The Best Dog Proof Trash Cans in 2022
- The Best Dog Proof Trash Can
- 1. Simplehuman Semi-Round Dog Proof Trash Can
- 2. Simplehuman 8 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can
- 3. Songmics 16 Gallon Dog Proof Bin
- 4. Rubbermaid Dog Proof Trash Can
- 5. hOmeLabs Dog Proof Garbage Can
- 6. iTouchless Dog Proof Sensor Trash Can
- 7. Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can
- 8. Safco Dog Proof Trash Can
- 9. Ubbi Dog Proof Bin
- 10. Ninestars Motion Sensor Trash Can
Some dogs simply love digging through the trash, and while this may be an enjoyable pastime for your pooch, it isn’t particularly pleasant to come home to find rubbish all over your kitchen! Not only is this annoying, but it could be dangerous to your dog as they consume things that they shouldn’t. One of the best ways of preventing this is by investing in a dog-proof trash can that is tightly sealed. If you are on the lookout for one now, this blog post gives you an overview of some of the best products currently on the market.
The Best Dog Proof Trash Can
1. Simplehuman Semi-Round Dog Proof Trash Can
Key Features
Lockable lid to keep it secure
Strong steel pedal
Large capacity
Made of extra-durable plastic
First up on the list, we have this trash can which comes with a lockable lid to ensure that pets cannot break their way inside. The large capacity means that you don’t have to empty it out as often, even in busier households. As for the shape, it is semi-round to ensure that you can squeeze it into tight spaces, and you are not going to end up tripping over it.
Ergonomically designed, one of its clever features is a wall bumper to prevent the top from hitting the wall with too much force. When you release the foot pedal, the lid is designed to drift smoothly down rather than clanging. You can even get special trash bags, which fit inside comfortably.
2. Simplehuman 8 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can
Key Features
Slim shape
Butterfly lid opens in the center
10-year warranty
Custom fit liners can fit inside perfectly
Strong, wide pedal withstands thousands of uses
This highly rated stainless steel garbage can features an innovating butterfly lid technology, meaning that it opens from the center to fit under low countertops and take up less space in your kitchen. This also helps to ensure that your determined pet is less likely to get inside. Also, it has an internal hinge, allowing you to push it right up to the wall.
The steel pedal is both strong and wide, engineered to withstand 150,000 steps, so it should last for years and years. If you need the lid to stay open, the design makes it possible, but you can secure it nice and tight if your pooch comes along. And when it closes, it is designed to do so gently, avoiding any loud banging noises that can startle everyone in the house – your dog included!
3. Songmics 16 Gallon Dog Proof Bin
Key Features
Stylish and sleek design
Durable build
Slow and silent closing mechanism
Designed to fit into tight spaces
Separate compartments for trash and recycling
The innovative double design of this trash can allows you to store both regular rubbish and recycling inside. Both lids can be operated separately using the pedals, ensuring that your dog is unable to get at either and you don’t have to use your hands. But even if you do decide to move it, the anti-fingerprint and anti-stain design ensures that it keeps its stylish appearance.
When the bin is closed, it is air-tight to stop any odors from escaping. You can remove either of the plastic buckets when you need to empty them out. And when you do want to close the lid again, the quiet technology stops any loud crashing noises from becoming an issue.
4. Rubbermaid Dog Proof Trash Can
If you are looking for a commercial-standard trash can, this is a great option. First of all, it is OSHA compliant, and features a galvanized steel liner which is designed for storing infectious waste inside safely.
As you would expect, there is a foot pedal which allows you to operate the bin without using your hands. At 24-gallons, the capacity is large, and it is finished in red to make the trash can highly visible.
5. hOmeLabs Dog Proof Garbage Can
Key Features
Infrared opening technology
90-degree swivel ball allows you to choose from what angle you open the can
Special trash bag retainer ring
Range of power options
Power saving feature
A trash can that is designed to take all the hassle out of putting rubbish in the bin, this one uses infrared technology to open the lid when it detects movement within six inches. You also have the option of using it on manual mode if you prefer. Its slim design ensures that you can squeeze it into tight spaces, while its stainless-steel finish looks good in all kitchens.
Another smart feature of this trash can is the retainer ring which holds the garbage bag firmly in place. This helps you to remove the bag when it needs replacing. In case any trash does get inside, the smooth interior allows you to wipe it down with minimal fuss.
