The best kitchen trash cans balance capacity and sorting needs with the floor space or cabinet room available in your kitchen. These picks range from compact and hanging bins to large dual compartments, so choose based on placement, cleanup habits, and how you separate waste.
Quick Top Products
13.2 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash Can
- The sensor opens the lid within 0.3 seconds after a hand wave.
- A button holds the lid open for 15 minutes during cleanup.
- The rechargeable battery charges through a Type-C cable.
Best For: Cooks who want to open the lid without touching the can during meal prep.
Rev-A-Shelf Double Pullout, 35 Qt
- The dual-bin system fits beneath a counter in a compatible cabinet.
- Soft-close slides extend both containers fully outside the cabinet.
- Adjustable brackets are included for door mounting.
Best For: Kitchens with an 18-inch base cabinet and a suitable opening for hidden waste sorting.
Lovewind Dual Trash Can, 2 x 10.5 Gallon
- Two removable buckets provide separate 10.5-gallon compartments.
- Stainless steel pedals allow hands-free opening.
- The lid locks open at 90 degrees for longer tasks.
Best For: Households wanting two large removable compartments for everyday waste and recycling.
SONGMICS Dual Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon
- Two 8-gallon compartments separate waste streams.
- The can includes 15 bags and removable inner buckets.
- A pedal and soft-close lid support hands-free, quieter use.
Best For: Kitchens needing two moderate-size compartments and included starter bags.
SONGMICS 18-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can
- The single compartment holds 18 gallons.
- The lid can stay open during larger cleanup jobs.
- A carbon filter and 15 liner bags are included.
Best For: Large households that prefer one roomy bin and want an included odor filter.
SONGMICS Dual Kitchen Trash Can, 5.3 + 8 Gallon
- The two compartments hold 5.3 and 8 gallons.
- Wing lids open from the center to clear low countertops.
- Two removable buckets support cleaning and liner changes.
Best For: Kitchens needing waste sorting in a narrow space with low-counter clearance.
SONGMICS Hanging Trash Can, 2.1 Gallon
- It can hang on a cabinet door, mount to a wall, or sit on a counter.
- The tight lid helps contain odors.
- The inner bucket is removable and has handles.
Best For: Meal preparers who want a small bin mounted on a cabinet door or wall.
SONGMICS Plastic Kitchen Trash Can, 12 Gallon
- The 12-gallon body is designed for compact kitchens.
- Wheels and a rear handle aid movement.
- A carbon filter helps minimize odors.
Best For: Small kitchens where a light, movable bin and odor control are useful.
SONGMICS 13 Gallon Trash Can, Brown
- It has a 13-gallon single compartment.
- A step pedal opens the lid, which can stay open by hand.
- The inner bucket's rear hole secures bag edges.
Best For: Households wanting a standard-capacity, single-compartment stainless steel can.
SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13 Gallon
- The slim shape is intended for narrow gaps.
- The lid closes softly and can stay open for larger jobs.
- It includes a removable inner bucket and 15 liner bags.
Best For: Kitchens that need a full-size single can in a narrow floor gap.
Touchless Hands-Free Opening
13.2 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash Can, Touchless Sensor Garbage Can,Black
This 13.2-gallon kitchen trash can uses a motion sensor that opens within 0.3 seconds when you wave a hand over it. A button can hold the lid open for 15 minutes during longer cleanup jobs.
The rechargeable 1500mAh battery charges by USB Type-C, and the stainless steel body has a quiet-close lid. Its footprint is 16.7 by 10.5 inches, so check the available floor space before placing it beside an island or cabinet.
Standard 13-gallon bags fit, which makes liner replacement straightforward.
Best For: Cooks who want to open the lid without touching the can during meal prep.
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Choose this model if keeping hands off the lid is a priority during food preparation. Its rechargeable power and timed hold-open function add convenience, while the 13.2-gallon capacity suits regular kitchen use.
It needs a charging routine, unlike a pedal model, and its listed dimensions should be checked against the intended spot. Confirm that the sensor has enough clearance to detect a hand where you plan to place the can.
Concealed Dual Bins for 18-Inch Cabinets
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 slides them fully out for access. Soft-close undermount slides provide quiet movement, and adjustable door-mount brackets connect the cabinet front to the pullout.
