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A Guide to Choosing the Best Commercial Trash Can

No business or community is the same and as such, no waste-management scheme is either – which is why we’ve created a guide to simplify the process of choosing a trash can for your business or commercial space.

Glasdon Jubilee

Glasdon Jubilee™ 80G Trash Receptacle

Selecting the right trash can is essential for maintaining cleanliness and efficiency in any commercial setting but with the wide array of options available, it can be a challenge to find the right trash can to meet the unique needs of your environment.

Here are some tips for choosing the right trash can for your business;

Check Your Environment

Start by thinking about where your trash can will go. Is it indoors or outdoors? Will it be exposed to the elements or potential damage? Outdoor trash cans must be built from sturdy materials to withstand harsh weather and potential damage or vandalism. For instance, many Glasdon trash cans are made from Durapol, a robust polymer known for its weather resistance and durability, ensuring they maintain integrity even when exposed to elements like rain, sun, and wind.

Size & Capacity

Determining the appropriate capacity for your trash can is vital. Factors such as foot traffic and frequency of emptying play a significant role in selecting the right size. At Glasdon we offer a range from 16 gallons to 80 gallons, catering to various volume requirements. Larger capacities, such as 64 to 80 gallons, are ideal for high-traffic areas like shopping malls or tourist spots.

Trash cans product size comparison

Scroll through to see our size range and capacities.

Assess Fixing Requirements

Fixings provide added stability & security, especially for outdoor locations where vandalism or strong winds may pose a threat. Our fixings are easy to install and crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. At Glasdon, we prioritize the safety and reliability of our products, so we’ve created a Fixings Guide for Trash Cans and Recycling Containers, to choose the appropriate fixing for your trash can location.


Fixings for Trash Cans and Recycling Containers

Download our free Trash Can and Recycling Container Fixings Diagram Guide, here.

Consider Maintenance Needs

Nobody likes dealing with a dirty trash can. It’s important to get a trash can that's easy to empty and won't cause any hassle for your cleaning crew. Our trash cans are made from high-quality materials like metal and polymer, ensuring durability and minimal maintenance. Most polymer bins require little upkeep and are designed to withstand challenging weather conditions. Furthermore, our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure maximum confidence in their durability. View our product testing videos here.

Selecting the Right Liner

The choice of liner depends on the intended placement of the trash can. Integrated bag holder systems ensure tidy and easy bag fitting without compromising aesthetics.

  • Metal Liners: Zinc-coated steel liners are suitable for fire-risk areas. The robust metal liners often include drop handles to assist with hygienic, easy emptying.
  • Plastic Liners: The durable polyethylene material in our plastic liners absorbs impacts without losing its shape, and is much lighter in weight than a metal equivalent. Furthermore, plastic liners are ideal for corrosive environments.

  • Firexpire:


    Some of our bins come with Firexpire - a fire extinguishing plate that can be fitted within the top of a selection of our hooded trash cans. Should a fire break out inside the container, a special heat-responsive device releases the plate which then seals off the mouth of the liner and deprives the fire of oxygen. The device can then be easily replaced using only a screwdriver to reset the device on-site. Please note that the device is designed to be used with metal liners only.

    View our demonstration video to see Firexpire in action

    Special Features for High-Security Areas

    Glasdon’s special features like transparent trash cans offer visibility of contents for security purposes and aid in waste stream identification. Additionally, Firexpire™, a fire extinguishing plate, enhances safety by suppressing fires within the container.

    Consider Design and Aesthetics:

    The design of the trash can should harmonize with the aesthetic of your commercial space while fulfilling functional requirements. Opt for a design that seamlessly integrates with the surroundings and enhances overall appeal. Choose from sleek and modern designs for indoor areas or rugged and fun-shaped styles for outdoor settings.

    Personalization Options:

    Many Glasdon trash cans offer personalization options, indicated by the personalization symbol image in the guide below.

    This allows you to add a unique touch with branding or logos. Personalization enhances the aesthetics of your bins while promoting brand recognition. Discover more about our personalization service and view examples in the Personalization and Branding Guide.


    Personalization and Branding guide

    View our 5 Step Personalization Guide here


    If you require any additional support or advice, please contact or live chat with our team of Waste Management experts today.

    P.S Need help choosing a coordinating recycling container? We have another helpful guide for that too!

    Originally posted 11.08.16

    Friday, July 5, 2024
    NRPA Corporate Member The Green Web Foundation