A good-quality waste receptacle holds everything until you can take out the trash. It should be sturdy, durable, leakproof and easy to operate.
An excellent choice is the rugged simplehuman 11.9 Gallon Hands-Free Butterfly Lid Step Trash Can, a fingerprint-proof stainless steel trash can that opens with a simple step on the pedal and is engineered to last for 20 years.
Waste comes in two different types: wet and dry. The type of trash can you'll need varies based on what kind of waste you need to dispose of.
The size of the space where you put it will determine the size limits of any trash can you buy. If you take out the trash less frequently, you may want a larger trash can than if you take it out daily.
If your habit is to take out the trash every day, a small trash can will suffice. If you want to make fewer trips outside, you will want a larger trash can. Trash cans for the kitchen that are designed to be hidden away must be sized to fit the available space you have set aside for their location under the sink or in a similar closed space.
There are three main materials used in the manufacture of trash cans: stainless steel, plastic and metal mesh.
Trash cans made of plastic or metal and built with lift, swing and hands-free lids can be found for under $20. Midrange models with a few good features cost between $50-$150. Above $150 is where you get into things like fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and odor-neutralizing carbon filters built into the trash can.
A. Your trash can smell bad for three reasons: you may be dumping liquids into the trash instead of down the drain, you may not be taking out your trash often enough, and your plastic trash can may have absorbed unpleasant odors permanently.
A. Do not put anything in your trash can that your city or town says is unacceptable, such as electronics, batteries, broken glass and the like.
A. If you cook a lot and produce a lot of wet waste, consider bypassing your local landfill by buying an in-sink garbage proposal. If you keep a flower or vegetable garden, you might want to consider a small composter for fruit and vegetable scraps.
simplehuman 11.9 Gallon Hands-Free Butterfly Lid Step Trash Can
What you need to know: This simplehuman product is the top choice for people who want a well-constructed, hands-free trash can.
What you'll love: The strong steel pedal of this fingerprint-proof stainless steel trash can is engineered to last for 20 years at 20 steps a day. The patented Lid Shox technology controls the lid for a slow, silent close and the internal hinge allows you to place this trash can right up against the wall. The removable inner liner lifts out for easy cleaning.
What you should consider: This is a premium product at a premium price unless you take into account its long service life.
What you need to know: This is a large, well-built trash can made of lightweight plastic for the budget-minded consumer.
What you'll love: This kitchen garbage can is well-built for a plastic trash can and features a neck ring to hold the bag in place while concealing it for a clean and modern look. It works with 20- and 30-gallon trash bags, even those with drawstrings and flap ties.
What you should consider: The swing top lid is not very effective at controlling odors.
iTouchless 23 Gallon Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can
What you need to know: This touchless trash can uses a sensor to open the lid so you don't have to come in contact with your garbage can.
What you'll love: This trash can has a natural carbon odor filter that neutralizes offensive trash odors. Available extras include an AC adapter that eliminates the need for regular battery changes and a set of easily installed wheels.
What you should consider: This unit is heavy and expensive.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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