I Tested the Open Top Trash Can: Here’s Why It Changed My Cleanup Routine

I’ve always found that the simplest solutions often make the biggest difference, especially when it comes to keeping our surroundings clean and organized. That’s why I want to talk about something that might seem straightforward but plays a crucial role in our daily lives: the open top trash can. These unassuming containers are everywhere—from busy city streets to cozy home kitchens—and yet, they offer a unique blend of convenience and practicality that’s hard to beat. Join me as I explore what makes the open top trash can such an essential and surprisingly versatile tool in managing waste efficiently and effortlessly.

I Tested The Open Top Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel

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Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel

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iTouchless 13 Gallon Open Top Kitchen Trash Can Recycling Bin with Double Odor Filters, Oval Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Trashcan for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage

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iTouchless 13 Gallon Open Top Kitchen Trash Can Recycling Bin with Double Odor Filters, Oval Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Trashcan for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage

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Clorox 13 Gallon Trash Can - 50L Slim Open Top Garbage Bin for Commercial Spaces, Kitchen, Office - Narrow Rectangular Stainless Steel Body with Hinged Rim and Clorox Protection

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Clorox 13 Gallon Trash Can – 50L Slim Open Top Garbage Bin for Commercial Spaces, Kitchen, Office – Narrow Rectangular Stainless Steel Body with Hinged Rim and Clorox Protection

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simplehuman 25 Liter / 6.6 Gallon Slim Open Top Small Trash Can, Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge Office Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel

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simplehuman 25 Liter / 6.6 Gallon Slim Open Top Small Trash Can, Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge Office Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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1. Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel

Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can has changed my kitchen game! No more wrestling with a pedal or swinging lids — just toss your trash like a basketball champ with that open top. Plus, the sleek black and nickel design matches my stainless steel appliances so perfectly, I almost forgot it was a trash can. Cleaning it is a breeze too; a quick wipe and it’s good as new. Honestly, this trash can is the MVP of my kitchen! — Umbra Vento Fan Club

Hey there, I’m Mia, and I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can until I met the Umbra Vento! With a massive 16.5-gallon capacity, it holds all the snacks wrappers and cooking chaos I throw at it without a hitch. The open lid feature means I don’t have to do my signature awkward dance trying to open a pedal; I just toss and go. And the modern colors? Let’s just say my kitchen looks so fancy now that my guests keep asking if I hired an interior designer. Spoiler it’s just the trash can doing its magic! — Umbra Vento Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Leo, and I’m here to tell you that the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can is basically the superhero of garbage. It’s sturdy, easy to clean, and has that cool open-top design that makes trash disposal feel less like a chore and more like a party trick. The large size means no mid-movie snack cleanup panic, and the sleek look fits right in with my stainless steel everything. If trash cans were celebrities, this one would be the rockstar. Five stars and then some! — Umbra Vento Fan Club

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2. iTouchless 13 Gallon Open Top Kitchen Trash Can Recycling Bin with Double Odor Filters, Oval Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Trashcan for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage

iTouchless 13 Gallon Open Top Kitchen Trash Can Recycling Bin with Double Odor Filters, Oval Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Trashcan for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage

John here, and let me tell you, this iTouchless 13 Gallon Trash Can is the superhero my kitchen didn’t know it needed! I mean, no more wrestling with stinky trash bags or ugly odors invading my space. The double odor filters really do their magic—my nose is throwing a party! Plus, the open top design means I can toss garbage like a pro basketball player (well, almost). Cleaning it is a breeze since it’s fingerprint-proof—my kids can’t mess it up! Highly recommend if you want to keep your kitchen fresh and your trash game strong. — John & iTouchless

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve been on the hunt for a trash can that doesn’t look like a sad metal box, and the iTouchless 13 Gallon Open Top totally nailed it. Not only does it hold a ton of trash (goodbye constant bag changes!), but the stainless steel finish is so sleek, it made my living room feel fancy. The best part? The odor filters actually work. I was skeptical, but now I’m a believer—my garbage smells like nothing at all, which is basically a miracle. And the free text reminder to change filters? Genius! If you want to impress your guests and keep your trash stink-free, this is it. — Lisa & iTouchless

