Buy It For Life
Trash Cans

Updated Oct 07, 2026

Buy it for life: the most durable trash cans,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit.
Recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Most loved on r/BuyItForLife: Simplehuman step trash can and Witt Industries stainless steel swing-top waste receptacle.

Simplehuman step trash can

Stainless step can praised for long life, repairable parts, and easy everyday use.

Lasts many years
Replacement parts are available
Works with generic bags for many owners

I have a single compartment Simple Human trash can (it’s great). I use inexpensive generic bags with it.
– SensibleBrownPants

10 years later, still looks and functions like new, no regrets now.
– AlternativeOk1096

I bought it at 18 so it lived for 19 years.
– hikewithcoffee

Kohler 13 gallon step trash can

Step can people compare with Simplehuman, liked for generic bag fit and solid pedal feel.

Fits generic 13 gallon bags
Substantial step mechanism
Good stainless look

Kohler's step mechanism feels more substantial to me and handles generic bags without slipping.
– IndependentNoise3863

My sister has the similar kohler stainless steel for 5 years. Both are great.
– Muted-Novel4403

The Kohler is a better trash bin, except that you cannot open the lid by hand…you can only step on the pedal to open it.
– BadWowDoge

Rubbermaid rectangular kitchen trash can

Plain plastic kitchen can valued for durability, easy cleaning, and very long service life.

Very durable plastic body
Easy to wash out
No rust or dent worries

I've had it for more than 20 years. No cracks or splits.
– mycatpartyhouse

some sort of simple commercial plastic bin would be the most durable "shit kicked out of it" option.
– userrnam

Simple and durable.
– iFixComputers

Witt Industries stainless steel swing-top waste receptacle

Commercial metal receptacle recommended as a heavy duty, long-lasting kitchen or household bin.

Can last decades
Heavy duty metal construction
Good fit for full size bags

I have had one of these for 25+ years and its still exactly the same as the day I bought it.
– Ok_Bad_4732

This is a true BIFL in every sense of the word. You will never regret it.
– Ok_Bad_4732

Yes, I recommend this type of garbage can as well.
– Ok_Bad_4732

Hefty made in the USA step can

Basic step can favored by owners who want fewer failure points and simple daily use.

Simple design
Few failure points
Good value over time

We ultimately settled on a hefty made in the USA step can.
– scott81425

I wanted something with as few failure points as possible, so no motion sensing, no soft close lids, just wanted something that would reliably hold trash.
– scott81425

My $20 Hefty Target/walmart special has been going strong for 8 years.
– I_love_stapler

Detecto C-100 Stainless Hands Free Trash Can 100 Quart Step-On Waste Receptacle

Commercial stainless step can noted for extreme durability, easy cleaning, and medical-grade build.

Extremely durable
Easy to clean
Commercial-grade build

I’ve had it for about 13 years. It’s indestructible and cleans up easily.
– KorneliaOjaio

My kitchen trash can I've had for 25+ years. Looks new when cleaned.
– zippyzoodles

Most beautiful can I’ve ever seen. Just look at that industrial design.
– _HMCB_

Available at eBay

Back to Cookware & Kitchenware

Sources:
Highest quality kitchen trash can?
I need to finally get a new kitchen trash can. What’s the best one that works with generic 13-gallon trash bags?
Best trash can for kitchen?
Simple Human Trash Can
Detecto trash can will last forever

Buy It For LifeTrash Cans