Best Kitchen Trash Can: How to Choose the Right Size, Style, and Features

A kitchen trash can is one of those purchases most people make without much thought — and then live with a lid that doesn't close properly, a can that tips over, or a size that's too small for their household. The right trash can makes kitchen cleanup faster and keeps the kitchen looking clean. This guide covers what to look for and our top pick.

What to Look for in a Kitchen Trash Can

Size and Capacity

Kitchen trash cans are measured in gallons or liters:

• 7–10 gallons (26–38L): Suitable for 1–2 people; needs emptying every 2–3 days
• 12–13 gallons (45–50L): The most common size; suitable for most households of 2–4 people; standard kitchen trash bag size
• 16–20 gallons (60–75L): Large capacity for bigger households or less frequent emptying

The 13-gallon size is the most practical for most kitchens — it matches standard kitchen trash bags and balances capacity with footprint.

Lid Type

• Step pedal — hands-free opening; essential for kitchen use where hands are often dirty or full; the most hygienic option
• Soft-close lid — closes quietly without slamming; important in open-plan homes and apartments
• Swing lid — convenient but doesn't seal odors; less hygienic than a step pedal with a sealed lid
• No lid — convenient but allows odors to escape; not recommended for kitchen use

Material

• Stainless steel — durable, easy to clean, smudge-resistant finishes available; looks premium and lasts for years
• Plastic —ighter and less expensive; can absorb odors over time; less durable than stainless steel

Liner Bag Retention

The bag should stay in place when you pull items out of the can. Look for cans with a rim or inner bucket that holds the bag securely.

Removable Inner Bucket

A removable inner bucket makes cleaning the can much easier — remove, rinse, and replace rather than cleaning the entire can in place.

Our Top Pick: Amazon Basics Large Trash Can (13.2 Gallon)

Amazon Basics LARGE Trash Can, 13.2 Gallon (50L), Smudge Resistant, Soft-Close Lid, Step Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Brushed Stainless Steel — our top recommendation. Here's why:

• 13.2 gallon (50L) capacity — the ideal size for most households; fits standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bags
• Step foot pedal — hands-free lid opening; essential for kitchen use; keeps the lid closed between uses to contain odors
• Soft-close lid — closes quietly and gently; no slamming; important in apartments and open-plan homes
• Smudge-resistant brushed stainless steel — fingerprints and smudges wipe away easily; maintains a clean appearance in the kitchen
• Removable inner bucket — lift out the inner bucket for easy cleaning; no need to clean the entire can in place
• Satin nickel finish — premium appearance that complements stainless steel appliances and modern kitchen aesthetics
• Rectangular design — fits neatly against a wall or in a cabinet corner; more space-efficient than round cans

Where to Place Your Kitchen Trash Can

• Under the sink — keeps it out of sight; requires a smaller can that fits the cabinet
• Next to the counter — most convenient for food prep; easy access while cooking
• In a pull-out cabinet — completely hidden; requires a pull-out trash cabinet insert
• In the corner — a rectangular can fits neatly in a corner without wasting space

Keeping Your Trash Can Clean and Odor-Free

• Use a liner bag always — never put trash directly in the can; bags make emptying and cleaning far easier
• Empty before it overflows — overfull bags are harder to remove and more likely to tear
• Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom — absorbs odors between bag changes
• Clean the can monthly — remove the inner bucket, rinse with hot water and dish soap, dry thoroughly before replacing
• Spray the interior with disinfectant — after cleaning, spray with disinfectant and let dry before replacing the bag
• Wrap smelly items before discarding — fish, meat packaging, and other strong-smelling items should be wrapped in a bag before going in the trash

Pairing with a Compost Bin

For households that compost, pair your kitchen trash can with a countertop compost bin. The EPICA Countertop Compost Bin (1.3 Gallon) sits on the counter for convenient food scrap collection, keeping compostable waste out of the trash and reducing odors from the main trash can.

Final Thoughts

The Amazon Basics 13.2-gallon stainless steel trash can hits every key feature: step pedal for hands-free use, soft-close lid, smudge-resistant finish, removable inner bucket, and the right capacity for most households. It's the kind of purchase you make once and don't think about again for years.