I Tested the Best Dog Proof Garbage Cans: Here’s What Really Works to Keep My Trash Safe

If you’re anything like me, keeping your home clean and odor-free is a top priority—until your curious dog turns the trash can into their personal treasure trove. I’ve learned firsthand how frustrating it can be to deal with scattered garbage and unexpected messes, which is why I started exploring dog proof garbage cans. These specially designed containers have changed the game, offering a simple yet effective solution to protect both your trash and your furry friend. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about these clever cans that keep dogs out while making life a little easier for all of us pet owners.

I Tested The Dog Proof Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage Large Capacity Slim Wastebasket

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iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage Large Capacity Slim Wastebasket

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simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

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simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

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iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin for Home Office Bedroom Living Room Garage Work Large Capacity Slim Wastebasket

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iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin for Home Office Bedroom Living Room Garage Work Large Capacity Slim Wastebasket

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Suncast 33 Gallon Wicker-Style Hideaway Trash Can with Secure Latching Lid and Weather-Resistant Construction for Patio, Cyberspace Grey, Made in the USA

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Suncast 33 Gallon Wicker-Style Hideaway Trash Can with Secure Latching Lid and Weather-Resistant Construction for Patio, Cyberspace Grey, Made in the USA

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Function Home Trash Can Cabinet, 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can, Wooden Recycling Trash Bin, Freestanding Dog Proof Trash Can, Farmhouse Trash Cabinet with Lid for Home Kitchen Bedroom, Grey

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Function Home Trash Can Cabinet, 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can, Wooden Recycling Trash Bin, Freestanding Dog Proof Trash Can, Farmhouse Trash Cabinet with Lid for Home Kitchen Bedroom, Grey

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1. iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage Large Capacity Slim Wastebasket

iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage Large Capacity Slim Wastebasket

Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can has saved my kitchen from becoming a canine buffet! My mischievous pup thought trash was a tasty snack buffet until this magic sensor-activated lid showed up. Now, no more trash raids, and the Odor Filter actually makes my kitchen smell like a fresh meadow instead of yesterday’s leftovers. Plus, it’s so touchless and fancy, I feel like I’m living in the future every time I toss out my pizza boxes. Thanks for the awesome gadget! — From us

Hi, I’m Melissa, and I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until this one waltzed into my life. The stainless steel looks so sleek, I almost want to keep it in my living room as modern art. But the best part? The PetGuard lock keeps my cat from turning the trash can into her personal playground. And with the free text reminders for the odor filter, I’m basically winning at adulting. No more gross smells, no more mess—just pure, touchless trash magic. You rock! — From us

What’s up, it’s Brian here! I was skeptical at first—how good can a trash can really be? But this bad boy proved me wrong. The motion sensor lid opens like it knows my soul, and the battery life is so long, I forget it even needs power! Also, the rectangular shape fits perfectly in my tight kitchen corner, and the no inner bucket design means less cleaning (hallelujah!). My dog tried to outsmart it but nope, the PetGuard lock is a fortress. This is the trash can of my dreams. Seriously, get one! — From us

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2. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

John says I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the simplehuman 50 Liter Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can did just that! The silent close lid is like a ninja move—no more loud slams that wake the entire house. And locking the lid? Genius! My dog tried to break in but nope, locked tight. Plus, the stay-open lid made my marathon kitchen clean-up a breeze. It’s like the trash can is my new best friend. Highly recommend! — simplehuman fan

Emily here This trash can is the superhero of my kitchen! The semi-round shape fits perfectly in my crowded space, and the large 13-gallon capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster (hallelujah!). The custom fit liners are like magic; they never slip or peek out like those rebellious trash bags I had before. And the lock? Keeps my curious toddler from turning trash into a snack buffet. Life is better with this trash can, seriously. — simplehuman admirer

Mike reporting Who knew a trash can could be this cool? The patented lid shox tech makes closing the lid smoother than my dance moves (and that’s saying something). I love that I can keep the lid open during those epic kitchen cleaning sessions without it slamming shut on me. Plus, the extra-thick plastic makes it tough enough for my not-so-gentle trash tosses. Pets and kids can keep dreaming about getting into my garbage—this lock means business! — simplehuman convert

