Best Time to Buy Trash Cans (2026 Guide)
Save 30-50% on trash cans by timing your purchase right. Here's exactly when to buy.
Trash cans may seem like a simple purchase, but prices can fluctuate 30-50% throughout the year. Whether you need a basic kitchen bin or a sleek automatic model, buying at the right time can save you up to $75 on a $150 can. This guide reveals the best months and sales events to buy trash cans, using historical pricing data and retail patterns. You'll learn exactly when to shop for maximum savings, which products to target, and how to avoid overpaying. By the end, you'll know whether waiting for Black Friday or grabbing a Prime Day deal is the smarter move for your wallet.
Executive Summary
The best time to buy trash cans is during Black Friday week in late November. Save 30-50% compared to regular prices. If you can't wait, Prime Day in July is also excellent, with discounts averaging 25-40%.
Why Timing Matters
Trash can prices are surprisingly volatile. Manufacturers release new models in spring and fall, leading to clearance sales on older versions. Major shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday drive deep discounts on top brands. Off-season, demand drops for certain types (e.g., outdoor cans in winter), further lowering prices. Over the course of a year, the same trash can can vary by $20-$60. For example, the popular Simplehuman 30L step can typically retails for $100 but drops to $60 during Black Friday. Understanding these patterns lets you time your purchase to save significantly.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday Week (Late November)
Expected Savings: 30-50%
Black Friday is the undisputed champion for trash can deals. Retailers compete fiercely on kitchen and home essentials. Amazon, Walmart, and Target offer doorbusters on top brands like Simplehuman, Rubbermaid, and Glad. Historical data shows average discounts of 40% on trash cans during this week. Many models hit their lowest price of the year. The selection is vast, including automatic, stainless steel, and outdoor cans. Cyber Monday extends the deals, especially on higher-end models. This is the single best window for both budget and premium buys.
What to Expect:
- Up to 50% off Simplehuman cans (e.g., Simplehuman 30L Step Can for $60 instead of $100)
- Rubbermaid Brute containers 30-40% off
- Bundle deals on trash bags with can purchases
- Lightning deals on automatic cans lasting only hours
- Free shipping on heavy items
- Price matching by major retailers
- Wide selection of sizes and materials
- Last year's models cleared out at deep discounts
Alternative: Prime Day (July)
Prime Day is Amazon's biggest sales event and a close second to Black Friday for trash can deals. Because trash cans are a year-round necessity, Amazon often features them prominently. Prime-exclusive discounts can reach 40% on brands like AmazonBasics, iTouchless, and Simplehuman. The advantage over Black Friday is fewer crowds and faster shipping. Prime Day also kicks off the second-half sales calendar, making it perfect for those who need a can mid-year.
Worst Time to Buy
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Month-by-Month Breakdown
Recommended Products
1. Simplehuman 30L Stainless Steel Step Trash Can
The Simplehuman 30L Step Can is a kitchen staple. Its stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints, and the patented lid shuts silently thanks to a dampening mechanism. The step pedal is sturdy and responsive. This size fits standard 13-gallon bags and suits medium kitchens. Perfect for households wanting durability and elegance. The can is easy to clean and has a removable inner bucket. Simplehuman is known for excellent customer service and replacement parts.
Best Time to Buy: Buy during Black Friday for up to 40% off ($60 instead of $100).
2. Rubbermaid BRUTE 20-Gallon Heavy-Duty Trash Can
The Rubbermaid Brute 20-gallon trash can is legendary for toughness. Made from high-density polyethylene, it resists cracks and dents. The attached lid swings open easily. Perfect for garages, workshops, or outdoor areas. It has a smooth interior for easy cleaning and is ergonomically designed with molded-in handles. Despite its size, it's relatively lightweight. This is the go-to can for heavy-duty needs.
Best Time to Buy: Check pricing around Black Friday; often drops to $25-$30.
3. iTouchless 13-Gallon Automatic Sensor Trash Can
iTouchless offers a smart trash can without the high price. The motion sensor lid opens automatically, hands-free, and closes after a few seconds. It uses standard 13-gallon bags and features a deodorizer compartment to reduce odors. The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints. This is perfect for a modern kitchen or bathroom where hygiene is a priority. It runs on batteries or AC adapter (both included). The sensor has a safety range to prevent accidental opening.
Best Time to Buy: Prime Day often has this for $60.
4. Simplehuman 50L Butterfly Lid Trash Can
The Simplehuman 50L Butterfly Lid Can is designed for tight spaces like under-counter kitchens. The lid opens from the center like a butterfly, saving clearance. It's made of stainless steel with a mirrored finish. The capacity is 50 liters (13.2 gallons). The lid opens smoothly and closes quietly. An inner bucket keeps bags hidden. This is the most innovative Simplehuman can and a favorite for compact kitchen layouts. It also has a pocket for bags.
