I Tested the Best Recycling Bin Trash Cans: My Honest Review and Top Picks
I’ve always believed that small changes in our daily habits can make a big impact, and one of the simplest yet most effective shifts I’ve embraced is rethinking how I manage waste at home. That’s where the recycling bin trash can comes into play—a humble but powerful tool that transforms the way we sort, store, and reduce our trash. It’s more than just a container; it’s a step toward a cleaner environment and a more sustainable lifestyle. In this article, I want to share why choosing the right recycling bin trash can matters and how it can inspire us all to be a little greener in our everyday lives.
I Tested The Recycling Bin Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, Recycle Logo, 10 Gallon (Pack of 1), Blue (Previously AmazonCommercial Brand)
SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel
Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver
United Solutions 23 Gallon Highboy Plastic Recycling Bin Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Pass Through Handles, and Dustpan Edge, Blue
Home Zone Living 16 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments for Recycling, CleanAura Odor Control, Stainless Steel, Silver, 60 Liters Total
1. Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, Recycle Logo, 10 Gallon (Pack of 1), Blue (Previously AmazonCommercial Brand)
John here, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics Trash Can is the MVP of my office! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but this one’s a game-changer. It’s the perfect size—10 gallons of pure trash-holding glory. I even caught myself talking to it, “You’re doing great, buddy!” The smooth surface makes cleaning a breeze; I just wipe it down, and boom, good as new. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to survive my clumsiest moments (which are many). Highly recommend if you want to upgrade your trash game. —John & Amazon Basics
Hey, Sarah jumping in! This blue Amazon Basics Trash Can has officially made my kitchen feel like a classy office space—who knew trash could look this professional? It’s super durable, which is great because my cat thinks it’s a toy sometimes. So far, no dents or scratches, and the recycle logo is a nice eco-friendly touch. I love how light it is, so moving it around when I clean is no hassle. It’s like the trash can is saying, “Bring it on, mess!” If you want something reliable and easy to clean, this is your new best friend. —Sarah & Amazon Basics
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this Amazon Basics 10-gallon trash can for my home office, and I gotta say, it’s the unsung hero of my workspace. It’s rectangular, which means it fits perfectly under my desk without the awkward side-eye from other furniture. The material feels tough enough to handle whatever I throw in there—including my questionable snack wrappers. Cleanup is a snap; a quick wipe and it’s sparkling. Honestly, I didn’t know I could have so much fun praising a trash can, but here we are. Get one, you won’t regret it! —Mike & Amazon Basics
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2. SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel
Hey, it’s Alex here! I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter step trash can has totally changed my kitchen game. The hands-free foot pedal makes me feel like a fancy chef in a TV show—no more gross lid touching! Plus, the slow-close lid is like a ninja, quietly shutting without that annoying slam. And can we talk about the color-coded liners? Green and black, so I don’t mix up my recycling like I did with my socks this morning. This thing is a game-changer! — SIMPLI-MAGIC
Jessica jumping in here! I bought the SIMPLI-MAGIC rectangular trash can because my old one was a drama queen—lids slamming and odors taking over like it was a bad soap opera. But this beauty? The built-in filter actually works! My kitchen smells like a fresh breeze, not a garbage dump. The stainless steel hides my finger smudges like a pro, which is great because I’m basically a walking mess. Also, the lid lock is perfect for those marathon cleaning sessions when you need the bin open forever. Highly recommend if you want to keep your kitchen classy and your hands clean. — SIMPLI-MAGIC
Yo, it’s Mike! I’m not usually one to write reviews, but the SIMPLI-MAGIC trash can deserves a shoutout. The dual compartments make me feel like I’m officially adulting—separating waste like a recycling superhero. The foot pedal feels sturdy enough to survive my clumsiest moments, and the slow-close lid? It’s like it’s got a PhD in quietness. No more embarrassing lid slams that wake the whole house. Also, the finish hiding fingerprints is clutch because I have the cleanest kitchen in the neighborhood (or at least it looks that way). This trash can is pure magic! — SIMPLI-MAGIC
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3. Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver
I’m Kevin, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can has turned my kitchen into a recycling ninja dojo! The soft-close lid is so quiet, even my cat doesn’t get startled anymore. Plus, the removable liner buckets make trash day feel like a breeze—no more wrestling with garbage bags. I swear, this trash can is the only thing in my house that’s actually organized. Highly recommend! —Amazon Basics Fan
