Many kitchen trash cans nowadays have sleek finishes and minimalist designs to perfectly blend into any kitchen decor style. Whether you like to keep your recycling and compost bins separate, or have one kitchen trash can that can house any and all waste, there are many options available to suit any need. Craig Hoareau, owner of A Tidy Mind, a professional organizing and decluttering services company, suggests choosing a kitchen trash can that suits both the size of the kitchen and your lifestyle. “If you cook every day for a large family, avoid smaller trash cans that will fill up quickly and potentially overflow,” Hoareau says. “Those with small kitchens could opt for trash cans with different compartments for recycling and waste, and slim-line options can further help to save space in a compact kitchen.” Our top pick for the best kitchen trash can is the iTouchless 13-Gallon Wings Lid Sensor Trash Can. It has a modern stainless steel exterior with an innovative odor filter, and a safety lid that can keep pets and kids out. This touchless trash can opens hands (and feet) free via a sensor, and its 13-gallon capacity is big enough to cater to even large kitchen needs. Here are the best kitchen trash cans. Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to have to remember to change the batteries in their trash can. Our top pick for the best kitchen trash can, the iTouchless 13-Gallon Wings Lid Sensor Trash Can, not only looks great, but is also super functional and great at containing odors. Its slim-line aesthetic and brushed stainless steel outer make it a perfect fit in any kitchen, no matter the decor style. The best thing about this trash can is its motion sensor activation which opens the top wing-like doors to reveal the waste, so you won’t have to come into contact with it—which is especially helpful when cooking. The top can’t be opened by kids or pets, so you don’t have to worry about coming home to a house full of trash. The odor control system works with a natural activated carbon filter that absorbs and neutralizes odors for a cleaner feeling (and smelling) kitchen. You can even keep this trash can under a counter because it only needs an extra 4.4 inches of clearance when opened. If the 13-gallon option is too small for your family’s needs, it also comes in a larger 18-gallon version. Price at time of publish: $110
Size: 16.3 x 10.4 x 22.6 inchesCapacity: 13 gallonsMaterial: Stainless steel
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer the sturdiness of a metal trash can. It may not have a high-end look or motion-sensor opening, but the Rubbermaid Classic 13-gallon Trash Can offers supreme durability and hand-free opening thanks to its large step-on pedal. It’s super easy to clean as it’s made from a strong plastic and resin, which means you can take it outside and hose it down or spray it with an antibacterial kitchen cleaner if you’re inside. It comes in either a metal-mimicking gray finish or a plain black color, and it has a smooth exterior that’s easy to wipe down. There’s a convenient inner plastic bucket that can easily be removed to change trash bags or when cleaning your trash can, and the step-on pedal, in addition to being sturdy and functional, provides a nice design touch. There’s also a liner lock feature that keeps the bags securely in place. This budget trash can is also suitable for use as a recycling bin, or to hold other necessities like pet food. Despite being slightly tapered at the bottom, it still holds a full 13 gallons and is a great affordable trash can option for a busy family kitchen. Price at time of publish: $45
Size: 14.6 x 17.5 x 24.8 inchesCapacity: 13 gallonsMaterial: Plastic
Who it isn’t for: People who want to be able to open their trash without touching the lid. The days of wanting to keep the kitchen trash bin concealed from view will well and truly be over once you get yourself the attractive and stylish Brabantia Bo Touch Bin Hi. This item is pretty enough to keep out on display, and it’s super functional too, thanks to its large size and easy touch-top opening. Its four legs give it a handy lift off the floor, making it easy to sweep and mop under it for ultimate kitchen hygiene. There are two handles on either side so you can move it around effortlessly if need be, and it also comes in matte steel, mineral concrete, or white shades to suit all kitchen styles. The lid closes tightly so pets and small ones won’t be able to get in, and the inner plastic bucket is removable so you can clean it with ease. This might be a pricey kitchen trash can but it’s durable and looks fabulous, plus the company offers an impressive 10-year full residential warranty, too. Price at time of publish: $262
Size: 32.1 x 21.5 x 12.3 inchesCapacity: 16 gallonsMaterial: Steel
Who it isn’t for: Big families who need a lot of space for their day-to-day trash collection. You can instantly see what makes this trash can a bestseller, thanks to its stylish, innovative, and extremely practical design. With two containers, one stacked on top of the other, it saves space while still having plenty of room for all your trash and recycling. This 16-gallon capacity trash can is available in various colors to suit your kitchen decor scheme, including graphite, black, and a light stone, in addition to the classic stainless steel option. In the top compartment, you’ll even find a smaller 3-liter caddy for compost that has its own lid to contain odors, and it’s also removable so you can take it over to your counter to scrape in any waste as you cook, or to the sink for easy cleaning. There’s a clever stink-trapping system inside the can’s top lid that houses a replaceable carbon filter. Both bins can also come out easily from the structure when it’s time to wash them. Price at time of publish: $200
Size: 15.3 x 14.4 x 32 inchesCapacity: 16 gallons totalMaterial: Stainless steel, aluminum, plastic
Who it isn’t for: People who are short on space. For those who prefer to have their recycling and trash all in one convenient place, this Songmics dual-container trash can is basically two bins in one. Though it’s technically one unit, it houses two separate bins, each with its own hinged lid and durable metal foot pedal for opening. This hardy and durable trash can is made from a strong stainless steel which is rust-resistant and easy to clean. It’s fingerprint-resistant too, so it looks cleaner for longer. The lids are soft-closing so you won’t get that annoying bang every time you release the pedal. They also close flush to the rest of the trash can and firmly shut, so can’t be pried open by pets. This feature also makes them more airtight so that no odors escape and waft into your home. Each bin contains a separate removable inner plastic bucket with handle so you can lift it out to change liners or for cleaning. It also comes in several stylish colors if stainless steel isn’t your favorite, including almond, black, white, brown, and gray. Price at time of publish: $140
