Do you need a trash bin that allows you to separate your waste such as recyclables (glass, plastics, and paper) and general waste (food waste, and non-recyclable plastics)? The best dual trash can can meet your requirements, but you have to know how to choose a unit that suits your space and other aspects.
Here are the best dual trash cans you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Kitchen (Indoor Trash Can): simplehuman
- Best For Odor Control (Indoor Trash Can): mDesign
- Under Cabinet Trash Can (Indoor Trash Can): Home Zone Living
- Elegant Design (Indoor Trash Can): SONGMICS
- Small Capacity (Indoor Trash Can): simplehuman
- Motion Sensor (Indoor Trash Can): Step N' Sort
- Easy To Distinguish (Outdoor Trash Can): Mintra Home
- Good Decorative Item (Outdoor Trash Can): DWVO
| 8 Best Dual Trash Cans | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Kitchen | simplehuman
| |
Best For Odor Control | mDesign
| |
Under Cabinet Trash Can | Home Zone Living
| |
Elegant Design | SONGMICS
| |
Small Capacity | simplehuman
| |
Motion Sensor | Step N' Sort
| |
Easy To Distinguish | Mintra Home
| |
Good Decorative Item | DWVO
| |
Best For Kitchen: simplehuman
- Durable and long-lasting
- Sleek
- Quiet
- Smudge-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Pricey
The pedal of simplehuman indoor trash can is made from strong steel material so it is robust and resistant to wear and tear enough to put up with regular use and heavy foot traffic in the kitchen. Specifically, it can last more than 150.000 steps (over 20 steps per day within 20 years).
Thanks to this product’s patented lid shox technology, you can close and open this trash can silently without affecting your focus on the cooking process and other people in this space.
The stay open lid of this trash allows you to easily dispose of waste without requiring you to hold the lid open continuously because it provides a wide and unobstructed opening. This is great for the kitchen because it’s easy to cause a mess and spill something while cooking.
| simplehuman Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Stainless steel |
Capacity | 46 liters |
Dimensions | 19.8"L x 12.8"W x 25.7"H |
Highlight features | Strong steel pedal Silent close lid Non-skid base Removable inner buckets Fingerprint-proof |
The simplehuman indoor trash can is big enough for kitchen waste without requiring you to empty it too often.
Best For Odor Control: mDesign
- Nice look
- Convenient
- Easy to separate recycling and trash
- Effortless to empty
- Color not as pictured
If your waste is too smelly or you don’t empty your trash bin regularly, you need the mDesign indoor trash can that can control odor well.
Its domed shape of the lid has a tighter seal when closing because the curvature of the dome can create a better fit with the trash can to minimize any gap and opening. Thus, the waste odors escape fewer.
Compared to a flat lid, this shape decreases the surface area exposed to the air, leading to less opportunity for odors to escape.
This lid is made from non-porous stainless steel material that doesn’t absorb odors.
| mDesign Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Alloy steel |
Capacity | 60 liters |
Dimensions | 14.17 x 23 x 25.6 inches |
Highlight features | Modern and stylish profile Domed stainless steel lid Hands-free operation |
The domed lid of the mDesign indoor trash can allows you to control waste odor better than flat lids.
Under Cabinet Trash Can: Home Zone Living
- Easy and quick to install
- Convenient
- Smooth to move slides
- Well-made and solid
- Sturdy
- Not cheap
If you are looking for a hidden-trash-can solution to keep your space clean and beautiful, choose the Home Zone Living Indoor trash can.
Its design allows you to hide it under your cabinet. In case you want to know how much space this product requires, luckily, its compact size just needs minimum cabinet space. This is the detailed information: 16.20 inches in cabinet width x 24.80 inches in cabinet height x 20.72 in cabinet inches.
Its smooth sliding frame and ball bearing sliders help you pull out and push in the trash bin effortlessly and quickly.
| Home Zone Living Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Plastic and steel |
Capacity | 15 Gallons |
Dimensions | 20.78"L x 15.2"W x 19.25"H |
Highlight features | Smooth sliding frame Ball bearing sliders Easy-to-grab handle |
Thanks to the under cabinet trash can design, the Home Zone Living indoor trash can can maximize your kitchen space.
Elegant Design: SONGMICS
- Easy to move and use the trash bin
- Good look with nice finish
- Effortless to wipe down the surface
- Expensive
If your space is decorated in an elegant style, this product can function as a trash can and a decorative item. The elegant design of SONGMICS Indoor trash can will make your space more beautiful. Moreover, it has a fingerprint-resistant surface that can keep the trash bin in its peak condition.
| SONGMICS Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Powder-coated steel bin, PP plastic inner bucket, ABS plastic lid |
Capacity | 16 gallons |
Dimensions | 23.2 x 12.8 x 25.7 inches |
Highlight features | Hands-free operation Soft-close lid |
The SONGMICS indoor trash can is elegant and functional, so you can consider this trash bin as a decorative item in your space.
