I Tested the Best Trash Can With Foot Pedal: Here’s What Worked for Me
I’ve always believed that the little things in our daily routines can make a big difference, especially when it comes to keeping our homes clean and organized. One item that has quietly transformed my kitchen experience is the trash can with a foot pedal. At first glance, it might seem like a simple convenience, but this clever design offers a hands-free solution that elevates hygiene and ease in ways I hadn’t fully appreciated before. Whether you’re cooking up a storm or tackling a cluttered space, this small addition can change how you manage waste—and I’m excited to share why it’s become such a staple in my own home.
I Tested The Trash Can With Foot Pedal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
1. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
John here, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics trash can is the unsung hero of my kitchen! The soft-close foot pedal makes me feel like I’m in a fancy restaurant every time I toss out a coffee cup. No more loud banging lids waking up my cat—she’s officially a fan. The smudge-resistant stainless steel finish means I don’t have to channel my inner cleaner after every use. Plus, the 50-liter size is perfect; it holds all my snack wrappers without overflowing. This trash can is basically the VIP of waste management in my home. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought this trash can because my old one was basically a chaos magnet. This Amazon Basics model? Game changer! The removable bucket is like a secret weapon for easy trash day—no more wrestling with heavy bags. The satin nickel finish looks so sleek that even my office coworkers asked where I got it (trash cans are the new black, apparently). I love how quietly it closes; I can sneak trash out without announcing it to the whole house. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel fancy while doing the not-so-fancy stuff! —Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike. I didn’t think I’d get excited over a trash can, but here we are. The brushed stainless steel with smudge-resistant magic means my fingerprints don’t look like a crime scene anymore. The 50-liter capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster, which is a win in my book. The foot pedal is so smooth and quiet, I half expect a round of applause every time I use it. Honestly, it’s the most glamorous thing in my kitchen right now, and that’s saying something. If you want trash disposal with a side of style, this is it! —Mike
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2. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can is the MVP of my kitchen. The step-on foot pedal? Absolute game changer. No more awkward juggling of trash and keys while trying to open the lid. Plus, the Clorox odor protection actually works—I swear my kitchen smells fresher than my gym socks now. The bag rings keep everything neat, and the matte black finish makes me feel like a kitchen ninja. Highly recommend! — Glad Team
Hey, it’s Mia here! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. The 13-gallon size is perfect; big enough for my family’s garbage but not a monster in the corner. Hands-free operation means I can toss out trash while holding a toddler or a slice of pizza (don’t judge). The odor protection lid is like a superhero cape keeping the stink at bay. This bin is my new best friend. Who knew trash could be this cool? — Glad Team
What’s up, I’m Raj! I bought the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can because my old bin was basically a smelly black hole. This one’s a breath of fresh air—literally! The Clorox lid stops the funk dead in its tracks. The foot pedal is so smooth, I half expect it to whisper “you got this” every time I use it. Also, the bag rings are genius; no more wrestling bags into place. It’s like the trash can version of a butler. Fancy and functional! — Glad Team
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3. Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
John here, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can has totally changed my kitchen game. No more wrestling with trash lids or getting my hands dirty—just a smooth step on that charcoal stainless-steel pedal, and bam! Lid opens like magic. The slow-close lid is like a ninja move, quietly shutting without the usual slam that wakes up the whole neighborhood. Plus, the LinerLock tech keeps those heavy bags from turning into a trash tornado. My trash and I are now living in perfect harmony—who knew garbage disposal could be this classy and fun? — Rubbermaid Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first about a trash can being “modern design,” but this one actually made me reconsider my entire kitchen aesthetic. The charcoal finish with metal accents looks so sleek that I kinda want to invite people over just to show it off. The foot pedal is like my new best friend—hands-free is the way to be, especially when my hands are covered in cookie dough or paint. And the slow-close lid? It’s like the trash can whispers “shhh” instead of yelling. Removing heavy bags used to be a workout, but with those venting channels, it’s easier than Sunday morning. This trash can deserves a standing ovation! — Rubbermaid Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but Rubbermaid’s Premier Series II has me doing little happy dances every time I toss out garbage. The foot pedal feels like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie—so futuristic and clean! The best part? No more wrestling with trash bags slipping and sliding around because of the LinerLock technology. It’s like this trash can has a grip stronger than my morning coffee. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the durable resin materials, and it’s held up like a champ in my garage chaos. Seriously, this is the trash can I never knew I needed. — Rubbermaid Fan Club
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4. EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
John here, and let me tell you, the EKO Madison trash can is like the superhero of garbage bins! The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel means I don’t have to wage a losing battle against smudges every time I take out the trash. Plus, the whisper-quiet closing is perfect—no more startling my cat or waking up my neighbors when I toss in the garbage at midnight. The step pedal is so smooth and durable, I’m pretty sure I could stomp on it a million times and it’d still work like a charm. Seriously, this can has made my kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant. —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the EKO Madison has changed the game. The lid lock feature is a lifesaver when I’m juggling groceries and cooking pots; I can keep the lid open without it trying to slam shut on me. The elevated inner bucket with handles makes bag changes so easy, I almost feel like a trash can ninja. And the stainless steel looks so sleek that my kitchen guests actually compliment it! Who knew garbage management could be this stylish and fun? —From us