The unit measures 14.37 inches wide, 22.09 inches deep, and 19.01 inches high; it is designed for an 18-inch base cabinet with a 14.5-inch opening. Check the cabinet interior and door arrangement before buying, since this is a fitted cabinet accessory rather than a freestanding kitchen trash can.
Its hidden placement keeps the floor area open.
Best For: Kitchens with an 18-inch base cabinet and a suitable opening for hidden waste sorting.
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This option fits kitchens where hidden storage matters and the cabinet dimensions match its requirements. It offers two separate containers and full-extension access, but it cannot serve as a standalone bin.
Measure the opening, depth, and height inside the cabinet and account for the door and any nearby plumbing. The nominal 35-quart figure applies to each container, so consider the pair as a sorting system rather than one large compartment.
Large Dual-Pedal Sorting Bin
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
Lovewind pairs two 10.5-gallon buckets in a freestanding stainless steel body. Separate compartments provide a total capacity of 21 gallons, with stainless steel pedals for hands-free opening.
The soft-close lid moves quietly, and it can stay open at 90 degrees for longer kitchen tasks. Removable buckets make emptying and cleaning easier if a liner leaks.
At 25.3 by 15.8 by 25.2 inches, this is a substantial floor-standing can, so check both width and lid clearance before choosing a spot. Its black brushed finish gives it a distinct look among the metal-bin options.
Best For: Households wanting two large removable compartments for everyday waste and recycling.
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Choose this freestanding dual bin when you want substantial capacity for both trash and recyclables without giving up a cabinet. Its removable buckets and stay-open lid help with cleanup, but its footprint is wider than a slim single can.
Check the available floor area and overhead clearance, then verify liner fit for each compartment. The combined capacity is split evenly between two buckets, so it works best when both waste streams need meaningful room.
Compact Dual Bin With Starter Bags
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 can combines two 8-gallon compartments in a hinged-lid, step-operated design. It includes 15 trash bags and two removable plastic inner buckets, which can simplify separating waste and handling a spill.
The steel body and soft-close mechanism pair hands-free access with a quieter lid. Its footprint measures 23.2 by 14.4 inches, so it needs more floor width than a narrow single bin.
The two buckets split the total storage between separate waste streams, making it useful for kitchens that sort recycling but do not need the larger compartments of some dual-bin alternatives.
Best For: Kitchens needing two moderate-size compartments and included starter bags.
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This is a practical fit if you want two sections, each with an 8-gallon compartment. Included bags and removable buckets help with routine use, while its 14.4-inch width still calls for a deliberate floor location.
Compare the footprint with nearby cabinets and allow room for the hinged lids to open. Before relying on the starter bags, check that their size suits the compartments and your preferred liner fit.
Extra-Large Single Compartment
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 18-gallon SONGMICS bin offers a single large compartment for kitchens that generate more waste between trips to the curbside bin. Its stainless steel body has a step pedal, a soft-close lid, and a manual stay-open catch for longer cleanup.
A carbon filter in the lid helps absorb unpleasant odors, and 15 liner bags sized 16 to 18 gallons are included. Because it is a tall, large-capacity can, measure the floor position and lid clearance before committing.
It suits buyers who prioritize capacity over splitting waste into separate bins.
Best For: Large households that prefer one roomy bin and want an included odor filter.
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Pick this model if one large waste stream is more useful than internal sorting. Its 18-gallon capacity, included liners, and lid filter distinguish it from smaller single cans, while the stay-open catch helps during cleanup.
It will take more room than compact kitchen bins, but exact dimensions are not provided here, so confirm the footprint before purchase. If you separate recycling at the source, a dual-compartment design may be more convenient.
Slim Dual Bin 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 bin divides capacity into 5.3 and 8 gallons for general waste and recyclables. Its slim profile is intended for narrow spaces, while the wing lids open from the center to clear low countertops.
The two removable inner buckets keep bags in place and out of sight, and the stainless steel lids close softly. A fully sealed lid is harder for dogs to manipulate, which may matter in pet-owning homes.
The product details do not give overall dimensions, so measure your intended spot and confirm its fit before buying.
Best For: Kitchens needing waste sorting in a narrow space with low-counter clearance.
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Choose this dual bin if sorting is important and a wing lid suits the counter arrangement. The uneven compartment sizes let the larger side handle the waste stream that fills faster, while the smaller side holds the other.
