Volko Supply: A history for In-Ground Cans to CamberCan NOW
From a hole in the ground to In-Ground Cans to Volko Supply and CamberCan NOW.
Early Origins (pre-1950s) – Basic underground storage ideas.
Before formal “products” existed, people used underground pits, cellars, or partially buried containers to store waste. This was mainly to control odor and animals. These were DIY or site-built solutions, not standardized manufactured systems.
1950s–1970s – Rise of standardized trash cans, early buried systems.
As municipal waste collection became standardized in the U.S., above-ground metal and plastic cans took over. However, rural areas and some commercial properties began using partially buried drums or concrete sleeves for the same reasons. Reduce smell, animal control and improve aesthetics.
1970s–1990s – First commercial in-ground systems emerge.
Environmental awareness and suburban development drove demand for cleaner-looking waste solutions.
Small manufacturers and specialty fabricators began producing in-ground liners (often concrete, fiberglass, or steel sleeves).
Some septic tank and precast concrete companies adapted their expertise to make underground trash receptacles.
Early versions were simple: a buried cylinder with a removable lid and liner.
Not many national brands dominated—this was a fragmented, regional market.
Some foundries located in the Southeast and FL were providing the Sani-Kan in-ground can system and similar. The system used a metal bracket or ring to attach the step lid to a concrete liner. It also included a metal pull-out pail with a handle.
This system worked well in Florida and other corrosive, sandy environments. However, shipping heavy concrete cylinders and cast lids made it too costly for Volko Supply to offer elsewhere.
Manufacturers later introduced replacement fiberglass lids and other lightweight covers to address failing metal-to-concrete couplings. Even so, repairing a damaged or corroded concrete edge remains challenging.
Instead, Volko Supply provides a replacement ring system that retrofits the concrete liner as a replacement solution. View here.
1990s–Present – Volko Supply & all metal in-ground cans
Dover Metal Ware
Dover Metal Ware, founded in 1896 in Dover NJ, manufactured a 20 gallon In-ground trash can. The 502U originally used a hot-dipped galvanized can with a heavy #20 cast lid. After manufacturing moved to Mexico, the company switched to a much lighter galvanized sheet-steel lid. Today, some of the original cast lids still remain in service up and down the East Coast.
Notably, Sexton, F.B. Jones, and other metal manufacturers from the early 20th century expanded into waste management solutions. They produced a very similar #20 lid and 20 gallon can system.
End of production for these cans is vague, but Dover prevailed as the longstanding manufacturer.
Volko Supply distributed Dover cans throughout the early 2000s until Behrens acquired the company in 2012. After the acquisition, Behrens phased out the in-ground can line and discontinued replacement parts.
Majestic Metal Manufacturing
Majestic Metal Manufacturing, founded in the early 1920’s introduced their first in-ground trash can model in 1960. Over the decades, Majestic expanded its product line to include various sizes to meet urban needs.
Majestic may have standardized today’s can systems by offering 20- and 25-gallon models with either a one-piece or two-piece lid.
Later, Camber Corp., located in Butler, Pennsylvania, acquired the Majestic can dies and began producing the same systems under the Camber Can name.
Noll/NorWesCo Metal Manufacturing
Noll/NorWesCo Metal Manufacturing, founded in 1972 in Fife, Washington, introduced the 27-gallon CHIEF Can. Communities along the West Coast adopted the CHIEF Can. Adjacent states, including Arizona, also embraced it. Sun City and many surrounding communities made it a popular solution.
Volko Supply also inventoried and distributed the CHIEF Cans nationwide starting in 2001.
In 2016, NorWesCo stopped production and offered Volko Supply the line. Without a manufacturing facility, Volko helped Camber Corp acquire the dies. Camber already produced its own can line, which Volko also distributed. Moving forward, Camber chose to discontinue the full CHIEF line and only offer CHIEF lids as replacement parts.
With Dover cans discontinued and CHIEF lids limited to replacement parts, Camber Cans became the most widely recognized can system.
Volko Supply has been distributing Camber Cans across the country working with Camber Corp from 2015 to 2021.
In late 2021, Camber Corp downsized and sold the dies and can business to Seven Ranges located in Carrollton OH.
Seven Ranges now stands as the only all-metal in-ground can manufacturer I’m aware of. The company proudly smashes out the same cans we know today as CamberCan, right here in the USA.
Volko Supply has been distributing in-ground trash cans for over 50+ years.
From Dover to NorWesCo to Camber Corp to CamberCan NOW.
Volko Supply is your In-Ground Trash Can & CamberCan Source.
