The best kitchen trash cans balance capacity and convenient disposal with the space and waste-sorting needs of your household. These picks include freestanding bins, dual-compartment designs, compact hanging cans, and pullouts that need a cabinet fit check.
Quick Top Products
13.2 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash Can
- Motion-sensor lid opens within 0.3 seconds.
- A button keeps the lid open for 15 minutes during cleanup.
- Rechargeable battery and Type-C charging cable are included.
Best For: Home cooks who want to open a full-size bin with a hand wave during meal prep.
Rev-A-Shelf 35 Qt Double Pullout
- Two 35-quart containers stay concealed beneath the counter.
- Soft-close slides extend both bins outside the cabinet.
- Designed for an 18-inch base cabinet with a 14.5-inch opening.
Best For: Kitchens with a compatible 18-inch base cabinet and a need to sort waste out of sight.
Rev-A-Shelf Dual 35 Qt Pullout
- Two 35-quart bins are included with the wood frame.
- Soft-close full-extension slides provide pullout access.
- Fits an 18-inch cabinet with a 15-inch opening.
Best For: Homeowners with an 18-inch base cabinet and a 15-inch opening who want a concealed recycling setup.
Rev-A-Shelf Aluminum Double 27 Qt Pullout
- Includes two 27-quart waste containers.
- Aluminum frame mounts to the cabinet floor.
- Designed for a 15-inch cabinet with a 12-inch minimum opening.
Best For: Kitchens with a 15-inch base cabinet and at least a 12-inch opening that need two concealed bins.
SONGMICS Slim 13-Gallon Trash Can
- Slim shape is designed for narrow spaces.
- The 13-gallon bin has a soft-close lid that stays open.
- Includes an inner bucket and 15 trash bags.
Best For: Kitchens with a narrow gap that still need a full-size single waste bin.
SONGMICS 13-Gallon Dual Kitchen Trash Can
- Two compartments hold 5.3 and 8 gallons.
- Wing lids open from the center to clear low countertops.
- Removable inner buckets support liner changes.
Best For: Households that sort regular waste and recycling in a narrow kitchen footprint.
SONGMICS 2 x 10.6 Gallon Trash Can
- Two 10.6-gallon compartments provide equal sorting capacity.
- Pedal is rated for over 180,000 steps and lid stays open at 90°.
- Includes two buckets and 15 trash bags.
Best For: Kitchens needing two large sorting compartments and an extra-stable pedal lid.
SONGMICS 5.2-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can
- 5.2-gallon capacity is aimed at one or two people.
- Lid can stay open at 90 degrees.
- Inner bucket has built-in handles.
Best For: One or two people seeking a compact pedal-operated bin for a small kitchen.
SONGMICS 2.1-Gallon Hanging Trash Can
- Can hang on cabinet doors up to 0.98 inches thick.
- Offers hanging, wall-mounted, or countertop placement.
- Removable inner bucket and dual bag holes aid liner changes.
Best For: Cooks who want a small bin close at hand on a cabinet door or wall.
Touchless Opening for Meal Prep
13.2 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash Can, Touchless Sensor Garbage Can,Black
A motion sensor opens this 13.2-gallon bin within 0.3 seconds, giving you a hands-free option when cooking or handling food scraps. Pressing a button keeps the lid open for 15 minutes during heavier cleanup.
The stainless steel body has a soft-close lid, and a rechargeable 1500mAh battery charges through the included Type-C cable. It fits standard 13-gallon trash bags.
Before choosing it, consider whether you want a powered lid and have a convenient way to recharge it; the other freestanding picks use step pedals instead.
Best For: Home cooks who want to open a full-size bin with a hand wave during meal prep.
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Choose this model if touch-free access is a priority and charging a bin is acceptable. Its 13.2-gallon capacity is close to common 13-gallon bag sizing, and the notes say standard 13-gallon bags fit.
Compare its sensor and rechargeable power with pedal-operated bins if you prefer a mechanical opening. Check the listed dimensions against the place beside your cabinets or island before buying.
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 cabinet-mounted system keeps two waste containers under the counter and slides them fully out on soft-close undermount slides. Each container holds 35 quarts, and the adjustable door-mount brackets attach the cabinet door to the pullout.
