The Best Boat Trash Cans to Keep Your Vessel Clean
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When you go out on your boat, a garbage disposal should be the least of your worries. Boats can be a big investment and you must take care of them; after all, cleanliness can provide a great sense of satisfaction and a proper boat trash can proves to be extremely convenient. Trash cans designed for boats have all the features to provide an easy way to dispose of any unwanted items and are a great way to keep wrappers and unwanted items in one place.
When browsing for one, make sure it is durable enough to withstand any strong winds because you do not want it to leak easily. Also, it should be water-resistant so any contact with water does not damage its build. There are multitudes of brands that manufacture boat trash cans which can make it overwhelming to decide which one to choose. Our team has formulated this guide to help you, so we have compiled a list of the highest-rated boat trash cans in 2024. A buying guide follows which will give you all the information you need to purchase one.
Premium Boat Trash Can of 2024 Reviewed in Detail
Best Overall
The Boat Trix boat trash bag is constructed using water-resistant nylon and has a mesh opening for breathability. It can hold up to twenty empty soda cans and the funnel-like opening allows you to conveniently dispose of unwanted items. Even if the boat is moving at a high speed, you don’t need to worry about the contents falling out of the bag because it’s very deep, allowing it to hold a large amount of garbage. To empty the bag, you can widen the opening by loosening the drawstring at the top. Also, this bag is washable, which means you can reuse it; for this reason, you do not need to add any liner before putting trash in it. Due to its durability, breathability, and overall convenience, this boat trash bag is the overall best on our list.
Pros
- Washable and reusable
- The deep design provides plenty of space
- Made using durable materials for longevity
- Convenient mesh opening for breathability
Cons
- Opening is too small for large items
Most Storage Space
The Lusso Gear boat trash can has a large capacity of this bag of about 9.4 liters it can also be folded to ensure it fits in compact spaces. It is waterproof, which makes it ideal for use on a boat, and it includes a removable leak-proof liner which makes it easy to empty your garbage. You can simply remove the liner once it is full and reattach it. Hooks, which can secure the top and prevent any items from falling out of the bag, are included as well. And, for your convenience, the bag includes a front zipper pocket and side mesh pockets for extra storage space. You can also put this in your car backseat to organize any essential items. Best of all, the company provides a lifetime warranty and you can contact them in case of any queries or complaints.
Pros
- Foldable to fit in tight spaces
- Waterproof and leakproof to prevent any accidents
- Additional pockets provide extra storage space making it perfect for traveling
Cons
- Company does not offer free returns
Best for Compact Spaces
The Camco boat trash can is a small, wall-mountable can that is able to be attached anywhere from your bathroom to your car or boat. It has a swing-top lid that allows you to throw away the garbage while preventing unpleasant odors from escaping. It has a capacity of about 4.7 liters, which means that you won’t need to empty it frequently.
The installation process is very simple; all you need to do is screw it directly onto a wall or door, or you can use double-sided adhesive to stick it to the desired location. Conveniently, all of the tools needed for installation are included in the package. Since it’s mounted on a stable surface, this can will not move even if your boat or car is stationary, keeping all the garbage in place. Also, you can remove the lid if you want to use it without one.
Pros
- The swing-top lid prevents unpleasant odors from escaping
- Easy to install and convenient to use
- Wall-mountable and safe to use in boats
Cons
- The swinging lid prevents it from being completely filled
Best Durability
This boat trash can by K Knodel is extremely durable because it is made from premium quality Oxford polyester. The inside of the bag is lined with waterproof material which makes it easy to empty and clean. It is washable, can be reused, and comes with long, adjustable straps so you can place it in different kinds of vehicles, including cars and boats.
The additional pockets on the sides and front of the can allow you to store other essentials. In fact, you can also use this as a cooler in which you can place food and drinks because the liner is insulated so it will keep your edibles fresh. Installation is also very easy as it comes fully assembled — all you need to do is to hang it on a stable surface like a headrest and adjust the length of the strap. Even better, it can be folded when not in use, which allows you to save space.
