A common challenge that many dog owners face is keeping dogs out of the trash, especially when it comes to kitchen trash cans and all the various smells they emit. One way to prevent dogs from digging through trash is to use a durable trash can that is difficult for them to pry open.

Many different kinds of trash cans use various materials and lid-locking mechanisms. We have laid out several options that may work well with preventing your dog from getting to the trash. Here are our reviews of some of the most popular dog-proof trash cans.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

The 10 Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans

1. Townew T02B Air Lite Smart Trash Can – Best Overall

The Townew T02B Air Lite Smart Trash Can is an extremely convenient option that has a couple of automatic features. The lid is motion-activated, so it opens without contact. Once the bag becomes full, you just press a button and the bag automatically seals up. After you remove the filled bag, a new one will replace it.

Everything is battery-operated, and the battery is rechargeable and lasts about 30 days fully charged. This trash can has a relatively efficient and secure system, and the opening is located in the center of the top of the can. So, it’s difficult for dogs to get to the trash bag.

Overall, the Townew T02B Air Lite Smart Trash Can is an extremely convenient trash can to add to your home. We do wish that we could see a larger model. This can is a bit pricey compared to other trash cans. However, with all the smart features, we believe the price is worth it and it’s the best overall dog-proof trash can.

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2. Sterilite Locking Lid Step On Kitchen Wastebasket – Best Value

If you’re looking for an affordable option, the Sterilite Locking Lid Step On Kitchen Wastebasket is the best dog-proof trash can for the money you pay. It can store up to 12.6 gallons and it has a D-shaped design with a flat back that lines up well against a wall.

One of the best features of this trash can is the built-in lid lock. So, if you’re leaving your dog unsupervised, you can turn the lock to keep the trash securely inside, even if the trash can gets tossed around.

This trash bin also has a step-on pedal so that you don’t have to use your hands to dispose of your trash. However, it’s possible for your dog to also step on this pedal and open the lid if the lock isn’t being used.

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3. U-Eway Wooden Tilt Out Trash Cabinet – Premium Choice

If you have a particularly determined dog, you might want to consider using a trash bin disguised as a wooden cabinet. The U-Eway Wooden Tilt Out Trash Cabinet provides a secure and stylish way to store your trash can. It comes with a tilting drawer that contains a trash bin, and it also has a top drawer where you can store trash bags or miscellaneous items.

The tabletop is sturdy enough to support kitchen appliances, including microwaves, blenders, and coffee machines.

Best of all, it’s pretty difficult for dogs to get to the trash bin inside. So, although this trash cabinet is a more expensive option, its clever and multi-functional design is well worth the price.

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4. iTouchless Pet-Proof Sensor Trash Can – Best for Puppies

The iTouchless Pet-Proof Sensor Trash Can is a great option for curious puppies because it’s specifically designed to keep pets out. The body is pretty heavy, so it’ll be difficult for puppies to knock over. It also has a taller build so that they can’t access the lid. As an added safeguard, the lid has a lock on it, so you can use the lock whenever you can’t supervise your puppy.

This trash can also has a filter that absorbs odors. It has a motion-activated lid, so you don’t have to worry about contaminating your hands when throwing out your trash. However, the battery compartment rests well below the lid, so trash and residue can hit it. This means it can get dirty and gross when you have to change out the batteries.

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5. Simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can

The Simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can uses durable dent-proof plastic that can withstand a dog’s pawing and scratching. The manufacturer is so confident of the material that every trash can comes with a 5-year warranty.

This trash can has a step-on lid to conveniently throw away your trash, and the lid also has a lock on it to prevent dogs from getting to the trash.

Similar to the Sterilite Locking Lid Step On Kitchen Wastebasket, It’s important to manually slide the lock in place. If you forget, your dog can easily get to the trash. This trash can has a relatively narrow, space-saving design. So it can slide in between cabinets, making it more challenging for dogs to access.

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6. JOYBOS Bathroom Trash Can

If you’re looking for a small wastebasket for a small space, the JOYBOS Bathroom Trash Can is a considerable option. It has a narrow design so it can fit in tight spaces. It also has a one-touch lid that pops open easily.

The lid is located on the top of the trash can, so it’s more challenging for dogs to access. Since this trash can is designed for small spaces, it’s great for homes with small dog breeds. However, it might be easier for large dog breeds to knock over and open.

This trash can has a clean design that completely hides any view of a trash liner. Therefore, it’s one of the more stylish options for dog-proof trash cans.

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7. Hefty Touch-Lid Trash Can

This trash can is another affordable option. It’s made with durable plastic that can take rough interactions with dogs, and it’s supposed to last for several years. The material is lightweight and easy to clean. The trash can also has an extra-wide lid so that all sizes of trash easily fit inside.

