There’s a certain kind of chaos that lives only in a garage, a workshop, or on the edge of a patio during a big project. It’s the aftermath of a weekend of yard work, the debris from a DIY woodworking project, or the simple, overwhelming accumulation of family life. For years, I battled this chaos with a collection of flimsy, undersized trash cans that were never quite up to the task. Lids would blow away in a stiff breeze, handles would crack under the strain of a heavy load of wet leaves, and the plastic itself would become brittle and fail after a single harsh winter. I was tired of wrestling with inadequate solutions. This frustration is what led me to search for a true “heavy-duty” option—a garbage can that wasn’t just a container, but a reliable tool. The goal was simple: find a large-capacity, durable, and manageable can that could withstand the elements and the abuse of real-world use without demanding a second thought. This search ultimately brought the LovingStar 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can to my doorstep for testing.
- 1.The 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can with included lid is heavy duty and ideal for various waste types, accommodates a...
- 2.This trash can is designed with sturdy pass through handles at the top and an additional hand groove on the bottom of the container,...
What to Consider Before You Buy a Large Capacity Trash Can
A large capacity garbage can is more than just a place to toss refuse; it’s a key solution for maintaining order and hygiene in high-volume areas. Whether for a bustling family kitchen that produces a lot of waste, a garage that doubles as a workshop, or for managing outdoor yard debris, the right can streamlines cleanup, contains odors, and prevents pests. The main benefits are efficiency—fewer trips to the curb—and durability, as these cans are typically built to withstand heavier loads and harsher conditions than their smaller, indoor-only counterparts. Choosing the right one means reclaiming your space from clutter and simplifying your waste management routine.
The ideal customer for a product like the LovingStar 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can is someone facing large-scale waste challenges. This includes homeowners with sizable yards, DIY enthusiasts, small business owners, or anyone who manages waste for a multi-person household. If you find yourself constantly filling up smaller bins or dealing with torn bags and overflowing containers, a 32-gallon workhorse is likely the solution you need. Conversely, this type of product might not be suitable for those living in small apartments with limited space or for individuals with minimal waste output. For them, a smaller, more aesthetically focused indoor can would be a better fit, as a 32-gallon behemoth would be cumbersome and unnecessary.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A 32-gallon can is substantial. The LovingStar measures 26.5 x 22 x 30.75 inches. Before you buy, measure the dedicated space in your garage, mudroom, or patio. Ensure there’s enough clearance not just for the can itself, but also to comfortably lift the lid and remove a full, heavy bag without obstruction.
- Capacity/Performance: Thirty-two gallons is a standard size for municipal curbside pickup in many areas, making it a highly practical choice. This capacity is excellent for weekly household trash, lawn clippings, or project debris. The performance of such a can is measured by its ability to hold this volume without buckling, cracking, or becoming impossible to move.
- Materials & Durability: The material is paramount. The LovingStar uses injection-molded heavy-duty plastic, which is designed to resist impacts, temperature changes, and UV degradation better than cheaper, thinner plastics. While metal cans offer excellent durability, they can dent, rust, and are often much heavier and more expensive. For most outdoor and garage applications, thick, high-quality plastic offers the best balance of toughness and practicality.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for ergonomic features. Sturdy handles, a secure lid, and a manageable weight (the LovingStar is 8 pounds empty) are crucial. A smooth interior surface without deep crevices makes the can easier to clean and prevents grime buildup. A simple rinse with a hose and some mild soap should be all the maintenance it requires.
While the LovingStar 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can is an excellent choice for robust, high-volume needs, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially those designed with indoor aesthetics and odor control in mind, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- AUTOMATIC & HYGIENIC – The touchless sensor lid opens and closes automatically, keeping your hands clean and ensuring a noiseless,...
- CONVENIENT SIZE: 50 liter / 13.2 gallon trash can for home or office
- WASTE BIN WITH 20 GALLON CAPACITY – This 20 gallon trash can is perfect for any household and features a classic rectangular shape in...
Unboxing the LovingStar: First Impressions and Core Features
The LovingStar 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can arrived as you’d expect: no fancy packaging, just the can and its lid, ready for action. My immediate impression was of its no-nonsense, utilitarian design. The black plastic has a slightly textured finish that feels like it will hide scuffs and dirt well. It feels substantial in hand, with thick walls that don’t easily flex when squeezed—a good early sign of durability. However, the first task at hand was not putting it to use, but contending with the shipping labels. As one user noted in their feedback, the stickers are incredibly aggressive. It took a good 15 minutes with a heat gun and adhesive remover to get the surface clean, which was a frustrating start to an otherwise simple setup. Once clean, the can’s features became more apparent: the deep, comfortable pass-through handles, the well-defined hand groove on the bottom for tipping, and the lid that clicks into place via predrilled holes. It feels like a tool designed for work, not for show. You can see its full feature set and user reviews online.
