Waste containers are called a lot things but in the end they are used for mainly one purpose, a place for us to put our garbage. Waste containers are sometimes referred to as trash cans, waste receptacles, garbage cans, trash containers, rubbish bins, waste containers and the list goes on. There are two main categories of commercial trash cans; ones that are used for garbage and ones that are used for recycling. Trash cans that are used for general garbage come is all different types, sizes, colors and styles. Some trash containers have ashtrays built in and are made for smoking areas and building entrance ways. Waste containers are also made out of different materials. Waste containers are made from materials such as plastic, stainless steel, cement and chrome. Different styles of waste containers are used for different purposes and by purchasing different color trash containers you can specify that types of garbage that goes into each.

The first style of trash container which is probably the smallest is the desk side trash container. These waste containers come in all sizes but are usually kept small to conserve of space usage. These types of garbage cans can also come with lids that have different size openings and markings to signify the type of trash they are used for. The largest manufacturer of desk side trash cans is probably Rubbermaid who produces over 100 different styles.

The next trash container up in size is the Brute trash can. These come in sizes from 25 gallon to 55 gallon and are sized by the volume of garbage they can hold. Wheeled dollies can be purchased for these containers so that they are easier to move because of the weight of garbage they can hold. Most Brute containers are made from a plastic resin and are extremely durable and easy to clean. For custodial purposes a caddy bag which can hold cleaning items can be attached to the side of the Brute garbage container.

Trash carts are the largest type of trash container. These huge trash cans on wheels are usually measured in cubic feet and are used to transport large amounts of trash from location to location. The most common type of trash carts have a horizontal wall at one end and an angled wall at the other to help assist when dumping garbage.

Building entrance garbage cans are usually made from a cement or a stone type material. These materials make the trash can extremely durable against all weather conditions. These containers usually come with a large opening in the top and some have ashtrays and cigarette disposal features that are filled with ashtray or smoking urn silica sand. Because these trash containers are so large they commonly have a door built into the side of the unit so that trash bags can be easily removed and replaced.