Top 10 Best Garbage Cans For Dogs, Our Picks

Our pick: Tilt Out Trash Cabinet, Farmhouse Trash Can

After using the Halitaa Tilt Out Trash Cabinet for several weeks, I found it to be a practical and visually appealing addition to my kitchen setup. It effectively combines functionality with a farmhouse-inspired design that blends well with both traditional and modern interiors. The product delivers on its promise of odor control, discreet trash storage, and space optimization. While the installation was straightforward and the cabinet has remained sturdy through daily use, there is a small area for improvement regarding internal bin size compatibility.

Pros

• Effective odor control with built-in deodorizer

• Clean, space-saving design suitable for small areas

• Durable MDF construction with stable tilt-out mechanism

• Multi-purpose surface and extra storage functionality

Con

• Limited bin size flexibility

The Halitaa Tilt Out Trash Cabinet is a smart solution for households looking to keep their waste bins out of sight while maintaining a tidy and pleasant kitchen environment. With its thoughtful design and useful features, it offers excellent value for its price. Overall, it’s a reliable pick for both aesthetic and practical needs.

Also great: Outdoor Dog Poop Trash Can with Pooper Scooper

After testing this Outdoor Dog Poop Trash Can with Pooper Scooper for several weeks, it proved to be a thoughtful and highly functional solution for pet waste cleanup. The combination of a large-capacity shovel, a flexible rake, and a pedal-operated trash can makes daily cleanup far more efficient and hygienic. Designed with practicality in mind, the system supports hands-free operation and significantly reduces odor. While the set excels in outdoor functionality, users should be mindful of its storage space requirements.

Pros

• Large-capacity shovel reduces trips

• Long handle minimizes bending

• Odor-minimizing, weather-resistant trash can

• Hands-free foot pedal for sanitary disposal

Con

• Takes up more space than compact alternatives

This pooper scooper and trash can combo is ideal for dog owners seeking an easy, hygienic, and efficient way to manage pet waste outdoors. With durable construction and user-friendly features, it stands out as a reliable long-term solution for keeping your yard clean. Highly recommended for multi-dog households or anyone with a large outdoor area.

Also great: Large Dog Poop Trash Can Outside

I tested the Pupzle Large Outdoor Dog Poop Trash Can over the course of several weeks, and it delivered solid performance in both odor control and usability. Designed specifically for pet waste, this trash can stands up well to outdoor conditions while offering thoughtful features like a soft-close lid, integrated bag dispenser, and a removable inner bin. It’s an efficient, low-maintenance solution for dog owners who need a permanent outdoor disposal option. The overall build is sturdy, though the size may be a bit bulky for smaller patios or limited spaces.

Pros

• Excellent odor containment with sealed, soft-close lid

• Weather-resistant and rustproof construction

• Built-in bag dispenser for convenience

• Removable bin for easy cleanup

Con

• Larger footprint may not suit compact areas

The Pupzle outdoor trash can is a well-designed, pet-focused solution for maintaining a clean and odor-free yard. With its combination of durability, user-friendly features, and reliable odor control, it’s a smart investment for households with dogs, especially in multi-pet environments or larger yards.

Source: Amazon

Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and your trash can might seem like a treasure chest to them. There are a few key reasons why dogs are drawn to the garbage:

• Smells and leftover food: Even scraps or food wrappers can emit strong smells that attract your dog. What smells like trash to us can smell like a delicious treat to them.

• Boredom or anxiety: Dogs often rummage through the garbage when they're bored, under-stimulated, or dealing with separation anxiety. It becomes a form of entertainment or self-soothing.

• Hunger or poor diet: If your dog isn’t getting enough nutrition or is on a calorie-restricted diet, they might look to the trash for a snack.

• Instinctual behavior: Scavenging is part of a dog’s natural instincts. In the wild, dogs would hunt or scavenge for food—digging through your bin mimics that behavior.

Understanding the “why” behind the behavior can help you address it more effectively.

How to Animal-Proof a Garbage Can?

If your dog keeps raiding your trash, the solution starts with prevention. Here are practical ways to animal-proof your garbage can:

• Get a dog-proof trash can: Look for bins with locking lids, step pedals, or motion sensors. Stainless steel cans are also more resistant to tipping over or chewing.

• Use child locks: Simple child safety locks can work wonders, especially if you’re using a cabinet trash can.

• Keep the trash out of reach: Place the bin inside a pantry, cabinet, or behind a closed door where your dog can’t get to it.

• Add weight or use a bin enclosure: If tipping is the problem, placing a heavy object at the bottom of the bin or using a trash can enclosure can keep it upright and inaccessible.

• Odor control: Use odor-blocking trash bags or sprinkle baking soda inside the bin to minimize smells that might tempt your dog.

The goal is to make the trash can as uninteresting and inaccessible as possible.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Opening the Bin?

Beyond physically securing your trash can, it's important to work on training and behavior correction:

• Teach the “leave it” command: This command is useful for a variety of situations, including trash-related temptations. Reward your dog when they obey and ignore the bin.

• Catch the behavior early: If you see your dog approaching the bin, redirect their attention with a toy or treat. Reinforce positive behavior consistently.

• Use deterrent sprays: Pet-safe deterrent sprays with citrus or bitter apple scents can make the trash less appealing.

• Provide mental stimulation: Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and playtime. Puzzle toys and interactive feeders can help reduce boredom-driven scavenging.

• Avoid punishment: Instead of yelling or scolding, focus on redirection and positive reinforcement. Punishment can cause fear or worsen anxiety-related behaviors.

Training takes time, but consistency and patience pay off.

Why Has My Dog Started Eating Out of the Bin?

If this is a new behavior, there could be underlying causes:

• Recent diet changes: If you’ve recently switched dog food or reduced portion sizes, your dog might be hungrier than usual.

• Stress or change in environment: A move, a new pet, or even a change in your schedule can trigger stress or anxiety, leading your dog to act out.

• Medical issues: Conditions like diabetes, parasites, or nutrient deficiencies can increase appetite or cause pica (eating non-food items). It’s a good idea to consult your vet if this behavior starts suddenly.

• Reinforced behavior: If your dog was successful once and found something tasty in the trash, they may keep trying because it “worked.”

Observe your dog’s overall behavior, and don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice if anything seems off.

Finding the right garbage can to keep your dog out of the trash doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re looking for something with a locking lid, motion sensor, or just a heavy-duty design, there are plenty of great options to suit different needs and budgets. The key is choosing one that balances durability, convenience, and security—because a determined pup can be surprisingly crafty. With the right trash can, you’ll not only keep your dog safe from harmful leftovers but also save yourself a lot of cleanup. Happy dog-proofing!