What We Like
- Generous 32-gallon capacity is perfect for weekly trash or large projects.
- Heavy-duty injection-molded plastic feels tough and durable.
- Secure “click lock” lid helps contain odors and deter pests.
- Multiple ergonomic handles, including a bottom grip, make lifting and emptying easier.
Drawbacks
- Plastic may be susceptible to damage during shipping, as noted in user feedback.
- Extremely stubborn stickers and labels are difficult to remove completely.
Putting the LovingStar 32 Gallon Can to the Test: A Performance Breakdown
A garbage can’s true worth is revealed not on a spec sheet, but in the trenches of daily use. We put the LovingStar 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can through a series of real-world scenarios over several weeks, from handling messy yard waste to containing workshop debris, to see if its “heavy-duty” claims held up. Our detailed analysis focuses on the core aspects that matter most: its construction, its ergonomic design, and its real-world capacity and versatility.
Built to Last? A Deep Dive into “Heavy-Duty” Construction
The term “heavy-duty” is thrown around a lot, but the LovingStar can largely earns the title. The foundation of its toughness is the injection-molded plastic. During our testing, we found the walls to be impressively rigid. We intentionally loaded it with jagged branches, leftover construction scraps, and heavy bags of soil, looking for signs of puncture or stress. The can resisted punctures admirably, and even when filled to the brim with over 50 pounds of material, the walls showed minimal bowing. This is a significant step up from standard big-box store cans that often feel flimsy and thin. The base is thick and reinforced, which is critical as this is the area that takes the most abuse from being dragged across concrete and asphalt. We dragged our test unit across the driveway multiple times, and while it picked up some expected scuffs, there was no sign of the plastic wearing thin or cracking.
However, it’s important to approach this durability with a balanced perspective. While our unit performed well, we must acknowledge user reports of damage upon arrival. One specific account mentioned a handle being broken in transit. This suggests that while the plastic is thick, it might have a degree of brittleness that makes it vulnerable to sharp, high-velocity impacts, which can sometimes occur during shipping. This doesn’t necessarily mean the can is weak in everyday use—where forces are more about weight and abrasion—but it is a crucial point of consideration. Our conclusion is that the construction is indeed robust for its intended purpose, but its resilience to shipping mishaps could be a point of concern for some potential buyers. Checking the latest price and availability can help you decide if it’s the right risk-reward balance for your needs.
Ergonomics in Action: The Lid and Handle System
A garbage can is only as good as its usability, and that’s where ergonomics come into play. LovingStar clearly put thought into how users would interact with this can. The main handles are a pass-through design, which we found to be far superior to molded-in grips. This design allows for a full, secure grasp, even when wearing thick work gloves. The handles are wide and deep, distributing the weight evenly across our hands and preventing the painful pinching that can occur with poorly designed grips when lifting a heavy load. This made hauling a full can of wet grass clippings down the driveway significantly more comfortable.
The feature that we particularly appreciated was the hand groove integrated into the bottom edge of the can. This small detail makes a world of difference when it’s time to empty the contents. It provides a secure leverage point, allowing you to tip and pour the contents into a municipal bin or onto a compost pile with control and stability. Trying to do this with a can that lacks a bottom grip often results in an awkward, back-straining heave. The lid is another critical component. The “click lock” system works by pressing the lid down firmly until it snaps over the can’s rim. While it’s not an airtight seal like you’d find on a premium indoor can, it’s more than sufficient for outdoor and garage use. We found it stayed securely in place during a windy day and was effective at keeping rain out and containing the smell of household trash. It provides a satisfying “click” that confirms it’s locked, offering peace of mind that it won’t be dislodged by a curious raccoon or a gust of wind.
Real-World Capacity and Versatility
The 32-gallon capacity hits a sweet spot for versatility. It’s large enough to serve as the primary outdoor can for a family of four, easily holding a week’s worth of trash without issue. For our yard work test, it swallowed an impressive volume of leaves, weeds, and hedge trimmings, significantly reducing the number of bags we needed to use. In the workshop, it became the go-to repository for wood offcuts, sawdust, and project packaging. The wide 22-inch opening makes it easy to dispose of bulky items without a struggle.
We did take note of the user feedback mentioning the can seemed “smaller than expected.” While dimensions are subjective, the listed measurements (26.5 x 22 x 30.75 inches) are standard for a 32-gallon can. We believe this perception might stem from its slightly tapered design, which is common for stackability and strength but can make the top opening seem wider than the base. In practice, we confirmed it comfortably accepts standard 32 to 33-gallon trash bags. Its versatility is its greatest strength. It’s equally at home on a patio for a large party, in a garage corner collecting project waste, or at the curb on trash day. It’s not designed to be a showpiece for your kitchen, but for every other demanding waste management task, its size and robust nature make it an incredibly practical tool.
