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The 28 Best Dog Proof Trash Cans [For Any Style Of Home]

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Our dogs bring endless amounts of joy into our lives. They’re simply adorable when they’re running in the park, cuddling up with us on the couch, and rolling over for belly rubs.

But there’s one time when they’re not so cute – and that’s when we catch them digging through the trash.

If you have a big, strong and curious dog, you have probably come home to a trash can tipped over and a mound of garbage strewn across the kitchen floor.

Does your pup like to knock over your trashcan and dig through what’s inside? Check out these 28 dog proof trash cans for your kitchen, bathroom and backyard.

Dog proof trashcan infographic

The Importance of Keeping Your Dog Out of the Trash

So, you think, what’s the big deal? Why should I care about keeping my dog out of the trash? Sure, it makes a big mess, but if it’s only every once in a while, should I really invest in all-new trash cans for my home? Or should I just continue to clean up after my pet’s occasional disasters?

And the answer is a resounding yes. There are tons of issues that can arise whenever your dog digs into the trash, both for them and for you.

Your trash can contains all sorts of hazards for your dog. Dangerous food items and chemicals are ready and waiting for your dog to ingest. Even if they dig into something that might not necessarily be harmful for dogs to ingest, like last night’s roast chicken, they can still choke on something in their excitement, which’ll mean a potentially costly trip to the vet. Beyond chowing down on something dangerous, your dog may also run into items that can cause cuts, scrapes and infections. 

As for you and your family’s health and safety, well… you wouldn’t want to plop your toddler down in a dumpster, would you? The same icky germs that they’d find there are going to end up all over your pet and then tracked all over your home once Fido finds his way into the garbage can — and when kids are all too apt to put household items into their mouths, this isn’t a chance you want to take. 

On top of all this, if you constantly have to chase your pup around the house to remove food or trash from their mouths, you could be unconsciously teaching them food aggression. Remember — your dog still possesses some of its wild animal instincts, no matter how cuddly they are. If you’re always trying to take food away from them, they may get the idea that food is scarce and something to fight for — leading to food aggression and bad behavior in other areas.

What to Look For in a Dog Proof Trash Can

Black and white cattle dog sticking his nose in a small trash can

For dog owners with a curious or anxious pooch on their hands, having a pet-proof trash can is a must! If you’re on the hunt for a garbage bin that your dog can’t knock over or get into, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping.

If you have a strong, large dog, you’ll need a high-quality trash can with a durable design. The bigger and heavier the can, the harder it will be for your dog to gnaw at it or nose their way inside!

It’s also best to buy a trash can with a locking lid or a lid that creates a tight seal. That way, even if your doggy does manage to tip it over, the lid won’t pop off and your trash won’t fall out all over the floor.

A rubberized bottom can also be helpful, as it can grip the floor better and make it more difficult for your dog to push over.

Odor control is also an important factor. With a trash can that traps odors inside, your dog is less likely to smell food remnants. And that alone can make them less likely to want to mess with the trash can in the first place.

A trash can with an odor filter is ideal, but you can always put odor-reducing trash bags inside if you choose one without built-in odor control.

Ready to find a pet-proof garbage can for your kitchen, bathroom or outdoor trash? Here are the 13 best trash cans for dog owners.

Related: The 9 Most Interactive Dog Toys [For Your Playful Pup]

Inside the Home

These indoor trash cans will prevent garbage casualties throughout the house while you are away.

iTouchless 13 Gallon Trash Can

iTouchless 13 Gallon Trash Can

With over 22,000 reviews and a 4.3 rating on Amazon, the iTouchless 13 Gallon Trash Can is Amazon’s #1 choice for the best dog proof trash can.

This stainless steel kitchen waste bin features a sleek, modern design. It even includes an AbsorbX carbon odor filter to neutralize all of those yucky smells.

This trash can includes a non-skid base and a touchless design that opens by waving your hand over the sensor. It’s fingerprint-proof and easy to wipe

down. And when it’s time to empty the bin, an air vent increases the airflow to allow for easy bag removal and easy clean-up.

Related: How to Start a Doggie Dental Routine 

iTouchless 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can

iTouchless 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can

With a butterfly lid that opens like wings, the iTouchless 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can is perfect for dog owners! Why? Because it includes a PetGuard lock so that your pets will never be able to get inside.

It’s also built with an AbsorbX activated charcoal odor filter to neutralize odors and keep your kitchen smelling as fresh as can be.