Best Time to Buy: Wait for Black Friday; can drop to $90-$100.
5. Glad OdorShield 13-Gallon Step Trash Can
Glad's OdorShield step trash can is a great value for odor-sensitive homes. It uses Glad's OdorShield technology in the can itself, featuring a carbon filter in the lid to absorb smells. The step pedal is foot-activated, and the lid closes slowly to trap odors. It's made from plastic, lightweight, and easy to move. The 13-gallon size fits standard kitchen bags. Perfect for renters or kids' rooms.
Best Time to Buy: Often on sale during Black Friday for under $20.
6. Nine Stars DZT-50-6 50L Automatic Trash Can
Nine Stars brings modern design to automatic trash cans. This 50-liter can has an infrared sensor that opens the lid when you approach. It also features a manual button. The can is made of stainless steel and has a deodorizer compartment. The soft-close lid prevents slamming. Runs on batteries (included). This is a solid alternative to Simplehuman automatic models at a lower price point.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday discounts can bring it to $80-$90.
7. Rubbermaid Commercial Brute 32-Gallon Trash Can
The Rubbermaid Brute 32-gallon is the workhorse of trash cans. Used in restaurants, schools, and warehouses, it's built to last. The plastic resists cracking even in extreme temperatures. The attached lid opens fully, and handles are ergonomically molded. This can is perfect for large outdoor parties, big kitchens, or garage use. It's also stackable for storage. Despite its size, it's relatively easy to roll (casters sold separately).
Best Time to Buy: Best price around Black Friday or warehouse club sales.
8. Home Zone Decor 17-Gallon Kitchen Step Can
Home Zone Decor offers an affordable stainless steel step can with a soft-close lid. The 17-gallon capacity is slightly larger than standard, fitting 15-gallon bags. It has a removable inner bucket for easy cleaning. The brushed steel finish wipes clean easily. The step pedal is wide and responsive. This is a budget-friendly alternative to Simplehuman that still looks good. It suits modern kitchens.
Best Time to Buy: Can often be found for under $40 during Prime Day.
9. Simplehuman 8-Liter Slim Step Trash Can
The Simplehuman 8-liter slim step can is perfect for small spaces. Its slim profile fits next to toilets or desks. The stainless steel construction matches the larger kitchen models. The step pedal opens the lid, and it closes quietly. It uses Simplehuman's custom bag sizes (type H), but also fits 3-4 gallon bags. This is a high-quality small can for any room.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday drops it to around $25.
10. Toter 32-Gallon Wheeled Trash Can
Toter's 32-gallon wheeled trash can is designed for curb use. It has a hinged lid, sturdy wheels, and a handle for easy rolling. Made from UV-stabilized plastic to resist fading. It fits standard trash pickup trucks. The lid seals tightly to keep animals out. This is a practical solution for home waste management.
Best Time to Buy: Best during spring sales or Black Friday for $45-$50.
Pricing Strategies
Wait for Black Friday
- Identify the specific model you want by October. 2. Track its price using CamelCamelCamel. 3. Add to Amazon wishlist. 4. On Black Friday week, check Lightning Deals. 5. Buy when the price hits your target.
Prime Day Shopping
- Ensure Prime membership is active. 2. Browse Amazon's Prime Day preview deals. 3. Use price tracking to confirm discounts. 4. Act fast on Lightning Deals. 5. Check competing retailers for price matches.
End-of-Season Clearance
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Price Match + Coupon Stacking
- Find the lowest price at a competitor (e.g., Walmart). 2. Check if Amazon or Target will price match (online chat). 3. Apply store coupons or credit card offers. 4. Use cashback sites like Rakuten.
Buy Refurbished
- Check Amazon Warehouse Deals. 2. Look for manufacturer refurbished (Simplehuman offers). 3. Verify warranty (usually 90 days). 4. Read condition notes carefully.
Warehouse Club Membership
- Get a Costco or Sam's Club membership. 2. Check their in-store or online selection of trash cans (Rubbermaid, Toter). 3. Compare prices with Amazon. 4. Buy in bulk (e.g., two-packs).
If You Need It Now
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Bottom Line
For maximum savings, plan to buy your trash can during Black Friday week in November. If you can wait until then, you'll save 30-50% off regular prices. If you need one sooner, Prime Day in July is your next best bet, with discounts of 25-40%. Avoid buying during April-May or September-October when prices are highest. Use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel to confirm you're getting a real deal. Whether you choose a budget step can or a premium automatic model, timing your purchase around these major sales events will put money back in your pocket.
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Trash Cans