

What You Should Know About Outdoor Garbage Cans Animal ResistanceĪs silly as it looked, we tried to test how animal resistant each trash can was by wrapping our hands up. The next test was to gauge how the amount of effort it took to lift each model, this is important if you have to empty your trash into a dumpster. We noted how easy it was to place the bags in. In total the entire load tipped the scales at 70 pounds. We also placed metal weights on the bottom of each trash barrel. We created our own trash loads consisting of wet sand placed in ziplock bags, crumpled up printer paper, ripped up cardboard, and bolts of cloth into three kitchen trash bags. Third, on our list was the ease-of-use testing. We then asked volunteers to give the area a whiff. We placed smashed 20 beads from inside an air freshener inside selected cans then placed them in an isolated area. The animal resistance test involved binding my hands in duct tape and then attempting to open the trash cans by any means, including knocking them over and belly flopping on them. The tipping test involved swinging a weight at both the top and bottom of the trash can and also a few good elbow strikes. Security testing included checking how well each model resisted tipping over, how animal resistant they were, and how well they held in odors. We used a mixture of wet sand, cardboard, paper, and metal weights to simulate garbage. Finally, the Brute's squat design makes it tougher but a low center of gravity makes it harder to pick up.įor trash barrels that sit in one spot or if you need a large container for storage, our tests show the Rubbermaid Brute is the way to go. The bottom may be durable but it's a pain to drag about. While the lid may be tough, it's not attached so it can still be lost. However, it's not as convenient as the Toter. If you don't use bags, there are handles on the side and bottom to help empty the Brute.Īmongst all the models we tested, the Brute is the only non-wheeled model that we'd trust to drag to the curb season after season and to weather every condition. Its interior has special grooves carved into the side to aide in the removal of garbage bags.
#Best smart trash can cracked#
Indeed, we assaulted the Brute with boots and mallets, dragged it cracked asphalt, and even threw it off our loading dock but nothing we did could end this garbage can's reign.Īs much as we like its durability, we found that this model has other virtues. Even the lid has a ribbed interior to prevent it from getting crushed. Rubbermaid constructed this model out of commercial-grade plastic to resist cracking, warping, and even degrading from the sun. We think the name Brute fits this squat and durable trash barrel perfectly. It's more expensive than most models but you get quality in return. However, a single bungee cord can turn this garbage can into a critter-proof fortress–all you need to do is to hook the cord onto the handle on the back and stretch it to the one on the front.Īfter taking into account its ergonomic design and rugged construction, we think the Toter Blackstone is going to suit most households. The swinging lid makes it easier to open with one hand and we noted that since it's attached you'll never lose it. The Blackstone does not come with a method to secure its lid. This design choice lent itself to stability, absorbing normal bumps and shocks without tipping.Īside from tipping over, the next biggest headache comes from animals getting into your trash. When loaded with trash, we also noticed that the entire barrel lists forward. During testing, we found that the taller and funnel-like profile increased the odds that the trash bags we dumped were secure. When you first see the Toter, you'll notice that it towers over other garbage cans, measuring in at 37.5 inches tall. It beat the competition by being versatile, flexible, and mobile. The Toter Blackstone won our best overall award.

After tallying up the results, the Toter Blackstone ( available at Amazon) proved itself resilient, easy to use, and easy to secure, allowing it to claim the top spot.

We spent several weeks prodding, stuffing, and dropping from the second floor some of the top-selling 32-gallon trash cans to find which ones are worth your money. The headache comes in shopping for a new one because the hardware store won’t let you bring your own varmint to see the toughness of each model. After an incident like that, your garbage can is the worst thing ever invented. That’s until a raccoon or a rat decides your outdoor garbage receptacle is an all-you-can-eat buffet by getting in your bin and tearing the trash bag to shreds. You’ve probably never thought about your trash can much.