This trash can is completely touchless with a motion sensor that opens the lid. It also has a slim, rectangular design that makes it easy to tuck into small spaces.

Sterilite Locking Lid Kitchen Wastebasket

Sterilite Locking Lid Kitchen Wastebasket

The Sterilite Locking Lid Kitchen Wastebasket is ideal for pet owners and parents. And that’s because the locking lid prevents both pets and kids from getting into the trash. Even if the can is tipped over, the lid won’t budge.

This kitchen trash can is constructed with a durable polypropylene frame. It offers a 12.6-gallon capacity with a strong and sturdy foot pedal so that you never have to touch the lid with your hands.

Sterilite Dog Proof Trash Can

Sterilite Dog Proof Trash Can

Prefer a semi-round trash can that you can fit up against the wall? The Sterilite Dog Proof Trash Can features a locking lid with a convenient twist-lock knob.

That simple little knob makes it nearly impossible for pets to get inside. If your dog knocks it over, you can rest assured that your garbage will stay trapped inside.

Simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can

Simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can

With a slide lock and a strong pedal, the Simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can will keep your trash safe inside, even if your doggie tips it over.

The back is detailed with a bumper so the lid won’t bang against the wall, and the soft-close lid means you’ll never have to hear the lid slam or bang.

NINESTARS Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can

NINESTARS Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can

In a sleek silhouette with a stainless steel base and a silver finish, the NINESTARS Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can adds style and function to any kitchen. Large dogs may be able to tip it over, but smaller dogs won’t be able to open the lid, as it’s controlled by a motion sensor on top.

This garbage can also seals in odors – and that alone can prevent your dog from wanting to inspect what’s inside.

Simplehuman 6 Liter Plastic Round Step Can

Simplehuman 6 Liter Plastic Round Step Can

Need a dog-proof bathroom trash can or a small waste bin for your office? The Simplehuman 6 Liter Plastic Round Step Can is a great way to keep your dog out of your personal trash.

It doesn’t have all the features that larger kitchen trash cans do, but it does have a sturdy lid that will keep most puppies out.

Rubbermaid Commercial Silent Defenders Trash Can

Rubbermaid Commercial Silent Defenders Trash Can

The Rubbermaid Commercial Silent Defenders Trash Can is made from heavy steel with a shiny, powder-coated finish. Even though the lid doesn’t lock, the heavy-duty design of this commercial-grade trash can makes it quite difficult for most dogs to tip over.

This commercial-grade step trash can has a sturdy pedal for hands-free operation, a plastic liner, and a hinged lid. Large, heavy dogs may be able to open it by stepping on the pedal. But owners of small dogs will love it if they’re looking for a long-lasting trash can with an industrial design.

iTouchless Multifunction Sensor 4 Gallon Trash Can 

iTouchless Multifunction Sensor 4 Gallon Trash Can

A lot of the dog-proof trash cans on our list are on the larger side, meant for use in your kitchen. However, what if your dog has a habit of digging around in the trash can in your bathroom or bedroom? In those instances, you’ll want a bathroom trash can that’s on the smaller side but still sturdy enough to withstand your pup’s curiosity.

This Touchless Multifunction Sensor 4 Gallon Trash Can holds only four gallons, so it is a smaller size, but it still packs a big tech-savvy punch. It’s controlled via sensor rather than a step pedal, so even if your dog does manage to knock it over or paw around at the bottom, the lid won’t open under any circumstances. 

2.6 Gallon Butterfly Lid Bathroom Step Trash Can 

2.6 Gallon Butterfly Lid Bathroom Step Trash Can

If you need something even smaller, try this 2.6 gallon capacity variant from Simplehuman. The top of the small garbage bin only opens when you step on the small lever, and the exterior is sleek and smudge-resistant.

It’s also on the slender side, so it can slide into those small, out of the way spots in your bathroom.

Ubbi Steel Odor-Locking Trash Can

Ubbi Steel Odor-Locking Trash Can

Okay, yes, the Ubbi Steel Odor-Locking Trash Can is technically a diaper pail — but the design that’s intended to keep smelly diaper odors in also just so happens to be pretty excellent at keeping your dog out. 