Size: 23.1 x 12.6 x 25.6 inchesCapacity: 16 gallonsMaterial: Powder-coated steel, plastic
Who it isn’t for: Small families or people who do a lot of recycling and composting. For some families, a petite little kitchen trash can just won’t cut it. If you’re dealing with a lot of kitchen waste on a daily basis, you’ll need a bin that can keep up with your demands and won’t fill up or overflow, requiring several trips to your outdoor trash cans on a daily basis. The Glad Kitchen Trash Can has a whopping 20-gallon capacity, and, for a basic plastic trash can, looks quite sleek and provides a universally minimal look. It comes in either gray or black. It features a step-on pedal that opens the large lid, and is made from recycled materials. The lid has a mechanism to keep open when changing the liner—or while you’re doing your weekly fridge clean out. There are two bag rings that pop up to keep your liners in place too. It’s a simple, fuss-free bin that’s easy to clean and can cater to busy kitchens. Price at time of publish: $56
Size: 19 x 16 x 27.8 inchesCapacity: 20 gallonsMaterial: Plastic
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t love the stainless steel look. The plastic inner compartment, in addition to keeping the stainless steel safe and clean, slides in and out easily for bag removal and replacement. The bag can slot into a hole in the side to keep it secure, and the lid closes softly and is practically silent. The lid can also stay open too without you having to keep your foot on the pedal. It’s sturdy, looks chic and modern, and is a great option for 2-3 person households. Price at time of publish: $75
Size: 25 x 11.8 x 13.8 Inches Capacity: 7.9 gallonsMaterial: Stainless steel
Who it isn’t for: People who would rather not have a plastic trash can. If you don’t have a lot of room to space, but a teeny tiny kitchen trash can simply won’t fit your lifestyle, a slim-line option is the way to go. This 10.6-gallon number by simplehuman holds an impressive amount of waste while still being only 10 inches wide and able to slot into smaller gaps in your kitchen, remaining discreet and out of the way. If you place it into the small space in between an appliance and cabinet, for instance, the handy wheels help it slide in and out with ease. The lid is lockable, too, to make sure your little ones or pets don’t decide to dig in, but you can also keep the lid open without having to step on the pedal if you need to throw out a bunch of leftovers, let’s say. Though the brand has its own custom-fit Code K liners that fit perfectly into this bin, regular 13-gallon bin liners will also fit. The lid closes silently and the strong steel pedal has been designed to, as per the company, withstand over 150,000 steps. Price at time of publish: $50
Size: 18.6 x 10.1 x 24.9 inchesCapacity: 10.5 gallonsMaterial: Plastic
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t have an extra kitchen cabinet to accommodate pull-out bins. Gone are the days of those small in-cabinet kitchen trash cans that could only hold breakfast remnants before needing to be emptied. Nowadays, hidden trash cans are much larger and way more convenient for larger families. This option from simplehuman has a 9.3-gallon capacity and a clever slide-out mechanism you can install yourself for easy rubbish disposal—all the while being hidden from view in a designated kitchen cabinet. The stainless steel track which the bins slide on glides in and out incredibly smoothly, and it comes pre-assembled so all you have to do is screw it into your kitchen cabinet. The two bins slot in and out of the contraption effortlessly for emptying, and they are easy to clean thanks to their smooth plastic build. simplehuman has special Code D and Code G liners that are made-to-measure for these containers, but you can also use regular supermarket brand liners too. Price at time of publish: From $100
Size: 17.7 x 9.8 x 19.1 inchesCapacity: 9.2 gallonsMaterial: Stainless steel
How to Shop for Kitchen Trash Cans Like a Pro
Type
There are several different types of kitchen trash cans. The most affordable options are the plain plastic swing top or step-pedal bins, but, for more convenience and better security against toddlers and pets, sensor-opening trash cans are gaining popularity, though they are usually more expensive. Trash cans come in all shapes and sizes, and slim-line options are also available that can fit into narrower kitchen spaces and pretty much go by unnoticed. “Multipurpose kitchen trash cans that can accommodate your recycling too are extremely convenient,” Hoareau tells us. “These usually consist of two separate compartments either side-by-side, or one on top of the other, and eliminate the need for extra bins for each different type of waste.”
Capacity
Trash cans for the kitchen are available in an array of different capacities, and can range from three gallons all the way up to 30 gallons. “If you cook a lot, having a small kitchen trash will likely mean that you will have to empty it several times a day,” says Hoareau. “If you don’t spend much time in the kitchen, however, a trash can with a smaller capacity and overall size might be better as it won’t take up as much valuable kitchen space, and can even be hidden inside a cabinet.”
Material
Kitchen trash cans typically come in either plastic or metal materials. Stainless steel trash cans tend to be more expensive than plastic options, but they generally look nicer. Both materials are easy to wipe down when they get dirty. Whatever material you opt for, Hoareau suggests finding a trash can with a plastic interior that can be removed for easier cleaning. “If you go for a metal kitchen trash can, make sure you buy a non-rust model,” he says. He also advises avoiding painted metal trash cans as the paint could peel over time.
Questions You Might Ask
What size trash can is best for the kitchen?
The size of a kitchen trash can should suit the household’s needs. Large families, and those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen and cook a lot, should go for trash cans with more capacity. This will save you from having to keep emptying the trash can throughout the day. For the average family, a 13 to 16-gallon capacity should suffice.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the Commerce Editor-at-Large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading US online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed and tested multiple trash cans, and researched and considered factors such as each trash can’s size, material, style, and how easy it is to clean. She also spoke to Craig Hoareau, owner of A Tidy Mind, professional organizing and decluttering services in London.
