weather-resistant storage without sacrificing structure or hygiene. While not as refined as indoor step cans, it delivers unmatched value in durability and capacity, outperforming plastic alternatives in both lifespan and containment.

Don’t let the modest price fool you—this galvanized steel powerhouse punches far above its weight in durability and eco-conscious design. With a 31-gallon capacity and industrial-strength construction, it’s tailor-made for homeowners who need a low-maintenance, all-weather bin for the backyard, garage, or shed. The swing-top lid operates with a satisfyingly smooth, quiet close, avoiding the harsh clang of basic metal cans, while the fully recyclable steel body makes it a sustainable alternative to plastic. If you’re looking for a no-frills, high-function bin that won’t degrade after one season, this one delivers.

In practice, the galvanized coating resists rust and corrosion even after months of outdoor exposure, and the fitted steel lid stays secure in wind, keeping pests and rain at bay. It’s easy to tip and empty, thanks to its robust build and balanced shape, and the wide opening simplifies loading of bulky yard waste or recycling. That said, the lid mechanism isn’t pedal-operated, so hands-free use isn’t possible, and the interior isn’t coated, making cleanup slightly more labor-intensive if sticky spills occur.

Compared to the pricier 31-gallon silvery model, the TNLOJI trades airtight sealing and a premium finish for raw value and sustainability. It’s the smart pick for budget-focused buyers who prioritize function over finesse. While it lacks the polish of indoor-focused cans, it outshines them in outdoor resilience and environmental impact, making it a standout for eco-minded households.

For small kitchens or offices, this compact yet fully-featured Amazon Basics can is a masterclass in smart space utilization—delivering premium touches like soft-close operation and smudge resistance at a fraction of high-end prices. The 7.9-gallon capacity strikes a sweet spot for solo users or couples, avoiding the overkill of larger models while still handling daily waste with ease. The manual foot lever is responsive and quiet, and the lid closes with a gentle, controlled hush, eliminating noise without sacrificing reliability. If you’re tired of flimsy, noisy cans in tight spaces, this one solves the problem with refined simplicity.

In real-world use, its slim 13.8-inch depth fits neatly in corners or beside narrow counters where bigger cans won’t go. The removable inner bucket with carry handles makes liner changes clean and simple, and the satin nickel finish resists fingerprints better than standard stainless, staying presentable with minimal wiping. That said, the plastic inner bucket, while durable, doesn’t feel as premium as all-metal counterparts, and the smaller capacity means more frequent emptying for larger households.

Versus the EKO Madison or simplehuman, it’s clearly the compact alternative, trading capacity and pedal longevity for space-saving elegance. It’s ideal for apartments, home offices, or secondary kitchens where footprint and noise matter most. While it doesn’t match the durability of top-tier models, it offers 80% of the experience at half the cost, making it a practical, no-waste choice for minimalist living.

The EKO Madison is a quiet titan in the world of step cans—built for users who demand whisper-quiet operation and long-term reliability without paying luxury brand premiums. Its bi-force damper system delivers one of the smoothest soft-close actions available, gliding shut with zero slam, even when full. Backed by a foot pedal rated for over 200,000 steps, it’s engineered to outlast most competitors, including the simplehuman. The fingerprint-resistant finish holds up impressively, and the elevated inner bucket with handles makes liner swaps effortless—no more tilting or balancing.

In testing, the 50-liter capacity handled a family’s weekly kitchen waste with room to spare, and the stay-open lid feature was a boon during deep-cleaning sessions. The stainless steel build feels substantial, and the can remains stable even on tile or hardwood thanks to its wide base. However, it lacks built-in wheels, making it harder to move when full, and the external hinge eats into wall clearance, so you can’t tuck it flush like the simplehuman.

When compared to the simplehuman, the EKO offers superior pedal durability and softer lid action, but misses out on wheels and internal hinge design. It’s the ideal middle ground for those wanting high-end performance without the flagship price. While it doesn’t have every bell and whistle, it delivers exceptional value in core functionality, making it a top contender for performance-focused buyers.

This 7-gallon galvanized steel gem is the Swiss Army knife of outdoor containers—equally at home holding yard waste, firewood, or birdseed as it is collecting trash. Its 100% galvanized construction makes it completely weather-resistant, shrugging off rain, snow, and sun without rusting, and the tight-fitting lid keeps contents dry and pests out. The dual handles make it easy to carry, whether you’re hauling clippings or transporting pet food, and the smooth interior wipes clean in seconds. If you need a versatile, rugged bin for multipurpose storage, this one excels beyond typical trash duties.

In real-world use, it proved invaluable for garden cleanup, holding wet leaves without warping, and later doubled as a charcoal caddy for the grill. The 13-inch cube shape fits neatly in sheds or under decks, and its recyclable steel body aligns with eco-conscious values. However, the small capacity limits its use for household trash, and the lack of a foot pedal means hands-on operation, which can be inconvenient when gloves are dirty.

Compared to the Seville Classics mesh bin, it offers better weather protection and a secure lid, making it superior for outdoor storage. It’s not meant to replace your kitchen can, but as a specialized outdoor utility bin, it’s unmatched in flexibility. While pricier than basic buckets, it justifies the cost with durability and multi-role functionality, outperforming single-use trash cans in adaptability.

These ventilated steel mesh cans are a breath of fresh air—literally—for spaces where airflow and visibility matter. The open wire design allows odors to dissipate and wet items to dry, making them perfect for garages, workshops, or recycling stations where damp paper or garden waste might linger. Sold in a two-pack, they offer instant dual-stream sorting for paper, cans, or compost—ideal for eco-conscious homes. The powder-coated finish resists chipping, and the reinforced rim and base add stability, so they won’t wobble even when filled.

In practice, the 6-gallon size is just right for targeted use—large enough for daily recyclables but small enough to tuck under a desk or beside a workbench. The see-through mesh lets you know when it’s full, reducing guesswork, and the black finish hides dust and minor scuffs. But the lack of a liner-friendly interior means trash bags can slip, and the mesh isn’t suitable for small or wet waste, which can leak through.

Compared to the Gardenised can, it trades weather protection for superior ventilation and modern aesthetics. It’s not for outdoor trash in rain, but in dry, high-airflow zones, it shines as a functional, stylish organizer. While it won’t replace your kitchen step can, it fills a niche others ignore, offering smart, affordable ventilation in a durable steel build.