The steel exterior stands up well to bumps, and the unique, childproof top locking mechanism designed to keep children’s curious hands at bay also proves problematic for any pup who’s become quite adept at getting into your typical trash can. 

iTouchless Soft Step Trash Can 

iTouchless Soft Step Trash Can

This iTouchless Soft Step Trash Can is also on the smaller side, holding just 2 gallons. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in style. The sleek, stainless steel design is only the start. Inside, a special filter neutralizes odors, and the fingerprint-proof material won’t hold onto stains or odors.

The silent close lid opens and closes softly (no more banging trash can lids) with a simple step that’s a little too small and slick for your dog to figure out. 

BINO Stainless Steel Rectangle Step Dog Proof Trash Can 

BINO Stainless Steel Rectangle Step Dog Proof Trash Can

Another compact, bathroom-ready trash can, the Bino Stainless Steel Rectangle Step Can is lightweight (at only two pounds), but comes with a few nice features.

A removable bin allows you to empty the trash or clean the inside of the receptacle without removing the entire bin from the bathroom. The lid is very tight, and it operates off a step that’s angled so that it’s a little more difficult for Fido to master. 

Umbra Venti Can

Umbra Venti Can

Okay, so this trash can doesn’t look like it would be very doggy proof, but it’s actually a really suitable pick for those with small dogs who like to use their weight to push a trash can over (though it may not stand up well to large dogs). 

Made for commercial use, the Umbra Venti Can is bottom-heavy and, at almost 6 pounds, difficult for dogs to push or topple. An interior bag ring adds extra security, as it keeps the plastic bag out of sight and reach. 

On top of all that, this 16.5-gallon trash can is great for pet owners who need to keep their pet out of the trash but who don’t prefer trash cans with step pedals (as so many pet-proof trash cans are designed). The swinging lid allows you to throw anything away with ease. 

GLAD GLD-74560 Stainless Steel Step Trash Can

GLAD kitchen step trash can

This GLAD kitchen step trash can (yes, from the same folks behind your favorite garbage bags) features a nice perk for those specifically worried about hygiene. A Clorox odor control and protection function offers antimicrobial protection and prevents bacteria growth. To top it all off, the trash can also features built-in storage for your trash bags; whenever you need to replace a bag, it’s as easy as reaching into the side of the can and grabbing a new one. 

Of course, the heavy size, durability, tight lid and step pedal feature all keep your pooch from nosing around where they don’t belong. 

Hefty Touch Lid 13.3 Gallon 

Hefty Touch Lid Trash Can

The Hefty Touch Lid Trash Can (yes, another trash bag brand) is nice because it can be used for both indoor and outdoor trash disposal.

A little more budget-friendly than some of the other options on our list, this trash can, rather than working via a foot pedal (which, if you have a particularly smart pup, they may be able to figure out), works via a touch lid on the top, which locks when not in use.

For the Recycling Family

These double duty trash cans contain a separate compartment for recycling without sacrificing their ability to keep dogs out.

iTouchless 16 Gallon Dual Step Trash Can

 iTouchless 16 Gallon Dual Step Trash Can

Need to prevent your dog from rummaging through your trash and recyclables? The iTouchless 16 Gallon Dual Step Trash Can features a two-compartment design to separate recycling from trash.

With color-coded interior buckets, this stainless steel trash can features an airtight lid to keep odors from escaping. Finger proof and smudge-resistant, this large capacity trash can has a sturdy design that’s built to last.

NINESTARS Touchless Trash Can/Recycler

NINESTARS Touchless Trash Can/Recycler

Don’t like to touch trash can lids? The NINESTARS Touchless Trash Can/Recycler features a hands-free design – but that’s just one reason to love it.

What makes it one of our favorites is that it includes two compartments to separate trash and recyclables. With a quiet closing lid in stainless steel, this trash can perfectly fit into any modern kitchen design.

Plus, a motion sensor lid seals in odor so your dog won’t be tempted to tip it over or climb inside!

Simplehuman 15.3 Gallon Step Can

Simplehuman 15.3 Gallon Step Can

We’ve featured several different Simplehuman options on our list of best dog-proof trash cans, and for good reason. The brand knows how to make a high-quality, durable trash can that’s going to withstand all of Fido’s bumping and knocking, pawing and whining. 

This Simplehuman 15.3 Gallon Step Can is great for the family that recycles, though, as it features dual bins side by side, one for regular trash and one for recycled goods. A sturdy pedal mechanism keeps the dog out, so there’s no nosing into the recyclables when you’re not looking, and the hands-free operation makes cooking (and just daily life) easy.