The lid locks every time you use it, so the trash will securely stay inside. However, it can be inconvenient to open the lid because you have to manually press it every time. Nevertheless, the design traps odors to keep the surroundings smelling fresh and odor-free.

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8. simplehuman Butterfly Lid Bathroom Step Trash Can

This trash can has a unique set of split doors that makes it difficult for dogs to pry open. It also has a non-skid base that prevents dogs from sliding it around.

The lid opens with a step-on pedal and the trash can doesn’t have a lock, so heavier dogs could technically use the pedal to get to the trash. With this in mind, this trash can is better suited for homes with smaller dog breeds.

It has an overall thoughtful design. It has internal hinges, so you can line it right along a wall without affecting how the lid opens. There’s a removable inner bucket to catch spills, and it’s easy to clean. You can also opt to purchase custom-fit liners so that you don’t have to worry about the liners sliding off.

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9. Behrens Rust-Proof Steel Locking Lid Trash Can

If you’re looking to place a trash can outside, the Behrens Rust-Proof Steel Locking Lid Trash Can is a great option. It’s made with rust-proof steel that can withstand different weather conditions.

The trash can also has a lid that locks in place. Along with being dog-proof, it’s also rodent-proof. So, it’s extremely difficult for anything to get inside once the lid’s set into place. It has large handles, so it’s easy to transport it from place to place.

One improvement we’d wish to see is a change in the shape of the trash can. It currently has a very round design, so it can take up a lot of unnecessary space. It’s not the most ideal design for small spaces.

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10. Keter Rockford Resin Trash Can

The Keter Rockford Resin Trash Can is another trash can for outdoor use. It has a durable resin exterior that’s weather-resistant and doesn’t rust, peel, or dent easily. There’s a sliding tray on the bottom that catches liquids. This tray makes cleaning up really fast and simple.

The trash can also has a double lid that hides the liner, so it has an overall clean appearance. You could technically use this trash can for indoor use, but it looks very bulky indoors, especially in smaller spaces.

This trash can performs pretty well in terms of keeping dogs out of the trash. The lid has a lock on it, so all the contents stay inside even if the entire trash can gets knocked over. The liner also stays securely in place. In fact, it might be a little too secure because many users have noted that it’s difficult to remove the liner without tearing it.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans

There are several key features that you want to keep in mind when shopping for a new trash can. Factors such as your dog’s size and the trash can’s main material can affect how well it can stand up against your dog. Here are some things to consider.

Material

Most trash cans are made of plastic or stainless steel, and both have their own set of pros and cons.

Both plastic and stainless steel can last a long time. When you’re shopping for plastic trash cans, just take extra care to ensure that the label indicates that it’s durable plastic.

Plastic trash cans are also more lightweight, so they tend to be easier to transport and clean. However, the trade-off is that they’re easy for dogs to knock over. So if you want to use a plastic trash can, make sure it has a lid lock to securely keep all the contents inside.

Stainless steel trash cans tend to be more expensive than plastic ones. However, they have a sleeker, more luxurious appearance, and they tend to last longer. Many stainless steel trash cans also have a non-slip bottom, and since they’re heavier than plastic, they’re more difficult for dogs to knock over.

Type of Lid

Trash cans have different kinds of lids. Some are flat tops that can be challenging for dogs to pry open. Other lids are motion-activated. If this is the case, make sure that the sensor is above your dog’s line of sight to avoid having the lid open when your dog walks past it.

If you’re looking for a trash can with a step-on pedal, make sure the lid also has a lock on it. A lock will prevent the lid from popping up if your dog happens to step on the pedal.

Shape

Keep in mind that wider and rounder trash cans are more difficult to knock over. However, they tend to take up more space. Narrow trash cans can be more inconspicuous, but they’re easier for dogs to push around. If your space can only hold a narrow trash can, try to create a spot where the trash bin can sit in between two objects so that your dog has a harder time reaching it.

Conclusion

Our reviews indicate that the Townew T02B Air Lite Smart Trash Can is the best dog-proof trash can because it has a product design and automatic features that make it difficult for dogs to get to the trash. We also like the U-Eway Wooden Tilt Out Trash Cabinet because of its clever and effective design of hiding and keeping trash away from dogs.

When shopping for a new trash can, make sure to consider the material, size, and shape. These factors will help you to find a trash can that will prevent your dog from getting inside.

• You may also want to read: 10 Best Cat-Proof Trash Cans – Reviews & Top Picks!

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Featured Image Credit: Vera Aksionava, Shutterstock