Ever wondered what slippery floors and trash bags have in common? They can both cause you to land unsafely on your back or your face! Let’s just say I learned this the hard way when I fell flat on my face after tripping over my garbage bags one night.
A sore face and unsightly trash bags gave me an “a-ha” moment. What if I had a proper storage shed for my trash can? Immediately, I started scouring the web for ways to safely store trash cans.
Here are some of the best outdoor trash can storage ideas that I discovered. I tried out every trash can shed I’ve listed below, so I’ll go in-depth about where each excels and where improvements are needed.
Contents
- 1 In A Rush? Check Our Choice!
- 2 Garbage Can Shed Reviews
- 2.1 Plastic Trash Can Storage Ideas For Easy Maintenance
- 2.1.1 Keter Store-It-Out MIDI Outdoor Storage Shed: Best Overall
- 2.1.2 Suncast Stow-Away Storage Shed: Best Storage Capacity
- 2.1.3 Rubbermaid Outdoor Horizontal Storage Shed: Easiest To Assemble
- 2.1.4 Suncast Elements Outdoor Wide Cabinet: Most Elegant Design
- 2.1.5 Suncast Outdoor Trash Can Hideaway With Lid: Best For Small Yards
- 2.1.6 KINYING Horizontal Storage Shed: Most Weatherproof
- 2.2 Wooden Trash Can Storage Ideas For A Stylish Look
- 2.3 Trash Can Enclosures for Homeowners on a Budget
- 2.1 Plastic Trash Can Storage Ideas For Easy Maintenance
- 3 Why You Should Consider These Trash Can Storage Ideas
- 4 How To Choose The Best Outdoor Garbage Can Storage
- 5 FAQs
- 6 Outdoor Trash Can Storage Ideas: Which One Is Right For You?
- 7 About The Author
In A Rush? Check Our Choice!
Let’s take a quick glance at the products we will talk about here.
Plastic Storage Sheds
Wooden Storage Sheds
Suncast Wood Style Outdoor Screen Enclosure And Analogues
Garbage Can Shed Reviews
Plastic Trash Can Storage Ideas For Easy Maintenance
Keter Store-It-Out MIDI Outdoor Storage Shed: Best Overall
After testing out the Keter Store-It-Out MIDI Storage Shed, I have to admit that it serves as an excellent garbage can storage unit that strikes a good balance between pricing and features. It’s very affordable, yet it provides a good number of features for the price.
Main Features
- Has a storage capacity of 30 cubic feet
- Includes accessories to support shelving
- Made of plastic and reinforced with steel
- Has ultra-wide double doors
- Equipped with a lockable latch
Overview
If you’re looking for a low-cost trash can storage solution, I think that the MIDI Outdoor Storage Shed is a great choice, considering that I’m still using it after several months.
Plastic trash can sheds have a reputation for being less durable than their metallic counterparts. But this is not the case with this trash can shed, which is made of high-quality and high-impact polypropylene.
Another outstanding feature of this trash can storage shed which I love, is that it has built-in support for a shelf. Even though it doesn’t come with an actual shelf, the built-in support is a nice touch. It allows you to easily partition the space and organize your trash cans or your lawn or gardening equipment.
Speaking of storage, the Keter MIDI has a capacity of 30 cubic feet. Essentially, it provides ample space to accommodate two 32-gallon garbage cans.
This trash can storage shed is an easy one to maintain, thanks to its plastic construction. As I found out while using this trash can shed, you only need to wash the unit with a mild detergent and water to keep it clean, making this one of my personal favorite storage ideas. However, the manufacturer does advise against using abrasive cleaners.
PROS
- Low price
- Reasonable storage capacity
- Does not require painting
- Made of weather-resistant, waterproof, and UV-resistant materials
CONS
- Does not come with a lock
- Though it has built-in shelf support, it does not come with a shelf
Suncast Stow-Away Storage Shed: Best Storage Capacity
Suncast makes some of the best outdoor trash can storage sheds, so it’s not surprising that one of their products has made it to my top list.