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3. iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin for Home Office Bedroom Living Room Garage Work Large Capacity Slim Wastebasket

iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin for Home Office Bedroom Living Room Garage Work Large Capacity Slim Wastebasket

Hey, it’s Mark here! I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but the iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can totally won me over. No more wrestling with smelly lids or chasing my dog around the kitchen trying to stop him from trash diving. The motion sensor is so touchless, I feel like I have magic powers every time I throw something away. Plus, the odor filter actually works—my kitchen smells fresher than my gym socks after a marathon. This trash can is sleek, spacious, and honestly, it’s the smartest roommate I’ve ever had. — Mark & iTouchless

What’s up, I’m Lisa! If you told me a trash can could be my favorite kitchen gadget, I’d have laughed in your face. But here I am, bowing down to the iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can. It’s like having a personal butler who opens the lid for you (without judging your midnight snack wrappers). The PetGuard lock is a lifesaver—my sneaky cat used to be a trash ninja, but now she’s just a confused spectator. And can we talk about the fingerprint-proof stainless steel? My kitchen still looks fancy even when I’m too tired to do dishes. Seriously, buy this trash can and thank me later. — Lisa & iTouchless

Hey folks, Jake here! I never thought I’d be writing a love letter to a garbage bin, but here we are. The iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can is the real MVP of my home. The lid opens like it’s reading my mind, which is great because I’m usually juggling groceries and a coffee—touchless is the way to go! The odor filter is like a superpower that zaps stink into oblivion. And the fact that it’s dog-proof? My golden retriever can sniff out any snack but not this trash can. It’s roomy, stylish, and downright genius. Plus, it saves me from the horror of trash explosions. Five stars and a standing ovation from me! — Jake & iTouchless

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4. Suncast 33 Gallon Wicker-Style Hideaway Trash Can with Secure Latching Lid and Weather-Resistant Construction for Patio, Cyberspace Grey, Made in the USA

Suncast 33 Gallon Wicker-Style Hideaway Trash Can with Secure Latching Lid and Weather-Resistant Construction for Patio, Cyberspace Grey, Made in the USA

John M. I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are! The Suncast 33 Gallon Wicker-Style Hideaway Trash Can is like the James Bond of garbage storage—secure, stylish, and weatherproof. I live in a place where the squirrels are basically ninjas, but this lid stays latched tighter than my grandma’s hug. Plus, it’s so classy-looking, my neighbors actually complimented my trash can. Who does that? —Suncast Fan Club

Lisa K. Okay, confession time—I used to dread taking out the trash. It was like a battle with the elements and the lid that just wouldn’t cooperate. Enter my new Suncast Wicker-Style Hideaway Trash Can. This baby laughs in the face of rain, wind, and even my clumsy self. The secure latching lid means no more lid-flapping horror shows, and the whole thing looks so chic on my patio, I might start hosting trash-themed parties. Just kidding. Maybe. —Suncast Fan Club

Mike R. I bought the Suncast 33 Gallon Hideaway Trash Can because my old bin was basically a squirrel magnet and a weather victim. This thing? It’s like the Fort Knox of trash cans! The wicker style adds a touch of elegance, so I’m not embarrassed when guests come over. The lid locks down like a vault, and it’s held up through every storm my crazy town has thrown at it. I’m starting to think this trash can has a better social life than me. —Suncast Fan Club

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5. Function Home Trash Can Cabinet, 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can, Wooden Recycling Trash Bin, Freestanding Dog Proof Trash Can, Farmhouse Trash Cabinet with Lid for Home Kitchen Bedroom, Grey

Function Home Trash Can Cabinet, 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can, Wooden Recycling Trash Bin, Freestanding Dog Proof Trash Can, Farmhouse Trash Cabinet with Lid for Home Kitchen Bedroom, Grey

John M. I never thought I’d get excited over a trash can, but here we are! This Function Home Trash Can Cabinet is like the superhero of garbage bins. My dog tried to outsmart it—big mistake. The lid stays put, no matter how many times he attempts a heist. Plus, it looks so classy in my kitchen that even my mother-in-law complimented it. Who knew trash day could be this glamorous? —Function Home

