That's a great question, and one we get a lot from people living in apartments or close-quarters neighborhoods. We completely understand that a loud, clanging lid can be a real nuisance.
Honestly, our metal trash cans are not completely silent—no metal lid truly is. The sound you hear is a firm, solid *thud* or *clunk* rather than a sharp, ringing clang. We've specifically designed the lids and hinges to minimize vibration and reverberation. Many cheaper metal cans have loose, thin lids that bang loudly; ours are built with heavier-gauge steel and fitted with rubber or foam bumpers at the contact points. These dampeners absorb a lot of the impact energy when the lid closes.
So, while you'll definitely know when the lid is shut (which is good for confirming it's closed against pests), the noise is substantially muted. It's a trade-off for the durability and security that metal provides. In a typical urban environment with background street sounds, it's rarely disruptive. For the quietest operation, we recommend closing the lid gently from the center rather than letting it drop from the edge.
We hope this gives you a realistic idea of what to expect. The focus is on a robust, long-lasting product that is as considerate as possible about noise.