The frame measures 14.37 inches wide, 22.09 inches deep, and 19.01 inches high; it is intended for an 18-inch base cabinet with a 14.5-inch opening. Those fit requirements matter more than its concealed appearance, so measure the cabinet opening and interior before choosing it.
It is a practical option when floor space is scarce and sorting matters.
Best For: Kitchens with a compatible 18-inch base cabinet and a need to sort waste out of sight.
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Pick this pullout when your cabinet meets the stated width and opening requirements and you want two bins hidden from view. The dual 35-quart containers provide a larger total sorting setup than compact freestanding cans, while using cabinet space instead of kitchen floor area.
Measure the opening and check for obstructions, then confirm that the brackets can attach to your cabinet door. If the cabinet does not match, a freestanding dual-bin can avoids installation fit constraints.
Soft-Close Cabinet Pullout with Maple Frame
Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Trash Cans for Kitchen Cabinet, Dual 35 Qt Bins with 15" Wood Frame - Large Garbage Bin Containers for Home Waste Storage and Recycling
This floor-mounted pullout pairs two 35-quart containers with a maple wood frame and a soft-close, full-extension slide system. It is designed for 18-inch base cabinets with a 15-inch-wide opening, and adjustable door-mount brackets are included and required.
The bins are included, but optional Rev-A-Shelf lids are sold separately, so account for that if covered containers are important. The pullout keeps waste and recycling accessible behind a cabinet door and frees floor space.
Measure both the cabinet opening and depth, and check the door and countertop configuration before ordering.
Best For: Homeowners with an 18-inch base cabinet and a 15-inch opening who want a concealed recycling setup.
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This is a fit-specific choice for kitchens with the required opening and enough depth for the pullout. It supplies two equal 35-quart bins and a wood frame, but the lids are an extra purchase.
Compare it with the Rev-A-Shelf steel-frame option if you want a system designed around a narrower opening; confirm cabinet dimensions and how the door attaches before buying. The installation details and optional lid are the key tradeoffs.
Compact Cabinet Sorting System
Rev-A-Shelf Aluminum Double Pullout Waste Container for Kitchen Base Cabinets, 27 Qt Trash Can with Soft-Close Slides, Black, 5349-1527DM-218
This under-cabinet system provides two 27-quart containers in a brushed aluminum frame. The unit measures 11.66 inches wide, 22.09 inches deep, and 18.92 inches high, and is intended for a 15-inch base cabinet with a minimum 12-inch opening.
It mounts to the cabinet floor, and the cabinet door attaches to the unit. Soft-closing slides bring the bins out for access, and hardware is included.
Its two smaller containers trade capacity for a narrower cabinet fit compared with larger pullouts. Check cabinet depth, opening clearance, and door attachment before ordering.
Best For: Kitchens with a 15-inch base cabinet and at least a 12-inch opening that need two concealed bins.
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Choose this unit when cabinet space supports a 15-inch base system but you want two bins in a relatively narrow frame. Its 27-quart containers hold less individually than larger pullouts, so consider how often you empty each stream.
Confirm the cabinet opening is at least the stated minimum and that the depth and height clear interior fittings. If you prefer bins that can sit anywhere, a freestanding dual compartment model avoids cabinet installation.
Slim Freestanding 13-Gallon Capacity
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 slim profile is made for tight gaps, including spaces between a cabinet and another surface, while retaining 13-gallon capacity. A stainless steel body has a soft-close lid that can stay open at its catch point for larger cleanup tasks.
The removable inner bucket lifts out by its handles and secures the liner, and 15 bags are included. A rear handle helps move the bin when needed.
This is a single-bin design, so it does not separate recycling from general waste; measure the available space because exact exterior dimensions are not provided in these notes.
Best For: Kitchens with a narrow gap that still need a full-size single waste bin.
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This is a good fit when floor space is limited but a small can would fill too quickly. The narrow shape, removable bucket, and included liners make routine use straightforward, while the lid can stay open for cleanup.
It is not a sorting solution, so pair it with a separate recycling container if needed. Because the exact width and depth are not included here, verify those measurements before relying on a particular gap.
Slim Dual Bin with Space-Saving Wing 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 freestanding dual-bin can splits 13 gallons between 5.3- and 8-gallon compartments, giving each waste stream a separate removable bucket. The wing lids open from the center to clear low countertops, a useful detail if the bin sits under an overhang.
