The 13 Best Trash Cans of 2023

Best Overall

Amazon Basics 10.5 Gallon Soft-Close, Smudge Resistant Trash Can with Foot Pedal

4.8

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The Amazon Basics Trash Can is our top pick, thanks to its sleek stainless steel design, durable construction, and hands-free opening. Measuring 26.38 inches tall by 14.76 inches wide and 13.58 inches deep with a 40-liter (10.5-gallon) capacity, this canister is better suited for smaller households. If you need an ultra-compact trash can, it's also available in 10-liter and 20-liter (2.6- and 5.3-gallon) sizes.

This trash can has a soft-closing lid for quiet operation and opens via a steel foot pedal, which allows for hands-free, hygienic use. It also features stay-open technology so you can replace the bags and dispose of trash without interruption. This feature can come in handy when performing longer cleaning tasks.

Owners say the trash can is compatible with tall garbage bags, but some report that bags slip into the canister. However, thanks to slide-groove handles on the removable inner bin, trash bag removal is practically effortless. The plastic inner bin also helps to contain odors, prevent messes, and it’s easy to clean—which is another big plus. To top it all off, the brushed stainless steel exterior is resistant to smudges and fingerprints, so it will maintain its sleekness and shine in the face of everyday use.

Price at time of publish: $99

_{Dimensions: 26.38 x 14.76 x 13.58 inches︱Capacity: 40 liters︱Weight: 12.65 pounds︱Material: Stainless steel︱Available Colors: Silver︱Number of Compartments: 1}

Best Budget

Rubbermaid Commercial Products 10.25 Gallon Wastebasket

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If you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable option, the Rubbermaid Commercial Products 10.25 Gallon Wastebasket is a great choice. Made of high-quality plastic, it won’t chip, rust, or dent. Measuring 20 inches tall by 15.25 inches wide and 11.25 inches deep, it’s compact enough to fit under most sinks and standard-height desks, making it an ideal choice for kitchens and offices. At a little over 2 pounds, it’s also incredibly lightweight, so it’s easy to lift and empty out.

The only downside is that it doesn’t include a lid, so you won’t be able to conceal the contents of your trash or fully suppress odors. However, it's available in three sizes and three colors to suit a variety of needs. This Rubbermaid wastebasket is more utilitarian than most of our other picks, but it’s equally suitable for home and commercial use.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Dimensions: 20 x 15.25 x 11.25 inches︱Capacity: 38 liters︱Weight: 2.29 pounds︱Material: Plastic︱Available Colors: Black, beige, gray︱Number of Compartments: 1}

Best Value

Ninestars DZT-80-35 Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can

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If you’re interested in a hands-free trash can that won’t break the bank, the Ninestars DZT-80-35 offers touchless operation along with other convenient features. This trash can has a brushed stainless steel finish, making it as elegant as it is functional. What’s more, the fingerprint-resistant design keeps it looking shiny after repeated use. Measuring 26.9 inches tall and 18.6 inches wide, this trash can has a generous 80-liter (21-gallon) capacity, making it an excellent choice for bigger households. Despite its large size, it is fairly lightweight at less than 10 pounds, making it easy to move and clean as needed. Note that this unit requires three D batteries, which, unfortunately, aren’t included.

The lid opens via a motion sensor and closes silently every time. If you need to tackle bigger cleaning tasks, you can use the built-in manual mode to keep the lid open longer. A removable ring liner holds trash bags securely in place and keeps them neatly concealed within the canister. This unit is compatible with standard-size trash bags, but you have the option to purchase customized liners from the manufacturer. We found a few reports of technical issues, particularly with the lid not working. However, this product comes with two-year warranty protection.

Price at time of publish: $117

_{Dimensions: 26.9 x 18.5 x 14.41 inches︱Capacity: 80 liters︱Weight: 9.81 pounds︱Material: Stainless steel︱Available Colors: Silver︱Number of Compartments: 1}

Best Dual-Compartment

simplehuman Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can, 46 Liter

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The Simplehuman Rectangular Dual Compartment Rectangular Step Can is a versatile option with two compartments to separate waste and recycling. With a 46-liter capacity, it’s a great choice for small to medium-sized households. Made of stainless steel and measuring 25.7 inches tall and 19.8 inches wide, this unit has a sleek design that works well in a kitchen. The bin comes with a strong steel pedal for hands-free opening. For added convenience, the lid stays open as long as you need it to and closes silently. Rubber pads at the base keep the bin securely in place and prevent it from damaging floors.

At 17.6 pounds, this unit is on the heavier side and may be difficult to maneuver—particularly when full. However, the inner buckets lift out for easy emptying and cleaning, and the fingerprint-proof finish keeps it looking shiny after everyday use. Some say this unit isn’t compatible with standard-size trash bags, but you can purchase customized liners from the manufacturer to ensure a proper fit.