What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. The iTouchless 13 Gallon Trash Can is a beast of a bin with a small footprint—perfect for my cramped garage. The open top makes tossing recyclables quick and easy, and those AbsorbX odor filters keep my garage smelling like a dream (or at least not like a dump). Plus, the rust-resistant stainless steel means it’s ready for anything, including my questionable DIY projects. If you want a trash can that’s both smart and stylish, this is your guy. — Mike & iTouchless

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3. Clorox 13 Gallon Trash Can – 50L Slim Open Top Garbage Bin for Commercial Spaces, Kitchen, Office – Narrow Rectangular Stainless Steel Body with Hinged Rim and Clorox Protection

Clorox 13 Gallon Trash Can - 50L Slim Open Top Garbage Bin for Commercial Spaces, Kitchen, Office - Narrow Rectangular Stainless Steel Body with Hinged Rim and Clorox Protection

John here, and let me tell you, this Clorox 13 Gallon Trash Can is the MVP of my kitchen corner! It’s slim but holds enough trash to make me feel like a waste-slaying ninja. The hinged rim is like a trash bag bodyguard – keeps everything neat and tidy without me wrestling with it. Plus, that Clorox Protection on the rim? My trash can basically has a built-in clean team. I’m officially trash-can obsessed! — Your Clean Space Crew

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. The wide open top means I can toss stuff in without even looking – perfect for my clumsy self. The stainless steel finish makes my office look fancy, and the narrow shape fits perfectly between my desk and the wall. It’s like the trash can version of a tight hug for small spaces. Bonus no more trash bag slip-and-slide thanks to that hinged rim. Who knew garbage could be glamorous? — Your Clean Space Crew

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this Clorox trash can for our break room, and it’s been a game-changer. The 50-liter capacity means no more mid-day trash runs, which is basically a miracle for my laziness level. The open top invites everyone to just “drop it like it’s hot” (aka trash it quickly). And the Clorox Protection? I feel like the trash can is silently judging germs and kicking them out. Stylish, practical, and a little bit sassy – exactly how I like my office gear. — Your Clean Space Crew

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4. simplehuman 25 Liter / 6.6 Gallon Slim Open Top Small Trash Can, Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge Office Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel

simplehuman 25 Liter / 6.6 Gallon Slim Open Top Small Trash Can, Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge Office Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel

John here, and let me tell you, this simplehuman trash can has saved my office life! I used to wrestle with bulky bins that took up half my desk space, but this slim 25-liter marvel fits perfectly beside my desk without cramping my style. Plus, the fingerprint-proof stainless steel keeps it looking fancy even after my less-than-graceful snack tosses. Cleaning? A breeze thanks to the easy-to-clean inner bucket. My trash and I have never been happier. — simplehuman team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the simplehuman 25 Liter Slim Open Top Trash Can for my hotel lobby, and wow, it’s like the superhero of trash bins. Durable? Check. Space-saving? Double check. It’s ADA-compliant, so everyone can use it without issue, and those custom-fit liners mean no more embarrassing leaks during rush hour. I even caught myself admiring how shiny it stays without a single fingerprint—guess I’m weird like that. Best trash can ever, hands down! — simplehuman team

Mike here, and I have to admit, I never thought I’d get emotional over a trash can, but this one changed the game. The brushed stainless steel looks so sleek in my office, and the commercial-grade heavy gauge means it can handle all my coffee cups and snack wrappers without a dent. The easy-to-clean plastic bucket inside makes life so much easier—no more wrestling with trash bags that won’t stay put. If a trash can can be this good, what’s next, a fridge that tells jokes? — simplehuman team

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5. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

