Reaching down to lift a dirty, germ-filled trash can lid is disgusting. Even worse is an open trash can with flies buzzing around it, especially when it’s in your kitchen. Don’t let odors escape and keep trash out of sight with an easy-to-use, long-lasting, and step-to-open trash can. We researched several top-notch trash cans in 2023 to find the ones that excel in meeting your sanitary needs. That’s why each one has a lid that opens up when you step on a pedal. Read on to learn more about the benefits of having a quality trash can, as well as the differences between the various products available.
Add trash cans to your kitchen without taking up any space with the Rev-A-Shelf Trash Can. This trash can goes inside your lower cabinets and can delicately slide out of the cabinet to reveal not one, but two cans for disposing waste! You can assign both for trash if you usually pile it up quickly, or make one the recycling bin if you’re environmentally conscious.
The durability is not to be discounted; these cans are made with high-quality slides on the bottom, a strong wire frame, and polypropylene containers that won’t crack under a lot of weight. You can use standard 12-gallon trash bags and put 100 pounds’ worth of trash in these incredible cans. The versatility and high durability of these trash cans make them the best overall on the list.
The beauty of some tools is their ability to function gracefully. Your trash can should be both reliable and able to maintain the look that you’ve created for your kitchen, combining sleek design and quality craftsmanship. From the wheels to the lid hinge, everything on this 13.2-gallon can from Simplehuman is built to perform and last. The hinge is on the inside so you can place this step-on trash can right up against the wall.
The lid is quiet when opening and closing. There’s no thumping or squeaking, and it will stay open until you choose for it to close. Wheels are added to make the can easy to move around, and the stainless steel finish resists smudges and fingerprints.
The deep charcoal color of this thoughtfully designed, step-on trash complements modern home décor, and the finish hides smudges and dirt to keep it looking shiny and clean. This step-on trash can is of solid construction and made from deep charcoal stainless steel.
The plastic internal tub means bags won’t get ripped while taking them in or out of the can. The 12-gallon size is perfect for fitting in a corner or under a shelf, and the lid operates quietly with an option to leave it locked open.
You make sure your bath and hand towels match. Doesn’t it make sense that your trash cans should match as well? Buy one for the kitchen and one for the laundry room — because you work hard to make your home shine. The round, high-quality, smudge-resistant stainless steel base means you won’t need to waste a lot of time with cleaning.
The lid is quiet and durable too. Both the 8-gallon and 1.2-gallon step-on trash cans feature a removable bucket liner that holds the trash bags securely in place. They both come with a hassle-free, two-year warranty against defective parts.
This is a functional plastic trash can with side handles and an open top. It is a slim trash can made of plastic material with built-in handles on either end, perfect for slotting into a cabinet or under a desk. Without a top to trap the stink, this slim trash can wouldn’t be the best for smelly kitchen waste, but it’s great for smaller spaces that don’t need as much odor control.
The trash can measures only 5 inches wide and 10 inches long, holding up to 1.5 gallons. It would be perfect for paper recycling in the office or as a small bedroom trash can.
This trash can from Glad offers amazing odor protection while giving the world an easy-to-clean, affordable option to put your trash in. The trash can has bag rings to prevent a trash bag from falling into the bin under a lot of weight. Clorox odor protection on the lid and lid frame seal in the smell of old food while inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
The sleek black design of the trash can allows it to look good everywhere, whether it’s placed in your kitchen or at your workplace. The pedal at the bottom is the best part, which allows you to not have to touch the can if it’s dirty.
You’ll love this trash can for smaller spaces in your home from Kohler. The sleek design will make this trash can fit perfectly in any space (and look good, too!). The quiet-close lid doesn’t slam down when closed, so you won’t wake up the house while getting a midnight snack. The 2.5-gallon bin is perfect for small spaces like a dorm room or a bathroom, so it’s very versatile in how it can be used.
Getting the perfect trash can for your office or home space seems easy until you realize how many options are out there. You may begin to question your sense of judgment in this regard. Before you head out to buy a trash can, ensure you consider the following elements.
There are different trash cans out there, and knowing the main differences will save you stress and resources.
Commercial trash cans are perfect for industrial applications or situations where your waste is large. They are perfect for collecting cans, bottles, or paper in places like schools.
