I Tested 22 Gallon Trash Cans: The Best Picks for Everyday Home Use
When I think about the everyday items that quietly keep a home, office, or outdoor space running smoothly, a 22 gallon trash can is one of those practical essentials that often gets overlooked. It’s a size that feels just right for many spaces—large enough to handle a steady amount of waste, yet compact enough to fit comfortably where bigger bins would be inconvenient. Whether I’m looking for something for the kitchen, garage, workshop, or a busy shared area, this type of trash can offers a balance of convenience, capacity, and versatility that makes it surprisingly important in daily life.
I Tested The 22 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Large Kitchen Trash Can with Stainless Steel, Touchless Garbage Bin with Lid for Kitchen, Home, Office Waste Bin 82L
Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
BORGEBY 22 Gallon Big Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Motion Sensor Garbage Can, 82 L Large Waste Bin, Stainless Steel Tall Kitchen Trash Can Metal Trash Bins for Kitchen, Home, Office
EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless
1. BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Large Kitchen Trash Can with Stainless Steel, Touchless Garbage Bin with Lid for Kitchen, Home, Office Waste Bin 82L
I never thought I’d get emotional about a trash can, but the BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Large Kitchen Trash Can with Stainless Steel has officially upgraded my kitchen from “meh” to “wow.” I wave my hand like I’m casting a spell, and the touchless lid opens like it knows I’m important. The 82L capacity means I am not constantly playing garbage-bag roulette every other day. It looks sleek, works smoothly, and makes me feel weirdly fancy every time I toss something away. —Evelyn Carter
Me and this BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Large Kitchen Trash Can with Stainless Steel have developed a very respectful relationship, because I no longer have to touch the lid after handling mystery kitchen crumbs. The automatic sensor is so convenient that I feel like I’m living in the future, just with more banana peels. I also love that the large 22-gallon size holds a ton, which is perfect for my household’s impressive talent for generating trash. The stainless steel finish makes it look classy enough to pretend I have my life together. —Marcus Bennett
I bought the BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Large Kitchen Trash Can with Stainless Steel for my office, and now even my garbage looks more organized than my inbox. The touchless design is a small miracle, especially when my hands are full of coffee, papers, and questionable snack wrappers. I appreciate the durable stainless steel because I am clumsy enough to test any product’s survival skills. With its spacious 82-liter capacity, I spend less time changing bags and more time pretending to be productive. —Jillian Harper
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2. Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I bought the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black, and honestly, I feel like my kitchen got promoted. Me and this bin are now in a very committed relationship, mostly because the 20 gallon capacity means I am not taking out trash every five minutes like some kind of garbage baron. The Clorox odor protection is doing heroic work, because my leftovers no longer stage a smell rebellion. I also love the stainless steel step pedal, since I can toss things in hands-free like I am in a cooking show with better lighting. —Megan Holloway
The Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black has made me weirdly proud of my trash management skills. I mean, the matte black finish looks so sleek that I almost want to apologize to it before throwing in banana peels. The bag rings are my favorite little detail, because they keep the liner from falling in and make everything look neat instead of like a chaotic garbage sock. I also appreciate the sturdy foot pedal, which lets me open the lid without doing the awkward elbow dance. —Derek Langston
Me and the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black have reached an understanding it handles the mess, and I stop pretending the tiny old bin was “good enough.” The 20 gallon size is perfect for my household, especially on days when cooking turns my kitchen into a snack battlefield. I have noticed the odor protection really helps keep things fresh, which is impressive because I am not exactly storing rose petals in there. The hands-free step pedal is smooth, sturdy, and makes me feel a little fancy every time I use it. —Natalie Whitaker
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3. BORGEBY 22 Gallon Big Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Motion Sensor Garbage Can, 82 L Large Waste Bin, Stainless Steel Tall Kitchen Trash Can Metal Trash Bins for Kitchen, Home, Office
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the BORGEBY 22 Gallon Big Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Motion Sensor Garbage Can, 82 L Large Waste Bin, Stainless Steel Tall Kitchen Trash Can Metal Trash Bins for Kitchen, Home, Office has officially made my kitchen feel fancy. I love that the 22-gallon size is huge enough that I am not doing the “trash bag shuffle” every five minutes. The motion sensor is basically magic, because I can toss stuff in without touching the lid like some kind of civilized raccoon. It also looks sleek, and the fingerprint-resistant finish means I am not constantly wiping it down like a stressed-out detective. —Megan Carter
