10 Best Trash Cans 2026 in the United States

The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can is designed to fit comfortably in both home and office settings with its 13.2-gallon capacity, making it suitable for moderate daily use. Its brushed stainless steel exterior is not only aesthetically pleasing with a satin nickel finish but also smudge-resistant, ensuring it remains clean and presentable. The rectangular shape maximizes space efficiency, fitting well in tight corners or against walls. The lid has a stay-open feature, which is handy for prolonged use during tasks like cooking or cleaning. Additionally, the soft-close mechanism provides quiet operation, preventing disturbances in a peaceful environment.

The foot pedal allows hands-free access, adding to its convenience. The inner bucket is made of heavy-duty plastic and is removable, making trash disposal and liner changes straightforward. The carry handle further enhances ease of mobility, though it lacks wheels, which may limit its portability across large spaces. Despite its robust construction, it does not feature any specific odor control mechanisms, which could be a drawback for users needing to manage strong smells efficiently.

This trash can is highly durable, but the lack of specialized odor control might not make it the best choice for kitchens or areas with high waste odor potential.

The simplehuman 50 Liter Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can is a sturdy and stylish option for a kitchen trash bin. Its 50-liter size (about 13 gallons) fits well in most kitchens, offering enough capacity for daily waste without being overly bulky. Made from brushed stainless steel, it resists fingerprints and smudges, keeping the surface clean and shiny with minimal effort. The rectangular shape helps it fit neatly against walls or in corners, maximizing kitchen space.

The step-on pedal is strong and built to last for many years, which means you won’t have to worry about it breaking easily. The lid uses a quiet close mechanism, so it won’t slam shut loudly, and it can also stay open when needed, which is helpful during longer tasks like cleaning or cooking. The internal hinge design lets you place it flush against the wall, saving more floor space. Mobility is another plus thanks to built-in wheels that make it easy to move the can around, even when full. A non-skid base keeps it steady and protects your floors from scratches. Inside, there’s a removable bucket that catches drips and makes emptying and cleaning simpler. The bin also uses custom-fit liners designed not to slip or tear easily, which helps with odor control and cleanliness.

One aspect to consider is that although the stainless steel finish is durable and resists fingerprints, it might show scratches over time if handled roughly. While it has solid odor control through the lid seal, it lacks advanced features like carbon filters for stronger smells. The size is great for most kitchens, but if you have a very large household or produce a lot of waste, you might need a bigger bin. This trash can is a reliable, easy-to-use, and low-maintenance choice for kitchen use, especially if you want a durable, stylish container that moves easily and keeps smells contained.

The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can is a large 20-gallon bin suited for busy kitchens or larger households needing extra capacity to reduce how often you empty it. Made of stainless steel with a brushed finish, it’s built to be durable and gives a modern look. The rectangular shape helps it fit neatly against walls or cabinets. It has a dual lid system: a foot pedal for hands-free opening and a lift-top lid for convenience if stepping is difficult. The lid closes softly and quietly, which is great for minimizing noise in the kitchen.

One standout feature is the Clorox protection on the lid that helps control odors, keeping your kitchen smelling fresher. The built-in bag rings keep trash bags securely in place, preventing them from slipping down, which is a nice touch for ease of use. However, at nearly 20 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, so moving it around frequently might be inconvenient. It doesn’t have wheels, so it’s best suited for a fixed spot rather than high mobility.

With soft-close and stay-open lid options providing user-friendly flexibility, this trash can offers solid durability, good odor control, and practical features that make kitchen trash management easier, especially for families or anyone needing a larger bin.