The Best Kitchen Trash Cans, Tested and Reviewed

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From basic trash cans to sleek touchless models, the right bin for your kitchen waste can be found here.

Management of kitchen waste is a daily chore. To make it easier on yourself, equip your kitchen with the best trash can. Whether you’ve just moved in or are looking to replace an existing bin that no longer gets the job done, continue reading for tips on navigating the options and our own top picks.

To help you evaluate the numerous options available on the market, we tested some of the most popular kitchen trash can options available. After we thoroughly tested each pick, the Rubbermaid Classic stood out as the best overall. Another favorite in testing was the motion sensor trash can from Ninestars, thanks to its wide mouth and handsome appearance. Here are our top picks for kitchen trash cans, according to our testing.

1. BEST OVERALL: Rubbermaid Classic 13-Gallon Step-On Trash Can
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Umbra Venti Trash Can with Swing Top Lid
3. UPGRADE PICK: Simplehuman 45 Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Trash Can
4. BEST TOUCHLESS: Ninestars Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can
5. BEST FOR RECYCLING: Simplehuman Dual Compartment Rectangular Step Can
6. BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: iTouchless 13-Gallon Sensor Trash Can
7. BEST ODOR-FIGHTING: Glad Stainless Steel Step Can with Odor Protection
8. BEST HIDDEN: Simplehuman 30-Liter Under Counter Pull-Out Trash Can

How We Chose the Best Kitchen Trash Cans

Each of the trash cans in this guide underwent hands-on testing in real-world situations. We took the trash cans into our kitchens and used them for a variety of tasks and thus were able to note the “little things” that make a trash can great—or not. We tested them according to a clear rubric and guidelines that looked at the function, durability, space, and other points that matter when choosing a trash can for your kitchen.

Our Top Picks

Our list includes trash cans from top brands like simplehuman and Rubbermaid that were tested thoroughly in our tester’s own kitchen. Beyond trusted brands, the trash cans on this list have the durability, size, and extra features that make them practical and easy to use.

Best Overall

Rubbermaid Classic 13-Gallon Step-On Trash Can

The Rubbermaid Classic 13 Gallon Step On Trash Can skips bells and whistles in favor of durability and performance. It’s made of plastic with a stainless steel pedal, both of which have the durability to take heavy daily use. The pedal’s extra width and depth add strength and better distribute foot pressure to resist damage. An extra-wide rim adds strength to this second weak point.

During testing, we found that it pays to keep a slow, steady pressure on the pedal; a quick step makes the lid fly up and perhaps come loose from the pegged moorings that hold it in place.

This model features a liner-lock retainer band to lock the trash bag in place, preventing slippage. The band lifts out of the trash can to make it easier to remove bags and keeps the trash bag fully hidden from the outside. At 13 gallons, this model is large enough for families but won’t eat up too much floor space.

Product Specs

• Capacity: 13 gallon
• Material: Plastic and stainless steel
• Lid control: Foot pedal

Pros

• Interlock retainer band securely holds bags
• Sturdy stainless steel foot pedal withstands heavy use
• Lid opens and closes quietly
• Garbage bag is hidden from the outside

Cons

• Lid falls off easily; may not be ideal for homes with pets

Get the Rubbermaid kitchen trash can at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

Umbra Venti Trash Can with Swing Top Lid

Designed for use indoors, outdoors, or in a commercial setting, this all-purpose swing-top trash can from Umbra features a clean, sleek design. Durable polypropylene is easy to clean and ensures years of use. The thick neck ring holds the trash bag securely while hiding it, keeping the sleek look but not sacrificing the solid hold necessary when the bag gets full.

Our testing found that the top swings very easily, yet the pegs hold it firmly, avoiding the mess that can result from a top that fails right as the trash drops in.

Though this is a 16.5-gallon can, we found it works just fine with both 20-gallon and 30-gallon trash bags, providing more flexibility for those times when a little extra capacity is welcome. This is a much taller trash can than most, at 35 inches high. But we discovered the shape and weight distribution of the trash can makes it tough to knock it over, so this is an ideal option for busy kitchens.

Product Specs

• Capacity: 16.5 gallons
• Material: Stainless steel
• Lid control: Swing

Pros

• Easy-swing top
• Durable ring holds the bag tightly
• Can handle 20-gallon or 30-gallon bags

Cons

• Must touch the trash can to open it

Get the Umbra kitchen trash can at Amazon, Wayfair, Target, or The Home Depot.

Upgrade Pick

Simplehuman 45 Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Trash Can

For sleek design and hands-free operation, look no further. Boasting a shallow profile that tucks unobtrusively against the wall, the 45-liter rectangular hands-free step can from simplehuman has an exterior surface that’s easy to wipe clean, as well as a convenient step pedal designed to endure repeated use.