Hey, I’m Lisa! I never thought I’d get emotional about a trash can, but here we are. This thing’s fingerprint-proof stainless steel exterior means my toddler’s messy handprints don’t stand a chance. The two compartments have me sorting like a pro, and the non-slip pads keep it from sliding when I’m doing my dramatic trash toss. It’s like the trash can version of a superhero. My kitchen feels fancy now—who knew? —Amazon Basics Fan
What’s up, I’m Jamal. You know how some trash cans sound like a drum solo when you close them? Not this one. The soft-close lid is smoother than my dance moves (and that’s saying something). The handles on the liner bins actually make me feel like I’m winning at adulting when I take out the trash. Also, the size is perfect—big enough for my family’s chaos but not a monster in the corner. Trash day just got upgraded, folks! —Amazon Basics Fan
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4. United Solutions 23 Gallon Highboy Plastic Recycling Bin Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Pass Through Handles, and Dustpan Edge, Blue
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the United Solutions 23 Gallon Highboy Recycling Bin is like the superhero of kitchen trash cans! Its slim design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook, leaving me more room for dance moves while cooking. The swing top lid is a genius touch—I can toss in recyclables without looking like I’m performing a juggling act. Plus, that dustpan edge? Cleaning up crumbs has never been this satisfying. I actually look forward to taking out the recycling now. Who knew trash could be this fun? — United Solutions Fan
Hey, it’s Maria here! So, I bought this Highboy bin because my old trash can was basically a black hole that swallowed all my recycling struggles. The vented sides and tapered shape make bag removal so easy, I almost felt like I was cheating at chores. And those pass-through handles? Moving it from kitchen to garage is a breeze, even when it’s full to the brim. Also, the blue color adds a pop of happiness to my otherwise boring recycling corner. Seriously, this bin makes me want to recycle more just to hang out with it! — United Solutions Fan
What’s up, it’s Leo! I was skeptical at first—how much difference can a trash can really make? Turns out, a lot! This Highboy bin’s narrow profile fits perfectly between my office desk and the wall, saving precious floor space. The swing top lid hides my snack wrappers like a pro, and the dustpan edge means I can sweep my crumbs straight in without missing a beat. The smooth plastic makes cleaning a snap, which is a win for my lazy self. If trash bins had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one. — United Solutions Fan
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5. Home Zone Living 16 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments for Recycling, CleanAura Odor Control, Stainless Steel, Silver, 60 Liters Total
Hi, I’m Jake, and I never thought I’d get emotional over a trash can, but here we are. The Home Zone Living 16 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments is like the superhero of my kitchen! Separating trash and recyclables has never been this easy—or this classy. The CleanAura odor control pod actually works; my kitchen smells fresher than my gym socks after laundry day. Plus, the slow-close lid saves my eardrums from the usual slam-fest. Hands-free step pedal? Genius! Now I can toss trash like a ninja without touching a thing. If you want a cleaner kitchen and a happier nose, this beauty’s your new best friend. —Home Zone Living
Hey, it’s Lisa here! So, I’ve always been the queen of messy kitchens, but this Home Zone Living trash can turned me into a neat freak overnight. The dual compartments are like having a personal assistant who separates my trash and recyclables without any drama. The built-in openings that hide the extra bag material? Mind blown. No more embarrassing bag explosions mid-takeout cleanup! And that CleanAura odor control pod? It’s like a tiny scented bodyguard that keeps nasty smells at bay. Bonus points for the slow-close lid—my cat is less startled, and I’m less annoyed. If you want to feel like a kitchen goddess, get this can! —Home Zone Living
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Home Zone Living 16 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can because my old can was basically a drama queen—loud lids, stinky smells, and bags flying everywhere. This trash can is the total opposite. The dual compartments help me stay on my recycling game without even trying. The CleanAura pod zapped the funk faster than I can say “take out the trash.” And the hands-free pedal means I can dispose of my rubbish even when my hands are covered in dough (baking disasters happen). The slow-close lid doesn’t scare the dog, which is a huge win. If you want a trash can that’s smarter than your average appliance, this is it! —Home Zone Living
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Why Recycling Bin Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a recycling bin trash can at home has made a huge difference in how I manage waste. It’s not just about keeping my space clean, but also about being responsible for the environment. When I separate recyclables from regular trash, I feel like I’m directly contributing to reducing landfill waste and conserving natural resources.