Since exact exterior measurements are absent, confirm width, depth, and lid clearance before purchase. Pet owners may value the sealed lid design, but it should not be treated as a guarantee against every pet's access.
Hanging Counter-Side Food Waste Bin
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 2.1-gallon SONGMICS bin can hang from a cabinet door, attach to a smooth wall with an adhesive hook, or sit on a countertop. The stainless steel body is rust-resistant, and a tight lid helps contain odors.
Its removable inner bucket has handles for carrying and cleaning, while dual bag holes secure the liner. The lid opens by flipping up or sliding down, providing options during food preparation.
Check that a cabinet door is no thicker than 0.98 inches if using the included door hook, and keep in mind that this compact capacity suits scraps and small waste rather than a household's only kitchen bin.
Best For: Meal preparers who want a small bin mounted on a cabinet door or wall.
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This works best as a food-scrap or prep bin within easy reach, rather than a full-capacity kitchen waste solution. Hanging it on a cabinet door keeps it accessible, while countertop placement avoids installation.
Check door thickness and the swing path if using the hook, or verify that the wall surface suits the adhesive mount. Its small size reduces floor demand but means more frequent emptying than a standard kitchen can.
Mobile Plastic Bin With Carbon Filter
SONGMICS Plastic Kitchen Trash Can, 12-Gallon (45 L) Garbage Can with Stainless Steel Lid, Soft Close, Pedal Waste Bin with Wheels and Rear Handle, Ink Black ULTB533B01
This 12-gallon SONGMICS can uses a durable polypropylene body with a stainless steel lid and pedal. Bottom wheels and a rear handle make it easier to reposition the bin, while the built-in carbon filter helps minimize odors.
The lid closes softly and can stay open when needed. Its compact size is intended for small kitchens, though exact exterior dimensions are not included in the supplied product details.
Check its footprint and the path around nearby cabinets before choosing a permanent position. The plastic body may appeal to buyers who want mobility without moving a heavier all-metal can.
Best For: Small kitchens where a light, movable bin and odor control are useful.
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Consider this option if you expect to move the can between cooking and cleanup areas. Wheels, a rear handle, and a carbon filter are its practical differentiators, while the 12-gallon capacity is moderate.
Its polypropylene body differs from the metal constructions elsewhere in this guide, and exact dimensions are unavailable, so verify placement space before ordering. Think through how often you will roll it and whether the wheel path stays clear.
Everyday 13-Gallon Pedal Can
SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Brown ULTB50BR
This SONGMICS model offers 13 gallons in a freestanding stainless steel body with a step pedal and removable inner bucket. The lid closes slowly and quietly, and it can be opened by hand and held open for tasks such as cleaning out the fridge.
A rear bag hole secures the liner edges and keeps them out of sight. Its single compartment suits kitchens that do not need built-in recycling separation.
The supplied details do not identify exterior dimensions, so measure the intended floor area and allow clearance for the lid before choosing this brown finish.
Best For: Households wanting a standard-capacity, single-compartment stainless steel can.
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This is a straightforward fit for buyers who want the familiar 13-gallon format and do not need separate recycling compartments. The bag-securing bucket and hold-open lid are useful during liner changes and kitchen cleanup.
Since the details here do not provide the can's footprint, check the actual dimensions before purchase and leave space for the lid to open. For source separation, a dual-bin model will be more practical.
Slim 13-Gallon Bin for Tight Gaps
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
This charcoal gray SONGMICS can combines 13-gallon capacity with a slim shape designed for narrow spaces. A step pedal opens the lid, which closes softly and can stay open at a catch point for bigger jobs.
The removable inner bucket has handles and secures the bag, while a rear handle helps move the bin. Fifteen liner bags are included.
Its stainless steel body is easy to wipe clean, but exact exterior measurements are not supplied here. Measure the specific gap and confirm depth as well as width, since a narrow profile alone does not establish fit.
Best For: Kitchens that need a full-size single can in a narrow floor gap.
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Choose this model when a narrow gap is available but you still want a 13-gallon single bin. The inner bucket, included liners, and hold-open lid cover routine kitchen tasks without adding a second compartment.
Confirm the full width and depth for your intended space rather than relying on the slim description alone. If you need to sort waste at the point of disposal, consider a dual can instead.