I simply had to try this one out to see if the brand stays true to its name. The BMS4700 Stow-Away Storage Shed comes with a hefty price tag, but it also offers several features that are lacking in lower-priced models.
Main Features
- Equipped with a 3-door locking system
- All-weather build
- Has a storage capacity of 70 cubic feet
- Multi-wall resin panels
Overview
Right off the bat, you’ll notice this trash can shed is horizontal in its design. Thanks to this, I found that the trash can storage shed can be placed right alongside your home and blend in perfectly with its exterior.
The Suncast Stow-Away Storage Shed is one of the largest trash can storage sheds I have tried out in terms of storage capacity. It offers a whopping 70 cubic feet to work with.
This garbage can storage shed is so big that it can comfortably hold two 96-gallon trash cans and still have some room left. You can even store your garden tractor there!
Furthermore, this trash can storage shed is well-built and is made with double-wall resin panels, which are designed to provide the utmost strength and durability. This material is also weather-resistant and offers UV protection, so the trash can shed won’t lose its chic appearance, even though it’s constantly exposed to the elements.
For the price, you’ll also get a lockable lid, even though the lock has to be purchased separately. The lockable feature is important because it helps keep the trash can shed secure from the local raccoons and other animals. I have to say that after testing this out for some time, Suncast truly lives up to its reputation.
PROS
- Highly durable due to the double-wall construction
- Massive storage space
- Design is horizontal to better match home’s exterior
- Easy-to-open lid
CONS
- Expensive
Rubbermaid Outdoor Horizontal Storage Shed: Easiest To Assemble
There are two kinds of homeowners; those who are enthusiastic about DIY projects and those who aren’t. If you fall into the latter category, piecing together an outdoor trash can storage shed might not be your favorite way of passing the time. I can safely say that as a proud DIYer, there’s nothing beats a home improvement project on the weekends.
Luckily, this Rubbermaid Outdoor Horizontal Storage Shed is one of the easiest to assemble among the trash can sheds I’ve tested.
Main Features
- Has a storage capacity of 32 cubic feet
- Includes a hinged roof
- Lockable lid
- Heavy-duty flooring
Overview
There are several things that make this outdoor trash can storage shed an excellent investment. Other than its easy assembly, it is a more economical option compared to the Suncast Stow-Away. But with just 32 cubic feet of storage capacity, it’s not as spacious as the Stow-Away.
That said, if you’re looking for an outdoor trash can shed that offers enough room to store a bit of equipment, such as patio cushions, toys, and gardening equipment, this is big enough. In fact, I found that it can accommodate a sizeable garbage container after I tested it out.
Like the Suncast Stow-Away, this garbage can shed is made with double-walled resin to improve durability. This is a crucial feature, considering most plastic sheds don’t hold up over the long term when exposed to rain, strong wind, and harsh UV rays.
For quick access to your gardening tools or trash cans, this outdoor trash can shed is equipped with a hinged roof. I also like the fact that it has room for customization. The interior is designed in such a way that you can add an extra shelf to keep your equipment organized.
PROS
- Just 7 pieces — easy to assemble
- Double-wall build for durability
- All-weather build — perfect for the outdoors
- Allows maximization of storage space by adding shelves
CONS
- Any shelves and accessories will have to be bought separately
Suncast Elements Outdoor Wide Cabinet: Most Elegant Design
If you’ve been shopping for an outdoor trash can storage shed, there’s one thing you might have noticed. Most trash can storage ideas only come in a monochromatic color scheme. The shortage of color options means you’re likely to end up with a garbage can storage shed that doesn’t match your home’s style.
Fortunately, I’m happy to let you know that Suncast has taken things a notch higher with their Elements Outdoor Wide Cabinet. A vertical trash can storage unit, it is available in two colors — brown and white.
