Is the temptation of the trash can just too much for your dog? Curiosity’s not just for cats! We all know our dogs’ noses can sometimes get the better of them, but when they’ve got trashy taste, it can get messy, dangerous, and just plain gross!
If at-home dumpster-diving has become a habit for your dog, take control with a dog-proof trash can. With options for indoors, outdoors, recycling, and more, we’ve come up with a list of the best dog-proof trash cans to keep curious noses out!
We prioritize pet care above all else, so our top picks focus on safety first, with smell prevention to remove temptation. All while keeping style, value, functionality, cleanliness, size, and quality in mind! Let’s get into our top picks.
Top Picks
- Top Pick – SimpleHuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can
- Runner-Up – EKO Madison Brushed Stainless Step Trash Can
- Best Budget Pick – Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can
- Best Outdoor Pick – Meegood Dog Poop Trash Can
- Best Luxury Pick – Safco Open Top Trash Can
- Best Bathroom Pick – KHMMGK 2.1 Gallon Bathroom Trash Can
- Best Recycling Pick – Function Home Trash Can Cabinet
- Best For Clean Lovers – SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter
- Best Trash Can Lock – Ultimate Black Bear Trash Lock
Top Pick: SimpleHuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can
The SimpleHuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can is our top pick for everyday use. It’s great value for money with a space-efficient design and 40 or 50 liter options.
Key features:
- Holds 40 or 50 liters of trash
- Space-efficient semi-round design
- Comes in black, white, and grey
- Plastic with steel accents
- Foot pedal opening
- Patented lid shox technology
- Slow and silent closure
- Stays open for chores and bag changes
- Slide lock keeps the lid closed
What we like:
It comes in black, white, and grey. It’s mostly plastic, but it has alloy steel parts, like the foot pedal, to withstand long-term daily use. The patented lid shox technology slows down the lid for soft, silent closing, and it stays open when you need it for chores and bag changes. You can also lock it to keep out nosy dogs and curious children.
What to consider:
If you’re after something more stylish, you might prefer our luxury pick.
Keep trash tidy and paws out with the simplehuman Semi-Round Step Trash Can. Its silent-close lid prevents noisy slams, while the secure slide lock keeps pets (and kids) from sneaking in. The stay-open feature is perfect for chores, and the space-saving semi-round design fits neatly in busy areas. Pair it with custom-fit liners for a clean, tear-free finish every time.
Runner-Up: EKO Madison Brushed Stainless Step Trash Can
Our runner-up pick is the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless Step Trash Can. It comes in a few sizes, but the largest one for general household waste holds up to 50 liters of trash, with silver, shiny black, matte black, and matte white finishes to choose from.
Key features:
- Holds 50 liters of trash
- Silver, black, white, shiny, and matte options
- Heavy-duty stainless steel exterior
- Smudge and fingerprint-resistant finish
- Extra-wide opening
- Elevated bucket with handles and bag fixer
- Soft-open and close lid that locks open
- Built-in deodorizer for filters and perfume capsules
- 200,000-step foot pedal
- Ideal for standard 13-gallon bags
- Comes with two free bin liners
- Smaller sizes available
What we like:
It’s made with heavy-duty stainless steel, with a smudge-resistant and fingerprint-proof finish, and it has an extra-wide opening for easy bag changes. The inner bucket is elevated with side handles to save the strain on your back, complete with a bag fixer to stop splits and spills.
The foot pedal is built to withstand years of use, and the soft-open and close lid stops slamming and banging. It can also lock open for when you need to change bags, and the built-in deodorizer keeps it smelling fresh.
It’s compatible with a number of odor filters and perfume capsules, so you can not only kill the bad smells, but replace them with good ones! The can works best with standard 13-gallon trash bags and comes with two free liners to help you get going.
What to consider:
They make six and twelve-liter versions if you want a matching one for your bedroom or bathroom!
Built from premium fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, it’s sleek, sturdy, and whisper-quiet thanks to its soft-close bi-force damper lid. The stay-open lock makes long tasks easier, while the durable pedal is tested for over 200,000 uses. Plus, the elevated inner bucket with handles makes bag changes quick and mess-free.
Best Budget Pick: Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can
The Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can is our best value pick for buyers on a budget, with a 13-gallon capacity and a few material options.
Key features:
- Holds 13 gallons of trash
- Durable plastic resin in charcoal grey
- Stainless steel lid and accent options
- Push-to-open foot pedal
- Slow-close lid protects fingers and ears
- Discrete lock keeps it open or closed
- Built-in charcoal filter kills bad smells
- LinerLock technology prevents spills
- Interior venting channels ease heavy loads
- Designed in the USA
What we like:
You can get it in all-plastic, or plastic with a stainless steel lid, or all steel accents, including the foot pedal. All designs come in charcoal grey with a built-in filter to capture bad smells, and a low-close lid that locks to keep it closed.
You can also keep the lid open if you need to, and it uses clever integrated LinerLock technology that secures the bag to the container to prevent slipping with heavy loads, as well as interior venting channels to make lifting the bags easier.