Small Capacity: simplehuman
- Stylish
- Durable and long-lasting
- Quick and easy to dispose waste
- Heavy base and sturdy construction
- Sleek design
- Expensive
Doesn’t your family have a lot of members? Do you empty your trash bin regularly? If both of your answers are yes, investing in a small capacity model like simplehuman indoor trash can is enough to meet your needs. Specifically, its capacity is 20 liters. Despite a small capacity, there are 2 buckets in one container for you to recycle your daily trash.
| simplehuman Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Stainless steel |
Capacity | 20 liters |
Dimensions | 16.7"L x 8.7"W x 15.2"H |
Highlight features | Fingerprint-proof finish Extra-thick plastic and double-seam construction |
The small capacity of the simplehuman indoor trash can suits limited spaces because it is very compact.
Motion Sensor: Step N' Sort
- Sensor works fine
- Simple opening and closing mechanism
- Easy to set up the trash bin
- Sleek design and sturdy construction
- Effortless to remove the inner bins
- Hard to change out trash bags
Why should you invest in a motion sensor model like the Step N’ Sort Indoor trash can? It has many convenient and modern features that make your life easier. For example, you can open the lid without needing to touch it by simply waving your hand. Besides, this product has other advanced infrared technology sensors such as countdown timer and low battery life indicator.
| Step N' Sort Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Stainless steel |
Capacity | 16 gallons |
Dimensions | 22.32 x 11.81 x 26.57 inches |
Highlight features | Hands free lid Advanced Infrared technology sensor |
The Step N' Sort indoor trash can has many modern features and functions thanks to its advanced technology.
Easy To Distinguish: Mintra Home
- Good price for its quality
- Adorable
- Easy to use, clean, and handle
- Sturdy material
- Great look
- Small
One of the biggest disadvantages of dual trash cans with 2 buckets having the same appearance and color is that it's hard to distinguish them. In most cases, they require users to open the lid to check the waste inside before throwing their trash.
The Mintra Home Outdoor trash can can solve this problem because its 2 containers have 2 different colors. Moreover, it has labels (recyclable and other waste) for each of them to distinguish.
| Mintra Home Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Capacity | 12 liters |
Dimensions | 19.33 x 18.43 x 13.98 inches |
Highlight features | Portable, Compact, Adjustable |
The Mintra Home outdoor trash can has 2 different colors and labels, so it's very easy for you to distinguish.
Good Decorative Item: DWVO
- Easy assembly
- Sturdy
- Easy to use
- Hard to put the trash bag inside
The DWVO Outdoor trash can can function as a trash bin and a decorative item to add a piece of beauty into your outdoor space because of its attractive look.
Of course, it is not only beautiful but also functional to use outdoors. This trash bin is made from durable resin construction that can prevent water seepage for a long time.
| DWVO Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Resin |
Capacity | 62 gallons |
Dimensions | 30.7 x 16.3 x 33.9 inches; 20.28 Pounds |
Highlight features | Durable resin construction Simple stripe exterior Snap-on closing mechanism Dual lid closure Slidable and detachable trays |
The unique design of the DWVO outdoor trash can can make your outdoor space more beautiful.
How To Choose The Best Dual Trash Can?
What Are The Best Types Of Dual Trash Can?
Side-by-side dual trash can
This type has 2 separate waste compartments put horizontally next together. Each of them has its own lid or cover, so you can open and close them independently. This feature helps you control the waste odor from one side when not in use. This configuration allows you to access one or both of them easily, but its horizontal arrangement can optimize your space.
Stacked Dual Trash Can
The 2 separate waste compartments of the stacked dual trash can are stacked vertically within a single unit, so it is ideal for limited and small spaces. Despite a small-footprint design, their lids and openings are independent, so there is no need to worry about the odor control when opening one of the compartments.
Pedal-operated dual trash can
This design has a pedal mechanism for each compartment, so your hands don’t have to touch the trash bin to open the lids. It is ideal for people who love cleanliness and hygiene since it can minimize the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of odors and germs.
Sensor-activated dual trash can
This type is equipped with sensors or infrared technology that will automatically open the lid when detecting motion like hand gesture, for example. It’s so hygienic because there is no need to touch any part of the trash can. Compared to other types, the sensor-activated dual trash can is extremely useful to decrease the risk of cross-contamination. In particular, this type can manage unpleasant smells better than others because of its control features like sealed lids or deodorizing filters.