Main Features
- Choice of white or brown wicker pattern
- Offers a storage capacity of 97 gallons
- All-weather resin construction
- Built-in shelf
Overview
With a width of 40 inches, the Suncast Elements sports a horizontal design. Since it errs on the bigger side of the size spectrum, I found that you’ll need a considerable amount of space to set it up.
As I already mentioned, this trash can shed is available in brown or white and it looks very chic, thanks to the wicker pattern. If you want to give the exterior of your home that wow factor, look for similarly-patterned patio furniture from the brand that matches the trash can shed.
Apart from trash cans, after testing this trash can shed out, I found that the 97-gallon storage capacity is sufficient for storing an array of tools. From lawn and gardening equipment to grilling accessories, this trash can shed offers enough room to store it all.
One feature that makes the Suncast Elements stand out is the option to add an adjustable shelf. As you might have noticed, most manufacturers provide built-in shelf support but they don’t provide the shelves. Luckily, this trash can shed comes with one, saving you the hassle and cost of purchasing it separately.
Another noteworthy feature of this outdoor trash can storage shed is its durability. It’s constructed with multi-wall resin panels, making it a rust, rot, and dent-proof structure, according to Keter, a leading company in the shed market.
PROS
- Stylish and functional
- Durable, thanks to the multi-wall resin construction
- Equipped with an adjustable shelf for neat organization
- Available in two color options
CONS
- Doors are sometimes flimsy and don’t open properly
Suncast Outdoor Trash Can Hideaway With Lid: Best For Small Yards
You don’t necessarily have to invest in a big outdoor garbage can storage unit. Sometimes, all you need is fancy-looking waste bin storage ideas that blend perfectly with the outdoor environment and take all your recyclable trash straight to the recycling center.
Main Features
- Can hold 30 to 33 gallons
- Includes a sturdy and functional lid
- Designed for use in backyards, or on patios and decks
Overview
After using the Suncast Trash Can Hideaway for a few months, I think that it is perfect for homeowners who have very small yards. It measures 15.75 x 16 x 31.6 inches, meaning it takes up minimal space. Still, it provides a convenient way to store trash without making it evident.
The primary highlight of this garbage can storage shed is its classy design. It’s constructed using durable resin, which is complemented by faux wainscoting. Available in a brownish-grey shade, this trash can hideaway fits in any outdoor setting.
The trash can shed also comes equipped with a quality lid that latches. This helps it to stay in place, even in strong wind.
PROS
- Compact and chic
- Equipped with a lid to keep contents secure
- Durable, thanks to the resin construction
- Affordable
CONS
- Difficult to assemble — particularly the lid
KINYING Horizontal Storage Shed: Most Weatherproof
Here’s a stylish garbage can storage that can store your garbage cans, recycling bins for the recycling center and much more.
Main Features
- External dimensions: 50 in. W x 29.1 in. D x 41 in. H
- Internal dimensions: 46 in. W x 25.2 in. D x 38.6 in. H
- Item Weight: 73 lbs
- Volume: 24 cubic feet
Overview
This is a nice-looking trash can shed that is weatherproof. Apart from garbage cans, after testing this out for some time, I found that you can store your patio cushions, garden supplies, winter/summer tires, and more.
You can fit two 35-gallon garbage cans in it.
PROS
- Easy and fast to assemble
- Multiple opening directions
- UV-resistant
CONS
- Too small to store a bike
- Return policy requires to cover shipping fees
Wooden Trash Can Storage Ideas For A Stylish Look
Outdoor Living Today 6’x3′ Oscar Waste Management Shed: Best Overall
Main Features
- Sturdy construction made to last.
- Double doors and a top lid for easy access.
- Pneumatic system in the lid for easy opening.
Overview
Say no to unsightly trash cans in your front yard! Hide them in this fancy horizontal wooden garbage can storage unit that will last you for years to come. That’s how long it’s been since I first got this one (yes I have more than one trash storage), and it’s still going strong!
The Oscar Shed is the perfect size to fit your standard trash cans, at roughly 68 inches wide and 32 inches deep. I also found that you can even store three adult bikes inside and some of your gardening tools, if you are running short on storage space in your garage.
