How do you dispose of your camp trash? Are you perhaps using plastic shopping bags?
If so, it ruins the beautiful campsite you've set up.
And plastic bags tend to get blown away, don't they?
Plastic bags look bad and aren't Instagram-worthy.
Actually, there are trash cans specifically for camping.
A camping trash can would make the campsite look neat.
I'll introduce the benefits of bringing a trash can to your camp and some recommended options.
Take a look.
Are plastic bags not good for camp trash? Benefits of introducing a camping trash can.
Using a trash can is the first step to a stylish camp.
I used plastic bags too, until now.
But when I looked at the photos later, they looked really bad.
If I tied them to a chair to prevent them from blowing away, they would scatter when I untied them.
To create a good-looking, stylish campsite, introducing a trash can is a must.
Trash bags can blow away or be tampered with by animals.
Let's prepare a trash can to keep the campsite clean.
If you just put trash in plastic shopping bags, they can blow away.
This is because some days at camp can be windy.
Also, there are many animals at campsites, such as foxes and crows, that are after food waste.
To protect your trash from them and keep the campsite clean, using a trash can is useful.
Criteria for choosing a camping trash can
Size
Putting trash directly into a trash can is not hygienic.
Use plastic bags inside.
It's good to use the bags from your shopping trips.
If there are many people or you're staying for multiple nights, the capacity might not be enough.
The ideal size for a camping trash can is one that can hold large shopping bags.
Specifically, a side of about 40 cm is a good size.
This should be fine for large groups or multiple nights.
When it comes to trash cans, bigger is better.
Storage size
Rectangular ones can be compacted, though it takes a little more effort, while circular ones are easier to set up but tend to be larger when stored.
Rectangular ones fold compactly, while circular ones collapse flat for storage.
Rectangular ones take a bit more effort to set up and put away, while circular ones can be set up just by extending them.
Design
Design is where each manufacturer's approach to trash cans really shines.
Let's look at the characteristics of rectangular and circular designs.
Rectangular
- Easy and compact to set up and store
- Often open-top when set up
- Many don't have lids, making trash disposal easy
Circular
- Many have zippered lids
- Storage involves collapsing it, which isn't particularly compact
- Less likely to be rummaged through by animals thanks to the lid
Top 5 Recommended Camping Trash Cans
BUNDOK Trash Stand BD-903
・Size: (approx.) 29cm (H) x 28.5cm (W) x 49.7cm (D)
・Storage size: (approx.) 30cm (H) x 57cm (W) x 3cm (D)
・Material: Steel (hammer-tone finish)・Polypropylene
・Weight: approx. 660g
A cost-effective model perfect for camping and barbecues.
It has three pairs of hooks for hanging plastic bags, making sorting easy.
Comes with a cover for concealment.
LOGOS Folding Dust Box with Separation
・Size: (approx.) 63cm (H) x 34cm (W) x 50cm (D)
・Storage size: (approx.) 63cm (H) x 34cm (W) x 5cm (D)
・Material: Polyester
・Capacity: (approx.) 80L
・Weight: (approx.) 1.1kg
The body is made of polyester, so it can handle a bit of rain.
It's not only lightweight at 1.1kg but also compact when collapsed flat.
With an 80L capacity, it can hold a lot.
DOD Stealth X Trash Can to Hide Trash
・Size: (approx.) 44.5cm (H) x 41.5cm (W) x 59cm (D)
・Storage size: (Tabletop & Fabric): (approx.) 50cm (H) x 23cm (W) x 9cm (D)
・Storage size: (Legs & Frame): (approx.) 74cm (H) x 10cm (W) x 6cm (D)
・Material: Aluminum alloy, cotton, wood
・Table load capacity: 30kg
・Weight: (approx.) 2.2kg
DOD is known for its products packed with ingenious ideas.
This trash can is a true masterpiece from DOD.
The lid of this product is made of wood and can be used as a simple table.
Even when used as a table, trash can be put in from the side, making it convenient when chopping vegetables.
The slender aluminum alloy frame is a slight concern.
The main body is washable, so it can be kept clean even if it gets dirty during cooking.
Snow Peak Garbaging Stand
・Size: (approx.) 50cm (H) x 36cm (W) x 63cm (D)
・Storage size: Stand/6.5cm (H) x 6.5cm (W) x 67cm (D), Bag/30cm (H) x 45cm (W)
・Material: Stand frame/aluminum alloy・nylon, Garbaging bag/tarpaulin
・Capacity: (approx.) 80L
・Weight: (approx.) 2kg
The frame is connected with shock cords (bungee cords), making assembly very easy.
While the narrow leg spread might suggest lower stability, the V-shaped frame provides good balance and prevents it from tipping over easily.
Despite being rectangular, it has a drawstring closure to prevent trash from scattering.
QUICKCAMP Pop-up Trash Box
・Size (approx.): Diameter 40cm × Height 50cm
・Storage size (approx.): Diameter 46cm × Height 12cm
・Material: Body/Polyester, Bottom PVC
・Weight: (approx.) 1.1kg
・Recommended garbage bag size: 45L
The concern with circular trash cans is that their storage size isn't very small.
However, they are easy to deploy and can be set up quickly.
While many rectangular trash cans have lids that simply rest on top, many circular ones have zippered closures.
Zipping it shut not only prevents trash from scattering but also helps deter animals from tampering with it.
Summary of Camping Trash Cans
I hope you now understand the benefits of introducing a trash can.
With a trash can, not only will trash disposal be smoother, but you can also create an Instagram-worthy campsite.
Most importantly, it makes it harder for animals to tamper with trash, helping to keep the campsite clean.
"Leave no trace" is a fundamental principle of camping.
Please try using a trash can on your next camping trip.
