The best kitchen trash cans balance capacity, sorting needs, and the space available on your floor or inside a cabinet. These picks span hands-free step bins, dual-compartment designs, compact hanging cans, and pullouts; measure your intended spot before choosing.
Quick Top Products
13.2 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash Can
- Motion sensor opens the lid within 0.3 seconds after a hand wave.
- A button holds the lid open for 15 minutes during cleanup.
- Rechargeable 1500mAh battery and Type-C cable are included.
Best For: Home cooks who want touch-free opening and a lid that can stay open during cleanup.
Rev-A-Shelf Double Pullout 35 Qt
- Two 35-quart containers sit concealed under the counter.
- Soft-close slides extend both containers fully outside the cabinet.
- Designed for 18-inch base cabinets with 14.5-inch openings.
Best For: Households that want two concealed bins and have a compatible 18-inch base cabinet.
SONGMICS 2 x 10.6 Gallon Trash Can
- Two compartments each hold 10.6 gallons.
- The lid can stay open at 90 degrees for cleanup.
- It includes 15 bags and two removable inner buckets.
Best For: Households that want generous, separate waste and recycling compartments in a freestanding bin.
Lovewind 2 x 10.5 Gallon Trash Can
- Two removable buckets hold 10.5 gallons each.
- The lid stays open at 90 degrees for longer tasks.
- Stainless steel pedals provide hands-free operation.
Best For: Kitchens needing two large removable bins with a lid that stays open for longer tasks.
SONGMICS 2 x 8 Gallon Trash Can
- Two 8-gallon compartments provide separate bin space.
- The pedal opens the lid hands-free, with a soft-close return.
- It includes 15 trash bags and two removable inner buckets.
Best For: Households wanting separate compartments with included liners and removable buckets.
SONGMICS 13-Gallon Dual Trash Can
- Two compartments hold 5.3 and 8 gallons.
- Wing lids open from the center to clear low countertops.
- Two inner buckets lift out for cleaning and liner changes.
Best For: Kitchens that need two different bin sizes and clearance beneath a low counter.
SONGMICS Slim 13-Gallon Trash Can
- Its slim shape is intended for narrow gaps.
- The lid closes softly and can stay open for larger jobs.
- A removable bucket and 15 bags are included.
Best For: Kitchens with a narrow gap that still need a full-size single waste bin.
SONGMICS 2.1-Gallon Hanging Trash Can
- It can hang on a cabinet door, mount to a wall, or sit on a counter.
- The lid opens by flipping up or sliding down.
- A removable bucket with handles makes emptying easier.
Best For: Cooks who want a small food-scrap bin that can hang from a cabinet or sit on the counter.
SONGMICS 5.2-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can
- The 5.2-gallon size is aimed at small spaces and one or two people.
- A wide non-slip pedal opens the lid hands-free.
- The inner bucket has handles for emptying.
Best For: One or two people looking for a compact, hands-free waste bin.
SONGMICS 18-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can
- The single compartment holds 18 gallons.
- The pedal is 7.8 inches wide.
- It includes a carbon filter and 15 liner bags.
Best For: Large households that prioritize a large single waste compartment and fewer trips to empty it.
Touchless Opening for Meal Prep
13.2 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash Can, Touchless Sensor Garbage Can,Black
This 13.2-gallon kitchen can opens when a hand wave triggers its motion sensor, making it useful when your hands are busy during food preparation. It also has a button to hold the lid open for 15 minutes during heavier cleanup, then close it with another press.
The stainless steel body has a quiet-close lid and works with standard 13-gallon trash bags. A rechargeable 1500mAh battery and included Type-C cable avoid disposable battery swaps, though the can still needs periodic charging.
Check its listed dimensions against the spot beside an island, cabinet, or wall.
Best For: Home cooks who want touch-free opening and a lid that can stay open during cleanup.
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Choose this can if touch-free access and an extended open-lid mode suit your cooking routine. The rechargeable battery removes the need for disposable batteries, but adds charging as part of ownership.
Standard 13-gallon bags simplify liner replacement. Before buying, compare the 16.7-by-10.5-by-22.9-inch footprint with your available floor space, and consider whether sensor operation fits the way people and pets move around the kitchen.
Concealed Dual Bins for an 18-Inch Cabinet
Rev-A-Shelf Steel Double Pullout Waste Container with Soft-Close, 35 Quart, Black - Sliding Garbage Bin System with Dual Trash Can for 18" Home Kitchen Base Cabinet, 53WC-1835SCDM-218
This Rev-A-Shelf system stores two waste containers beneath the counter and pulls them fully out on soft-close undermount slides. It is designed for standard 18-inch base cabinets with 14.5-inch openings, so cabinet measurements should guide the decision before purchase.
