The Best Rubbish Bin For Kitchen, Every Budget

Our pick: happimess HPM1004A Elmo Rectangular 8-Gallon Double Bucket Trash Can

After several weeks of use, the happimess HPM1004A Elmo Rectangular 8-Gallon Double Bucket Trash Can has proven to be a reliable, stylish, and efficient addition to my kitchen. Its sleek, modern appearance blends seamlessly with contemporary interiors, while the double bucket system makes waste separation incredibly convenient. The hands-free operation and quiet lid closure elevate the overall user experience, particularly in a busy household. While there is room for minor improvement, the design and functionality overall justify the investment.

Pros:

• Sleek and modern aesthetic

• Quiet lid with odor containment

• Durable materials with smudge-resistant finish

• Dual-bin design for easy sorting

Con:

• Slightly limited capacity for larger households

The happimess HPM1004A combines smart design with practical features, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their home waste system without compromising style. Overall, it strikes a strong balance between form and function.

Also great: SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter

The SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter Trash and Recycling Can delivers on both practicality and convenience, making it a great fit for households that value organization and hygiene. Over the course of daily use, this unit has proven to be a well-rounded waste solution with smart design elements such as hands-free operation, color-coded bins, and odor control. Its solid construction and user-friendly details reflect a product made for regular, real-world demands.

Pros:

• Dual-bin system with clear color coding

• Hands-free foot pedal operation

• Built-in odor control filter

• Smudge-resistant, easy-clean finish

Con:

• Lid lock mechanism can feel slightly stiff initially

The SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter unit is a dependable, well-designed option for managing waste and recycling efficiently. It brings functional design to the forefront without compromising on ease of use, making it a smart addition to any home or workspace.

Also great: Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can

The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can is a no-fuss, well-built solution for everyday waste disposal. After using it in a home office and kitchen setting, it consistently performs as expected, combining a clean design with practical features like a removable inner bucket and soft-close lid. Its size strikes a good balance between capacity and footprint, making it suitable for medium-sized households or shared spaces.

Pros:

• Compact yet generous 50L capacity

• Removable bucket with carry handle

• Quiet soft-close lid

• Smudge-resistant stainless steel finish

Con:

• Manual lid lever may feel dated compared to motion-sensor options

The Amazon Basics trash can delivers solid performance and useful features at an accessible price point. While not flashy, it’s dependable and thoughtfully designed for efficient, everyday use.

Source: Amazon

The best type of kitchen bin really depends on your cooking habits, kitchen size, and how you manage waste. However, a pedal bin or touchless sensor bin is often ideal for kitchens because it allows hands-free use, which is more hygienic when you're cooking. Stainless steel models are a popular choice—they're durable, easy to clean, and have a sleek, modern look. If you're eco-conscious, consider a dual-compartment bin, which makes separating recyclables and general waste simple and convenient.

Which bin is used to throw kitchen waste?

For daily kitchen waste like food scraps, peels, packaging, and used paper towels, a general waste bin or an organic compost bin is used. If you're trying to cut down on landfill waste, a compost bin for food scraps (like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells) can be a great addition. This not only helps the environment but also reduces odors in your regular trash. For the rest, like plastic wraps or food containers, a regular trash bin with a liner works well.

What is a good size bin for a kitchen?

A good kitchen bin should balance capacity with space efficiency. For most households, a bin between 30 to 50 liters (roughly 8 to 13 gallons) works well. If you cook often or have a large family, go with something closer to 50 liters. Smaller bins (around 20 liters) may need to be emptied more often, but they’re great for compact kitchens or if you’re trying to avoid food waste buildup. Dual-compartment bins may have two 20-25 liter sections, giving you good waste separation without taking up extra floor space.

How to choose a rubbish bin?

When choosing a kitchen rubbish bin, consider these key factors:

• Size: Match the size of the bin with your household size and cooking frequency.

• Material: Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, while plastic is lightweight and affordable.

• Lid mechanism: Pedal, swing-top, and sensor lids offer different levels of convenience. Touchless lids are great for hygiene.

• Compartments: If you recycle, a dual or triple-compartment bin can make your waste separation easier.

• Odor control: Some bins have built-in deodorizers or tightly sealing lids to help contain smells.

• Ease of cleaning: Removable inner buckets or smooth surfaces make maintenance simpler.

Choosing the best rubbish bin for your kitchen comes down to more than just size — it’s about convenience, durability, and how well it fits your lifestyle. From sleek, stainless steel designs to smart sensor lids and space-saving dual compartments, today’s bins offer much more than basic waste storage. A well-designed kitchen bin can help keep your space clean, organized, and even more eco-friendly. No matter your kitchen setup, investing in the right bin is a small but worthwhile decision that pays off every day.