Rotating dual trash can
You will rotate or swivel this unit to access desired compartments. Its design allows you to save a lot of space, so I strongly recommend it for small living spaces and limited rooms. It’s easy and quick to access both compartments without touching the trash bin. This product minimizes the spread of germs and bacteria, so it's very clean to use.
Tilt-out dual trash can
The highlight feature of this type is its tilt-out mechanism. Each compartment has this separate function that can tilt or swing out to access the inside easier for waste disposal. The tilt-out mechanism helps you directly contact the trash can as little as possible to free your hands.
Convertible dual trash can
This type is extremely versatile because you can use it as a single large compartment or 2 separate compartments. Therefore, you can customize it depending on your specific waste management requirements.
Pull-out dual trash can
This type is installed in a cabinet or drawer to hide away when not in use, so it is so space-saving. In particular, its sliding or pull-out mechanism allows you to access compartments easier.
What Are The Best Materials Of Dual Trash Cans?
Stainless Steel
This material is durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, so it’s ideal to put stainless steel trash bins outdoors or use them for heavy-duty tasks. They have a sleek and modern appearance that is ideal for people who don’t want to hide their trash cans. It doesn’t take a lot of time and effort to clean and maintain these trash cans, so I strongly recommend this solution for busy people. Finally, this is a worthy and long-term investment because it’s long-lasting and sturdy. However, this material can show fingerprints and smudges.
Plastic
If you are looking for a cheaper material, consider plastic. In spite of a low price, it comes with many benefits. Plastic trash bins are lightweight, so you can easily move them from place to place. It is easy to clean, resistant to moisture and rust, so you can put it outside. Finally, this type is available in many colors and styles, so you can easily choose one suiting your preference, and space decor. But, it is not as durable as metal.
Metal
Metal trash cans are not only durable and long-lasting but also classic and elegant. Although this material is heavy, the combination of its weight and wear and tear resistance can withstand the strong wind and other environmental elements to put outside.
Wood
If you want to use your trash bin as a decorative item, choose wood material. It can add a natural and aesthetic appeal, especially if you can customize it to match your decor. However, this material has potential odor absorption and maintenance.
How Much Capacity Of A Dual Trash Can Do You Need?
The answer depends on many elements such as your daily waste, types of your waste, the number of people, the frequency of emptying, recycling and waste segregation. Below are the general capacity recommendations based on household size:
- 1-2 people: 10-15 gallons
- 3-4 people: 20-30 gallons
- Over 5 people: over 30 gallons
What Are The Types Of Your Waste?
Organic or food waste
You can use this type of waste for composting. This natural process transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, so it takes a certain time. Thus, you need a compost bin that has an airtight or sealable lid to keep the odors inside and pets, insects outside for a clean and hygienic composting environment. Your trash bin should have ventilation or air holes for proper airflow to aid in the decomposition and prevent odors.
General Waste
Non-recyclable general waste doesn’t require any special handling. However, if possible, consider a model with a pedal-operated function that can enhance hygiene.
Hazardous Waste
For this type of waste, you need a unit that adheres to safety and regulatory standards. For example, a sealed and secure lid can prevent leakage, spills, and exposure to hazardous materials to minimize the risk of contamination. A fire-resistant trash bin can prevent the spread of fire, so it’s ideal for flammable and combustible hazardous waste.
Bathroom Waste
The trash bin for bathroom waste should have a lid or cover because this part will keep odors inside, waste out of sight, even prevent pets and insects from accessing.
Medical waste
A biohazard waste container is used for medical waste because its features and functions can securely contain hazardous materials carrying infectious agents. They include used syringes, contaminated dressings, blood-soaked bandages, and tissues. Everything happens for a reason. This type of trash can is durable, leak-proof, and puncture-resistant, especially, it has a secure lid mechanism to seal the waste inside and prevent unauthorized access.
Electronic Waste (E-waste)
E-waste recycling bins are good for electronic waste because they are made from very sturdy and durable materials that can withstand the weight and potential impact of electronic devices. This type of trash bin has a secure lid to prevent unauthorized access. Many of them have ventilation for air circulation. This feature can prevent the buildup of odor, which is important to electronic devices, containing residual charge. There is a clear display instruction that provides people with information about which electronic waste types are acceptable, how to deposit electronic waste and the importance of right E-waste disposal.