It is made of top-quality western red cedar, which gives it strength, sturdiness, and a rustic look, according to Real Cedar, the official website of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, a leading voice of the cedar industry for more than 65 years. No doubt, this trash bin shed is one of the most durable garbage can sheds you will come across.
The Oscar Shed features wide double doors and a curved top lid for easy access to your garbage cans. The lid is pneumatic, which means it stays open without the use of hands.
Most importantly, the Oscar Shed has its own flooring, so you don’t have to stress about finding a solid platform for it to stand on. You can place it anywhere, even on your lawn!
PROS
- Sturdy wooden construction
- Wide double doors
- Pneumatic lid system for easy opening
- Comes with built-in flooring
- Keeps wild animals out
- All assembly hardware included
- Stylish rustic appearance
CONS
- Shipping may take a while
Hanover HANWS0104-NAT 4.9 3 x 4 Ft. Wooden Trash Bin Storage Shed: Best Design
Main Features
- Efficient design ensures ease of use.
- Two front doors and two top lids.
- Locking latch keeps wild animals out.
Overview
If you like products that are easy to assemble and even easier to use, I believe that you will like this Hanover HANWS0104-NAT Trash Bin Storage Shed, as it was one of the easiest trash can sheds I’ve ever come across.
It features two front access doors that let you move your trash cans in and out with ease. And most garbage can storage units just have one big top lid. This one has two top lids that let you access each trash bin separately. This way, I have my recyclable garbage going straight to the recycling center, and I’m not mixing them up with my regular trash. How convenient is that?
The Hanover HANWS0104-NAT can accommodate two 60-gallon garbage cans or recycling bins. Use it to hide trash cans or to store some of your gardening tools.
You can count on the locking latch and solid wood construction to keep wild animals out of your trash can. The unit is built to withstand outdoor elements and hungry animals that roam at night.
PROS
- Smart design
- Easy to assemble
- Fits two 60-gallon garbage cans
- Wide double doors
- Two top lids
- Locking latch included
- Keeps pests out
- Elegant appearance
CONS
- May feel flimsy
Trash Can Enclosures for Homeowners on a Budget
Suncast Wood Style Outdoor Screen Enclosure: Most Space-Saving
If you don’t want to spend a ton of money to enclose your garbage cans, I found and tested other affordable trash can storage ideas, such as this one by Suncast. It’s a simple garbage can storage enclosure, and I can tell you that it doesn’t take up as much space as an outdoor trash can storage shed.
Main Features
- Panels are made of resin
- Ground anchors are made of steel
- Consists of 4 panels
- Chic design
Overview
The Suncast Outdoor Screen Enclosure gives you an easy way to keep your garbage cans from plain sight by using a lattice screen as a trash can enclosure.
Each panel measures 23 x 2 x 44 inches, giving you plenty of space to hide trash cans, an air conditioner, a dumpster, and more.
The panels are made from resin and they come with ground anchors made of steel. The metal stakes make for easy installation.
According to the manufacturer, all materials used in the construction of these panels are weather-resistant. This means you’ll get years of service from the trash can enclosure. Also, the panels can be positioned whichever way you want.
Another point worth noting about the garbage can storage enclosure is its chic design. I truly believe that this helps improve the curb appeal of your home, while still serving the function it was designed for.
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Adds style to your front yard
- Versatile — can be used to conceal other objects like air conditioners, pool pumps, and more
CONS
- Ground anchor stakes are a bit short
Why You Should Consider These Trash Can Storage Ideas
Until you find your garbage cans tipped over by outdoor wildlife, you might not see the need to invest in a proper trash can shed. Even I didn’t consider buying one before I fell flat on my face when tripping over my trash bags. But you shouldn’t wait for the worst to happen to make this investment.
Here are a few more reasons why you might want to get a trash can shed.
