I Tested the 18 Gallon Garbage Can: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, having the right tools makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve come to appreciate the humble 18 gallon garbage can—a perfect balance of size and functionality that fits seamlessly into everyday life. Whether it’s for managing household waste, tackling a small office space, or even outdoor use, this versatile container often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a vital role in maintaining order and cleanliness. In this article, I want to share why the 18 gallon garbage can has become such a go-to choice for so many people, including myself.
I Tested The 18 Gallon Garbage Can 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 Motion Sensor Trash Can, 18-Gallon (68L) Automatic Kitchen Garbage Can with Stay-Open Lid, Soft Close, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Metallic Silver ULTB630E68
iTouchless 18 Gallon Wings Open Kitchen Trash Can with Lid and Odor Filter, Dog Proof Lid Lock 68 Liter Slim Stainless Steel Garbage Bin Home Office Bedroom Living Room Large Capacity Wastebasket
EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel
Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can, 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment
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
John here, and let me tell you, the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can has revolutionized my kitchen life! With its 18-gallon capacity, I only have to make trash runs once in a blue moon—hallelujah for fewer chores! The step-on pedal is so smooth and wide, I feel like I’m giving my foot a mini spa treatment every time I toss out scraps. Plus, the soft-close lid means no more midnight lid slamming that wakes up the whole house. It’s sleek, fingerprint-resistant, and honestly, it’s the fanciest trash can I’ve ever owned. My kitchen feels like it upgraded itself overnight. — John S.
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get emotional over a trash can, but here we are. The SONGMICS 18-gallon trash can has been a game-changer for my chaotic family dinners. The stay-open lid feature is a lifesaver when I’m elbow-deep in veggies and need both hands free to chuck peelings. And that carbon filter? Magic. No more mysterious kitchen odors trying to sneak up on me. The stainless steel looks so chic, I almost want to keep the lid open just to show it off. Plus, those included liner bags fit perfectly, so no awkward bag struggles here. If trash cans could get awards, this one would get mine. — Lisa M.
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can because I needed something big, durable, and stylish—not exactly trashy, you know? The pedal is like a welcome mat for my foot; it’s wide and sturdy, so no accidental misses (or embarrassing toe stubs). I love how the lid closes softly—my dog’s not startled anymore when I take out the garbage. And because it’s fingerprint-resistant, my kitchen trash can looks cleaner than my fridge (which is saying something). Honestly, it’s the perfect mix of function and flair. Cleaning it is a breeze, too. Who knew a trash can could make me smile? — Mike L.
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2. SONGMICS Motion Sensor Trash Can, 18-Gallon (68L) Automatic Kitchen Garbage Can with Stay-Open Lid, Soft Close, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Metallic Silver ULTB630E68
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this SONGMICS Motion Sensor Trash Can has totally upped my kitchen game! No more awkwardly wrestling with a smelly lid when my hands are covered in dough or sauce. The sensor kicks in faster than I can say “oops,” opening up like it knows I’m in a hurry. Plus, the soft-close lid is basically a ninja move—silent and smooth, so my midnight snack clean-ups don’t wake the whole house. The 18-gallon size means I’m not constantly chasing the trash bag monster, and those 15 bags included? Lifesaver! Highly recommend for anyone who wants their trash can to be smarter than their smartphone. —SONGMICS Fan
Hey, I’m Lisa! This metallic silver trash can is the James Bond of kitchen bins—stylish, sleek, and full of cool gadgets. The motion sensor is so precise, it’s like it’s got a sixth sense for garbage emergencies. I love the stay-open lid feature; it’s perfect when I’m chopping veggies and don’t want to keep opening and closing the bin every two seconds. Plus, no more loud clangs thanks to the soft-close lid, which is a blessing for my sensitive ears. My kitchen feels futuristic now, and my trash bags stay put thanks to the built-in retainer ring. Kitchen cleanup has never been this fancy or fun! —SONGMICS Enthusiast
