10 Best Trash And Recycling Can, Top Reviews

Our pick: simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon

The simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon dual compartment trash can stands out for its premium design, thoughtful features, and user-focused functionality. After using it consistently in a busy kitchen for two weeks, I can confidently say this isn’t just a trash can — it’s a waste management system designed for everyday convenience and long-term reliability. From the liner pocket to the silent-close lid, each detail feels engineered with intention. Though it comes at a premium price, the product justifies the cost with performance and build quality.

Pros:

• Smooth and silent lid operation

• Built-in liner pocket for easy refills

• Dual compartments for recycling and trash

• Strong, responsive pedal built for long-term use

Cons:

• High price point compared to standard models

The simplehuman 58L dual compartment can delivers a seamless blend of form and function, ideal for modern households that value cleanliness, organization, and design. If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen waste setup with something durable and thoughtfully designed, this model is a top-tier choice.

Also great: SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon

The SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon trash and recycling bin offers a straightforward, budget-friendly approach to waste management without compromising on essential features. Over a week of daily kitchen use, this bin proved to be both functional and easy to live with. It’s not as refined as high-end options, but it delivers well on capacity, hygiene, and usability. The dual-color-coded liners simplify waste sorting, and thoughtful additions like the lid lock and built-in odor filter make it surprisingly well-rounded for its price point.

Pros:

• Color-coded dual compartments

• Foot pedal for hands-free operation

• Slow-close lid with lock function

• Built-in odor filter

Cons:

• Lacks premium build feel

For households seeking a spacious, user-friendly bin with separate compartments for trash and recycling, the SIMPLI-MAGIC 60L delivers dependable functionality at a value-focused price. It may not be a designer statement piece, but it gets the job done efficiently and cleanly.

Also great: simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can

The simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Step Trash Can offers a premium waste and recycling solution tailored for modern kitchens. After two weeks of use, it stands out for its seamless liner system, elegant design, and space-maximizing interior. The absence of a clumsy inner bucket and the addition of a built-in liner pocket are practical upgrades that truly make daily trash disposal cleaner and quicker. It’s thoughtfully engineered and delivers on both aesthetics and functionality.

Pros:

• Integrated liner pocket with one-by-one liner dispensing

• No inner bucket for more usable space

• Dual compartments for organized recycling

• Smooth, modern design with easy-to-clean surfaces

Cons:

• Only supports custom Code H liners for best fit

This simplehuman trash can is more than just good looks — it’s a well-designed, intuitive system that simplifies waste and recycling. While you’ll get the best performance with their custom liners, the features and build quality easily justify the investment for any kitchen that values organization and cleanliness.

Source: Amazon

To maintain a hygienic and odor-free home, you should wash your trash can at least once a month. However, if you're disposing of wet waste, food scraps, or anything that tends to leak, it's smart to rinse it out every couple of weeks. During warmer months, bacteria and odors build up faster, so more frequent cleaning—possibly every week—is a good idea.

Use warm soapy water or a mix of vinegar and baking soda to scrub the interior, and don’t forget to clean the lid and foot pedal (if it has one). Let the can dry completely before inserting a new liner to prevent mold or mildew growth.

What type of trash cannot be recycled?

While many household items are recyclable, certain materials should never go into your recycling bin. These include:

• Plastic bags and film wrap – They jam recycling machines.

• Greasy pizza boxes – The oil contaminates the cardboard.

• Used paper towels and napkins – These are considered contaminated paper.

• Styrofoam products – Most municipal programs do not accept them.

• Broken glass or ceramics – They require different processing than standard glass.

• Batteries and electronics – These contain hazardous materials and require special disposal.

When in doubt, check your local recycling guidelines. Putting the wrong items in the bin can contaminate the entire load, sending it straight to the landfill.

What is the difference between a garbage can and a garbage bin?

In American English, “garbage can” and “garbage bin” are often used interchangeably, but there can be subtle differences depending on region and context.

• Garbage can usually refers to the container kept indoors or in the kitchen. It's often a smaller, more functional design with features like step pedals or liners.

• Garbage bin is a broader term that can apply to both indoor and outdoor containers, including larger curbside bins used for waste collection.

In short, all garbage cans are bins, but not all bins are “cans” in the typical household sense.

How do you keep trash cans smelling fresh?

Keeping your trash can smelling fresh is all about prevention and maintenance. Here are some simple but effective tips:

• Use baking soda: Sprinkle some in the bottom of the can or liner to absorb odors.

• Try odor-control trash bags: Many are scented or infused with odor-neutralizing technology.

• Empty regularly: Don’t wait until it’s overflowing—take out the trash often, especially if it contains food waste.

• Clean spills immediately: Even a small leak can lead to a big stink over time.

• Add a deodorizer: You can use dryer sheets, charcoal filters, or purpose-made trash can pods.

Staying ahead of smells not only keeps your kitchen pleasant but also discourages pests from sniffing around.

In the end, choosing the best trash and recycling can comes down to what fits your home, habits, and space. Whether you're after a sleek stainless steel look, a smart sensor lid, or a space-saving dual compartment design, there's a model out there to match your needs. The right pick can simplify your routine, keep things tidy, and even make sorting waste feel effortless. Investing in a quality unit isn’t just about looks—it’s about function and convenience. So take your pick, and make your cleanup routine a little smarter.