Picture this, you come home from a long day at work and you just want to put your feet up and relax. Instead, you open the door to find a guilty-looking dog and a kitchen or bathroom littered with what used to be in your trash bin. Now not only is this a frustrating situation, but it can also be dangerous because you have to worry that maybe your dog ate something bad for them. Like many dog owners, your dog is like your child and you want them to be safe. Thankfully there are a few things pet parents can do to keep their dogs out of their trash cans. One of the easiest ways to keep your dog from going through the garbage is to buy a pet-proof trash can. Check out our sections below to skip ahead:
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There are quite a few trash cans on the market that claim to be pet-proof. We searched through a lot of trash cans to find the best ones. You might also be interested in our list of the best countertop trash cans. We'll start with our top 5 recommendations for dog-proof trash cans to keep your dog safe and out of the trash bin.
Our top 5 picks for the best dog-proof garbage cans
Whether you are looking for something to keep your small dog out of the trash or you want something with smart technology, we have something for you. Here's a quick list of our top recommendations for dog-proof trash cans.
- Best dog-proof trash can (Overall): Townew T02B Air Lite Smart Trash Can
- Best dog-proof kitchen compost bin: Lomi Countertop Compost Bin
- Best dog-proof bathroom trash can: JOYBOS Bathroom Trash Can
- Best small dog-proof trash can: Simplehuman 16-Gallon Kitchen Dog-Proof Step Trash Can
- Best smart dog-proof trash can: iTouchless 13-Gallon Sensor Trash Can
9 best dog-proof trash cans for the kitchen
As pet owners, we know that our pets (especially our dogs) love to get into kitchen trash cans. You don't want to spend your time away from home worrying about your dog rooting through the trash bags and getting last night's dinner all over your floor. That's why finding a trash bin that is dog-proof can make a world of difference. Dog-proof trash cans should be made of durable materials and don't tip over easily. Some of these even have a locking mechanism that prevents dogs from getting to your trash. Here are 9 of the best dog-proof trash cans we could find.
1. iTouchless 13-Gallon Sensor Trash Can
This stainless steel trash bin is designed specifically for keeping dogs out with its motion-sensor lid. It is a heavy-duty trash can that cannot easily be tipped and is tall enough that your pup can't access the lid. What's even better is that it has an optional lid lock that you can use when you aren't around to keep an eye on your dog.
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 substances.
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2. Townew T02B Air Lite Smart Trash Can
This tiny, but mighty little smart trash can has a few nifty automatic features. It has a motion sensor for the lid and you can automatically seal a full bag with the touch of a button. Once you remove the filled bag, a new one automatically replaces it. This trash can is battery-operated and rechargeable, with each charge lasting roughly 30 days.
One downside to this can is the size. Most kitchen trash cans are 2-3 times bigger than this little one, but we think the smart features make up for that.
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3. Lomi Countertop Compost Bin
We know what you're thinking, and yes this isn't technically a trash can, but it can do a lot to keep your dog out of the trash can. Even the most well-behaved pup has a hard time resisting the smell of stinky garbage. You can toss all your potentially smelly food scraps 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.
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4. Simplehuman 16-Gallon Kitchen Dog-Proof Step Trash Can
This heavy-duty trash can is perfect for keeping small dogs out of your garbage. Not only is it heavy and less likely to be tipped over by smaller dogs, but it also has a step pedal that helps keep nosey dogs out.
Like most of Simplehuman's dog-proof trash cans, this has a sleek design that will look great in your kitchen. It even has a silent-close lid so you won't get your pooch's attention when opening and closing your kitchen wastebasket.
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5. Sterilite Locking Lid Step On Kitchen Wastebasket Two Pack
This dog-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.
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6. UEV Wooden Tilt Out Trash Cabinet Free Standing Kitchen Trash Can Holder
Who says dog-proof trash cans can't be stylish? This cabinet combines style with security. It has a convenient tilting drawer that holds your trash can as well as a drawer on top for storing extra trash bags or whatever else you might need to tuck away.
This awesome trash can also doubles as more counter space and can hold a variety of different kitchen appliances. So not only does it do a great job of keeping the most determined dog out of the garbage, but it can be multi-functional.
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7. Hefty Touch-Lid Trash Can
This is another super affordable dog-proof trash can. It is made of durable plastic making it lightweight and easy to clean. Because it has a touch lid, the lid locks every time you use it. This is great for keeping dogs out but can be inconvenient to have to press it every time.
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8. Rubbermaid Dual Stream Trash Can
If your dog not only likes to get into the kitchen wastebasket but also the recycling bin, this dog-proof trash can is perfect for you. It has two chambers inside to separate your garbage from your recycling. It has a foot pedal lid for hiding away your waste from your dog and its tall, wide design makes it difficult for most dogs to tip over.
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9. 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 pests out.
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Best dog-proof bathroom trash cans
Finding a pet-proof trash can for this kitchen is one thing, but it can be even harder for pet lovers to find a small
10. Simplehuman Butterfly Lid Bathroom Step Trash Can
This trash can's design features unique split doors making it difficult for your pooch to pry open. The base is also non-skid to prevent dogs from pushing it around.
To open the lid, you have to step on the pedal. It doesn't have a lid lock, so some larger dogs could potentially step on the pedal and get into the trash can. Because of this, it is probably better for a home with small dogs.
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11. 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. 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 dogs to access, especially smaller dogs. If you have a large dog or a smart pooch, they might be able to figure out the lid.
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Top 7 tips to keep your dog out of the trash
Buying a dog-proof trash can is a great way to keep your pooch out of the trash can, but it might not work for the most determined dogs. Whether you can't afford to buy a new trash can or you want to find another solution, we've gathered some tips on ways you can keep your dog out of the trash can.
- Remove access to the trash can: One of the best ways to keep your dog out of the trash is to remove the temptation entirely. Try putting the trash can in a cabinet, in a room with a closed door.
- Compost your food waste: It is the food in your trash that attracts dogs to it. If there are no interesting smells or tastes in your trash can, your dog would lose interest. So try composting your food scraps. A countertop composting solution like Lomi makes this easy for you!
- Keep your dog busy: If you keep your dog distracted, they won't have any interest in messing with the trash. Find toys or a treat dispenser to occupy their focus. You could even try a KONG filled with a yummy treat (like peanut butter) to keep them busy for a few hours.
- Spend more time with your dog: Dogs might get into the trash can because they are bored or frustrated. Spend some time playing with them, take them for a walk, or play fetch. Not only will this keep them physically active, but it will make them too tired to mess with the trash can.
- Try dog trash deterrent: You can buy dog trash can deterrent spray to spray around the lip and sides of your trash can. These sprays are usually Bitter Apple or something equally displeasing to your pet.
- Empty the trash more often: Dogs are less likely to mess with your trash if there isn't much in it. Try emptying your trash can more often or consider recycling or composting to lessen your waste.
- Hire a certified trainer: Proper canine education can do wonders for keeping your dog out of the trash can. They can help teach your dog that the garbage is off-limits among any other behavioral issues you want to work on.
As dog owners, it can be frustrating to try and keep your dog out of the trash can. A dog-proof trash can is a step in the right direction, but sometimes it takes a little more effort to break this bad habit. One way to keep your dog out of the trash is by using an electric composter like Lomi. Users love how it quickly breaks down their food waste instead of sitting in the trash can tempting their dogs. Nobody said being a pet owner was easy, but these tips should make it a little less stressful.
Written by: Sarah Kendal