The metal frame supports over 90 pounds, and adjustable door-mount brackets are included to connect it with existing cabinetry. Its 35-quart capacity is described for each container.
This is a built-in organization system rather than a freestanding can, making it a practical fit when floor space is limited and the cabinet opening matches.
Best For: Households that want two concealed bins and have a compatible 18-inch base cabinet.
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This is a strong match for a kitchen remodel or cabinet upgrade where two hidden containers matter more than a movable floor bin. Its fit requirements are specific, so measure the cabinet opening and interior before ordering.
The system gives each container 35 quarts and fully extends for access, while the Lovewind and SONGMICS freestanding options need no cabinet integration. Check whether your cabinet door can attach to the included brackets.
Large Dual Sorting Capacity
SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 10.6 Gallon (2 x 40 L), Slate Gray | With 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, ULTB730G01V1
This SONGMICS step can pairs two 10.6-gallon compartments in one freestanding unit, providing room to separate waste and recycling without adding another bin. It includes 15 trash bags and two removable plastic inner buckets, which can be lifted out for cleaning or liner changes.
The stainless steel body has a soft-close lid, and the lid can stay open at 90 degrees for larger cleanup tasks. Its 25.5-by-15.9-by-25-inch dimensions call for a substantial floor position, so check the available area before choosing it over narrower single-can options.
Best For: Households that want generous, separate waste and recycling compartments in a freestanding bin.
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Pick this dual can when sorting is part of the daily routine and you have floor space for a wider unit. Its two equal compartments provide matching capacity for separate waste streams, while a narrow kitchen may be better served by a slim can or a cabinet pullout.
Check the dimensions and decide whether two large compartments match the volume of each stream; the product does not specify that the partitions can be adjusted.
Large Soft-Close Recycling Pair
Lovewind Trash Can, 2 x 10.5 Gallon (2 x 40 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Bin, Stainless Steel Trash and Recycle Bin Combo with Soft-Close Lid, Black
The Lovewind is a freestanding stainless steel trash and recycling combo with two 10.5-gallon removable buckets. Its pedal provides hands-free access, and the lid closes softly or can be held at a 90-degree open position.
That stay-open feature can help when scraping plates or doing a larger kitchen cleanup. The stated footprint is 25.3 by 15.8 by 25.2 inches, so it requires a meaningful patch of floor.
The unit is described as fingerprint resistant and includes a ring to help secure bags; check that its dimensions and combined capacity suit your kitchen and sorting habits.
Best For: Kitchens needing two large removable bins with a lid that stays open for longer tasks.
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Consider this model if you want a freestanding pair of equally sized bins and value a lid that stays open while you work. Its two 10.5-gallon compartments provide matching capacity.
The Lovewind includes removable buckets and a bag ring. Measure the kitchen floor area and think about whether two matching compartments fit your recycling volume as well as your general waste.
Includes Starter Bags and Removable Buckets
SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Brown ULTB60BR
This brown SONGMICS step can combines two 8-gallon compartments in a freestanding stainless steel body. A pedal opens the hinged lid hands-free, and the soft-close mechanism lowers it quietly.
Each side has a removable plastic inner bucket with handles, so cleaning or changing a liner does not require moving the whole unit. It also includes 15 trash bags.
The listed size is 23.2 by 14.4 by 25.6 inches, which may work better than wider, higher-capacity dual cans when the kitchen has less room. Measure the space and consider whether the two compartments will suit your household.
Best For: Households wanting separate compartments with included liners and removable buckets.
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Choose this SONGMICS if you want a dual-compartment step can but do not need the larger capacity of other dual-bin options. Removable buckets and included bags simplify setup and cleaning.
Its brown finish and stated footprint may also suit a particular kitchen layout. Before buying, decide how much room you need for recycling versus general waste and measure the intended floor position.
Slim Profile with Center-Opening Lids
SONGMICS 13-Gallon Dual Kitchen Trash Can, 5.3 and 8 Gallon Compartments, Garbage Can with Wing Lids, Stainless Steel, Soft Close, Inner Buckets, Ink Black and Metallic Silver ULTB570B50
This dual-compartment SONGMICS can divides 13 gallons into a 5.3-gallon and an 8-gallon section. The slim profile is intended for narrow spaces, while its wing lids open from the center to clear low countertops.
Two removable inner buckets help with liner changes and keep bags secured and hidden. Stainless steel construction and a soft-close lid round out the design.
This layout suits households whose recycling and general waste volumes differ, but it still needs floor space for a freestanding unit. Check the available width and the countertop clearance above the can before settling on it.