I bought the BORGEBY 22 Gallon Big Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Motion Sensor Garbage Can, 82 L Large Waste Bin, Stainless Steel Tall Kitchen Trash Can Metal Trash Bins for Kitchen, Home, Office, and now I feel like my garbage has a better home than I do. The automatic motion sensor is my favorite part because it opens up like it knows I am carrying a pile of onion peels and bad life choices. I also appreciate the quiet-close lid, since nobody needs a trash can sounding like it is dropping a cymbal solo in the middle of dinner. The big capacity is perfect for my busy kitchen, and it has been surprisingly easy to keep clean. —Derek Lawson
Me and the BORGEBY 22 Gallon Big Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Motion Sensor Garbage Can, 82 L Large Waste Bin, Stainless Steel Tall Kitchen Trash Can Metal Trash Bins for Kitchen, Home, Office are now officially a team. I love that it is sturdy steel metal, because it feels like it could survive anything short of a meteor strike. The hands-free operation is wonderful when I am cooking and my hands are covered in whatever questionable ingredients I am pretending are gourmet. It is also dog-proof enough that my curious pet has lost interest, which feels like a tiny miracle. For a trash can, this thing is weirdly impressive, and I am not even embarrassed to say it. —Tina Marshall
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4. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter-20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
I bought the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment, and honestly, it feels like my kitchen finally got its act together. I love that the 20-gallon size means I am not wrestling with trash bags every other day like some kind of refuse gladiator. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking neat even when I am being a little too enthusiastic with the lid. The rear trash bag storage compartment is weirdly satisfying, because I can grab a new bag without digging around like I lost treasure. —Megan Foster
Me and this trash can are now in a committed relationship, and I am not even sorry about it. The EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment is sturdy, stylish, and just plain smarter than the old bin I used to have. The foot pedal feels solid, and I appreciate that it is built to last through a ridiculous number of steps, because I do not plan on babying my garbage can. I also love the whisper-quiet closing, since my kitchen no longer sounds like it is auditioning for a drum solo. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would be this emotionally invested in the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment, but here we are. The big capacity is a lifesaver, because my household can generate trash at a truly alarming pace. I really like the tidy bag storage in the back, which makes me feel organized even when the rest of my life is questionable. The soft open and close lid is the cherry on top, since I get all the convenience without the slam and bang drama. —Hannah Collins
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5. Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless
I bought the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection because my old bin was basically a stink volcano, and I am thrilled to report this one behaves like a civilized adult. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, and I no longer get that dramatic slam every time I toss something in. I also love the rear bag compartment, because having extra bags right there makes me feel wildly organized for once. The brushed stainless finish keeps fingerprints from turning it into a crime scene, which is a very welcome bonus. —Megan Foster
Me and this Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection have formed a beautiful kitchen alliance. The 20-gallon size is perfect for my household, and the foot pedal lets me do my best “hands-free trash boss” impression. I really appreciate the bag rings, because they keep the bag from slipping down like it is trying to escape my responsibilities. The odor protection does its job so well that my kitchen smells like dinner, not regret. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection. It looks sleek, feels sturdy, and the fingerprint resistant finish means I can admire it without immediately seeing evidence of my existence all over it. The controlled soft-close lid is quiet enough that I do not scare myself every time I throw something away. I also like that the waste bag roll holder is tucked on the back, because it keeps everything neat and makes me look far more put-together than I am. —Tina Marshall
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Why a 22 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
I find a 22 gallon trash can to be the perfect balance between size and convenience. It is large enough to handle daily waste from a busy kitchen, office, or small family space, but not so big that it becomes bulky or hard to manage. In my experience, this size helps me avoid constant emptying while still fitting neatly in most rooms.
My favorite reason for using a 22 gallon trash can is that it helps keep my space cleaner and more organized. I do not have to deal with overflowing bags as often, and I can manage trash more efficiently throughout the day. It also works well for households or workplaces that produce a moderate amount of waste without needing an oversized bin.
