That's an excellent and very practical question! It gets to the heart of making daily life a bit smoother. From my experience and research, cities typically don't mandate a specific *brand* for the trash cans you use at home. Instead, they set specifications for size, material, and features to ensure compatibility with their automated collection trucks. Your best bet is to find a brand that reliably meets your city's guidelines.
First, always check your city's sanitation department website. They usually have a detailed list of required or recommended features, like wheel type, lid style (often standard swing or tight-fitting), and capacity (e.g., 35-gallon, 65-gallon, 95-gallon). The "best" brand is the one that fits these rules perfectly.
That said, some brands are consistently praised for durability and functionality in the residential space. Rubbermaid is a giant in this category. Their Roughneck and Brute lines are famous for being tough, UV-resistant, and having sturdy wheels that handle curbs well. Toter is another top contender, often used as the official supplier for many municipalities. Their carts are engineered specifically for automated truck arms and are built to last for years. Simple Human offers sleek, premium options with innovative features like hands-free opening, but ensure their models align with your city's specs.
My advice? Prioritize durability over price. A slightly more expensive can from a reputable brand like Rubbermaid or Toter will withstand sun, rain, and mechanical lifting for a decade, while a flimsy one might crack in a year. Look for thick, roto-molded plastic, robust axles, and reinforced lids. Ultimately, the "best" brand is a reliable one that makes your city's waste collection process seamless for you and the workers.