Price at time of publish: $148

_{Dimensions: 25.7 x 19.8 x 12.8 inches︱Capacity: 46 liters︱Weight: 17.6 pounds︱Material: Stainless steel, plastic︱Available Colors: Brushed stainless steel︱Number of Compartments: 2}

Best Large

GLAD All Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection

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If you need a larger receptacle, the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can offers an impressive 76-liter (20-gallon) capacity. “If you have lots of kids or pets or love to cook from scratch three meals a day, you might benefit from a large 20-gallon unit,” advises Homer. In addition to its generous size, this model has built-in Clorox protection to prevent unwanted odors—a must-have feature for busy households. This unit comes equipped with a foot pedal for hands-free, hygienic operation, and the stay-open lid is ideal for longer cleaning tasks—and closes quietly as well.

Note that this trash can doesn’t have an inner bucket; interior rings secure the bag in place and prevent it from slipping down. There is a waste bag compartment on the back of the canister that you can use to store extra garbage bags discreetly. The unit dispenses trash bags on the side for neat and easy removal. This Glad trash can comes in several different finishes to match almost any decor, and the stainless steel construction is resistant to fingerprints. Weighing over 18 pounds, it’s no big surprise that this unit is on the heavier side, considering its large capacity. It’s also available in a smaller, 13-gallon version with the same convenient features.

Price at time of publish: $140

_{Dimensions: 29 x 16.25 x 16 inches︱Capacity: 76 liters︱Weight: 18.84 pounds︱Material: Stainless steel︱Available Colors: Silver, pewter, white︱Number of Compartments: 1}

Best Pull-Out

Simplehuman 8 Gallon Under Counter Kitchen Cabinet Pull-Out Trash Can

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Are you interested in freeing up valuable floor space? “If you’re looking to conceal your trash can, you may want to consider a pull-out option which can be installed beneath a bathroom or kitchen sink,” says Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of Minimalista. The Simplehuman Under Counter Kitchen Cabinet Trash Can saves space and keeps your garbage neatly concealed. This durable receptacle features a plastic bin encased in a steel frame that can withstand plenty of wear and tear. The integrated steel handle makes it easy to lift and empty.

Thanks to a pre-assembled, one-piece track, this unit is straightforward to install. Once it’s in place, it glides smoothly on commercial-grade ball-bearing tracks, allowing easy access to the canister. With a 30-liter (8-gallon) capacity, this pull-out unit is smaller than standard trash cans. If you live in a busy household, you will likely need to empty it more frequently. It’s also available in a dual-compartment version that features separate bins for waste and recycling. For added peace of mind, Simplehuman backs this product with a five-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Dimensions: 19.1 x 9.8 x 17.7 inches︱Capacity: 30 liters︱Weight: 9.9 pounds︱Material: Plastic︱Available Colors: Black︱Number of Compartments: 1}

Best for Kitchen

simplehuman Rectangular Step Can with Liner Pocket

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This stainless steel simplehuman 45-liter Rectangular Step Can has a sleek design that blends seamlessly into a modern kitchen. Measuring 25.8 inches tall by 15.9 inches wide by 13.3 inches deep, its unique shape isn’t compatible with standard-size trash bags. However, you can also purchase customized liners from the manufacturer to guarantee a proper fit. A soft-close lid ensures that it closes quietly every time, and if you keep your foot on the pedal, the lid will stay open as long as you need it to.

A strong steel foot pedal allows for hands-free operation, and there’s no inner bucket, which allows more room for trash. Another great feature is the fingerprint-proof finish, which keeps the trash can looking shiny even with everyday use. This 45-liter can is compatible with the simplehuman’s Odorsorb pods for keeping smells at bay and is also coated with an antimicrobial agent to prevent bacteria, mildew, fungi, and mold from forming. Another bonus: simplehuman backs this product with a ten-year warranty, ensuring years of reliable use. This trash can is available in four colors and two other sizes—including a 58-liter rectangular recycler and a 55-liter trash can—to suit a variety of needs.

Price at time of publish: $130

_{Dimensions: 25.8 x 15.9 x 13.3 inches︱Capacity: 45 liters︱Weight: 12.8 pounds︱Material: Stainless steel︱Available Colors: Brushed stainless steel, black stainless steel, rose gold stainless steel, white stainless steel︱Number of Compartments: 1}

Best for Bathroom

simplehuman 1.6 Gallon Semi-Round Bathroom Step Trash Can

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The Semi-Round Step Can from simplehuman is an ideal size for almost any bathroom. Its stainless steel exterior creates an elegant aesthetic, and a fingerprint-proof finish keeps it looking shiny in the face of everyday use. The steel foot pedal allows for hands-free operation–a great way to maintain hygiene where you need it most. When it comes time to empty the trash, you can remove the inner bucket for easy disposal.

This trash can comes in four versatile color options (rose gold, black, white, and polished stainless steel) to match almost any decor. With a 6-liter capacity, this trash can is on the smaller side, but it should be just fine for your bathroom needs. However, it may be tricky to find compatible trash bags. Some users say standard plastic grocery bags work well enough. The manufacturer offers customized liners, but some users complain that they aren’t the best fit and don’t fully conceal the bag.

