A trash can or trash bin (America) or rubbish bin (English) is a container for storing trash/rubbish.

The size and shape of these containers varies greatly based on their size and location. At the initial collection point a trash can tends to be small and either cylindrical or rectangular. However modern design has made form as important as function so cans in novel shapes appear on a regular basis. If produce or liquids are not placed in the cans, they are usually not lined. If those items are expected, then the can is usually protected by a trash bag/bin liner.

If not lined, the cans are generally uncovered. Lined cans may or may not be covered. Covers are solid with either a handle to assist in removing the cover or hinged to allow easier access to the interior. Some covers have a device which allows one to deposit trash into the can without removing the cover.

Trash cans in outdoor locations or other busy public areas are usually mounted to the ground or wall. This discourages theft. It also reduces vandalism by making it harder for someone to walk by the cans and push them over spilling their contents on the ground. It also makes it harder for someone to pick up the can and use it as a weapon by throwing it at another person or object like a glass store front to break into the store.

These trash cans in public areas then to be of the largest sizes. They are usually lined and are frequently emptied directly into a garbage truck or into a wheeled collector bin which is taken to the place where it will be picked up by the garbage company. Indoor trash cans are usually lined with a trash bag, however it is a common practice to place multiple bags in each can once a day so that you can "empty' the container by removing the bag and not have to replace it speeding up the process.

Older cans were made from tin, steel or other metals. Newer cans tend to be plastic, but other materials like stainless steel or glass can be found.

The contents of these cans is usually taken to a large container, also called a trash can, in the US they are sized at 20 gallons, 30 gallons or larger. The largest of these containers usually have two wheels allowing for easier movement to the pickup point where they are emptied by a garbage truck. In some locations, these collection containers are supplied by the trash collector and may include special fittings that allow the truck to quickly and automatically raise, empty and return the can to the operator.

See also

• Emptying trash
• Post-consumer waste