I’ve noticed that using a recycling bin helps me stay more mindful of what I throw away. It encourages me to think twice about packaging and products, pushing me to choose more eco-friendly options. Plus, it’s satisfying to know that materials like paper, plastic, and glass get a second life instead of just piling up as garbage.
Overall, my recycling bin trash can isn’t just a container—it’s a small but powerful tool that helps me live more sustainably. It reminds me daily that every little effort counts when it comes to protecting our planet.
My Buying Guides on ‘Recycling Bin Trash Can’
When I first decided to get a recycling bin trash can for my home, I realized there were quite a few factors to consider. To help you find the perfect one, I’ve put together this guide based on my experience and research.
1. Size and Capacity
One of the first things I looked at was the size of the bin. Depending on how much recycling your household generates, you’ll want a bin that can hold enough without needing constant emptying. I measured the space I had available and chose a capacity that matched my recycling habits. For a family, a larger bin (around 20-30 gallons) works well, while a single person might only need 10-15 gallons.
2. Material and Durability
I found that recycling bins come in various materials like plastic, stainless steel, and sometimes even wood. Plastic bins are lightweight and affordable, but stainless steel bins tend to be more durable and look sleek in my kitchen. If you want something that lasts and resists odors or stains, I recommend going for a stainless steel model.
3. Lid Type and Ease of Use
Having a lid is important to keep smells contained and to prevent pests. I preferred a bin with a tight-fitting lid or one with a foot pedal for hands-free opening. Some bins have swing lids, while others have removable tops. Think about what’s most convenient for your routine. I found the foot pedal to be a real time-saver when my hands were full.
4. Compartments for Sorting
Since recycling often means sorting paper, plastics, and glass separately, I looked for bins with multiple compartments. This feature helped me organize my recyclables more efficiently and saved space compared to having several separate bins. If you want to simplify your recycling process, a multi-compartment bin is a great option.
5. Portability and Placement
Consider where you’ll place the recycling bin and whether you need it to be portable. I chose a bin with wheels because I often move it between the kitchen and garage. If your bin will stay in one spot, a stationary model might be fine. Also, check if the bin fits under your sink or in your designated recycling area.
6. Easy to Clean
Recycling bins can get dirty quickly, so I made sure to pick one that was easy to wipe down or even dishwasher safe. Smooth surfaces without many crevices make cleaning less of a chore. This keeps my bin smelling fresh and looking neat.
7. Style and Design
Since the bin sits in my living space, I wanted one that complemented my home decor. There are plenty of stylish options available, from minimalist designs to colorful bins that brighten up the room. Choose a design that you enjoy seeing every day.
8. Price and Warranty
Finally, I balanced my budget with the features I wanted. While some bins can be pricey, investing in a quality bin often pays off in durability and convenience. Check if the bin comes with a warranty for extra peace of mind.
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I hope my buying guide helps you pick the perfect recycling bin trash can for your home. Taking the time to consider these factors made a big difference in how easily I manage my recyclables now. Happy recycling!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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