How to Choose Kitchen Trash Cans
How We Picked Kitchen Trash Cans
This group covers the main ways kitchen waste bins are used: a standard pedal can, larger single compartment, dual sorting bin, narrow-space option, hanging prep bin, touchless lid, and concealed cabinet pullout. The picks focus on useful differences in placement, capacity, lid operation, and the number of compartments.
A kitchen trash can's placement shapes daily convenience. Freestanding bins need floor space and a clear lid path; pullouts depend on an exact cabinet opening; hanging cans trade capacity for quick access during food preparation.
Comparing Kitchen Trash Cans
Capacity and sorting are the first distinctions. The 18-gallon SONGMICS keeps everything in one compartment, while the Lovewind 21-gallon can divides its space evenly between two buckets.
The SONGMICS dual can uses unequal 5.3- and 8-gallon sections, and the brown SONGMICS dual can splits storage into two 8-gallon compartments.
Lid style changes how each can fits a kitchen routine. The sensor model opens by hand wave and offers a timed hold-open mode.
Pedal cans provide hands-free opening without charging, while the hanging SONGMICS can opens by flipping or sliding its lid. Cabinet pullouts conceal waste entirely, but only when the cabinet dimensions match.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 13.2 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash CanCheck Price |
| Cooks who want to open the lid without touching the can during meal prep. |
| Rev-A-Shelf Double Pullout, 35 QtCheck Price |
| Kitchens with an 18-inch base cabinet and a suitable opening for hidden waste sorting. |
| Lovewind Dual Trash Can, 2 x 10.5 GallonCheck Price |
| Households wanting two large removable compartments for everyday waste and recycling. |
| SONGMICS Dual Trash Can, 2 x 8 GallonCheck Price |
| Kitchens needing two moderate-size compartments and included starter bags. |
| SONGMICS 18-Gallon Kitchen Trash CanCheck Price |
| Large households that prefer one roomy bin and want an included odor filter. |
| SONGMICS Dual Kitchen Trash Can, 5.3 + 8 GallonCheck Price |
| Kitchens needing waste sorting in a narrow space with low-counter clearance. |
| SONGMICS Hanging Trash Can, 2.1 GallonCheck Price |
| Meal preparers who want a small bin mounted on a cabinet door or wall. |
| SONGMICS Plastic Kitchen Trash Can, 12 GallonCheck Price |
| Small kitchens where a light, movable bin and odor control are useful. |
| SONGMICS 13 Gallon Trash Can, BrownCheck Price |
| Households wanting a standard-capacity, single-compartment stainless steel can. |
| SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13 GallonCheck Price |
| Kitchens that need a full-size single can in a narrow floor gap. |
Choosing a Kitchen Trash Can for a Small Space
For a narrow floor gap, consider the 13-gallon SONGMICS slim model, but confirm its exact exterior dimensions before ordering. A hanging 2.1-gallon bin can sit on a cabinet door, a smooth wall, or a countertop, making it more appropriate for scraps and prep waste than daily household rubbish.
A mobile plastic can is another option for a compact kitchen because its wheels and rear handle help reposition it. Check its footprint and route first, especially if the space between cabinets is tight.
Where counter clearance limits a lid, center-opening wing lids can be useful, though the dual can's exact exterior size still needs confirming.
What to Check Before Installing an Under-Cabinet Trash Bin
Pullout systems keep waste off the kitchen floor, but the cabinet opening, interior depth, height, and door arrangement all matter. The selected Rev-A-Shelf double pullout is designed for an 18-inch base cabinet with a 14.5-inch opening.
Its dimensions and brackets should be checked against the actual cabinet before purchase.
Cabinet pullouts also differ from freestanding cans in accessibility: they require opening the cabinet door and extending the frame. Review whether the installation uses the cabinet floor and door mount, and check for drawer fronts, plumbing, or other obstructions that could interfere with the bin.
Which Kitchen Trash Can Fits Your Household?
Choose a large single bin if your household produces one main waste stream and prefers fewer emptying trips. Pick a dual-compartment can if you separate recycling in the kitchen, and match the section sizes to the waste each stream generates.
A removable bucket can make liner changes and spill cleanup easier.
For cooking scraps close at hand, a hanging bin saves floor space but has limited capacity. Choose the touchless option if opening a lid without contact is a priority, and account for charging.
If the floor area is valuable and your cabinetry is compatible, a pullout can conceal waste while keeping it accessible.