6. iTouchless Dog Proof Sensor Trash Can
Key Features
Sensor technology allows you to operate the trash can hands-free
Advanced odor-control system
Two power options
Space-saving design
This pet-proof trash can has a locking feature that keeps pets out of the trash whether or not you are at home. The touchless design means that it is both hygienic and convenient for all those times you need to use it during the day. You can use the special odor-resistant trash bags to stop smells from seeping out of it.
You have a choice of power options depending on your preference. And the modern stainless-steel design of this dog proof kitchen bin looks great with all sorts of kitchen designs.
7. Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can
Key Features
Soft-close lid
Convenient rear bag compartment
Odor protected design
Fingerprint resistant stainless-steel
This classic step-on animal proof trash can features a rear bag compartment for you to put your spare trash bags, taking away the effort of you having to seek them out. It features bag rings to keep the trash bag in place and stops it from slipping down, which can be a very irritating problem.
When you release the foot pedal, the lid drifts down slowly to take away any loud banging noises. As for the stainless-steel design, it is fingerprint resistant for the times when you need to pick up the bin.
8. Safco Dog Proof Trash Can
Key Features
Made of high-density polyethylene
30-gallon capacity
Can be fastened to the ground or weighted down
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage, this animal proof garbage can features a five-sided design. Suitable for a busy space with a lot of footfall, the open top makes it easy to dispose of trash. If you are worried about your dog being able to knock it over, you can put in any number of anchoring or weighting devices to keep it strong and stable.
9. Ubbi Dog Proof Bin
Key Features
Sliding lid minimizes air disruption
Child-safety lock
Slow-closing lid
Steel material keeps odors locked inside
If you are looking for a pet proof trash can to throw away diapers, this one holds up to 55, meaning you don’t have to make so many trips to the outside trash. Since it is made of steel, it keeps the odors locked in place. This is a simple design, but one that has proven to be effective. It is hermetically sealed and there is a childproof lock, which we can also assume is effective in stopping pets from getting in. A vast array of colors are available, so you can choose the one that best suits your home environment.
10. Ninestars Motion Sensor Trash Can
Last on our list is another stainless-steel trash can. It opens using an infrared system, which means any curious pets are going to find it tough to break inside! There are two separate compartments, allowing you to easily separate out your recyclables and non-recyclables, which is much better for the environment. Featuring a removable ring liner, trash bags will be held firmly in place, which prevents that irritating problem when they slip down inside the dog proof bin.
Best Dog Proof Trash Cans Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Look for When Buying Dog Proof Garbage Can
If you are still not sure about which is the right animal proof garbage can, there are a few features to look out for. Here are a few of the main ones to add to your checklist.
- Materials
The trash can needs to be strong enough to prevent your dog from breaking into it – especially if you have a larger pooch. Many dogs have strong jaws and digging claws. Couple this with a determination to break into your trash and you need to ensure that the can is up to the challenge. As well as looking at the main material of the can, you also need to look at the materials of the hinges and lid. Stainless steel is a popular choice as it fits in with many kitchen decors, and it is also strong and stable enough to withstand the attentions of an overeager pet.
- Dog Proof Features
If your dog does manage to knock over the trash can, you need to ensure that the lid stays on to prevent rubbish going everywhere. Some trash cans have lids that can be knocked off easily, and these may not be the best choice. The most standard dog proof kitchen trash can design it one which has a foot pedal. If you are looking for something altogether more advanced, you can also get one with an infrared sensor that only opens when movement is detected nearby. You also have those which feature a simple lock to stop your dog from getting in.
- Size
The size of the can could also play a role in your decision making. Generally, larger cans are sturdier and more likely to stay standing against the attentions of your dog. Also, they are more likely to be usable outside too. However, you need to ensure that you select one which fits inside the room comfortably as well.
- Odor/Bacteria Control
If you get a trash can that keeps odors locked inside, this makes it less likely that your pet is going to be attracted to the contents. It also makes for a more pleasant living environment in your kitchen - one that is free of unpleasant smells.
Check out our detailed reviews of Pet Odor Neutralizer and Dog Poop Bags.
Why Use a Dog Proof Trash Can
There are plenty of benefits involved in getting a dog proof trash can. Check out a few of the advantages to see how one could improve your household.