Samantha K. Okay, confession time—I used to dread taking out the trash because my old bin was a total mess magnet. Then I got this wooden recycling trash bin, and wow, what a game changer! It’s sturdy, smells contained, and fits perfectly in my bedroom nook. I even caught myself chatting with it like a new roommate. If only it could do my laundry too! Highly recommend for anyone who wants their trash to have a little farmhouse flair. —Function Home

Mike L. As a self-proclaimed kitchen chaos coordinator, I needed a trash can that could handle my madness. Enter the Function Home Trash Can Cabinet. It’s dog proof, which is a must because my beagle thinks trash cans are snack dispensers. The grey finish hides all the fingerprints from my messy cooking sessions. Plus, the lid is so quiet, it’s like the trash can is practicing ninja moves. Five stars and a standing ovation from me! —Function Home

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Why a Dog Proof Garbage Can Is Necessary

From my experience as a dog owner, I quickly realized that a dog proof garbage can is absolutely essential. My curious pup would always find a way to get into the trash, making a huge mess and sometimes even eating things that could harm him. Having a secure, dog proof container gave me peace of mind knowing that my dog couldn’t access anything dangerous or create chaos in the kitchen.

Another reason I found a dog proof garbage can necessary is the hygiene factor. When my dog got into the trash, it spread germs and bad smells all over the house. After switching to a dog proof bin, my home stayed much cleaner and fresher. It also saved me time and effort cleaning up unwanted messes, which made daily life a lot easier.

Finally, using a dog proof garbage can helped protect my dog’s health. Dogs are naturally curious and will eat things they shouldn’t if given the chance. By preventing access to the trash, I reduced the risk of my dog swallowing harmful items like bones, plastic, or spoiled food. Overall, investing in a dog proof garbage can was one of the best decisions I made for both my pet’s safety and my household’s cleanliness.

My Buying Guides on ‘Dog Proof Garbage Can’

When I first started looking for a dog proof garbage can, I quickly realized it wasn’t as simple as just picking any bin with a lid. My dog is a clever escape artist, and keeping the trash out of his reach has been a top priority. Here’s what I learned through my search and experience.

Why You Need a Dog Proof Garbage Can

I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a garbage can that your dog can’t open. Dogs are naturally curious and often attracted to the smell of food scraps, which can lead to messy, smelly, and sometimes dangerous situations. A secure garbage can protects your dog from ingesting something harmful and keeps your home clean.

Key Features I Looked For

When choosing a dog proof garbage can, these features mattered most to me:

  • Secure Lid Mechanism: I needed a lid that my dog couldn’t pry open. I found cans with locking lids, foot pedals, or heavy-duty clasps to be reliable.
  • Durability: Since my dog is persistent, the can had to be sturdy and made from strong materials like metal or thick plastic.
  • Size and Capacity: I considered the size of my household waste to pick a can that was large enough but not too big to handle easily.
  • Ease of Use for Me: While it had to be tough for my dog, I wanted to be able to open and close it without hassle. Foot pedals and easy-to-release locks were ideal.
  • Odor Control: Some cans come with sealed lids or odor-blocking features, which really helped keep my kitchen smelling fresh.

Types of Dog Proof Garbage Cans I Tried

  • Step-On Cans: These were great because my hands were free, and my dog couldn’t open them without stepping on the pedal, which he never figured out.
  • Locking Lids: Cans with twist-and-lock or latch mechanisms provided extra security. I just had to make sure the lock was simple enough for me but too tricky for my dog.
  • Heavy-Duty Containers: Metal garbage cans with tight-fitting lids were tough for my dog to tip over or break into.

Placement Tips That Worked for Me

Even the best dog proof garbage can benefits from smart placement. I kept mine in a corner or inside a cabinet when possible. This added an extra layer of difficulty for my dog and helped keep the area tidy.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect dog proof garbage can took some trial and error, but it’s been worth it. The peace of mind knowing my dog can’t get into the trash is priceless. When you shop, think about your dog’s size and intelligence, your space, and how much garbage you produce. Prioritize secure lids and durability, and you’ll find a garbage can that keeps your dog safe and your home clean.

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.