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Kitchen Trash Cans
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Questions, answered

Short answers, with links to the full guides.

Cans

Step, touchless sensor, pull-out, under-sink, and dual trash and recycling cans.
EPA says garbage containing food scraps should be placed in tightly covered trash cans.

Types of kitchen trash cans, explained | Why trash cans smell, and what helps

Cleaning and pests

The CDC says to clean first, and that sanitizing or disinfecting at home is likely not needed unless there are sick people in your home.
University of Maryland Extension says the primary control for fruit flies is sanitation.

How to clean a trash can | Fruit flies in the kitchen

Recycling and batteries

EPA says the symbol does not necessarily mean the item can be collected for recycling in your community.
It depends on the type. EPA says not to put button-cell, coin, or lithium single-use batteries in the trash.

Recycling symbols and plastic numbers | Batteries and the kitchen trash

Safety

The AAP says to call 911 if the child is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions or seizures, and otherwise to call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. For a button or coin battery, the National Capital Poison Center says not to delay.

Children, pets, and the kitchen trash

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Safety line

General information only. Keep a trash can that holds spoiled food, sharp objects, or batteries behind a lid a child cannot open, or out of a child's reach. Knot plastic bags before you throw them away, and keep button and coin batteries out of reach of children. Keep cleaning products in their original packaging, out of sight and reach of children and pets, and never mix cleaning or disinfecting products. Read and follow the label on every cleaner and the maker's manual for your can, including how to change or remove its batteries. A swallowed button or coin battery needs medical help right away; do not delay. If you think a child swallowed something harmful, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222; if the child is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions or seizures, call 911. If a pet did, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control center right away. In an emergency, call 911.

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