Best For: Kitchens that need two different bin sizes and clearance beneath a low counter.
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This layout makes sense when one waste stream fills faster than the other and a single wider-opening lid might hit the counter. Its unequal capacities differ from other dual-bin models with matching compartments.
Check the available width and overhead space, then consider which side will take general waste. The product notes describe a dog-resistant lid design, but do not specify the overall can dimensions.
Narrow-Space 13-Gallon Step Can
SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Charcoal Gray ULTB510G01
The SONGMICS slim can is a single 13-gallon step bin made for narrow spaces, including gaps between a cabinet and another surface. It has a soft-close lid that can stay open at a catch point for larger jobs.
A removable inner bucket with handles lifts out for cleaning or liner replacement, and 15 fitted bags are included. The stainless steel body has a charcoal gray finish and a metal pedal.
The supplied notes do not give its dimensions, so measure your gap carefully and confirm the product's actual width and depth before ordering.
Best For: Kitchens with a narrow gap that still need a full-size single waste bin.
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Choose this can if you need one full-size bin in a narrow kitchen position and do not need separate recycling compartments. The removable bucket and included bags simplify routine changes, while the stay-open catch point helps with larger tasks.
Its exact dimensions are not available here, making a fit check essential. Compare the actual width and depth with the gap before purchase rather than relying on the slim description alone.
Hanging Bin for Counter and Cabinet Use
SONGMICS Hanging Trash Can, 2.1-Gallon (8 L) Small Kitchen Garbage Can with Lid, Cabinet Door Hanging or Wall-Mounted with Hooks, for Under Sink, Bathrooms, Cloud White ULTB810W01
This compact 2.1-gallon SONGMICS bin can hang from a cabinet door, attach to a smooth wall with the adhesive hook, or sit on a countertop. Its stainless steel body has a tightly sealed lid, which is useful for collecting food scraps near a prep area.
The lid opens by flipping it up or sliding it down, and a removable inner bucket with handles makes emptying easier. Cabinet mounting is limited to doors up to 0.98 inches thick.
Check that dimension and the available hanging position before using it as an everyday kitchen waste bin; its capacity is modest compared with floor-standing options.
Best For: Cooks who want a small food-scrap bin that can hang from a cabinet or sit on the counter.
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This is best as a prep-side food-scrap collector or a small-space secondary bin rather than the only can for a busy household. It can hang, mount, or sit on a counter, giving more placement flexibility than a freestanding step can.
Verify the cabinet door thickness if hanging it, and account for the small 2.1-gallon volume. The Rev-A-Shelf pullouts also free floor area but provide much larger concealed containers.
Compact Step Can for Small Households
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 5.2-Gallon (20L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Metallic Silver ULTB542E20
This 5.2-gallon SONGMICS can is intended for small spaces and one or two people. It has a stainless steel body, non-slip base pads, and a wide non-slip pedal for hands-free opening.
The lid closes quietly and can be kept open at 90 degrees after opening it with the pedal and manually lifting it. A removable inner bucket with handles helps with emptying, and the bag is hidden from view once fitted.
Its compact capacity means more frequent emptying than a full-size kitchen bin may require, so consider household size and cooking habits before choosing it as the primary can.
Best For: One or two people looking for a compact, hands-free waste bin.
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Select this model for a compact kitchen or a household that produces less daily waste. Its capacity is 5.2 gallons, so it may need more frequent emptying if you cook often or have a larger household.
The non-slip pedal and removable bucket keep the routine simple. Check the spot where it will sit and whether this capacity is enough between your regular trash pickups.
Extra-Large Capacity for Busy Households
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Sand Beige and Dove Gray ULTB520A01
This tall SONGMICS kitchen can provides 18 gallons in one stainless steel body, targeting larger households that want to consolidate everyday waste in a single bin. A 7.8-inch-wide pedal opens the lid, which closes softly and can be held open manually at a catch point during cleanup.
The lid also contains a carbon filter, and 15 liner bags sized for 16 to 18 gallons are included. At this capacity, the can is suited to kitchens with room for a tall bin and a steady volume of waste.
Check its footprint and lid clearance, which are not specified in the supplied facts.
Best For: Large households that prioritize a large single waste compartment and fewer trips to empty it.
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This option suits households producing enough general waste to benefit from a large single compartment. It has a carbon filter, wide pedal, stay-open lid, and matching starter liners.
The tradeoff is that it offers no separate recycling compartment, unlike the dual-bin models, and its dimensions are not provided here. Confirm its footprint and the space needed for the lid to open before selecting it for a tight kitchen.