Soft-close stainless steel lids and inner handles support regular use and liner changes. Its slim profile is designed for narrow spaces, though exact outside dimensions are not provided.
The uneven capacities suit a household that generates more trash than recyclables, so consider the amount of each stream before choosing it.
Best For: Households that sort regular waste and recycling in a narrow kitchen footprint.
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Choose this model if sorting is important and the kitchen has limited width or a low counter over the bin. The 8-gallon side gives more room than the 5.3-gallon side, which works best when recyclables and trash are produced in different amounts.
Check the footprint before buying, since the source details do not give exact exterior dimensions. If you need equal large compartments, consider a larger dual-bin alternative.
Large Equal Bins with Stay-Open Pedal Lid
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 freestanding SONGMICS can divides capacity into two 10.6-gallon compartments. The rigid stainless steel body has a soft-close lid, and the lid can be manually held at 90 degrees for larger cleanup tasks.
Two removable plastic inner buckets make it easier to clean and change liners, and 15 trash bags are included. Its dimensions are 25.5 inches long, 15.9 inches wide, and 25 inches high, so plan for a broad floor footprint.
It is a better match for similar volumes of trash and recycling than for households whose streams need very different container sizes.
Best For: Kitchens needing two large sorting compartments and an extra-stable pedal lid.
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This is a strong match for households that want two roomy, equal compartments and have sufficient floor space. The inner buckets and included bags make initial setup simpler, while the stay-open lid is useful during meal prep cleanup.
Check the exterior dimensions against the intended location. If recycling volume is much lower than household trash, a split-capacity bin may use the available space more efficiently.
Compact Pedal Bin for Small Kitchens
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 stainless steel bin is sized for smaller spaces and lighter household waste. The pedal opens the lid, which can then be left at 90 degrees for longer tasks.
A removable inner bucket with handles simplifies emptying, and non-slip pads on the base help keep it stable. The compact capacity can reduce how much floor space the bin occupies, but it will need more frequent emptying than a larger kitchen can when waste volume is high.
Exact exterior dimensions are not provided here, so check them before choosing a specific nook.
Best For: One or two people seeking a compact pedal-operated bin for a small kitchen.
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Choose this smaller bin for a compact kitchen or a low-volume household where floor space matters more than capacity. The removable bucket and stay-open lid provide convenient day-to-day handling.
For a family or frequent cooking, compare it with larger models to avoid a mismatch between capacity and how often you want to empty the can. Verify measurements before buying because only the capacity is supplied here.
Hanging Bin for Countertop Prep Scraps
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 bin can hang from a cabinet door up to 0.98 inches thick, attach to a smooth wall with an adhesive hook, or sit on a countertop. The stainless steel body is rust-resistant and easy to clean, and a tightly sealed lid helps contain odors.
A removable inner bucket and dual bag holes make liner changes easier. Its small capacity is intended for scraps and light waste between larger disposal runs, rather than as a household's main kitchen bin.
Check cabinet thickness and placement before buying, and consider whether a countertop position works better in your prep area.
Best For: Cooks who want a small bin close at hand on a cabinet door or wall.
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This compact bin makes sense as a prep-side scrap collector or for a kitchen where floor space is already spoken for. Its three placement options are useful, but the small capacity means frequent emptying if it handles all household waste.
Check the cabinet door thickness if using the included hook, or choose a suitable smooth wall for adhesive mounting. For a main kitchen can, compare with a larger freestanding option.
How to Choose Kitchen Trash Cans
How We Picked Best Kitchen Trash Cans
The candidates cover several real kitchen setups: freestanding cans with pedals or sensors, dual-compartment bins, slim models for gaps, a hanging scrap container, and cabinet pullouts. We favored products with a clear capacity, a defined opening style, removable bins or liners, and a distinct placement or sorting advantage.
Cabinet systems were included for readers who want to reclaim floor space, with fit requirements called out because a pullout is only useful if the cabinet opening and depth match.
This selection also reflects different household rhythms. Small bins suit limited waste volume or prep scraps, while larger single bins reduce the frequency of emptying.
Dual bins help separate recycling at the point of disposal, though equal and split capacities suit different mixes. The right kitchen garbage can depends on both how much you discard and where it can sit.
Comparing Kitchen Trash Can Styles
Start by choosing between a freestanding bin and a cabinet pullout. A freestanding can needs floor space but can be moved and placed without cabinet installation.
