When it comes to choosing a residential outdoor trash can for curbside pickup, many features might catch your eye—size, lid design, or even color. But if I had to pick the single most important feature, it would undoubtedly be durability. Why? Because a durable trash can is your frontline defense against the many challenges it faces week after week.
Think about it: your outdoor bin sits in the elements, from scorching sun to freezing rain, which can cause cheap plastics to become brittle and crack. It gets hauled to the curb and back, sometimes getting bumped or dropped. And perhaps most notoriously, it needs to withstand curious and persistent wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, and stray dogs looking for a free meal.
A flimsy can with a weak latch is an open invitation for a messy spillover all over your driveway. A durable can, on the other hand, is typically made from thick, high-density materials like polyethylene. It features a sturdy, locking, or animal-proof lid and strong, reliable wheels that won't snap off when navigating your driveway. This robust construction ensures it contains odors, keeps pests out, and survives the rough-and-tumble of collection day for years, not just a few months. While capacity and mobility are important, they are secondary to a can's fundamental ability to simply last. Investing in a truly durable trash can saves you money, frustration, and a big cleanup headache in the long run.