Disposable trash cans are ideal for outdoor events, so they are usually low-cost. They are easy to clean and can be placed at different points of a venue. What’s more, several varieties are made using recycled materials which makes them more environmentally friendly.
If you are looking for trash cans that come in different colors and styles to blend into your venue and events, this is a great option. You may tailor your choice to either outdoor or indoor use.
These types of trash cans have two wheels. This makes it easy to carry large amounts of waste across a large distance without stress.
This type of trash can is usually small, made of metal, and able to fit on a table or counter.
These types of cans are made using heavy-duty plastic and are able to weather any situation. If you are looking for a trash can to keep your outdoors clean, this is a perfect choice. They usually come with a flap or a hood to prevent the elements from gaining access.
The majority of trash cans get made using metal or plastic, but there are also those made from leather or wood.
These are more affordable than stainless steel trash cans. They are easy to clean and quite light. Most of them are also dent-proof and they are quite durable. Plastic trash cans are perfect for bedroom, bathroom, and home office use.
If you are looking for a luxury trash can, metal cans are the best choice. The majority of them are made using stainless steel. Because of the material, they won’t rust or corrode. Although they are more expensive than plastic trash cans, they are a high-quality investment.
Now that you know the types of trash cans out there, you should also know what to look out for when buying one. Here are some tips to know.
Trash cans are made for either outdoor or indoor use. Avoid purchasing a trash can because you like it, only for you to force it into a space where it doesn’t belong. In addition to placement, also consider the volume of trash that a can is able to hold at one time. The more people using the trash can, the larger the volume you will need.
Trash cans come in all different forms. Ensure that you consider the materials with which a trash can is made. If you want a trash can for the outdoors, look for one made using materials that can withstand the harshest weather conditions.
Before you buy a trash can, make sure to set a budget indicating the minimum and maximum amount you are willing to pay. But note that the budget for the trashcan will determine the features and quality of the product.
There are several lid types you can choose from. Your choice of the lid is vital because it indicates if it will suit your needs. For instance, if you want to get an indoor can, your options are step-to-open, swing, or push lids. Outdoor lids are many and can help protect the trash can from the elements.
Some of other types of lids include open-top, swing, manual, and touchless lids.
You’ll need to figure out how you will manage the weight of trash as soon as it gets into the can. At this point, features such as bag grips, sturdy liners, and wheels come in handy. If you will be generating a large amount of trash, get premium quality trash liners to prevent the bags from breaking. If the trash removal process is easy, there is a low possibility that trash will make a mess of your environment.
If you have decided on a trash can to buy, you need to know how to maintain it and keep it clean. Here are some tips that should help you out in that regard.
The easiest and quickest way to damage your trash can is by putting it where its at risk. Ensure you place your trash can where it will not be damaged by mobile equipment. If you are lucky enough that the trash can doesn’t get damaged when a car hits it, it would still be be annoying to scoop up spilled trash.
Always having extra garbage bags at the base of your trash can to make it easier to clean. Doing this will make cleaning easier because the fluid will not remain in the can when you dispose of the garbage. When you are done emptying the can, ensure you rinse the can using a garden hose. There are several odor-absorbent powders, cleaning solutions, and fragrant bags which you can use to remove the odor. When you finish washing the trash can, ensure it is dry and place another garbage bag at the base.
To learn how to deep clean your trash can, check out this video from Clean My Space:
If you don’t dispose of the garbage when you should, it will lead to overflowing waste. Always schedule a time for garbage pickup and make sure you regularly dispose of all waste. If possible, you could get a second trash can to help with any extra garbage that may come up.
Choosing the perfect trash can isn’t exactly rocket science, but it does need some diligent research. Each type of bin is made for specific reasons and they fall into different categories depending on features and quality. While choosing a product, ensure you consider the long-term implications of your choice.
A: The ideal size for a kitchen trash can is between 12 and 16 gallons. If you live alone or with one other person, a can that is closer to 12 gallons should suffice. If you live with a large family or multiple roommates, you may want to consider purchasing a trash can on the higher end of the above range.
A: You should take the trash out at least every 3-4 days. Even if it is not full after 3-4 days, you should still take it out to keep your space hygienic and fresh.
A: While you don't technically have to use a trash bag in the can, you should. It will keep your can much cleaner, and will also make it much easier to take out the trash.