Working at a restaurant can get messy. From food scraps piling up in the kitchen to spills out in the dining area, any restaurant worker knows the importance of having a reliable trash can handy. There is a huge variety of restaurant trash cans to choose from, from sleek and colorful to large and durable to everything in between. How do you know what to choose?
How to Choose Your Restaurant Trash Can
One style does not fit all when it comes to restaurant trash cans. A trash can that works great in the kitchen might not look attractive in the dining area. You also need to consider outdoor trash cans if you have an outdoor dining area. When selecting trash cans for your restaurant, it is important to consider a few factors:
Size
A small, low-volume restaurant may be able to get away with smaller 12–16 gallon trash can. A high-volume kitchen might be better off with larger 20–30 gallon (or larger) trash cans in the kitchen. Trash cans too large can be difficult to transport or empty, so make sure you do not go too big and create a safety hazard.
Placement
You need to consider your options for in your kitchen, in the dining area, and outside if you have an outdoor seating area. In your kitchen you want something heavy-duty and high-capacity. In the dining area you want something sleeker and more discreet. Outdoors you want something durable but still attractive.
Material
Stainless steel is a trendy look for dining areas, and the smooth steel surface doesn’t collect dirt or bacteria, making it a hygienic choice as well. In the kitchen, however, plastic trash cans are lightweight and easier to move around. Concrete is a great choice for outdoor trash cans that don’t need to be moved around.
Color
When selecting decorative restaurant trash cans, why stick to boring, plain colors? Match your decor with a colorful waste receptacle. A colorful trash can adds to your guests’ experience and reinforces your restaurant’s brand.
Best Trash Cans for Commercial Kitchens
22 Gallon Stainless Steel Rectangular Waste Receptacle
Tight on space? Don’t settle for a bulky trash can that will get in the way. The 22 Gallon Stainless Steel Rectangular Waste Receptacle fits perfectly tucked in next to a counter or in a corner. The gravity activated black plastic lid makes it easy to toss in trash hands free, and the stainless steel surface is hygienic and durable.
Skinny Plastic 23 Gallon Slim Trash Can with Handles
Trash cans don’t get more convenient than the Skinny Plastic 23 Gallon Slim Trash Can with Handles. The skinny shape doesn’t take up too much room, but the handles make it easy to move it around the kitchen to wherever you need it. Want even more convenient? The optional plastic or stainless steel dollies make it easy to roll the trash can rather than carry it.
21 Gallon Metal Stainless Steel Square Trash Can Base
The 21 Gallon Metal Stainless Steel Square Trash Can Base is your classic square trash can elevated with an attractive stainless steel surface and two lid options. This ADA and OSHA compliant trash can is puncture resistant and fire safe, so you can trust it to handle just about anything your kitchen throws in it.
32 Gallon Suncast Commercial Utility Trash Can
In a high-volume kitchen, sometimes what you really need from your trash can is durability. The 32 Gallon Suncast Commercial Utility Trash Can is as durable they get. The blow-molded HDPE surface is strong and rigid and won’t rust, chip, dent, or bend. Although it is a large trash can, the optional dolly makes it easy to move, and the strengthened base will reduce wear and tear from dragging.
22 Gallon Plastic Indoor Single Stream Recycling Bin or Trash Can
Recycling in your restaurant has never been easier than with the 22 Gallon Plastic Indoor Single Stream Recycling Bin or Trash Can. Create a streamlined recycling station with these easy-to-handle and conveniently shaped bins.
13 Gallon Touchless Automatic Kitchen Trash Can Stainless Steel
The 13 Gallon Touchless Automatic Kitchen Trash Can Stainless Steel is the ultimate in convenience and kitchen hygiene. With its infrared technology, the lid of the trash can opens without you ever having to touch the trash can itself. This way you can throw away kitchen scraps without ever having your hands come in contact with the trash can.
Best Decorative Restaurant Trash Cans
42 Gallon StoneTec Stone Panel Plastic Trash Can
The 42 Gallon StoneTec Stone Panel Plastic Trash Can is both attractive and durable, making it the perfect option for both indoor and outdoor dining areas or waiting areas. The polyethylene construction is easy to clean with just soap and water, and the four fiberglass-reinforced concrete polymer panels are resistant to discoloration and fading.
36 Gallon Monarch Push Top Square Waste Receptacle
Handsome and elegant, the 36 Gallon Monarch Push Top Square Waste Receptacle is perfect for a fine restaurant. Available in rich black enamel with either a chrome or brass door, it will add the perfect touch of class to your establishment.
20 Gallon Stainless Steel Recycling Trash Can
The 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Recycling Trash Can Garbage Can does double duty with two openings for your specific trash and recycling needs. The hygienic stainless steel surface has no pores to collect dirt, so it retains a clean and crisp look. This trash can is good for both indoor and outdoor locations.
15 Gallon Metal Open Dome Top Trash Can
The classic design of the 15 Gallon Metal Open Dome Top Trash Can has withstood the test of time. Choose from one of six colors to set off the decor inside your restaurant. With the open-top lid, your customers can dispose of waste hands free.
30 Gallon Concrete Push Door Top Outdoor Waste Container
The 30 Gallon Concrete Push Door Top Outdoor Waste Container is the industry standard for outdoor trash cans. These concrete containers have full steel rebar caging to help them withstand years of use and maintain their beauty in your entryway or patio.
42 Gallon Stainless Steel Panel Trash Can with Dome Lid
The decorative stainless steel panels on the 42 Gallon Stainless Steel Panel Trash Can with Dome Lid complement any design style and add an upscale touch either inside or outside your restaurant. Choose from three different colors and four different panel designs for a style that suits your restaurant perfectly.
Choose the Best Trash Can For Your Restaurant
Choosing your restaurant’s trash cans is an important task that should not be taken lightly. The right trash can should have the perfect balance of style and function and be durable enough to handle all the mess that comes with the restaurant business. To see more restaurant trash can options, check out the selection at Trashcans Unlimited.