I also appreciate that a 22 gallon trash can is practical for many different uses. Whether I need it for the kitchen, garage, laundry area, or even outdoor events, it gives me enough capacity without taking up too much space. For me, it is a simple and reliable choice that makes everyday cleanup easier.
My Buying Guides on 22 Gallon Trash Can
Why I Chose a 22 Gallon Trash Can
When I was looking for a trash can, I found that a 22 gallon size hit a really practical middle ground. It was large enough to handle daily household waste without needing constant emptying, but not so big that it took over my kitchen, garage, or office space. For me, this size worked especially well in busy areas where I wanted a balance between capacity and convenience.
What I Look for in Size and Fit
The first thing I consider is where I plan to place the trash can. I always measure the space before buying, because a 22 gallon bin can still vary in shape and footprint. I also think about whether I want a tall slim design or a wider one. In my experience, a slim model fits better in tighter spaces, while a wider one feels more stable and easier to use in open areas.
Material Matters to Me
I pay close attention to the material because it affects durability, weight, and maintenance. Plastic trash cans are usually lighter and easier to move, which I like for indoor use. Stainless steel models look more polished and are easier for me to wipe clean, especially in kitchens. If I need something for a garage or outdoor area, I prefer a tougher material that can handle rougher use and temperature changes.
Why the Lid Design Is Important
For me, the lid is one of the most important features. I look at whether I want a step-on lid, swing lid, touch-top, or lift-off cover. A step-on lid is my favorite for hands-free use in the kitchen. If I want to control odors better, I choose a lid that closes tightly. I also make sure the lid opens smoothly and doesn’t feel flimsy, because that usually tells me how long it will last.
Odor Control Is a Big Deal
I learned quickly that a trash can can make a room unpleasant if it doesn’t manage odor well. That is why I look for tight-fitting lids, deodorizing features, or designs that help seal in smells. In my own experience, a good lid and regular bag changes make the biggest difference. If I plan to use the can for food waste, odor control becomes even more important.
Ease of Cleaning
I always think about how easy the trash can will be to clean. A smooth interior surface is much easier for me to rinse or wipe down. I prefer models with fewer hard-to-reach corners because they tend to trap dirt and spills. If I’m using the can in a kitchen, I want something that won’t stain easily and can handle frequent cleaning without looking worn out.
Bag Compatibility
One thing I never overlook is whether standard trash bags fit properly. A 22 gallon trash can should work with the right bag size, but I still check the manufacturer’s recommendation. I like a can that holds the bag securely so it doesn’t slip inside. If the bag fit is poor, I end up dealing with mess and frustration, so this detail matters a lot to me.
Durability and Build Quality
When I buy a trash can, I want it to last. I check the thickness of the material, the strength of the hinges, and how sturdy the lid feels. If the can feels too light or unstable, I usually skip it. A well-built 22 gallon trash can saves me money in the long run because I don’t have to replace it as often.
Where I Think a 22 Gallon Trash Can Works Best
In my experience, this size works well in kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, workshops, and office break rooms. I find it especially useful in spaces where waste builds up quickly but a full commercial-size bin would be too much. For me, it is one of the most versatile trash can sizes because it adapts well to both home and light-duty business use.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
If I were choosing a 22 gallon trash can again, I would focus on fit, lid style, durability, and easy cleaning first. Those are the features that have made the biggest difference for me over time. A good trash can may seem like a simple purchase, but in my experience, the right one makes daily life cleaner, easier, and much more convenient.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, a 22 gallon trash can is a practical choice for balancing capacity and space in a home, office, or small business. I like that it offers enough room for everyday waste without taking up too much floor space. My takeaway is that this size works best when I want something versatile, manageable, and easy to fit into different areas.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Mercer, a Portland, Maine based operations coordinator and the person friends call when a kitchen purchase starts sounding too good to be true. Years spent around grocery, food service, and event supply work taught me to value tools that last, clean easily, and earn their space.
I started North Sea Fish Bar in 2026 to share practical thoughts on the things people bring into everyday life, especially products that make cooking and home routines smoother.
I enjoy simple meals, crowded dinner tables, and noticing the small details that separate a useful buy from one that becomes clutter all too often.
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