SONGMICS 16 Gallon Step Trash Can

SONGMICS 16 Gallon Step Trash Can

This 16-gallon, large-capacity step trash can also features double bins, one for recycling and one for your regular garbage. Just be warned — at more than 20 pounds, this trash can is certainly nothing small. If the size doesn’t deter your dog, the tight lid with its airtight seal will. 

One very nice feature that sets this dual compartment trash bin apart from some of the others? Instead of opening both sides of the can at once via a singular step pedal, there are two separate pedals, so you can only open the recycling or the regular trash side, whatever you happen to need at the moment. 

Behrens Locking Lid Can

Behren's locking lid stainless steel trash can

A lot of recycling families also compost, and a lot of composting families like to put their compost somewhere outside the home until it’s time to either take it to their local composting facility or add it to the home composter. But if you find your dog (or another critter) is making its way into your compost, you may need to look into Behren’s locking lid stainless steel trash can

The 10-gallon can isn’t very aesthetically pleasing, but it does the job. Made from steel, it’s resistant to heat and rust and, even if your dog were to drag this can out of the garage and roll it around the backyard, there’s no way they’re getting inside.

For Some Outdoor Protection

Your efforts to keep your dog out of your trash inside the home are wasted if your doggie just comes outside to get a garbage fix. So if you are really dedicated to dog-proofing your trash, make sure you think about what happens outside, especially if your dog has access to the outdoor cans.

Rubbermaid Animal Stopper Trash Can

Rubbermaid Animal Stopper Trash Can

Dogs spend time outdoors, as do plenty of other animals – and the Rubbermaid Animal Stopper Trash Can is designed to resist them all. This can is made from strong plastic and has heavy-duty handles, making it perfect for storing on a patio, in a garage or in the backyard.

The lid locks and secures with quick-release latches, making it easy for humans to get inside but virtually impossible for animals to break in.

Safco Canmeleon Pentagon Trash Can

Safco Canmeleon Pentagon Trash Can

With a top opening instead of a traditional lid, the Safco Canmeleon Pentagon Trash Can is a great way to deter your dog from nosing through the trash.

Perfect for outdoor use, this 30-gallon can is made from durable polyethylene material that makes it weather-resistant. It can also be weighted at the bottom with sand or paving bricks.

An open-top trash bin is perfect for the dog owner who doesn’t want to keep a large trash receptacle inside their home. Put this can outside your kitchen door, dispose of small bags of kitchen trash after every meal, and you never have to let garbage pile up in the kitchen.

Toter Bear Tough Residential Trash Can

Toter Bear Tough Residential Trash Can

The Toter Bear Tough Residential Trash Can is designed to keep out actual bears, so you can be sure your pup won’t stand a chance in getting through this fortress!

This outdoor trash can features a molded lid with steel U-bolt hinges, a durable rim and latch so your dog won’t be able to get in. It offers a 96-gallon capacity and is designed to resist the weight of even the largest bears. So your dog should be no match. It also includes wheels for easy dragging to and from the curb.

This outdoor can is a great choice for a large family who collects a lot of garbage every week. It’s also perfect for a family that has huge dogs and needs the most durable can available.

Other Solutions for Dog Owners

Tried just about every other solution on the market and still not finding a great way to keep your pup out of the trash? You may want to try one of these other solutions.

Doggy Dare Trash Can Lock 

Doggy Dare Trash Can Lock

Designed for large, 45-gallon outdoor trash cans, this trash can lock adds a little extra ‘oomph to your current trash can situation, keeping out dogs and other curious and possibly more dexterous critters as well. Made from nylon buckles and bungee straps, the lock slips over the top of your trash can and then locks in place across the handle. The small clip is easy enough to remove when you need to — so long as you have opposable thumbs. 

Trash Buddy Dog Proof Trash Can Lid

Trash Buddy Dog Proof Trash Can Lid

The Trash Buddy Dog Proof Trash Can Lid is a similar solution but with a little extra convenience. 

Install the strap with basic hardware you probably already have in your garage, tighten it up until it meets your needs and then let it do its job. The design even allows the trash to be emptied via your local garbage truck’s robotic lifter, without any need for you to remove the strap on trash day. 

This solution is great for keeping your pet out while still ensuring your local trash professionals can do their jobs. Just be aware, it may not keep out your wily neighborhood raccoon. 

Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray

Grannick's Bitter Apple Spray

You may have a solution to your dog-in-trash problem already in your cabinet. If you’ve used an anti-biting or anti-chewing spray like Grannick’s in the past to keep your pet from chewing up your furniture or other items, you may want to try the same spray on your trash can. Give the can a few sprays around the base, lid and sides and see if that’s enough to deter your pet from sniffing around where they’re not wanted. 

An Automatic Dog Feeder 

JemPet Automatic Pet Feeder

It could very well be the case that your dog is digging into the trash while you’re not watching simply because they’re hungry. If you’re finding that they only dig into the trash when you’re not there to feed them or when they have to wait an abnormally long amount of time between meals, it might be time to invest in an automatic dog feeder. 

We like the JemPet Automatic Pet Feeder (you can learn more about this feeder on our list of best pet cameras). This pet feeder not only dispenses your dog food as needed but also offers two-way audio, so you can talk to your pet while you’re not at home. It also features a high-def camera that captures 120-degree video of your pet.

Other Ways to Keep Your Dog Out of the Trash

Dog laying on the kitchen floor with crossed paws, looking at the camera

If you have a dog that loves to attack your trash can, it’s a great idea to have dog-proof trash cans in your kitchen and outside your home. But it’s even better to address the root cause of the issue.

Why is your dog obsessed with knocking over the trash in the first place?

There are a number of reasons why your dog might enjoy tipping over the trash, eating out of the trash, or playing with your kitchen garbage.

One reason might be because your pup is bored. Make sure your doggie has plenty of safe toys to play with and chew on. The more you can keep them occupied, especially when you’re not home, the better.

Your dog may be digging through the garbage because they’re hungry and tempted by the smell of food. If that’s the case, keeping your dog well-fed and on a proper feeding schedule can make a huge difference!

As a last resort, you may also want to move your trash can into a concealed area, such as in a cabinet door. Just keep in mind that if your dog has a knack for opening doors, you’ll also want to attach a childproof cabinet lock.

What Are the Best Dog Proof Trash Cans?

Allowing your dog to get into your trash can is a total pain to clean up. But it can actually be dangerous for your dog as well.

The sharp edges of cans, foil wrappers and the remnants of foods that aren’t safe for your dog to eat can all pose great dangers to your pet. So, for both you and your dog’s sake, make sure you have a pet-proof trash can in your kitchen!

Look for a heavy-duty wastebasket that your dog can’t topple over. Choose one with a locking lid. Look for one with a motion sensor opener or a heavy foot pedal that your dog can’t operate. Opt for one that controls odors so your dog isn’t tempted by the smell of food trash.

And remember this – the bigger your dog, the heavier and more durable you’ll need your trash can to be. Otherwise, cleaning trash off the kitchen floor could become a part of your daily routine.

You might also be interested in: 5 Ways to Tackle Pet Hair [That Will Change Your Life]

13 Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans

  1. iTouchless 13 Gallon Trash Can
  2. iTouchless 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can
  3. Sterilite Locking Lid Kitchen Wastebasket
  4. Sterilite Dog Proof Trash Can
  5. Simplehuman Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can 
  6. NINESTARS Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can
  7. Simplehuman 6 Liter Plastic Round Step Can
  8. Rubbermaid Commercial Silent Defenders Trash Can 
  9. Touchless Multifunction Sensor 4 Gallon Trash Can
  10. 2.6 Gallon Butterfly Lid Bathroom Trash Can
  11. Ubbi Steel Odor-Locking Trash Can
  12. iTouchless Soft Step Trash Can
  13. Bino Stainless Steel Rectangle Step Can
  14. Umbra Venti Can
  15. GLAD Kitchen Step Trash Can
  16. Hefty Touch Lid Trash Can
  17. iTouchless 16 Gallon Dual Step Trash Can
  18. NINESTARS Touchless Trash Can/Recycler
  19. Simplehuman 15.3 Gallon Step Can
  20. SONGMICS 16 Gallon Step Trash Can
  21. Behren’s Locking Lid Stainless Steel Trash Can
  22. Rubbermaid Animal Stopper Trash Can
  23. Safco Canmeleon Pentagon Trash Can
  24. Toter Bear Tough Residential Trash Can
  25. Doggy Dare Trash Can Lock
  26. Trash Buddy Dog Proof Trash Can Lid
  27. Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray
  28. JemPet Automatic Pet Feeder

Jessica Heston

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