10 The Best Kitchen Trash Can Reddit, Expert Reviews

Our pick: Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can

After using the Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can for several weeks, it has proven to be a well-designed, functional addition to the kitchen. The slim profile is ideal for smaller spaces without sacrificing capacity. The combination of thoughtful design and practical features makes it a smart choice for everyday waste management. While not without minor drawbacks, its performance overall is commendable for the price point.

Pros

• Efficient space-saving design

• Smooth, quiet soft-close lid

• Hands-free foot pedal operation

• Easy bag installation with secure liner ring

Con

• Fingerprint-prone stainless steel surface

The Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Trash Can delivers on both form and function. It's especially suited for compact kitchens where space is at a premium. While the exterior requires occasional cleaning, the overall build quality and user-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment for households seeking a modern, dependable waste solution.

Also great: Furniture of America Verbena 13 Gallon Metal Household Trash Can

The Furniture of America Verbena 13 Gallon Metal Trash Can stands out with its sleek look and motion sensor lid, making it a high-tech upgrade from standard kitchen bins. It’s spacious enough for busy households and offers a clean, hands-free experience. However, its reliance on batteries and a few functional quirks may not suit everyone. For those prioritizing convenience and aesthetics, it’s a competitive choice in its category.

Pros

• Hands-free motion sensor lid

• Generous 13-gallon capacity

• Hidden bag ring for a clean look

• Energy-saving on/off power button

Con

• Requires four C batteries to operate

The Verbena 13 Gallon Trash Can blends modern design with touchless convenience, ideal for users who value hygiene and style. Though the need for batteries adds a recurring cost, its thoughtful features and reliable performance make it a solid option for contemporary kitchens.

Also great: BestOffice Trash Can Broken

The BestOffice 49L Trash Can offers impressive capacity and a useful hands-free sensor design. It’s built for high-traffic use, with thoughtful features like a sealed lid and easy-to-clean surface. However, real-world use reveals concerns about durability. While it promises modern convenience and hygiene, its performance may fall short of expectations due to questionable build quality.

Pros

• Large 49L capacity

• Hands-free motion sensor operation

• Durable, waterproof, fingerprint-resistant exterior

• Made from non-toxic PP plastic

Con

• Inconsistent lid mechanism and reliability issues

The BestOffice Trash Can is attractive on paper, especially for households needing a high-capacity, hygienic solution. However, its actual performance may not match its feature list. It's a budget-friendly option, but potential buyers should weigh convenience against possible durability concerns.

Source: Amazon

The ideal spot for a kitchen trash can depends on your kitchen layout and workflow, but convenience is key. One of the most popular places is under the sink, especially if you want to keep the bin out of sight. It’s also practical because food prep and cleanup often happen near the sink.

If cabinet space is limited, consider placing the trash can near your food prep area or close to the kitchen island. This makes it easy to toss scraps while cooking. Another great option is the end of a countertop run or next to the dishwasher, so you can scrape plates and load dishes in one smooth motion.

For households that produce a lot of waste, an open or pull-out trash can placed in a designated cabinet drawer can help keep the kitchen looking neat while still being easily accessible.

How long should a kitchen garbage can last?

A good-quality kitchen trash can should last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on its build, materials, and how well it's maintained. Plastic models tend to wear out quicker—typically around 3 to 5 years—especially if they’re used frequently or exposed to heavy impacts.

On the other hand, stainless steel trash cans are more durable. They resist dents, odors, and corrosion better, so they can easily last a decade or more with regular cleaning.

The lid mechanism also affects longevity. Step-on and sensor-operated cans have moving parts that might need maintenance or eventually break down, while basic flip lids tend to be more reliable in the long run.

How many liters can a kitchen trash can hold?

Kitchen trash cans come in a range of sizes, but most standard models hold between 30 to 50 liters (about 8 to 13 gallons). A 30-liter bin is typically enough for a small household or apartment, especially if you take out the trash daily.

Larger families or anyone who cooks frequently may prefer a 50-liter can, which holds more waste and reduces the number of trips to the outside bin. Some models even come with dual compartments (e.g., 30 + 30 liters) for separating recyclables from regular trash.

If you're limited on space, smaller 20-liter bins are available, but they fill up quickly and are better suited for secondary use—like for compost or recyclables.

How much does a kitchen trash can hold?

When we talk about how much a kitchen trash can "holds," we’re usually referring to its volume capacity, which is measured in gallons or liters. A typical 13-gallon (about 50-liter) kitchen trash can will hold around 3 to 4 days’ worth of waste for a medium-sized family, depending on how often you cook and whether you compost or recycle.

However, the practical holding capacity also depends on the shape of the bin, the type of trash bags you use, and whether you compress waste or toss in bulky items. Wide, rectangular bins tend to hold more than round or slim-profile ones, even if the listed volume is the same.

For general use, anything between 10 and 13 gallons (38 to 50 liters) is usually enough to handle everyday kitchen waste without needing constant emptying.

Choosing the right kitchen trash can might seem like a small decision, but Reddit users agree—it can make a big difference in your daily routine. Whether you’re going for a sleek stainless steel model with motion sensors or a simple, budget-friendly option with a tight-sealing lid, the top picks shared by the Reddit community strike a balance between function, durability, and style. At the end of the day, the best trash can is one that fits your space, keeps odors under control, and makes cleanup just a little bit easier.