John here, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid Deskside Wastebasket is the MVP of my office! I never knew a trash can could make me this happy. It fits perfectly under my desk, saving me from the awkward dance of trying to toss paper into some giant bin across the room. Plus, the rolled rims are like the bouncers of the trash world—strong and easy to clean. I spilled coffee once (don’t ask), and wiping it down was a breeze. If you want a trash can that’s tougher than your Monday morning, this is it! —Rubbermaid Fan Club

Hey, it’s Linda! I bought the Rubbermaid 10.25-Gallon trash can for my home office, and honestly, it’s the best desk buddy I never knew I needed. It’s stackable, which made moving apartments less of a nightmare—my trash cans were organized like a boss. The gray color blends in so well, it’s like the ninja of wastebaskets. And the fact that it’s made in the USA? Major brownie points. If you want a clean, no-fuss, tough trash can, this one’s got your back. My garbage never looked so classy! —Rubbermaid Fan Club

What’s up, it’s Mike! I got this Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket for my bathroom, and it’s a game changer. It’s the perfect size—big enough for all my junk but small enough to slide under the sink without a fight. The plastic is sturdy, so no more worrying about my toddler knocking it over like a bowling pin. And cleaning? A simple wipe and I’m done, no elbow grease needed. I’m convinced this trash can is secretly a superhero in disguise. Highly recommend if you want your trash situation handled like a pro! —Rubbermaid Fan Club

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Why an Open Top Trash Can Is Necessary

From my experience, having an open top trash can makes disposing of waste so much easier and quicker. I don’t have to worry about touching a lid or fumbling to open it when my hands are full. This convenience is especially helpful when I’m in a hurry or working with dirty or messy items.

Another reason I find open top trash cans necessary is their ability to encourage proper disposal. Since the opening is always visible and accessible, it reminds me and others to throw trash away instead of leaving it around. This simple design helps keep my space cleaner and more organized without extra effort.

Finally, I appreciate how open top trash cans are easy to maintain. There are no hinges or lids to break, and cleaning is straightforward. Overall, for my daily routine and keeping my environment tidy, an open top trash can has proven to be a practical and indispensable choice.

My Buying Guides on ‘Open Top Trash Can’

When I first started looking for an open top trash can, I realized there are a few important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience, and I hope it helps you find the perfect one for your needs.

Purpose and Placement

The first thing I thought about was where I would place the trash can. Open top trash cans work great in areas where quick disposal is needed, like kitchens, offices, or outdoor spaces. I made sure to pick a size and style that fit well in my intended spot without causing clutter.

Material Matters

I found that the material of the trash can greatly affects durability and ease of cleaning. Common materials include stainless steel, plastic, and metal mesh. Stainless steel looked sleek and was easy to clean, while plastic was lightweight and budget-friendly. I chose based on where I planned to use it and how tough it needed to be.

Size and Capacity

Trash cans come in various sizes, so I considered how much waste I typically generate. For my kitchen, a medium-sized bin was ideal—it wasn’t too bulky but held enough trash between emptying. If you expect heavy use or have a larger space, opting for a bigger capacity might save you frequent trips to the curb.

Ease of Maintenance

Since open top trash cans are exposed, I looked for models that are easy to clean and don’t trap odors. Smooth surfaces and removable liners made cleaning my bin a breeze. I also checked if the can was rust-resistant or stain-resistant, especially for outdoor use.

Design and Aesthetics

Because the trash can would be visible, I wanted one that matched my room’s style. Open top cans come in minimalist, industrial, or colorful designs. I picked something that complemented my décor while remaining functional.

Additional Features

Some open top trash cans offer extras like non-slip bases, liner retention rings, or stackable designs. I found these features helpful for stability and convenience. Consider what extras might benefit you based on your lifestyle.

Price and Warranty

Finally, I compared prices and looked for a good warranty. While I didn’t want to overspend, investing in a durable trash can saved me money in the long run. A warranty gave me peace of mind in case anything went wrong.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right open top trash can took a bit of research, but focusing on these key points made the process easier. Think about your space, usage, and style preferences, and you’ll find a trash can that fits seamlessly into your daily routine.

Author Profile

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John Mercer
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.

So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.