What Other Users Are Saying
While our hands-on testing provides an expert viewpoint, we always cross-reference our findings with broader user experiences to paint a complete picture. The feedback on the LovingStar 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can highlights a consistent theme of functional, no-frills performance coupled with some notable frustrations.
The most prominent critical feedback, which we also experienced, revolves around two key issues: shipping damage and sticker residue. As one user detailed, their can arrived with a handle already broken. This is a significant concern, pointing to potential vulnerabilities in the plastic’s impact resistance or inadequate packaging during transit. The same user lamented the difficulty of removing shipping labels, with sticker pieces and residue left marring the surface. This was not an isolated incident, as we struggled with the very same issue, confirming it’s a genuine and frustrating aspect of the initial user experience. This feedback is crucial for potential buyers to manage their expectations upon the product’s arrival.
How Does the LovingStar Compare? Key Alternatives to Consider
The LovingStar 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can excels as a high-capacity, durable workhorse. However, the world of waste management is diverse, and different needs call for different solutions. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives that cater to more specialized requirements.
1. SONGMICS 13-Gallon Narrow Trash Can
- [Slim for Narrow Spaces] The narrow, slim shape makes this 13-gallon trash can easily fit in tight spaces or narrow gaps, like between...
- [Closes Softly & Stays Open] This garbage can features a silent and soft close lid that can seal stinky smells inside. The lid can be...
The SONGMICS 13-Gallon Narrow Trash Can represents the opposite end of the spectrum from the LovingStar. Where the LovingStar is about rugged capacity, the SONGMICS is about sleek, space-saving design for indoor use. Its stainless steel construction, soft-close lid, and foot-pedal operation are features designed for the modern kitchen. If your primary need is an attractive, odor-containing solution for kitchen waste that fits into a tight space, the SONGMICS is a far superior choice. However, its 13-gallon capacity and less robust materials make it completely unsuitable for the garage, yard, or heavy-duty tasks where the LovingStar shines.
2. United Solutions 7 Gallon Narrow Trash Wastebasket (Pack of 2)
- SMALL SPACES IN MIND – Rectangular, open top 7-gallon garbage cans fit nicely under the desk, in the kitchen cabinet or in between...
- EASY TO CLEAN – This small plastic trash can is simple to maintain and can be wiped clean and air dried with ease for long-lasting...
The United Solutions wastebaskets are all about decentralized, small-scale waste collection. At only 7 gallons each, they are designed to fit under a desk, in a bathroom, or in a craft room. They are lightweight, inexpensive, and serve a specific purpose: collecting small amounts of dry waste like paper and packaging. Someone would choose this two-pack over the LovingStar if their goal is to have multiple small collection points throughout a home or office rather than one large, central bin. They lack lids, durability, and the capacity for any serious cleanup, making them a complementary product rather than a direct competitor to the LovingStar’s heavy-duty application.
3. iTouchless 50 Liter Dog-Proof Kitchen Trash Can with Odor Filter
- Pet-Proof Lid Lock — Keep contents securely sealed with a locking lid that prevents access from curious dogs and cats. Ideal for...
- Premium Motion Sensor Technology — Enjoy fast, smooth lid opening with our advanced hands-free sensor. A cleaner, more convenient way...
The iTouchless trash can is the high-tech, feature-rich alternative. It targets a specific set of problems: odor control, hygiene, and pet-proofing. With its 13-gallon (50-liter) capacity, it’s sized for a kitchen, but its main selling points are the touchless sensor-activated lid, a lock to keep curious pets out, and an integrated carbon odor filter. Consumers who prioritize convenience, have pets or small children, or are particularly sensitive to kitchen smells would find the iTouchless to be a worthy investment. The LovingStar, by contrast, offers more than double the capacity and ruggedness for a fraction of the complexity, but it provides none of these advanced indoor features.
Our Final Verdict: Is the LovingStar 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can a Buy?
After weeks of rigorous testing, our verdict on the LovingStar 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can is clear: it is a formidable, no-frills workhorse that delivers on its promise of heavy-duty performance. Its thick plastic construction, generous capacity, and smart ergonomic features like the pass-through handles and bottom grip make it an excellent tool for managing large volumes of waste in a garage, workshop, or outdoor setting. It stands up to abuse, contains odors effectively with its click-lock lid, and simplifies the chore of hauling heavy loads to the curb.
However, it is not without its flaws. The potential for damage during shipping is a valid concern, and the frustratingly stubborn labels are an annoyance that detracts from the initial experience. This is not the sophisticated, feature-rich can for your kitchen; it is a utilitarian beast of burden. If you need a large, tough, and reliable garbage can for demanding jobs and can overlook a few initial setup hurdles, then we can confidently recommend it. It’s a straightforward solution to a big problem. If you’re ready to tackle your toughest messes with a can that’s built for the job, you can check the current price and order yours today.
Last update on 2025-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API