Pros
- Durable Oxford polyester built for longevity
- Insulation allows for use as a cooler
- Additional pockets for storage of essentials
Cons
- The bottom is not as stable as others
Most Convenient Setup
Last but not the least, the Port City boat trash bag offers plenty of storage space along with a convenient drawstring closure to prevent the garbage from falling out of the bag. It is made using high-quality polyester, making it very durable and capable of withstanding rough conditions. The bag itself is so lightweight that you can easily carry it and empty it, while the adjustable strap at the top allows you to hang it on a stable surface. Its bottom is very durable and stable, which means your trash will stay in place even when the boat is moving at high speeds. Any spills from cans or bottles thrown in the bag will not leak through and you can choose from six different colors.
Pros
- High-quality polyester build can withstand rough handling
- Extremely lightweight and easy to set up
- Spills will not leak through
- The company provides a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Mesh surface doesn’t stop unpleasant odors
Boat Trash Cans Buying Guide
Buying a boat trash can doesn’t seem like a difficult task. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure that you purchase one that’s long-lasting, but also convenient. This guide will help you purchase the right boat trash can for your specific needs.
What’s the Ideal Material for Boat Trash Cans?
When you browse through the market, you will find trash cans with many different materials. The most common ones include polyester and nylon for bags and plastic for cans. Whatever material you choose, make sure it is waterproof; after all, when on a boat it is likely that your trash can will come in contact with water. Also, if you are throwing out bottles or soda cans, the liquid will likely drip into the can. To make sure that it does not leak, you need to invest in a can made of waterproof material.
Polyester and nylon are good options for trash bags because they are durable and will ensure that it lasts you a good amount of time. Also, if you plan to place your bag outdoors, make sure that it can withstand different weather conditions, including rain and extreme sunlight, without getting damaged. Some trash cans or bags come with a built-in waterproof liner which makes it easy to empty them.
What Mounting Technique Is Most Convenient?
The mounting technique can be a game-changer for some people. You might have found the best-looking trash can with all the features that suit your needs, only to find that it needs to be wall-mounted using screws. No one wants to drill holes into the walls of their boat. If you really want a wall-mounted design because you are looking to save space, you can choose one that can be stuck on a wall using double-sided adhesive. Alternatively, some trash cans come with straps or plastic clips that can be conveniently hung over a stable surface. You can also choose one with detachable straps, as this allows you to move the trash can around without having to remove the straps, which makes emptying the trash can more convenient as well.
Important Additional Features
Lid
The lid of a boat trash can is important as it ensures that the garbage stays in place and doesn’t fall out, even if the boat is not stationary. You can find several options in the market, from swinging lids to those with a drawstring closure.
Swinging lids may not be ideal if the boat is moving at high speeds because they may lead to the trash flying out. Drawstring or chain closure lids are more reliable, as they will keep unwanted items in the bag even if you hit a large wave. Also, make sure that the opening is large enough to put bigger items inside.
Storage space
The storage space and overall size of the boat trash can is another important consideration. You should look for one that provides ample storage space without taking up a lot of room. It should be compact enough to fit in tight spaces.
Also, some boat trash cans come with additional pockets on the sides and front. These can be utilized to store other necessities, saving up room and keeping you organized. A foldable trash can is ideal as it can be conveniently stored when not in use.
Why Is a Boat Trash Can Important?
If you own a boat or frequently go on boat rides, you need a boat trash can. Waste management in boats is an area of concern across the globe, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect bodies of water and their inhabitants. Throwing garbage directly into the water has huge implications and is extremely detrimental to the ocean. So, to play your part in preventing water pollution, make sure that you have a functional trash can on your boat.
People Also Asked
Can I place boat trash cans indoors and outdoors?
There is no hard and fast rule as to where you should place your boat trash can. If you have sufficient space inside, you can place it indoors so that it is close to where you eat. You can also place it outdoors if you have less space indoors — just make sure that it is durable enough to withstand different weather conditions.
How can I protect my trash can from pests?
The best way to ensure that your trash can remains safe from pests is to purchase one with a lid. When different kinds of garbage, including food leftovers, are sealed properly, there will be fewer chances of a pest infestation.
Can I wash my boat trash can?
There is no reason whatsoever to not wash your trash can. If you have a trash bag made from polyester or nylon, make sure you purchase a washable one so you can reuse it easily. A simple wash using detergent and water is usually sufficient to clean it.