How to Choose Kitchen Trash Cans
How We Picked Kitchen Trash Cans
We focused on products suited to ordinary household kitchens, including freestanding step cans, dual-compartment sorters, compact prep-side bins, and cabinet pullouts. The selection favors clear capacity and use-case details, such as removable buckets, soft-close lids, stay-open positions, bag compatibility, or stated cabinet openings.
We also looked for meaningful differences in how each bin uses kitchen space. A wide dual can makes sorting convenient but claims more floor area, while a hanging bin or cabinet pullout keeps floor space open.
Candidates with conflicting size information or a primarily bathroom or commercial use were left out.
Comparing Kitchen Trash Can Styles
Start by deciding whether you need one waste compartment or separate space for recycling. The Lovewind and larger SONGMICS dual cans provide two generous bins, while the 5.3-and-8-gallon SONGMICS pair divides capacity unevenly.
A pair of smaller sections can simplify sorting, but check that each side matches the amount of waste your household produces.
A concealed pullout trades a freestanding footprint for cabinet space and installation requirements. The Rev-A-Shelf double pullout selected here is designed for an 18-inch base cabinet with a 14.5-inch opening.
Measure both the cabinet opening and available interior clearance; cabinet nominal width alone does not confirm a fit.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 13.2 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash CanCheck Price |
| Home cooks who want touch-free opening and a lid that can stay open during cleanup. |
| Rev-A-Shelf Double Pullout 35 QtCheck Price |
| Households that want two concealed bins and have a compatible 18-inch base cabinet. |
| SONGMICS 2 x 10.6 Gallon Trash CanCheck Price |
| Households that want generous, separate waste and recycling compartments in a freestanding bin. |
| Lovewind 2 x 10.5 Gallon Trash CanCheck Price |
| Kitchens needing two large removable bins with a lid that stays open for longer tasks. |
| SONGMICS 2 x 8 Gallon Trash CanCheck Price |
| Households wanting separate compartments with included liners and removable buckets. |
| SONGMICS 13-Gallon Dual Trash CanCheck Price |
| Kitchens that need two different bin sizes and clearance beneath a low counter. |
| SONGMICS Slim 13-Gallon Trash CanCheck Price |
| Kitchens with a narrow gap that still need a full-size single waste bin. |
| SONGMICS 2.1-Gallon Hanging Trash CanCheck Price |
| Cooks who want a small food-scrap bin that can hang from a cabinet or sit on the counter. |
| SONGMICS 5.2-Gallon Kitchen Trash CanCheck Price |
| One or two people looking for a compact, hands-free waste bin. |
| SONGMICS 18-Gallon Kitchen Trash CanCheck Price |
| Large households that prioritize a large single waste compartment and fewer trips to empty it. |
Choosing a Kitchen Bin for Your Layout
Measure the intended location in three directions: width, depth, and height. Also account for the lid’s opening path, nearby cabinet doors, and any low countertop overhang.
The SONGMICS wing-lid dual can is designed to clear low counters, while the sensor model lists its overall dimensions for checking a floor position. Some candidates do not include dimensions in their available product details, so verify the current product measurements before committing to a tight gap.
For under-cabinet storage, match the pullout’s minimum opening to the cabinet and confirm whether it attaches to the floor, door, or both. Rev-A-Shelf systems use different mounting and cabinet requirements, so one model’s fit should not be assumed for another.
Capacity, Liners, and Daily Use
A large single can reduces how often it needs emptying, but it does not sort recycling. An 18-gallon bin serves households with high general-waste volume, while a compact 5.2-gallon can is intended for one or two people.
Match capacity to your waste routine and consider how much food waste or packaging accumulates between collection days.
Removable inner buckets make liner changes and cleanup easier. Check whether the can uses standard bag sizes or requires a particular liner code; the touchless 13.2-gallon model supports standard 13-gallon bags, and several SONGMICS models include starter bags.
Features such as soft-close lids, odor seals, filters, and stay-open positions matter most when they fit a specific daily task.
Which Kitchen Trash Can Fits Your Household?
Choose a dual freestanding can when accessible recycling and general waste compartments are priorities. Pick the cabinet pullout when keeping the floor clear matters and your cabinet measurements match.
For food preparation in a compact kitchen, the hanging 2.1-gallon bin can sit near a work area, while the touchless can suits cooks who value hands-free access and a powered lid.
For a small household, the compact 5.2-gallon SONGMICS can limits floor use. For a larger household with one main waste stream, the 18-gallon option offers more capacity, provided its footprint and lid clearance work.
Before buying any model, confirm its dimensions, liner fit, and opening method against your kitchen routine.