I LOVE this can. The plastic is a heavy duty plastic that I know will last with my 6 kids. Not only does the lid help ensure that the bag does not fall into the bin and for food to fall outside of the bag but it also helps ensure that kids do not pile the garbage sky high as the lid will not close properly when the can is full. And it will allow my baby not to get into the trash as much. In short it is keeping my kitchen cleaner.