- Better Hygiene
If your dog gets into your trash, they are likely to get covered in bacteria-coated items. Not only will this end up on your dog’s coat, but they will traipse it around your home, which is not hygienic. A dog proof trash can puts a stop to this problem.
- Protect Your Dog
There are all sorts of things in your trash that you don’t want your dog to get their paws on. First, you have all the potential choking hazards such as plastic containers, bones, and anything else that your dog cannot digest. Even if your dog doesn’t choke on them, they can still clog up their insides. Your trash could also contain food waste that is poisonous to dogs such as onions, garlic, or chocolate. Plus, there are the potentially hazardous cleaning products such as detergents and chemical cleaning products. Finally, there may be sharp objects lying in wait for your dog to cut themselves. These include tin lids, broken glass, or wooden sticks. And if you have young kids in the house, it is also not safe if trash has been spread all over the floor.
- Prevents Bad Behavior
Going through the trash is just one example of a bad behavior trait that your dog can demonstrate. While proper training is one way of preventing this habit, if you can stop it at the source with a dog proof kitchen garbage can, this ensures that it is impossible for your pooch to demonstrate this behavior in the first place, and also teaches them that the only source of food is going to come from you.
- Keep Your Home Clean
One of the most obvious advantages in getting a dog proof trash can is that it keeps all your rubbish where it is supposed to be rather than all over your floor! This saves you a lot of time and effort in the clean up operation that you would otherwise have to go through when trash is all over the floor. Some of the dog proof garbage cans listed above also feature clever features like separate compartments for the trash and the recycling, which ensures that you can put all your rubbish in a single place rather than leaving it lying around, which may encourage your dog to eat it.
Head over to our reviews of Indoor Dog Potty and Dyson Pet Vacuum for more options.
Our Top Pick
Returning to our best choice on the list, we have this 50-liter trash can with a lockable lid to prevent pets from getting inside and knocking trash all over your kitchen. Its semi-round shape has been cleverly thought about to ensure that you have maximum space. But the capacity is still large enough for a busy household.
As for the lid, there is a bumper to stop it from banging up against the wall. And it also closes slowly to prevent any loud clanging noises. With all of these features, we think it is the best dog proof trash can out there.
FAQ
Q: Why is My Dog Going Through the Trash?
There are several main factors that could be encouraging your pooch to root around in the garbage. The most obvious is that they are hungry and looking for food. Even if you feel like you already give your dog a nutritious diet, they still not feel full enough. Bear in mind that your dog’s food requirements grow as they get bigger. If you notice that your dog digs through the trash at certain times of the day such as just before you get home every evening, it could be that there is too long a gap between your dog’s meals. If you don’t get in from work until late, you could try using an automated feeding system. But even if you feed your dog enough, some canines are just hungrier than others, and this is a problem which is harder to address directly, which is why a dog proof trash can is useful in stopping them from eating too much.
Another reason why your dog may be going through the trash is that they smell something that they can’t resist. Maybe you had a particularly enticing-smelling meal the night before. To keep the smell from driving them crazy, you could try bagging the food twice or three times. Or you could just empty the trash to the outside bin on a more frequent basis.
It could be that feelings of boredom, frustration or anxiety are causing your dog to engage in destructive behavior like digging through the trash. In more serious situations, your pooch may be suffering from separation anxiety. If you can address the root cause of the problem, you put yourself in the best situation to deal with it effectively. To start off with, you could invest in some brain-stimulating toys to play with while you are out of the house. You should also ensure that your dog is properly stimulated while you are at home – both mentally and physically. If you can get someone to come in during the day to walk your dog or simply spend some time with them, this can help out significantly.
Q: Can I Dog-Proof My Current Garbage Can?
If you are looking for a temporary solution, you could try dog proofing your existing trash can. One way of doing this is by spraying it with something unpleasant like bitter apple or something else unpleasant smelling to dogs. You can either make one of these on your own or buy one that is already made. Alternatively, you could invest in some sort of small locking device that you affix to the lid to stop Fido from getting in.
Q: What is the Best Place to Put the Pet-Proof Trash Can?
Even though you have invested in a pet-proof trash can, it is still worth putting it in the right place in your home. Ideally, it will be somewhere that is less easily accessible to your dog. You could put it in a pantry that is behind a closing door or you could position it behind some furniture. Some of the products that we have discussed above feature clever space-saving designs to ensure that you can squeeze them into tighter spots.