The can includes a strong and wide steel pedal for hands-free use. We noted that the pedal can be tough to operate, especially for children or those with mobility issues. This upgrade pick features a trash bag storage compartment on the back of the can that made for easy access when it was time to empty. Technology built into the lid slows its opening and closing, so we enjoyed quiet operation during our tests.

This Simplehuman trash can comes in five finishes, including a brushed stainless steel that resists fingerprints. However, this trash receptacle can dent quite easily, so choose placement carefully to avoid bumps during day-to-day use.

Product Specs

• Capacity: 11.9 gallons (45 liters)
• Materials: Stainless steel
• Lid control: Foot pedal

Pros

• Durable, solid materials and construction
• Slow-closing lid operates quietly with no slam
• Trash bag holder compartment for replacement bags
• Rim holds bags in place

Con

• Non-simplehuman bags don’t fit as well
• Sometimes dents easily

Get the Simplehuman rectangular trash can at Amazon, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Target, The Home Depot, or Walmart

Best Touchless

Ninestars Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can

A kitchen is able to operate smoothly and cleanly with a touchless trash can like this 21-gallon pick from Ninestars. The top of the can has a wide opening that we noted can easily accommodate a large pizza box or a milk jug or two without the need for awkward maneuvering.

A quick-open motion sensor cues the lid to quietly pop at the mere wave of a hand. The lid function is fast and complete and holds open for about 5 seconds; simply wave a hand again to keep it open for longer. It also has an open-close button to hold the lid open for longer periods. The trash can runs on batteries; we found that while alkalines work just fine, rechargeables do not.

The attractive stainless steel surface resists fingerprints, and the can’s nonskid base kept it from shifting during testing. A removable ring liner holds trash bags securely in place while also concealing the top of the bag for a clean look.

Product Specs

• Capacity: 21 gallon
• Materials: Stainless steel
• Lid control: Motion sensor

Pros

• Infrared sensor touchless control and on-off button
• Ring liner hides trash bags
• Large capacity holds enough for big families
• Quiet operation

Cons

• Sensor easily gets confused, but push button opens lid

Get the Ninestars kitchen trash can at Amazon, Wayfair, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best for Recycling

Simplehuman Dual Compartment Rectangular Step Can

This dual trash can by Simplehuman includes a large bin for recycling and a smaller bin for trash (or switch it up and use the larger one for trash instead). The sturdy step, engineered to last for more than 150,000 steps, opened the top with ease in our testing. The lid can also lock open to save time and pedal wear when doing meal prep or cleaning out the fridge.

If things get messy, it’s easy to pull out both bins for cleaning the trash can and the bins separately. We noticed that for such a functional trash can, it is surprisingly light and easy to move to wherever it’s needed most. The nonskid base helped ensure the can stayed right where we placed it in testing.

This trash can uses proprietary simplehuman liners; specifically, the approximately 8-gallon “H” liners and the 5-gallon “V” liners, for a total of about 12.2 gallons. The larger side is designed for recycling. That makes the 5-gallon trash capacity the smallest of those we tested, which is ideal for smaller kitchens but a nonstarter for large families.

Product Specs

• Capacity: 8 gallons for recycling, 5 gallons for trash
• Material: Stainless steel
• Lid control: Step

Pros

• Trash and recycling in one convenient place
• Lid easily stays open when needed
• Both bins are removable

Cons

• Small trash capacity at 5 gallons
• Uses proprietary bags

Get the Simplehuman dual compartment trash can at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Sam’s Club, or The Home Depot.

Best for Small Spaces

iTouchless 13-Gallon Sensor Trash Can

This 13-gallon-capacity trash can from iTouchless is made of stainless steel. With sleek and slim lines, this rectangular can fits easily into corners and tighter spaces, for an easier blend of small kitchen design and function. The motion-sensing lid opened at the wave of a hand and stayed open for several seconds during testing, which gave plenty of time to drop in the trash. The odor-absorbing filter helps neutralize odors but doesn’t impart an artificial fragrance, so the overriding scent is simply that of a clean kitchen.

This trash can requires four D-size batteries; our testing found that it performs well with both alkaline and rechargeable batteries. The trash can also runs on an AC charger, which must be purchased separately. The lid locks down easily with a small tab at the front of the trash can; however, it can also be opened easily by an enterprising child. It’s also a bit top-heavy, which might be a problem if it’s empty, so pay close attention to kids around this trash can.

Product Specs

• Capacity: 13 gallons
• Material: Stainless steel
• Lid control: Motion sensor

Pros

• No hesitancy in the motion-sensing technology
• Uses alkaline batteries, rechargeables, or AC adapter
• Fits easily into smaller kitchens

Cons

• Can be top-heavy
• The lid lock can be opened easily

Get the iTouchless kitchen trash can at Amazon, Lowe’s, Target, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Odor-Fighting

Glad Stainless Steel Step Can with Odor Protection