Price at time of publish: $45

_{Dimensions: 13.6 x 8.9 x 9.3 inches︱Capacity: 6 liters︱Weight: 3 pounds︱Material: Stainless steel︱Available Colors: Brushed stainless steel, black, white, rose gold︱Number of Compartments: 1}

Best for Bedroom

mDesign Plastic Round Trash Can with Swing-Close Lid

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While having a trash can in a bedroom may not be for everyone, it's helpful for easily disposing of tissues or clothing tags. This mDesign Plastic Round Trash Can is available in an array of unobtrusive and appealing colors, and it's small enough to fit under a tall nightstand or bed frame. This trashcan has a swing-close lid to keep trash out of sight, but it may not be the most secure against curious pets.

It's also super lightweight, which makes it easy to empty and transport, but it can also easily be knocked over on accident. While the plastic finish and bamboo lid may not be up to everyone's design taste, we think it's a great minimal option for anyone who's searching for a simple and functional bedroom trash can.

Price at time of publish: $22

_{Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches︱Capacity: 5 liters︱Weight: 0.79 pounds︱Material: Plastic︱Available Colors: White, mint green, charcoal, cream, gray, or navy︱Number of Compartments: 1}

Best for Home Office

Rolodex Mesh Round Wastebasket

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Thanks to durable mesh construction, this Rolodex Mesh Round Wastebasket is perfect for containing dry waste. It holds 17 liters (4.5 gallons) of trash and has a contemporary round design, making it a solid choice for home offices. Measuring approximately 14 inches tall by 11 inches in diameter, this unit is compact enough to tuck under a desk or table. Solid metal edging reinforces the black mesh to enhance durability. Its base is also sturdy enough to prevent the trash can from tipping over.

If you’re using this trash can strictly for dry waste, you don’t have to line it with a plastic bag. With a weight of just 1 pound, it’s easy to lift and empty. Since this wastebasket is part of Rolodex’s mesh line, you can also purchase matching accessories such as pencil holders, letter trays, and laptop stands. While most people praise its sturdy design and practical functionality, some noticed some dents in the can when it arrived.

Price at time of publish: $31

_{Dimensions: 14.25 x 11.38 x 11.38 inches︱Capacity: 17 liters︱Weight: 1 pound︱Material: Wire mesh︱Available Colors: Black︱Number of Compartments: 1}

Best for Car

HOTOR Car Trash Can with Lid and Storage Pockets

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If you need a vessel to contain trash in your vehicle, the Hotor Car Trash Can is up to the task. Measuring 10.2 inches tall, 7.9 inches wide, and 5.5 inches deep and featuring a collapsible design, this trash can takes up minimal space while providing a 7.6-liter (2-gallon) capacity. It has an adjustable strap that can be attached to the front or back headrest or the center console. Made of nylon with Oxford cloth and leather detailing, it’s easy to empty and wipe clean. And thanks to a leak-proof inner lining, you don’t have to worry about food spills or stains on your car’s interior. While most users praise the design, a few complain that it’s too soft and lacks the structure to secure their items.

Several trash bags come included, and users say the unit is compatible with standard grocery bags. Four magnetic buckles hold the trash bag securely in place, which is another convenient design feature. In addition to the trash canister, this unit has three pockets for extra storage. You can also use it as a storage bag for cups, snacks, toys, and other accessories. It seems to work well in most vehicles, but it may be too bulky in a compact car. If you need more space, this automotive trash can is also available in an 11-liter (3-gallon) version.

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.9 x 5.5 inches︱Capacity: 7.6 liters︱Weight: 0.5 pounds︱Material: Nylon︱Available Colors: Black︱Number of Compartments: 1}

Best for Pet Owners

iTouchless 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can with Pet-Proof Lid

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This 49-liter (13-gallon) Sensor Trash Can from iTouchless is a brushed stainless steel receptacle durable enough to accommodate a busy household with children and pets. It opens with a wave of your hand, allowing for hygienic, touch-free operation. If you're standing within 6 inches of the unit, the lid will open automatically and close when you walk away. You can also lock the lid to prevent pets from rifling through the trash. Another great feature is the replaceable activated carbon filter, which effectively keeps odors at bay when replaced every three months. While this feature requires an additional cost, the trash can comes with one filter to get you started.

Unlike many of our other picks, this trash can's sensor can run on four D batteries or plug into a wall outlet if you purchase a separate AC adapter. According to the manufacturer, the battery life is three times that of other sensor cans, which means they only need to be replaced every one to two years.

Price at time of publish: $95

_{Dimensions: 27.9 x 10.8 x 12.8 inches︱Capacity: 49 liters︱Weight: 8 pounds︱Material: Stainless steel︱Available Colors: Black/stainless steel︱Number of Compartments: 1}