At our trash can factory, every fastener—from the hinge pins to the lid screws—is made of marine-grade 304 stainless steel. This material contains chromium and nickel, which form a passive oxide layer that actively repels moisture, oxygen, and corrosive elements. Unlike ordinary carbon steel fasteners that begin to show rust spots within months of exposure to rain or humidity, our stainless steel components maintain their integrity for years.

We go a step further by subjecting each batch of fasteners to a 72-hour neutral salt spray test (ASTM B117) to simulate decades of environmental stress. After the test, the fasteners show zero red rust, only minimal superficial discoloration. This is because our stainless steel has a minimum chromium content of 18%, well above the 10.5% threshold needed for true stainlessness.

Additionally, we apply a secondary passivation treatment to remove any free iron particles from the surface, eliminating potential nucleation sites for corrosion. The result: even in coastal areas with salt-laden air, or in industrial zones with chemical exposure, the fasteners will not degrade structurally. They remain easy to tighten or replace without seizing.

So, to answer your question directly: No, they do not tend to rust over time. Our stainless steel fasteners are engineered to outlast the plastic or metal body of the trash can itself. That’s why we offer a 10-year warranty against rust-through on all fastener components. If you ever see a speck of corrosion, we replace the entire set free of charge. That’s our commitment to quality—because a trash can that falls apart at the hinges is not just inconvenient; it’s a failure of manufacturing integrity.