What to consider:
A few customers felt that the molded plastic on the inside made it harder to get the garbage bag to sit just right. Some also mentioned that the pop-up button came off track occasionally.
The Rubbermaid Step-On Charcoal Trash Can combines style and sanitation in one sleek package. Its hands-free foot pedal and soft-close lid make disposal effortless and quiet, while LinerLock™ technology keeps bags secure even when full.
Best Outdoor Pick: Meegood Dog Poop Trash Can
As you can probably guess, the Meegood Dog Poop Trash Can is designed for, well, poop! But there’s no reason why you couldn’t use it for other trash. It’s our top pick for outdoor use, with a simple, modern, weatherproof design that holds up to 4.7 gallons of waste.
Key features:
- Holds 4.7 gallons of trash
- High-quality weather-resistant steel
- Simple modern design for indoors or outdoors
- Hands-free foot pedal opens the lid
- Cushiony mechanism prevents slams and bangs
- Activated charcoal filter absorbs smells
- Carry handle and removable inner bucket
- Bag retention ring prevents spills
- Comes with 45 waste bags
What we like:
It’s thoughtfully designed, with a step-on pedal that opens the lid for hands-free trash takeout, and a cushiony mechanism that stops hard slams and loud bangs. As it’s designed for poops, it also has a charcoal filter inside to absorb bad smells, making it less tempting for dumpster diving pets, and more pleasant for you.
It’s easy to move because it has a built-in carry handle, and the removable bucket makes it quick to empty, too, with a handy bag retention ring for fewer accidental spills. The exterior is made from high-quality steel that’s resistant to rain, snow, and more, for long-lasting durability in all conditions.
What to consider:
As it’s designed solely for poop, it doesn’t have a huge capacity, but it’s ideal for anything you don’t want to put in your indoor trash, like food and other smelly garbage.
Keep your yard fresh and odor-free with the Meegood Dog Poop Trash Can. Its 18L capacity easily handles waste for one or more dogs, and the removable inner bucket with a bag retention ring makes clean-up simple. Made from durable, UV-protected stainless steel.
Best Luxury Pick: Safco Open Top Trash Can
The Safco Open Top Trash Can is our top pick for lovers of luxury, with a cylindrical design that comes in black, white, and silver, with a sleek, shiny finish that blends right in with boujee decor.
Key features:
- Holds 30 gallons of trash
- Comes in black, white, and silver
- Sleek cylindrical design
- Shiny chip-proof finish
- Made of durable alloy steel
- Heavy to avoid tipping
- Open-top lid for hands-free disposal
- Plastic liner for easy bag changes
What we like:
It’s made from durable alloy steel with a chip-proof finish to avoid scuffs and scratches from playful pets, and it’s twice as heavy as the average trash can at over 20 kgs, so it won’t slide or tip over.
It holds 30 gallons of trash, and the open-top lid makes for cleaner, hands-free disposal, with a built-in plastic liner for effortless bag changes.
What to consider:
It comes with a luxury price tag, and the weight could make it difficult to set up for some owners. It’s also not a great pick for food because of the open-top lid, but if you want something high-end for dry waste, it’s perfect.
The Safco Open Top Trash Receptacle blends modern style with practical, hands-free convenience. Its sleek, powder-coated steel frame is puncture-resistant and built to last, while the removable lid hides bags for a clean look.
Best Bathroom Pick: KHMMGK 2.1 Gallon Bathroom Trash Can
If you need a dog-proof pick for your bathroom, the KHMMGK 2.1 Gallon Bathroom Trash Can is our top pick.
Key features:
- Holds 2.1 gallons of trash
- Slim compact white design
- Premium stainless steel
- Wipe-clean surface
- Scratch-proof coating
- Water and fingerprint-resistant
- Gentle press-top lid
- Secure closure blocks odors
- Smooth hinge moves quietly
- Removable inner bucket
- Anti-rust hinges
- Reinforced base and thickened frame
- Fits standard 4-7 liter trash bags
- Comes with 60 drawstring bags
What we like:
The premium stainless steel exterior is strong and sturdy, with a reinforced base and thickened metal frame. It’s truly built to last and withstand impact in humid bathrooms, with anti-rust hinges and a scratch-proof coating.
The surface is also wipe-clean and water, fingerprint, and corrosion-resistant to stay looking good. It’s slim and compact to fit neatly under sinks and other tight spaces, but still spacious enough for a standard 4-8 liter trash bag.
The gentle press-top lid is easy to open but stays closed, with a snug-fitting, secure closure and an odor-blocking seal. The smooth hinge means it works quietly, and the removable inner bucket makes bag changes a breeze.
What to consider:
There’s really nothing to consider with this trash can, but don’t waste your money on bags for it – it comes with a ready supply!
This ultra-slim 6.6-inch trashcan fits neatly behind toilets, under desks, or in tight kitchen corners, while the stainless steel body resists fingerprints and rust. The press-to-open lid offers silent, one-handed access and seals tightly to block odors and curious pets.
