Three styles of kitchen trash can along a kitchen wall

Types of kitchen trash cans, explained

Step, touchless, pull-out, under-sink, and dual cans.

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Five common designs

We sort kitchen trash cans by how the lid opens and where the can sits. A step can opens with a foot pedal. A touchless can opens with a sensor. A pull-out can slides out of a cabinet. An under-sink can sits inside the sink cabinet. A dual can holds trash and recycling side by side.

Why the lid matters

EPA says garbage containing food scraps should be placed in tightly covered trash cans, and removed regularly from your home. University of Maryland Extension says to remove trash promptly or secure it by using cans with tight-fitting lids.

Open bins and children

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says any trash container used for possibly dangerous items, such as spoiled food, discarded razor blades, or batteries, should have a child-resistant cover or be kept out of a child's reach.

A second bin for food scraps

EPA says to collect and store fruit and vegetable scraps for composting in a closed container on your kitchen counter, under your sink, or in your fridge or freezer.

Which type fits a kitchen?

We do not pick a type or a model. Each guide in this section explains one design, what it needs, and what to check before you buy.

Five kinds of kitchen can. How each one opens or where it sits.

Sources: EPA, Do's and Don'ts of Pest Control; University of Maryland Extension, Flies Indoors; American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, Home Safety: Tips for Families With Young Children; EPA, Composting At Home.

FAQ

Does a kitchen trash can need a lid?

EPA says garbage containing food scraps should be placed in tightly covered trash cans. University of Maryland Extension says to secure trash by using cans with tight-fitting lids.

Do you recommend a brand?

No. We do not name brands, models, or prices.

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.

Step trash cans, explained

A pedal lifts the lid.

A matte charcoal touchless can in a modern kitchen

Touchless sensor trash cans, explained

A sensor opens the lid.

Pull-out and under-sink trash cans

Cans that hide in a cabinet.

Next: step cans