Homeowners Association Rules
Often abbreviated as HOAs, Homeowners Associations are organizations that set and enforce the regulations that govern condominiums and home communities. Depending on where you live, the HOA may have specific rules on how to manage trash, according to the Spectrum Association Management, a team of leaders in HOA management.
More specifically, they may require you to store your trash cans safely to avoid attracting outdoor wildlife. For example, I have to store all my trash within a trash can shed; otherwise, I’d have raccoons running around my yard on a whim.
Complement Your Front Yard Decor
Very few homeowners consider trash can sheds for their aesthetic appeal. But there are plenty of trash can storage ideas that can complement the look of your front yard! To be fair, I’ve been vouching for how these increase your curb appeal for years. Consider your current outdoor home decor, then determine which outdoor trash can shed will blend in nicely in that setting.
Choosing an outdoor trash can shed that matches your home is particularly important if you plan to sell your home in the future. There are several ways you can improve your landscape design to boost your property value, and adding a beautiful outdoor trash can storage shed is one of the easiest.
Store More Than Just Garbage Cans
Outdoor garbage storage sheds are very versatile. From my testing, I found that, apart from trash, these units can be used to store so much more — from gardening and lawn equipment to bicycles, grilling accessories, and DIY hardware.
Not only do garden trash can sheds protect your tools from potential theft, they also provide a convenient way to store these tools. This helps you to free up space in your garage, workshop, or basement.
Keep Animals Out
Another reason why I suggest you consider getting an outdoor trash can storage shed is that they help you protect your trash cans from animals and birds.
When you leave your garbage cans out in the open, they attract all kinds of animals — raccoons, wild opossums, rats, mice, and more!
Apart from spilling your garbage all over your front yard, there’s the risk that these pests may carry diseases. To avoid contracting any of these illnesses, invest in a garbage can storage shed for your trash cans.
For a more economical option, investing in a simple garbage can storage enclosure system, like the the Suncast Trash Can screens , is the way to go. It consists of vinyl slats that are close together to provide the utmost privacy. This trash can enclosure is sturdy, durable, and easy to maintain.
How To Choose The Best Outdoor Garbage Can Storage
Purpose
The first thing you should establish is how you’ll use your outdoor trash can storage shed. Do you plan to use it to store only the garbage cans, or would you like to store a bit of gardening equipment, as well?
Knowing how you want to use the garbage can storage unit makes it easier to determine what size to get, according to Leonard USA, a shed provider that’s been around for more than 55 years. If you only need to store a small trash can, I suggest going for a smaller trash can shed. However, if you are storing power equipment like a lawnmower, you’ll need a much bigger trash can shed.
Construction Materials
Once you’ve figured out how you’ll use the trash can shed, the next thing is to pick a material. Garbage can storage sheds are constructed using one of three materials — wood, plastic, and metal. As I found out, each of these materials has its fair share of merits and drawbacks.
Plastic
A low-maintenance alternative, plastic garbage can storage units are among the most common options for homeowners.
Unlike the wooden variety, you don’t have to worry about repainting or issues like warping and rotting. Once you set it up, you can get years out of a plastic trash can shed without putting in too much effort.
In addition to being low maintenance, I found that plastic outdoor trash can storage sheds are mostly waterproof. They’re also pest-proof. Contrary to wooden units, you don’t have to worry about pests or rodents boring holes through your newly-purchased trash can shed.
However, plastic trash can sheds have a couple of disadvantages. For one, they look less stylish than their wooden counterparts. Even though it’s possible to find a plastic garbage can storage unit that looks nice, their design cannot rival the natural look that wooden structures provide.
Wood
If you have wooden details in your outdoor landscape, a wooden trash can shed makes an excellent addition. The best thing about these storage ideas is that they can be repainted in any color of your choosing to match your current home decor. Painting your wooden trash can shed also increases its level of protection, according to Anova Bois, a team of experts specializing in wood care and protection.
Another pleasant feature of a wooden trash can shed that I love is how easy it is to customize. If you’re using the trash can shed to store garden tools, you can partition the interior using shelves to enhance its organization.
