Our top pick, the Simplehuman 50-Liter Rectangular Step Trash Can, has a high capacity, a sturdy and slim design, and a quiet-closing lid. Here are the best kitchen trash cans for your home. This stainless steel trash can is our top pick because it was made to withstand the challenge of a busy home with children and pets, or a quiet one where trash collects little by little. Its patented, soft-closing lid ensures it’s an unnoticeable part of everyday life, while the stay-open lid allows you to tackle longer cleaning tasks without any interruptions. In addition, if you are worried about the look of your kitchen trash can, the internal hinge on the lid helps this pick blend into your kitchen and sit flush against a wall. The Simplehuman trash can measures 12.8 x 19.8 x 25.7 inches and has a 13.2-gallon capacity, making it ideal for large and small families alike. Its size is compatible with large kitchen trash bags, but you also can purchase customized liners that won’t slip into the can and stay neatly hidden for easy refill access. The removable inner bucket can be lifted out for cleaning, and it’s made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic so you can rest assured that you’re doing something good for the planet with your purchase. (Eco-friendly and high-capacity? Sign us up!) Not to mention, the fingerprint-proof, stainless steel finish is one of our favorite features. Tiny fingerprints are no match against a finish that resists smudges and stays looking shiny in the face of everyday use. Although this pick is on the expensive side and heavy to maneuver, we think its overall design and capacity make it worth the price. Plus, Simplehuman backs this trash can with a 10-year warranty, ensuring years of reliable use. Price at time of publish: $160 The wastebasket is offered in blue with a recycling symbol, as well as three neutral colors—black, beige, and gray. At less than a pound, this trash can is easy to lift and empty out. Plus, at 16 x 11 x 20 inches, it’s small enough to fit under most sinks and desks. It’s worth noting, however, that it doesn’t include a lid, so it won’t conceal the contents of your trash or fully contain odors. Price at time of publish: $13 The lid can be opened by waving your hand or saying “open can”, though it can also be operated manually as well. The motor, which runs at a whisper-quiet 25 decibels, is powered by an included plug-in adapter or batteries. The invisible silver-ion coating is resistant to fingerprints, so it’ll stay in great shape. And, like most Simplehuman products, this high-tech trash can is backed by a five-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $250 No matter what mess you’re cleaning up, the lid will stay open as long as you need it to. Plus, it features a bumper that prevents it from hitting the wall, so you won’t have to worry about any scratches or dents occurring. Nonetheless, you may want to situate the can a bit farther away from a wall, as the bumper itself may cause dark scuffs on the surface that are tough to remove. With a semi-round design, this Simplehuman trash can will fit almost anywhere in your kitchen, but should be placed somewhere that pets can’t reach it even despite the locking lid. It’s available in five neutral colors that will match most decor. Backed by a five-year warranty, and with these parameters in place, it will surely stand up to a busy household with pets. Price at time of publish: $50 One of the best parts about the trash can is the replaceable activated carbon filter, which will effectively eliminate odors. This trash can includes one filter, but it’s worth noting it should be changed every three months for optimal performance. Unlike other trash cans, this style runs on four D batteries. According to the manufacturer, it has three times the battery life of other sensor cans, so you will likely have to replace the battery every one to two years. If you prefer to charge it in a wall outlet, however, you can purchase an AC adapter separately. Price at time of publish: $90 Measuring 26 inches tall with a 13-inch diameter, the Umbra Grand has a sleek, unobtrusive design that should blend nicely in a kitchen, office, or any other space you place it in. Plus, the lightweight design is made of polypropylene, a durable material that’s easy to clean—all you have to do is wipe it with a damp cloth. Price at time of publish: $28 The trash can is offered in either pewter or stainless finish. Despite its large size, it has a sleek look that’ll look great in any kitchen. And, unlike other options out there, the bin features a rear compartment where you can store conveniently store extra trash bags as well. The appearance of the trash can is protected thanks to a fingerprint-resistant finish that’ll keep it in great shape. Interior rings will secure the bag in place as well, so you won’t have to worry about it falling off the sides. Plus, a soft close lid ensures it has a controlled, quiet closure with each use—a welcomed addition in any home. Price at time of publish: $140 The one-piece track is pre-assembled, making it easy to install. Once it’s set up, this bin glides smoothly on full-extension ball-bearing tracks, allowing easy access to the trash compartment. It’s worth noting, however, the 8-gallon canister is smaller than a standard kitchen trash can, so it’s best suited for smaller households. Encased in an all-steel frame, this high-quality trash can stand up to plenty of wear and tear. Thanks to a strong, integrated steel handle, you can easily lift and empty the bin. Like most Simplehuman products, it’s also backed with a five-year warranty that’ll protect your purchase. Price at time of publish: $100 Each bin is equipped with its own heavy-duty step pedal for hands-free opening. The rectangle design features a convenient carry handle that makes it easy to transport the bin. Plus, it even comes with a colored sticker pad so you can label the bins however you see fit. Price at time of publish: $90 Constructed of stainless steel, the trash can is durable, hygienic, and easy to clean. Equipped with split doors rather than a rising lid, this bin provides better clearance under countertops. The 90-degree sensor ball can be adjusted, however, allowing you to open the lids from the top or side. Plus, it features an interior retainer ring that keeps trash bags securely in place and allows for easy removal. The top lid features a battery holder, power jack, and power switch. The high-tech trash can be powered by an included plug-in adapter but you can also use batteries—those will have to be purchased separately. Price at time of publish: $120 The slim bamboo handle allows you to easily carry it to your yard or garden. Once it’s full, you’ll appreciate the carbon filter in the lid that’ll keep odors at bay. The composter is dishwasher safe as well, making it easy to clean. It’s recommended that the filter be replaced every 60-90 days. The composter includes one filter, but keep in mind you’ll have to purchase individual replacements separately. Price at time of publish: $40 When it comes to dimensions, however, all receptacles are not the same. Some have a wide, rectangular shape while others are tall and round. Before buying a kitchen trash can, take measurements of your space to make sure it’s a good fit.
Material
Though trash cans come in a variety of materials, plastic and stainless steel are the most common. Plastic styles tend to be less expensive, easy to clean, and lightweight—important factors to consider when choosing one for your home. Stainless steel designs may have a more stylish look and can have more high-tech qualities, like motion-activation. Although they’re more prone to showing fingerprints and smudges, many will have a special finish that prevents them from showing much or at all.
Style
Butterfly lids, motion sensors, step cans, and swing tops are just a few of the many styles of kitchen trash cans on the market. Before you choose, it’s worth considering each of their benefits, your lifestyle, and the size of your space. Dual bins make it easy to dispose of trash and recyclables while a voice-activated option is great for a busy household. A step-pedal is a game-changer for cleaning up after meals while a simple plastic pick is perfect for an at-home office. Regardless, there are tons of options out there to suit your space.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a home and lifestyle writer who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. To select the best kitchen trash cans, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their cleaning abilities. Sage consulted hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites. For expert insight on incorporating trash cans into kitchen design schemes, she consulted with Danya Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend expert. A trash can cover is another great option because it “instantly turns a traditional bin into a functional and beautiful piece of decor,” says Johnson.