Which Brands Make The Best Dual Trash Can?
simplehuman
The simplehuman brand was founded in 2000 by Frank Yang, based in Torrance, California. They design and produce many household products for the kitchen, bathroom, and other spaces of your home. Below are some of their popular product lines:
- Trash cans and recycling bins
- Kitchen and bathroom accessories
- Mirrors
- Organizational tools
FAQs
How do I stop my trash can from smelling?
Emptying your trash can frequently can prevent the buildup of odors. Another way is to wash your trash can with hot, soapy water monthly and dry it thoroughly before replacing a new trash bag.
Instead of directly throwing garbage into the trash can, place a trash bag or a liner into this container to dispose of the waste easier and keep your trash can clean. If your waste is too smelly and wet, use 2 layers of trash bags.
Putting odor-absorbing products (activated charcoal, baking soda, or commercial deodorizing disks) inside the trash or in the bottom of the trash can can absorb odors. Meanwhile, sprinkling a layer of baking soda inside the trash bag or at the bottom of the trash can can neutralize odors.
Adding a pleasant and natural fragrance can neutralize unpleasant odors. You can consider this option: citrus peels (lemons, oranges).
Remove odors of waste by wiping the inside trash can with a layer of water and white vinegar mixture.
Choose a trash can with a tight-fitting lid that can keep the odors from escaping.
Rinsing your food containers before throwing them in the trash can can minimize potential smells.
If possible, it’s better to separate pungent items: food waste, meat packaging, spoiled food and diapers into smaller bags before throwing them in your trash can.
Which is the best location for garbage can in the kitchen?
Placing your garbage can near the food preparation area such as sink or countertop allows you to discard scraps and trimmings while cooking easier.
If your kitchen has a designated cabinet or space under the sink, these locations are ideal for putting your garbage can. They are out of your sight, so you can maintain a clean appearance in your kitchen. Or you can hide your trash can in a pull-out drawer or cabinet, but the latter still allows you to access it effortlessly.
Consider putting your garbage can on one side of the kitchen island or peninsula to easily access it from many parts of your kitchen.
Apart from kitchen waste, placing your trash can near the entrance or exit of the kitchen allows you to generate trash from mail and packaging as well.
Note:
- Don’t put the garbage can near cooking heat sources like a stove because it can intensify the heat.
- The location of the trash can should be easy to access to everyone in the household including guests and family members.
- Put your trash can in a location that doesn’t disrupt the natural movement flow in your kitchen.
Which is the best type of garbage bin to be used in the kitchen?
Step-on trash bin
This type allows you to open the lid by stepping on its pedal while freeing your hands. This design is hygienic, but it can keep odors inside.
Pull-out trash bin (in-cabinet)
This type of trash bin is installed inside a cabinet, which allows you to pull it out like a drawer. It is out of your view and maintains a clean and organized look in your kitchen. It can maximize your space and minimize odors.
Swing-top trash bin
As the name suggests, you will swing the lid to open and shut the swing-top trash bin. It is easy to use and access.
Touchless or sensor-activated trash bin
This type of trash bin comes with a sensor that can detect motion or proximity to open the lid automatically. This design is hygienic and convenient when your hands are dirty, especially as it minimizes the risk of cross-contamination.
Recycling bins
A multi-compartment bin or separate bins allows you to separate recyclables (paper, plastic, and glass) from regular waste. This type is eco-friendly because you can sort and dispose of recyclables easily.
Collapsible or foldable bins
Collapsible or foldable bins are made from flexible materials, so you can collapse or fold when not in use to save more space. It is ideal for small kitchens and spaces with limited storage.
Hanging or wall-mounted bins
As the name suggests, you can hang this type of trash bin on the wall or inside cabinet doors to save your floor and countertop space. It is easy to access, but you can keep the bins out of the way.
What size trash can for two people?
The more people your household has, the larger the capacity of the trash bin you need (if you don’t want to empty it too many times per day). Normally, 2 people need a trash bin with a capacity of 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters).
How does a touchless trash can work?
This type of trash can is equipped with at least one infrared sensor on to detect motion or proximity of an object, your hand, for example. When you approach the trash bin, the infrared sensor will detect your movements or proximity to open the lid automatically. Thus, you can dispose of your waste without touching the trash can. After opening in a certain time, the lid will close automatically. Some designs come with a button that allows you to open and close the trash can lid manually. The touchless trash can requires a power source (battery or power cord) to operate the sensors, motorized lid mechanism, and other electronic components.
Conclusion
Although the best dual trash can is very convenient, which lets you separate your waste to dispose of it properly, not all models in this post are useful to you. Some of them are good indoors while others work better outdoors, for example. Thus, it’s very important to determine your needs and choose a suitable model.