Best Recycling Pick: Function Home Trash Can Cabinet
For paper and plastic recycling, the Function Home Trash Can Cabinet is our top pick. It fits 13 gallons of trash, with a stylish wooden construction that comes in black, white, and grey.
Key features:
- Holds 13 gallons of trash
- Stylish streamlined design
- Low-emission MDF wood
- Lift-up lid with round wooden knob
- Removable trash bag ring
- Protective lid leash
- Assembly required
What we like:
It’s made from low-emission MDF wood that’s good for the environment, with a stylish, streamlined design and a lift-up lid that’s totally pet-proof. Although it’s best for recyclable trash, it does have a removable bag ring if you want to use it for regular trash, with a protective lid leash to prevent accidents.
What to consider:
Assembly is required, but it’s easy to put together and comes with everything you need.
Made from eco-friendly MDF board, it’s sturdy, low-emission, and perfect for recycling or daily waste. The inner metal ring secures 13-gallon bags neatly, while the hinged lid opens easily with a built-in handle for quick access. Simple to assemble and easy to clean, this stylish bin is ideal for kitchens, patios, or busy family spaces.
Best For Clean-Lovers: SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter
The SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter is our top pick for the clean-obsessed, with a built-in filter for superior odor control and a smudge and fingerprint-resistant coating that keeps it looking sleek.
Key features:
- Holds fifty liters of trash
- Sleek-looking brushed stainless steel
- Smudge and fingerprint-resistant coating
- Built-in filter for odor control
- Secure soft and quiet-close lid
- Stay-open lid lock for bag changes
- Side handles and a removable bucket
- 150,000-step metal foot pedal
- Interior hinge to protect walls
- Fits most brands of trash bags
What we like:
The built-in filter also means your dog will be less likely to pick up on tempting smells, and the secure, soft-close lid is quiet for sensitive ears. The lid is also fitted with an interior hinge to protect your walls from scuffs and scratches, as well as a stay-open lid lock for quick bag changes.
It fits most brands of trash bags, with a 50-liter capacity and a durable, 150,000-step metal foot pedal for hands-free use. It also has side handles for easy lifting and a removable bucket for effortless maintenance. The outside is made from durable stainless steel, with a stylish-looking brushed finish that’s quick to wipe down and slots nicely into any kitchen space.
What to consider:
It’s a little on the expensive side, but it’s truly built to last.
The Simpli-Magic 13-Gallon Step Trash Can keeps your space clean, stylish, and odor-free. Its quiet-close lid and hands-free foot pedal make disposal effortless, while the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish stays looking sleek. A built-in odor filter keeps things fresh, and the removable liner with stay-open lock makes bag changes easy.
Best Trash Can Lock: Ultimate Black Bear Trash Lock
If you’re looking for something to use with your existing trash can to make it more secure, check out the Ultimate Black Bear Trash Lock.
Key features:
- Two or four strap options
- Adjustable and universal fit
- Certified black-bear resistant
- Weather-resistant
- Over 2500 lbs of break strength
- High-strength buckles
- Stainless steel hardware
- 100% brass grommets
- Easy installation
What we like:
Okay, they’re technically designed for bears – but that’s how you know they’re dog-proof! Certified black bear resistant and weather resistant, they have over 2500 lbs of break strength, with high-strength buckles, stainless steel hardware, 100% brass grommets, and an adjustable, universal fit that works with any trash can.
What to consider:
Installation does require drilling small holes, but it’s quick and easy to do.
Keep wildlife out and your trash secure with the Trash Lock Ultimate Lid Strap System. These heavy-duty straps fit most 32–96 gallon hinged-lid cans and withstand over 2,000 lbs of force. Made with stainless steel hardware and ultra-strong buckles, they’re built to last through wind, dogs, and even bear visits—all while allowing easy, one-handed access for you.
FAQs
What makes a trash can dog-proof?
What makes a trash can dog-proof is having a secure, pet-resistant open and closing mechanism, like a push-button lid or foot pedal, a lock, and chew/scratch-resistant materials that keep tempting smells locked inside!
Are dog-proof trash cans safe?
Any household object can pose a hazard to your pet in the right scenario, but if you look for a trash can with a tip-proof design, it should help to keep them safe in case of any sneaky theft attempts!
How can I stop my dog from trying to get into the trash?
For persistent pups, consider using a deterrent spray around the rim of the trash can, keeping it in a closed cupboard, or putting food straight in your outside trash. You could also try an indoor fence collar to reinforce boundaries.
Final Thoughts
Listen, we don’t judge trashy taste! One human’s trash can easily be a dog’s treasure, but if you’re ready to enter your pup into recycling rehab, invest in one of our dog-proof trash cans to keep scavenging at bay.
If your dog has a strong urge to forage, you should also look into snuffle mats, treat balls, and puzzles to help satisfy those instincts in a fun, healthy way!