Cabinet pullouts conceal waste and slide out for access, but their opening requirements vary: some need an 18-inch base cabinet, while others are designed for a 15-inch cabinet and narrower opening. Measure the clear opening, depth, height, and door arrangement before choosing an under-counter trash can.
Next, consider the waste split. Equal dual compartments such as two 10.5- or 10.6-gallon buckets work when trash and recycling volumes are similar.
The SONGMICS 5.3- and 8-gallon split gives more room to one stream. A single 13-gallon slim can keeps the footprint narrow, while the touchless 13.2-gallon model replaces a pedal with a rechargeable sensor.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 13.2 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash CanCheck Price |
| Home cooks who want to open a full-size bin with a hand wave during meal prep. |
| Rev-A-Shelf 35 Qt Double PulloutCheck Price |
| Kitchens with a compatible 18-inch base cabinet and a need to sort waste out of sight. |
| Rev-A-Shelf Dual 35 Qt PulloutCheck Price |
| Homeowners with an 18-inch base cabinet and a 15-inch opening who want a concealed recycling setup. |
| Rev-A-Shelf Aluminum Double 27 Qt PulloutCheck Price |
| Kitchens with a 15-inch base cabinet and at least a 12-inch opening that need two concealed bins. |
| SONGMICS Slim 13-Gallon Trash CanCheck Price |
| Kitchens with a narrow gap that still need a full-size single waste bin. |
| SONGMICS 13-Gallon Dual Kitchen Trash CanCheck Price |
| Households that sort regular waste and recycling in a narrow kitchen footprint. |
| SONGMICS 2 x 10.6 Gallon Trash CanCheck Price |
| Kitchens needing two large sorting compartments and an extra-stable pedal lid. |
| SONGMICS 5.2-Gallon Kitchen Trash CanCheck Price |
| One or two people seeking a compact pedal-operated bin for a small kitchen. |
| SONGMICS 2.1-Gallon Hanging Trash CanCheck Price |
| Cooks who want a small bin close at hand on a cabinet door or wall. |
Capacity, Footprint, and Lid Clearance
Capacity alone does not determine whether a bin fits. Check its exterior footprint and leave room for the lid to open, especially when it sits under a counter, beside an island, or near a doorway.
The larger dual cans occupy a broad section of floor; the hanging 2.1-gallon bin uses a cabinet door or wall and works better for prep scraps than as the only kitchen waste container. For a narrow kitchen, compare a slim single bin with a wing-lid dual model and confirm exact dimensions before purchasing.
Think about bag fit and emptying too. Several freestanding candidates include removable inner buckets that make liner changes easier, and some include starter bags.
A divided can may require different liners for each compartment. The touchless model specifies compatibility with standard 13-gallon bags, while the hanging bin uses bag holes to hold a liner out of sight.
Choosing a Kitchen Trash Can for Daily Use
A pedal is a simple hands-free opening for cooking and cleanup. Soft-close lids reduce abrupt slamming, and stay-open catches help when scraping plates or replacing a liner.
A motion sensor can be convenient when both hands are busy, though it introduces a rechargeable battery and charging routine. For cabinets, full-extension slides bring containers into reach; check whether door brackets and mounting hardware are included and whether lids are sold separately.
Odor control and cleaning also affect everyday fit. Tightly sealed lids and carbon filters appear on some models, but these are different approaches and do not remove the need to empty waste.
Removable buckets simplify wiping after spills. Stainless steel bodies can be wiped clean, while the listed compact hanging option is stainless steel and the mobile 12-gallon alternative has a plastic body with a stainless lid.
Who Should Buy Which Kitchen Trash Can?
Choose a freestanding single bin if you want a straightforward kitchen waste can without installation. The slim 13-gallon model suits a gap; the 5.2-gallon option suits a small household; and the touchless can fits cooks who value sensor opening and accept recharging.
For sorting, choose equal capacity when waste streams are similar or a split design when one fills faster.
Choose an under-counter pullout when concealing bins matters and your cabinet dimensions match the product requirements. Select the hanging bin as a prep-side scrap collector or for very limited floor space, not as a high-capacity household bin.
Before ordering any style, match its capacity, outside dimensions, opening clearance, bag compatibility, and emptying routine to your kitchen.