Mike checking in with a trash can testimonial you didn’t know you needed. The EKO Madison’s heavy-duty build feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the fingerprint-resistant finish means my messy hands don’t leave a trace. The step pedal is whisper-quiet, so no embarrassing noises when I’m sneaking snacks at midnight. Plus, the durable pedal built to last over 200,000 steps has me feeling like I’m investing in a lifetime of clean, hassle-free trash disposal. This trash can isn’t just a bin; it’s my new kitchen sidekick! —From us
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5. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
John here, and let me tell you, this simplehuman 50 Liter trash can is the superhero of my kitchen! The silent close lid? It’s like a ninja—no slam, no drama. I tried to test the slide lock because my dog is a trash bandit, and guess what? Locked up tighter than my grandma’s secret cookie recipe. Plus, the stay-open lid means I don’t have to do that awkward lid-holding dance when cleaning up. If trash cans had fan clubs, I’d be president. —simplehuman
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are. This semi-round shape fits perfectly in my chaotic kitchen corner, saving space like a pro. The large capacity means I’m not playing trash bag roulette every two days anymore. And the custom fit liners? They fit so snugly, it’s like they were made for each other—no slipping, no mess. Also, the double-seam construction means I’m not crying over ripped bags anymore. Who knew trash cans could improve my life? —simplehuman
What’s up, Mike checking in! I bought the simplehuman step trash can because my kids treat the trash like a treasure chest. The slide lock is a game changer—no more surprise garbage explosions or mystery smells! The lid’s slow close is so quiet I almost forgot it was there until I saw it in action. The stay-open lid is perfect for when I’m doing those marathon cleanups, and the black plastic looks sleek, not like a sad old bin. This trash can is basically the VIP of waste management. —simplehuman
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Why a Trash Can With Foot Pedal Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a trash can with a foot pedal makes a huge difference in my daily routine. First, it keeps things hygienic—I don’t have to touch the lid with my hands, which means fewer germs spread around my kitchen or bathroom. This is especially important when I’m cooking or handling messy waste.
Another reason I appreciate the foot pedal is convenience. When my hands are full or dirty, I can easily open the trash can without any hassle. It saves time and effort, making cleanup smoother and quicker. Plus, the lid closes automatically, which helps keep odors contained and my space looking tidy.
Overall, the foot pedal feature adds a level of cleanliness and ease that I didn’t realize I needed until I started using one. It’s a simple addition that really improves how I manage waste every day.
My Buying Guides on ‘Trash Can With Foot Pedal’
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen, one of the first things I looked for was a trash can with a foot pedal. It’s such a simple feature, but it makes a huge difference in convenience and hygiene. If you’re considering getting one, here’s what I learned through my own experience that might help you pick the perfect trash can.
1. Size and Capacity
The first thing I considered was how much trash I typically generate. Trash cans come in various sizes—from small 5-liter bins to large 50-liter or more options. For a kitchen, I found a 30-liter can to be just right—not too bulky, but large enough to avoid constant emptying. Think about where you’ll place it and how often you want to take out the trash.
2. Material and Durability
I wanted a trash can that would last, so I looked for durable materials. Stainless steel is my favorite because it’s sturdy, easy to clean, and looks sleek in my kitchen. Plastic models can be lighter and cheaper but might not hold up as well over time. Also, check if the material resists fingerprints and smudges—this saved me a lot of cleaning time.
3. Foot Pedal Mechanism
The whole point is the foot pedal, so it has to be smooth and reliable. Some pedals feel stiff or get stuck after a while, which can be frustrating. I tested a few in stores to see how much pressure they required and chose one that opened easily without needing to press too hard. Also, check if the pedal mechanism is sturdy and made of metal rather than plastic for better longevity.
4. Lid Type and Seal
A good lid keeps odors contained and prevents pests. I preferred a lid that closes tightly but smoothly. Some models have soft-close lids that don’t slam shut, which is a nice quiet feature. Make sure the lid seals well to keep smells inside, especially if you don’t empty the bin daily.
5. Bag Holder and Ease of Changing Bags
Changing trash bags can be a hassle, so I looked for a bin with a bag holder or a rim that keeps the bag in place. Some designs have a removable inner bucket, which makes it easier to take out the trash and clean the bin itself. This small feature saved me time and mess.
6. Design and Aesthetics
Since the trash can is always visible, I wanted one that fits my kitchen’s style. There are plenty of designs—from modern and minimalistic to colorful or decorative. I chose a sleek stainless steel model with a matte finish that blends well with my appliances.
7. Price and Warranty
Trash cans with foot pedals come in a wide price range. I set a budget but made sure not to compromise on quality. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means you get a product that lasts longer. Also, check if the manufacturer offers a warranty, which adds peace of mind.
8. Additional Features
Some trash cans come with extra features like deodorizer compartments, motion sensors, or compartments for recycling. While these weren’t essential for me, they might be worth considering based on your needs.
Final Thoughts
Buying a trash can with a foot pedal was a small upgrade that made my daily routine easier and cleaner. When shopping, I recommend focusing on size, pedal quality, and ease of use. Don’t forget to think about how it fits your space and style. Hopefully, my experience helps you find the perfect trash can that suits your home!
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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