The 10 Best Garbage Can To Keep Mice Out

Our pick: United Solutions 32 Gallon Wheeled Outdoor Garbage Can

After using the United Solutions 32 Gallon Wheeled Outdoor Garbage Can for several weeks, I can confidently say it lives up to its promises. This is a solid, no-nonsense outdoor trash bin designed with function and durability in mind. Whether you need it for regular household waste, yard debris, or other utility storage, it performs well in various settings. It’s particularly useful in outdoor areas that experience frequent wind or uneven terrain.

Key Strengths:

• Securely Attached Lid

• Comfortable Heavy-Duty Handle

• Durable, Smooth-Rolling Wheels

• Weather and Impact Resistant Build

Minor Drawback:

• Lid Snap Lock Can Be Stiff Initially

The United Solutions 32 Gallon Wheeled Garbage Can is a practical and durable choice for anyone seeking a reliable outdoor waste solution. It’s not fancy, but it’s built to last and handles rough handling and harsh weather without issue. Overall, a dependable product for residential or light commercial use.

Also great: Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can

The Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can is a thoughtfully designed solution for busy households or workspaces that generate a significant amount of waste. After extended use, it’s clear this model strikes a strong balance between capacity, hygiene, and visual appeal. It’s ideal for kitchens or utility areas where high-volume trash disposal is a daily task.

Key Strengths:

• Holds 50% More Trash

• Dual Bag Compatibility for Trash & Recycling

• Hidden Liner Lock Design

• Quiet, Slow-Close Lid

Minor Drawback:

• Large Footprint for Smaller Spaces

With its 19-gallon capacity, clean design, and convenient features like hands-free operation and dual-bag setup, the Rubbermaid Premier Trash Can is a reliable and practical upgrade over standard models. It’s well-built and user-friendly, making it a great long-term addition to any high-traffic area.

Also great: SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can

The SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can is a well-designed option for smaller households or apartments, offering a clean aesthetic and practical features for everyday use. After testing it over several weeks in a kitchen setting, this 10.5-gallon can proved to be both functional and visually appealing. Its soft-close mechanism and space-saving design stand out in daily use.

Key Strengths:

• Silent Soft-Close Lid

• Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel

• Stay-Open Lid Feature

• Bag Retainer Ring for Extra Space

Minor Drawback:

• Smaller Capacity Than Standard Kitchen Cans

The SONGMICS Trash Can offers a premium experience in a compact form. It’s best suited for medium- to light-duty use, with thoughtful details like a stay-open lid and included custom-fit bags. For those who value quiet operation and modern design in a kitchen trash can, it’s a solid and stylish choice.

Source: Amazon

Mice are notorious chewers, capable of gnawing through wood, plastic, rubber, and even softer metals like aluminum. However, there are a few materials that are practically chew-proof. Steel wool, especially when combined with caulking, is one of the most effective barriers. Concrete, thick glass, and solid sheet metal (especially galvanized steel) also stand up well to a mouse’s teeth. If you’re sealing up holes or entry points, always opt for materials that mice physically cannot get through—these are your best bet for long-term protection.

How Do You Store Food So Mice Can't Get It?

To keep mice out of your food, you need more than just closed cabinets. Store dry goods like rice, pasta, cereal, and pet food in airtight containers made of glass or heavy-duty plastic. Thin plastic bags or cardboard boxes are no match for a mouse. Also, clean up food crumbs, especially in hidden spots like under appliances. Avoid leaving food out overnight—even fruit on a counter can attract rodents. If you're dealing with a serious infestation, consider storing less-used food items in a sealed bin with a tight lid or even inside the refrigerator.

How to Keep Mice Away from Garbage?

Garbage is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for mice. To deter them:

• Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids, preferably metal or hard plastic.

• Avoid using bags alone, especially outdoors—mice can easily tear into them.

• Clean your trash bins regularly to eliminate odors that attract pests.

• Take out the trash frequently, and never let garbage pile up inside the house.

• If possible, store garbage cans off the ground or in a secure, enclosed area like a shed or garage.

Adding a bit of peppermint oil or mothballs near your trash storage can also serve as a natural repellent, though these should be used with caution around pets and children.

How to Stop Mice from Coming In?

Prevention is the key to a mouse-free home. Here are the most effective ways to keep them out:

Seal all entry points: Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Inspect around pipes, vents, windows, and foundations, and seal gaps with steel wool, metal mesh, or expanding foam.

Keep your home clean: Crumbs, pet food, and garbage are all magnets for mice. A tidy home leaves them with no reason to stick around.

Eliminate nesting spots: Clear out clutter, especially in garages, attics, and basements. Store items in sealed containers rather than cardboard boxes.

Use repellents: Natural deterrents like peppermint oil or ultrasonic repellents may help when used with other methods.

Trim exterior foliage: Shrubs and tree limbs that touch your home can provide a highway for mice. Keep landscaping neatly trimmed to reduce their access points.

In the end, finding the best garbage can to keep mice out comes down to smart design and durable construction. Whether you’re dealing with outdoor pests or protecting your kitchen from unwanted visitors, a can with a tight-fitting lid, solid material, and secure locking mechanism makes all the difference. Don’t wait until you hear the scurry of tiny feet—invest in a rodent-proof trash can now, and keep your home clean and critter-free.