9 Best Animal Proof Trash Cans to Keep Pesky Critters Out

It can be extremely frustrating to wake up to trash all over your yard because of hungry wildlife. You can try putting your trash can on the porch or bungee the lid down, but that might not keep out the most persistent animals. Thankfully there are plenty of trash cans for keeping dogs, bears, and even raccoons out of your trash cans. We've found the best animal proof garbage cans for indoor and outdoor use to help keep your trash where it belongs. You can jump ahead if you're looking for a specific type of trash can.

Let's start with our favorite picks for animal proof garbage cans whether you're on a budget or looking for something specific. If you need a bear proof food recycling bin, we have an article on some great ones!

 

Our top 5 picks for the best animal proof garbage bins

Whether you're looking for a trash can to keep your dog out of the trash can or you're dealing with a bear getting into your outdoor bins, we have an animal proof garbage can for you. Here's a quick list of favorite animal proof garbage cans.

1. Best small indoor trash can: JOYBOS Bathroom Trash Can
2. Best animal proof food recycling bin: Lomi Food Recycler
3. Best large indoor trash can: iTouchless 13-Gallon Sensor Trash Can
4. Best budget trash can: Sterilite Locking Lid Step On Kitchen Wastebasket Two Pack
5. Best outdoor trash can: Varmint Vault

 

 

 

4 best animal proof indoor trash cans to keep pests and pets out

You might need an indoor animal proof garbage can if your fur babies like getting a late-night snack from the trash. A lot of these trash cans also have ways of preventing odors that will attract other pests like fruit flies. If trash can odors are a problem for you, check out our article on why trash smells bad and tips to fix it.

1. iTouchless 13-Gallon Sensor Trash Can

This stainless steel trash bin is designed specifically for keeping animals out with its motion-sensor lid. It's tall enough that your pets can't reach the lid and it's sturdy enough to not be tipped easily. It even has an optional lid lock that you can use when you aren't around to keep an eye on your pets.

Another bonus is that this trash can has a filter that absorbs odors. You do have to change out the batteries from time to time and due to the location of the battery compartment, you run the risk of touching some gross trash.

What we like	What we don’t like
Tall Fingerprint proof Lid lock feature Motion sensor Odor absorbing filter	Changing batteries can be gross Pricier than other trash cans Requires batteries or needs to be plugged in

2. Lomi Food Recycler

So this technically isn't a trash can, but it can do a lot to keep your pets and other pests away from the trash can. Even the most well-behaved pup has a hard time resisting the smell of stinky garbage. You can toss your organic kitchen waste into Lomi so they won't tempt your pup to nose around in the trash can. You can even throw small, soft bones into your Lomi cycle to create nutrient-rich dirt for your plants.

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy to use and clean Odorless and mess-free Keeps tempting waste out of the trash can Creates nutrient-rich dirt for your plants	Might be too small for larger families Can't be used for all garbage (only certain kitchen or yard scraps)

 

3. JOYBOS Bathroom Trash Can

This little can is a great option if you are looking for a small trash can to go in your bathroom or kitchen. It has a narrow design that fits perfectly into tight spaces. This trash can's lid is located on the top, making it a bit more challenging for pets to access. If you have a large dog or a smart critter, they might be able to figure out the lid.

What we like	What we don’t like
Sleek design hides trash liners Fits in tight places Holds a fair amount of waste	Lack of size and color options Can be knocked over by larger animals Smarter animals may be able to figure out the lid

4. Sterilite Locking Lid Step On Kitchen Wastebasket Two Pack

This animal proof trash can is great if you are looking for something for keeping dogs out of the kitchen wastebasket on a budget. It comes in a two-pack so you can put one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom if you wanted.

One of our favorite things about this trash can is that it has a lid lock so you can feel comfortable leaving your dog home alone and not coming home to garbage all over the house. Even if your pup knocks the can over, everything will still stay inside.

What we like	What we don’t like
Locking lid Budget-friendly Hands-free	Not as durable as metal trash cans Dogs could use the step pedal to access trash

Top 5 animal proof outdoor trash cans

Now if you are looking for an outdoor trash can to keep bears and other animals out, we have the animal proof trash cans you are looking for.

5. Keter Rockford Resin Trash Can

While this is technically not an indoor trash can, you could use it in your kitchen if you wanted to. Its durable material and sliding bottom tray for catching liquid makes it super easy and fast to clean. It can also hold a lot of trash and has a locking lid to keep pets and other animals out.

What we like	What we don’t like
Locking lid Weather resistant Tray to catch liquids Double lid hides liner	Bulky for indoor use The liner can be difficult to remove

6. Behrens Galvanized Steel Trash Can

Plastic garbage cans can take on the smell of your garbage over time, attracting pests. What's worse is that animals like squirrels and other rodents can chew through plastic garbage cans. This steel garbage can is the perfect solution for persistent pests. And because it is made of metal, it can't be chewed through, making it virtually rodent proof.

What we like	What we don’t like
Made of sustainable materials Rodent proof Built to last	No lid lock Users complain it easily dents Light weight- can be easily tipped

7. United Solutions 32 Gallon Wheeled Outdoor Garbage Can

This rugged outdoor trash can has a snap lock lid to keep trash in and animals out. It has heavy-duty handles that make it easy to wheel around whenever you need to bring it out to the curb. For the price, you get 2 trash cans to take care of all of your waste needs.

What we like	What we don’t like
Lightweight Snap locking lid Wheels for easy transporting to curb	Plastic is flimsy Not bear proof

8. 64 Gal. Black Bear-Tight Wheeled Trash Can

If you have larger wildlife like bears trying to get at your trash, you want this heavy-duty trash can. This garbage can has a steel-reinforced rim and latch, and a double-walled lid. It's a bit heavier than most trash cans and comes with a higher price tag, but it will definitely keep the hungriest critters out of your trash.

What we like	What we don’t like
Certified bear proof by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Holds up to 5 tall kitchen trash bags Double walled lid	Pricey The latch hole allows for leaks Not odor proof

9. Varmint Vault

The Varmint Vault lives up to its name with a rodent rim, specifically designed to make this garbage bin rodent proof. Its unique locking mechanism prevents critters from opening it and making a mess of your trash. The lock keeps wildlife out but is simple enough for you and the trash collector to open when needed. Users also say that it is bear proof and keeps even the hungriest of bears out.

What we like	What we don’t like
Automated latching mechanism Heavy duty Double walled	Expensive Not many reliable reviews

While it can be extremely frustrating to deal with these pesky critters getting into your trash, it doesn't have to give you a headache. Investing in a good animal proof garbage can is a great way to keep wildlife and neighborhood dogs out of your trash and recycling. If you need animal-proof food recycling bins, we have a great article that you can check out!

One way to keep animals out of the trash is by using a food recycler like Lomi. Users love how it keeps odors out of the trash can, keeping pests and animals out of the garbage. Hopefully, these bins will help keep your yard trash free.

 

Written by: Sarah Kendal