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The Best Trash Can Systems And Designs For The Modern Kitchen

“What’s the best type of trash can for the kitchen?” – you might ask yourself just as you’re planning your next remodel project. It’s a question that doesn’t have the same answer for everyone. Different types of trash cans and different systems are suitable for specific needs so what really matters is how your kitchen is designed and organized and also what your priorities are in this case (selective recycling, space-efficiency, aesthetics, etc). Hopefully, the selection below will help you reach a decision.

Freestanding trash cans

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can

Trash cans that have lids on them are nice because they keep the bad smells contained. However, that hardly seems worth it when you have to touch the lid every time in order to manually lift it. That inconvenience is out of the way in this case. This automatic trash can is 100% touchless. To open the lid just move your hand. It’s a very hygienic and practical solution. In addition, this trash can offer a variety of other great features such as the natural carbon odor filter which absorbs and neutralizes the bad odors in and around it.

fingerprint proof
iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can
iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can

One natural carbon odor filter is included to absorb and neutralize trash odors, for a fresh and clean smelling home

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Dual Compartment Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can

This trash can has two compartments which is great if you recycle or you’re at least willing to try it. You can use one compartment for all the usual household trash items and the other for plastic or paper. The whole trash can has a very durable and strong design and is made of stainless steel. You won’t need to touch the lid to lift it as there’s a special pedal which you can push with your foot. The pedal is designed to last 150,000 steps which basically means it will last for 20 years if you’re using it 20 times a day.

Brushed Stainless Steel
Gallon Stainless Steel Dual Compartment
Gallon Stainless Steel Dual Compartment

This trash can definitely has an industrial look and feel so keep that in mind. Its dimensions are 22" W x 14.2" D x 25.8" H - 36" with the lid open.

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13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can

Here’s a trash can that’s great for families with young kids and curious pets. It has a slide lock which locks the lid in place so kids and pets can’t open it and make a mess. Apart from that, the can has a semi-round shape which gives it an attractive appearance but also makes it very space-efficient. It has a capacity of 50L which is impressive and definitely enough even for a large family. The lid is removable and closes slowly and silently.

Large Capacity
Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can
Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can

The overall dimensions of this trash can are 18.7" W x 14.4" D x 26.2" H - 38.5" with the lid open. 

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iTouchless 13 Gallon Touchless Sensor Trash Can

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can

Here’s another modern trash can that also has a 50L capacity. It uses the same touchless technology we mentioned previously and has a simple and versatile design. The sensor-activated lid opens automatically allowing you use the trash can in the most hygienic way possible. Like before, there’s an included natural carbon odor filter which absorbs and neutralizes bad odors.

fingerprint-proof
Touchless Sensor Trash Can with AbsorbX Odor Control System
Touchless Sensor Trash Can with AbsorbX Odor Control System

Another really cool little detail is fact that the finish on the body of the trash can is fingerprint-proof and smudge-resistant.

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SONGMICS 16 Gallon Step Trash Can

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can

This is another trash can that has two separate compartments. In total they have a 60L capacity. It’s an excellent solution for sorting the trash and keeping the recyclables and everything else in the same spot, conveniently accessible at all times. the can has two foot pedals that let you use the compartments without needing to manually open and close the lid. The lid is made of ABS plastic and closes slowly and silently, keeping all the odors inside and creating an airtight seal.

stainless steel in matte
SONGMICS 16 Gallon Step Trash Can
SONGMICS 16 Gallon Step Trash Can

The body of the trash can is made of heavy-duty stainless steel and has a matte finish that makes it fingerprint-proof.

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12.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Kitchen Dual Compartment

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can

If you like the idea os separate containers within the same trash can but want something smaller, check out this model. It has a strong and durable construction and a simple and modern design. Inside it has two compartments, one for regular trash and one for recyclables. The bas base rubber pads that prevent the can from slipping and moving around and also protect the floors. To open the lid just use the steel pedal.

durable trash bags
12.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Kitchen Dual Compartment
12.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Kitchen Dual Compartment

It's designed to last 150,000 steps. This can has a capacity of 46L.

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15 Gallon Kitchen Step Trash Can Dual Compartment

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can

This is a 58L trash can that has yet another cool little feature: a liner pocket that dispenses liners one by one from inside the can, saving you time and space and meaning you’ll always have everything you need right there. The can also has dual compartments, one side for trash and the other one for recyclables. Of course, you can use it and organize your trash however you see fit.

Plastic Lid
15 Gallon Kitchen Step Trash Can Dual Compartment
15 Gallon Kitchen Step Trash Can Dual Compartment

Innovative liner pocket dispenses liners one by one from inside the can for a faster liner change.

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Pull-out trash cans

9.3 gallon Under Counter Kitchen Pull-Out Recycler

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can

Pull-out trash cans are really nice because they remain hidden inside your kitchen cabinetry and you only have to open up a drawer or a door to use them. Visually this is great because it maintains a clean design but at the same time it means you’ll have to manually open and close the door each and every time you use the trash can. This particular design features a heavy duty steel frame which holds two containers.

Heavy Duty steel frame
Under Counter Kitchen Pull-Out Recycler
Under Counter Kitchen Pull-Out Recycler

It's a nice combo if you want to be able to sort your trash or to recycle.

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Single Sliding Pull Out Kitchen Cabinet Waste Bin Container

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can

This is another type of pull-out system which is designed to accommodate a single trash can. It’s easy to install and it slides out very easily every time. The dimensions are 10.6 x 22 x 19.25 inches and the system is designed to work with base cabinets with a 14.5” or larger opening. The container is black with a chrome frame and comes with included rail mounting hardware. 

Must have
Sliding Pull Out Kitchen Cabinet Waste Bin Container
Sliding Pull Out Kitchen Cabinet Waste Bin Container

Keep your kitchen waste container hidden but easily accessible with this single 35-quart pull-out system

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Double Sliding Pull Out Kitchen Cabinet Waste Bin Container

iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can

This is the same system we mentioned above but adapted to work with two containers. It featured a chrome-plated heavy-gauge wire construction frame which is easy to install. Its overall dimensions are 14.38 X 22 x 19.25 inches and it holds two identical containers. It’s a very practical system which suits a lot of different kitchens. It’s great because it keeps the trash cans hidden but at the same time easily accessible. 

heavy-gauge wire construction
Double Sliding Pull Out Kitchen Cabinet Waste Bin Container
Double Sliding Pull Out Kitchen Cabinet Waste Bin Container

If you want to you can also add lids to the containers in order to better contain the odors. Those are sold separately. 

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