Wooden trash can sheds also have that natural look compared to their plastic or metal counterparts. When placed next to your home, they’ll look like a natural extension.
But one glaring issue with an outdoor trash can storage shed made of wood I noticed is that it’s high-maintenance and maintaining the natural beauty of wood requires a bit of work.
If you neglect maintenance, chances are that the wood will start to rot. And it’s way more expensive to repair rotting wood than it is to maintain it. An easy way to maintain your wooden trash can shed is to paint it. By using moisture-impervious paint, you can prevent the wood from decaying.
Be careful when choosing a wooden trash can shed. Ensure that the garbage can storage unit is constructed from decay-resistant and pressure-treated wood.
Metal
If you don’t want to worry about maintaining a wooden trash can shed, I suggest you consider choosing a metallic unit. They aren’t as common as the plastic or wooden variety, but they come in handy in some instances.
For instance, metal trash can sheds are lightweight and durable. They’re also very easy to assemble and require minimal maintenance.
Flooring
Even though I’ve listed this last, flooring is an important factor to consider. Essentially, you should go for an outdoor trash can shed equipped with a heavy-duty floor. The right flooring makes it easy to clean up in case of spills or leaks from the trash can.
It also prevents your stored equipment and garbage cans from coming into contact with moisture from the ground, which could cause rusting.
If you end up purchasing an outdoor trash can shed that does not have a floor, I highly suggest you check whether the manufacturer sells it separately.
Even though you’ll spend more by buying it separately, it’s an investment worth making, and it will extend the lifespan of your garbage can storage unit and the items stored inside, according to Sheds Unlimited, a family-owned shed provider that’s been in business for more than 35 years.
Design And Appearance
When selecting an outdoor trash can shed, you should pick one that matches your garden design and home exterior, in my opinion. For instance, if your garden fencing is made of vinyl, you can look for a trash can shed made of similar material.
FAQs
Should You Keep Garbage Cans In Garage?
You should keep garbage cans in your garage or storage unit if you have a problem with wild animals getting into your garbage. By storing them in the garage, you will keep your yard sanitary and free of critters and animals.
How Big Is A 32 Gallon Garbage Can?
A 32-gallon garbage can with a lid measures about 27-1/4 inches in height and 22 inches in diameter. A 32-gallon garbage can is big enough for a household of up to six people, depending on how much trash they produce.
What Can I Spray On My Garbage To Keep Animals Away?
You can spray smelly substances like ammonia, bleach, vinegar, and Windex onto the lid of the trash can or on the trash bags to keep the critters and wild animals out of your garbage. The strong smell will deter animals from going through your trash.
Outdoor Trash Can Storage Ideas: Which One Is Right For You?
Nothing ruins the curb appeal of your home faster than beat-up garbage cans scattered in your front yard. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to this — investing in one of these outdoor trash can storage ideas.
Even though one of these options could set you back a few hundred dollars, they improve the appearance of your home significantly.
The trash can sheds I’ve listed here come in different styles and materials. Some are made of wood, others plastic, yet others are designed as garbage can storage enclosures.
If you prefer a plastic outdoor trash can storage, I recommend the Suncast Horizontal Stow-Away Shed . It’s very spacious, providing a whopping 70 cubic feet of storage. This gives you enough room to store two 96-gallon containers. Unlike other plastic sheds, the Suncast also has a 3-door locking system for enhanced security and easy accessibility. Plus, it’s been fitted with a reinforced floor, which makes clean-ups easy.
However, if you prefer a wood garbage can storage shed, I think that the Oscar Shed is a good alternative. It has the perfect size to fit your standard trash cans and it’s built to last for years to come!
For a more economical option, I suggest investing in a simple garbage can storage enclosure system, like the Rubbermaid Outdoor Horizontal Storage Shed , is the way to go. It consists of vinyl slats that are close together to provide the utmost privacy. This garbage can storage enclosure is sturdy, durable, and easy to maintain.
About The Author
Last update on 2023-12-03 at 13:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API