The 10 Best Kitchen Trash Cans

A good kitchen trash can is one of those things you don’t think about until you have a bad one. I’ve dealt with lids that don’t close, pedals that snap, and bags that slip down into a soupy mess. It’s not glamorous, but finding the right one makes a huge difference in how clean and functional your kitchen feels.

Over the years, I’ve gone through my fair share of kitchen garbage cans, from cheap plastic bins to fancy stainless steel models. I’m looking for something that’s durable, easy to clean, and holds the bag securely. Everything else is a bonus.

So, after a lot of personal use and comparing notes with friends, I’ve put together a list of the best kitchen garbage cans I’ve found for 2026. There’s something here for every kitchen and every budget.

 

 

Our Top Kitchen Garbage Cans for 2026

Rubbermaid Classic 13-Gallon Step-On Trash Can

This one costs about $25. If you just want a trash can that works without any fuss, this is it. We had one of these for years, and it survived everything my kids threw at it, and into it.

The stainless steel pedal is surprisingly tough, and it doesn’t make a loud slamming noise when the lid closes. I really like the little retainer band inside that grips the trash bag so it doesn’t fall in. It’s a simple, classic design that gets the job done for a busy family.

The Downside: If you step on the pedal too fast or hard, the whole lid can sometimes pop off its hinges. It’s easy to put back on, but it can be annoying.

 

 

Simplehuman 45 Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Trash Can

You’ll spend around $110 for this one. Simplehuman is like the Apple of trash cans—they look great and are built to last. This is the one you get when you want your garbage can to actually look nice in your kitchen.

The construction is solid, and the slow-closing lid is so quiet. My favorite feature is the built-in liner pocket on the back; it makes grabbing a new bag super convenient. The inner rim holds the bag perfectly so you don’t see any ugly plastic hanging out.

The Downside: The pedal can be a bit stiff, which might be tough for small kids or someone with mobility issues. And like a lot of stainless steel appliances, it can dent if you knock something into it.

 

 

Glad Stainless Steel Step Can with Odor Protection

This one is usually priced around $50. If you’ve got a big family or just seem to generate a lot of stinky trash (hello, diapers and fish scraps), this is a great choice. The main selling point is the Clorox-infused lid that helps fight odors.

It’s a big 20-gallon can, so it holds a ton. It also has a little compartment in the back to store extra bags, which is handy. The lid closes quietly and the whole thing feels pretty stable, even when my dog bumps into it.

The Downside: The stainless finish shows every single fingerprint, so I’m wiping it down all the time. Also, the plastic ring that’s supposed to hold the bag feels a little thin and flimsy.

 

 

Best Hands-Free & Touchless Trash Cans

Ninestars Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can

This motion-sensor can goes for about $60. There’s nothing better than being able to throw something away when your hands are covered in raw chicken juice. This was my first automatic can and it felt like living in the future.

The sensor works pretty well, and the lid opens wide enough to scrape a cutting board into without making a mess. The finish is good at resisting fingerprints, and it’s quiet enough that it doesn’t startle you every time it opens.

The Downside: The sensor can be a little trigger-happy. Sometimes it opens just because I walk past it, which gets old after a while and probably runs the batteries down faster.

 

 

iTouchless 13-Gallon Sensor Trash Can

Expect to pay around $55. This is a fantastic option if you want a touchless can but don’t have a lot of floor space. Its slim, oval shape lets it fit into tight spots where a big rectangular can wouldn’t.

It has an odor filter in the lid, which actually does a decent job of containing smells. I also love that you can power it with batteries or plug it in with an AC adapter, so you’re not constantly buying new batteries.

The Downside: Because it’s tall and narrow, it can be a little top-heavy. When it’s empty, it’s easy to knock over if you’re not careful.

 

 

Eko Mirage X Motion Sensor Trash Can

This one costs about $100. The Eko feels like a very modern, tech-forward trash can. It has the standard hands-free motion sensor, but also has a “press-to-open” button if you need the lid to stay open for a while.

It’s got a nice fingerprint-resistant finish that keeps it looking clean. The design is really spacious inside, and it’s built well enough to handle the daily abuse of a busy kitchen.

The Downside: It runs only on batteries, with no option for an AC adapter. You’ll be swapping them out every few months, depending on how much you use it.

 

 

Best Recycling & Specialty Kitchen Cans

Simplehuman Dual Compartment Rectangular Step Can

This is a pricier one at $150. If you’re serious about recycling, this can is a fantastic all-in-one solution. It has two separate bins inside—one for trash and one for recyclables—so you don’t need two different containers taking up space.

The pedal is super sturdy; they say it’s tested for 150,000 steps, which I believe. A neat feature is that the lid can lock in the open position, which is great when you’re peeling vegetables or doing other long prep work.

The Downside: The trash side is noticeably smaller to make room for the recycling bin. Also, it’s really designed to be used with Simplehuman’s own custom-fit (and more expensive) trash bags.

 

 

SONGMICS Dual Compartment Trash Can

This dual can runs about $120. It’s another great option for sorting trash and recycling in one sleek unit. I like that the two compartments are the same size, which is perfect if you produce just as much recycling as you do trash.

It’s made of stainless steel and looks very clean and modern. Each side has its own pedal and a soft-close lid, so it’s quiet and easy to use. The pedals feel solid underfoot.

The Downside: It’s on the expensive side for a trash can. You’re paying a premium for the convenience and design.

 

 

Simplehuman 30-Liter Under Counter Pull-Out Trash Can

This pull-out system costs about $80. I love the idea of getting the trash can completely out of sight. This unit installs inside a kitchen cabinet and slides out on smooth ball-bearing tracks.

The whole frame is steel and feels very sturdy, not wobbly at all. It’s a great way to free up floor space and maintain a clean, uncluttered look in the kitchen. It was surprisingly easy to install, too.

The Downside: The 30-liter (about 8-gallon) capacity is pretty small. It’s fine for one or two people, but a larger family would be emptying it constantly.

 

 

Umbra Venti Trash Can with Swing Top Lid

At around $40, this is a solid budget pick. Sometimes you don’t need sensors or pedals, you just need a big ol’ bin to hold garbage. This Umbra can is perfect for that.

It’s tall and holds a lot, up to 16 gallons. The swing top works easily, and there’s a ring around the top that does a good job of securing the trash bag. For the price, it’s surprisingly sturdy and doesn’t feel cheap.

The Downside: It’s a swing top, so you have to physically touch the lid to open it. It’s not a big deal, but it’s less hygienic than a step-on or sensor can.

 

 

My Final Thoughts on Kitchen Garbage Cans

When I’m looking for a new kitchen garbage can, I focus on a few key things. First is the mechanism. Do I want a simple step-on, a hands-free sensor, or just a basic swing-top? For the kitchen, I really prefer a step-on or sensor to keep my hands clean.

Next is material. Plastic is cheap and easy to clean, but stainless steel looks much nicer, though it can dent and show fingerprints. And finally, size. A standard 13-gallon can is usually fine for most families, but if you have a lot of people or want to sort recycling, you’ll need to consider larger or dual-compartment models.

Ultimately, the best kitchen garbage can is the one you don’t have to think about. It should just work, day in and day out, without the bag slipping or the lid breaking. Any of the cans on this list will do that job well.