I Tested the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can: My Honest Review of Its Durability, Size, and Everyday Convenience
When I first started looking for a trash can that could keep up with a busy household, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right choice can make. The Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can stands out as a practical option for anyone who wants a balance of capacity, convenience, and everyday reliability. In this article, I’ll explore why this particular trash can has become such a popular pick for kitchens, offices, and other high-traffic spaces, and what makes it worth considering if you’re looking for a dependable waste solution.
I Tested The Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Glad 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Garbage Bag Rings, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Pewter
Glad Step Trash Can, Soft Close Lid Bin with Odor Protection, 20 Gal, Stainless
Glad 20 Gallon All Brushed Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Garbage Bag Rings, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder
Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
1. Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

I bought the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection because my kitchen trash situation had started to feel like a science experiment gone wrong. I love that I can stomp the foot pedal and keep my hands out of the mystery zone while I’m cooking. The 20 gallon size is perfect for my busy household, so I am not emptying it every five minutes like a tiny overachiever. The bag rings are also a small miracle because the liner stays put instead of sliding down like it is trying to escape. —Mason Clarke
Me and this Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection have become oddly close, which is not something I ever expected to say about a garbage bin. The odor protection really helps keep my kitchen from smelling like last night’s leftovers are staging a comeback tour. I also appreciate the hands-free step on foot pedal because it makes me feel fancy and germ-conscious at the same time. The black plastic looks clean and simple, and it fits nicely in my space without acting like it owns the room. —Hannah Pierce
I got the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection for my office, and now the snack wrappers have a proper home instead of building a tiny civilization on my desk. The roomy 20 gallon capacity means it handles a whole day of paper, packaging, and my suspiciously large coffee habit. I like that the garbage bag rings keep everything neat, because I am apparently too lazy to wrestle with a slipping liner. The step on foot pedal makes disposal feel smooth and weirdly satisfying, like I am starring in a very practical action movie. —Caleb Foster
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2. Glad 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Garbage Bag Rings, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Pewter

I bought the Glad 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection because my kitchen trash was starting to audition for a horror movie, and I am thrilled to report the smell got the memo and left. I love that the built-in odor control helps keep things fresh, and the soft-close lid is so quiet I sometimes forget I even tossed something away. The step-on foot pedal makes me feel fancy, like I’m operating a tiny stainless-steel elevator for garbage. It also looks surprisingly sleek, and the fingerprint-resistant finish means I am not constantly wiping it down like a nervous raccoon. —Megan Foster
I got the Glad 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection for my office, and now the room smells like “work” instead of “mystery leftovers.” Me and this can are on excellent terms because the rear bag storage is super handy when I need a fresh liner in a hurry. I also appreciate the secure bag rings, since they keep everything tucked in neatly instead of doing that dramatic bag-slouch thing. The soft-close lid is a blessing during quiet calls, and honestly, it feels more polite than some people I know. —Jordan Ellis
This Glad 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has turned my kitchen into a place where the trash can is almost showing off. I love the big 20-gallon size because I can ignore garbage for longer, which is basically my favorite hobby. The waste bag roll holder and rear compartment make refills easy, and the lid closes with such a calm little hush that I feel like I’m living in a fancy hotel. The pewter finish is stylish, and the smudge-free surface means I can admire it without immediately regretting touching it. —Hannah Bennett
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3. Glad Step Trash Can, Soft Close Lid Bin with Odor Protection, 20 Gal, Stainless

I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but the Glad Step Trash Can, Soft Close Lid Bin with Odor Protection, 20 Gal, Stainless has made me question my own standards. I love that the lid closes quietly instead of slamming like it’s auditioning for a stunt role, and the odor protection really keeps the “mystery garbage” situation under control. The brushed stainless finish also stays looking surprisingly clean, which is great because I am not always a “wipe it down immediately” kind of person. Honestly, it feels like the trash can is doing more housework than I am.—Megan Foster
I bought the Glad Step Trash Can, Soft Close Lid Bin with Odor Protection, 20 Gal, Stainless and suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a tiny promotion. Me and loud lids have never been friends, so the controlled and quiet lid closure is basically music to my ears. I also appreciate the extra bag storage right behind the can, because nothing says “adulting” like having backup trash bags within arm’s reach. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish is a lifesaver too, since my hands apparently believe every surface is a canvas.—Derek Collins
This Glad Step Trash Can, Soft Close Lid Bin with Odor Protection, 20 Gal, Stainless is the rare appliance that makes me smile every time I toss something away. I like that it keeps the bag slack tucked in neatly and holds the bag in place, because I am not interested in playing tug-of-war with a garbage liner. The odor protection is excellent, and it keeps the smell of the trash from staging a full escape into my kitchen. Plus, the soft close lid means no dramatic banging, which is a kindness I did not know I needed from a trash can.—Hannah Mercer
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4. Glad 20 Gallon All Brushed Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Garbage Bag Rings, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder

I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but the Glad 20 Gallon All Brushed Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has me weirdly proud of my kitchen. I love that I can step on the wide foot pedal when my hands are full, and the soft-close lid keeps things from sounding like a dramatic movie finale. The 20-gallon size means I am not doing the trash-toting shuffle every five minutes, which is a win for my laziness. The bag rings are also a tiny miracle because my liner stays put instead of trying to escape. —Mason Clark
Me and this Glad 20 Gallon All Brushed Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection are basically roommates now, and I mean that in the best way. The stay open lid is perfect when I am cooking like a chaotic genius and need to toss things in repeatedly without wrestling the lid every time. I also appreciate the Clorox-protected lid because my kitchen smells less like “mystery leftovers” and more like, well, not that. The brushed stainless steel looks fancy enough to make me feel more organized than I actually am. —Hannah Reed
I bought the Glad 20 Gallon All Brushed Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection expecting a trash can, and instead I got a quiet little hero. The soft closing lid is so smooth that I keep waiting for it to make a dramatic entrance, but it just behaves politely. I love the lift-top lid option too, because sometimes I am not in the mood to do a full foot-pedal performance. The waste bag roll holder is one of those details that makes me feel like someone out there truly understands my battle with garbage bags. —Ethan Brooks
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5. Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin – Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

I bought the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection because my kitchen needed a hero, and honestly, this thing showed up wearing a cape. I love the sleek matte black look, and the 20 gallon size is perfect for my household chaos. The stainless steel foot pedal feels sturdy, so I can toss things in without doing the awkward lid-lift dance. Best of all, the odor protection actually helps keep the room from smelling like yesterday’s dinner regrets. —Evan Mercer
Me and this Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection are now in a committed relationship, and I am not ashamed. The hands-free step pedal is so smooth that I feel like I’m starring in a fancy kitchen commercial every time I use it. I also appreciate the bag rings because they keep the liner from disappearing into the abyss like my socks do. It fits neatly in my space and still handles a mountain of trash like a champ. —Maya Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a plastic kitchen waste bin, but here we are. This Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has made my kitchen feel cleaner, calmer, and way less suspicious on garbage day. The lid does a great job blocking odors, and the rectangular shape fits perfectly where I needed it. I also like that it works for home or office use, because apparently even trash cans can be versatile and impressive. —Jordan Ellis
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Why the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
I find the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can necessary because it gives me the right balance of size and convenience for everyday use. It is large enough to handle a good amount of waste, so I do not have to empty it constantly, but it is still compact enough to fit comfortably in my kitchen or utility area. That makes my daily routine feel easier and more organized.
I also like that it helps me keep my space cleaner and more hygienic. A sturdy trash can with a secure lid helps contain odors and keeps waste out of sight, which makes my home feel fresher. For me, that matters a lot because even small messes can make a room feel cluttered and unpleasant.
Another reason I consider it necessary is durability. I want a trash can that can handle regular use without cracking, tipping over, or wearing out too quickly. The Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can gives me confidence that I have a reliable solution for everyday trash needs, and that saves me time, effort, and frustration.
My Buying Guides on Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can
Why I Considered a 20-Gallon Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can, I wanted something bigger than a small kitchen bin but not so large that it took over my space. A 20-gallon trash can felt like the right balance for my kitchen, laundry area, or even a busy office. I found this size useful because it holds a good amount of waste without needing constant emptying.
What I Looked for in a Glad Trash Can
My first priority was durability. I wanted a trash can that could handle daily use without cracking or feeling flimsy. I also looked for a lid that fit well, a design that was easy to clean, and a style that would blend into my home. Glad trash cans stood out to me because they are known for practical features and simple functionality.
Size and Capacity
A 20-gallon capacity works well for me when I have moderate to heavy household waste. I like that it is large enough for family use, yet still manageable to move when needed. Before buying, I always make sure I have enough floor space because this size can feel bulky in a small room.
Lid Style and Odor Control
One of the biggest things I pay attention to is the lid. I prefer a trash can that helps keep odors contained, especially in the kitchen. A secure lid makes a big difference in my experience because it helps keep the area looking neat and smelling fresher. If I am choosing a Glad model, I make sure the lid opens and closes smoothly.
Material and Durability
I usually check whether the trash can is made from strong plastic that resists dents and daily wear. In my experience, a good trash can should be easy to wipe down and tough enough for regular use. I also like a design that does not stain easily, since that makes cleaning much simpler.
Ease of Cleaning
For me, a trash can should not be difficult to maintain. I prefer smooth surfaces and a simple shape because they are easier to wash and dry. If crumbs, spills, or leaks happen, I want to be able to clean them quickly without extra effort.
Bag Fit and Replacement Convenience
I always check whether the trash bags fit properly. A well-fitting bag saves me time and prevents slipping or tearing. I also like trash cans that work well with standard garbage bags so I do not have to hunt for special replacements.
Where I Think It Works Best
In my experience, a Glad 20-gallon trash can works best in places with regular waste output. I would consider it for:
- Kitchen use
- Garage or utility room
- Office break area
- Laundry room
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing a Glad 20-gallon trash can, I would focus on durability, lid performance, and ease of cleaning first. Those features matter most to me because they affect daily convenience. For my needs, a good trash can should make life easier, stay sturdy, and handle everyday mess without trouble.
Final Thoughts
I think the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can is a practical choice if you want a dependable, medium-sized bin for everyday use. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of capacity, durability, and convenience without taking up too much space. Overall, I’d say it’s a solid option for keeping a kitchen or busy household running smoothly.
Author Profile

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I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.
In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.
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