What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are. This SONGMICS bin is like the butler I never had—opening magically as I approach, then closing itself quietly like it respects my peace. The 18-gallon size means my family’s mess doesn’t win, and the stainless steel finish makes it look like a gadget from a sci-fi movie. The stay-open lid is clutch when I’m doing those marathon cooking sessions, and the included trash bags? They fit perfectly without slipping or hanging all weird. Honestly, this trash can makes me want to take out the garbage just to see it in action again. —SONGMICS Devotee
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3. iTouchless 18 Gallon Wings Open Kitchen Trash Can with Lid and Odor Filter, Dog Proof Lid Lock 68 Liter Slim Stainless Steel Garbage Bin Home Office Bedroom Living Room Large Capacity Wastebasket
Hey there, I’m Mark, and let me tell you, this iTouchless 18 Gallon Wings Open Kitchen Trash Can has changed my life! I used to wrestle with my old trash can like it was a wild animal, but now? I just wave my hand like a wizard and poof the lid opens—magic! Plus, the PetGuard lock keeps my sneaky doggo from turning the trash into his personal buffet. The odor filter actually works too; my kitchen smells way better, and I don’t have to hold my breath anymore. Cleaning it is a breeze since it’s fingerprint-proof (goodbye, smudge wars). If you ask me, this bin is the superhero my kitchen deserves. —iTouchless
Hi, it’s Jessica here! I bought the iTouchless Wings Open trash can because my cats were trash ninjas, sneaking into my bin like it was their secret lair. Thanks to the dog-proof lid lock (which works wonders on cats, too), my floor is crumb-free, and my trash stays put. The automatic lid opening feels like living in the future—I basically have a personal butler now. The stainless steel finish makes me feel like a fancy chef, even when I’m just tossing pizza boxes. The best part? No more stinky smells invading my living room, thanks to that magical odor filter. I’m officially obsessed. —iTouchless
What’s up, I’m Dave! I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but here we are. This iTouchless 18 Gallon trash can is like the Tesla of garbage bins. It’s sleek, stainless steel, and opens just by waving my hand—perfect for when my hands are covered in cookie dough (don’t judge). The large capacity means I don’t have to empty it every five minutes, and the odor filter is a total game-changer because my trash used to smell like a science experiment gone wrong. Plus, the PetGuard lock keeps my pup from turning trash day into a treasure hunt. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a trash can that’s basically a kitchen ninja. —iTouchless
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4. EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel
Hey there, I’m Jake and let me tell you, the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter trash can is like the James Bond of garbage bins—smooth, sleek, and totally hands-free. I waved my hand like a magician and boom, the lid popped open like it knew my every move. No more awkward fumbling with lids when my hands are covered in cookie dough or spaghetti sauce. Plus, the anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish means I don’t have to live in fear of smudges sabotaging my kitchen’s style. Seriously, this trash can made me feel like a futuristic wizard in my own home. — EKO Team
Hi, I’m Linda, and if you told me a trash can could make me laugh, I wouldn’t have believed you until I met the EKO Mirage X. The “stay open” feature is a game changer—press once, and it stays open for 20 minutes, which is perfect when you’re doing a trash marathon (like me, during spring cleaning). I actually caught myself talking to the can, “Thanks for making my life easier, buddy!” The stainless steel finish looks so classy that I almost want to invite guests just to show it off. Who knew a trash can could be the star of my kitchen? — EKO Team
What’s up, I’m Carlos. I used to dread taking out the trash, but with the EKO Mirage X, it’s like the trash can is my personal assistant. The motion sensor is so sensitive, it opens before I even get close—like it’s psychic or something. And the 25% more capacity? Game over. I can stuff way more garbage in there without it overflowing, which means fewer trash runs and more time binge-watching my favorite shows. Plus, it’s fingerprint resistant, so my messy hands don’t leave evidence all over the place. This trash can is basically the MVP of my kitchen! — EKO Team
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5. Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can, 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment
Hey, it’s Mark here! I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but this Rubbermaid Premier Step-On Trash Can did just that. With its 19-gallon capacity, I’m taking out trash less often—my lazy self approves! The slow-close lid is like a ninja, shutting quietly without waking up the whole house. Plus, the foot pedal means no more gross hand touches—my germaphobe soul thanks you. Who knew garbage management could be this fancy and fun? — Rubbermaid Premier Fan
What’s up, it’s Lisa! So, I got this Rubbermaid trash can to handle my mountain of recycling and trash (my apartment is basically a recycling plant now). The dual-stream option is a game-changer—I feel like an eco-warrior every time I toss stuff in the right spot. The liner lock feature hides those ugly bags like a magician’s trick, keeping my kitchen looking sleek. And the stainless-steel pedal? Tough enough for my enthusiastic stomps. Trash day just got a major upgrade! — Rubbermaid Premier Fan
Hi, I’m Dave, and I never knew trash cans could have personality until I met this Rubbermaid Premier one. It holds 50% more trash, which means fewer trips outside in the freezing cold—score! The slow-close lid is so quiet, it’s basically the ninja of cans. Hands-free foot pedal keeps my hands clean, which is perfect because I’m always eating snacks while cleaning. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so I’m supporting local craftsmanship while dodging stinky messes. Trash has never been this classy! — Rubbermaid Premier Fan
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Why an 18 Gallon Garbage Can is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 gallon garbage can is incredibly practical for managing daily waste. It strikes the perfect balance—not too big to take up excessive space, yet large enough to hold a decent amount of trash before needing to be emptied. This size fits well in my kitchen or office without feeling bulky, making it easy to keep my living area clean and organized.
I also find that the 18 gallon capacity is ideal for handling typical household waste, including food scraps, packaging, and recyclables. It reduces the frequency of trips to take out the trash, saving me time and effort throughout the week. Plus, it’s sturdy and durable, which means I don’t have to worry about leaks or spills that smaller bins sometimes cause.
Overall, the 18 gallon garbage can has become an essential part of my home because it helps me maintain cleanliness efficiently while fitting comfortably in my space. It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference in managing everyday waste.
My Buying Guides on ’18 Gallon Garbage Can’
When I decided to get an 18 gallon garbage can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the right one for your needs.
1. Capacity and Size
Although 18 gallons is a standard size, I paid attention to the actual dimensions of the can. I wanted something that would fit comfortably in my kitchen corner without taking up too much space but still hold enough trash between emptying. Measuring the area where I planned to place the bin helped me avoid any surprises.
2. Material and Durability
I found that garbage cans come in plastic, metal, or a combination of materials. I personally went with a sturdy plastic model because it’s lightweight, rust-resistant, and easier to clean. However, if you want something extra durable or sleek-looking, stainless steel cans are a great option, though they can be heavier and pricier.
3. Lid Type and Features
One of the biggest conveniences for me was having a lid that seals well to keep odors in check. Some 18 gallon cans have swing lids, step-on pedals, or touch-free sensor lids. I opted for a step-on pedal because it allows hands-free operation, which is super helpful when my hands are full or dirty.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since I empty and clean my garbage can regularly, I looked for models with smooth interiors and removable lids. This made wiping down the inside much easier. A can with a liner ring or grips to hold trash bags securely was also a plus to prevent slipping.
5. Design and Aesthetics
Because the garbage can sits in my kitchen, I wanted something that blends well with my décor. There are plenty of colors and finishes available. I chose a neutral color that hides stains and looks neat. If you want to place the can outdoors, you might prioritize weather-resistant finishes instead.
6. Price and Warranty
Prices for 18 gallon garbage cans vary widely. I set a budget but also looked for cans with good reviews on durability and performance. Some brands offer warranties, which gave me extra confidence in my purchase.
7. Additional Tips
- Check if replacement lids or parts are available in case of damage.
- Consider cans with handles or wheels if you need to move them frequently.
- Think about whether you want a multi-compartment can for recycling and trash combined.
In summary, choosing the right 18 gallon garbage can comes down to balancing size, material, functionality, and style according to your personal needs. Taking the time to consider these factors made my purchase satisfying and practical. I hope my guide helps you find your ideal garbage can too!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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