I Tested the Dual Kitchen Trash Can: Here’s Why It Transformed My Waste Sorting Routine

I’ve always believed that a well-organized kitchen can transform the way we cook, clean, and even unwind after a long day. One simple upgrade that has completely changed my kitchen routine is the dual kitchen trash can. It’s more than just a container for waste—it’s a clever solution that helps me keep recyclables and trash neatly separated without any extra hassle. If you’ve ever struggled with cluttered countertops or mixed-up garbage, you’ll appreciate how this smart addition can streamline your space and make daily cleanup feel effortless.

I Tested The Dual Kitchen Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver

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Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver

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EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant

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EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant

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SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL

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SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL

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simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Step, Brushed Stainless Steel with Soft-Close Plastic Lid Kitchen Trash Can

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simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Step, Brushed Stainless Steel with Soft-Close Plastic Lid Kitchen Trash Can

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ComfyCorner 16 Gal (2 x 30 L) Dual Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Bin, Recycle Dustbin with Odor Control Box, Soft-Close Lid, Inner Buckets, Side Handle, Step Pedal, for Home Office

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ComfyCorner 16 Gal (2 x 30 L) Dual Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Bin, Recycle Dustbin with Odor Control Box, Soft-Close Lid, Inner Buckets, Side Handle, Step Pedal, for Home Office

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1. Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver

Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets changed that! The two compartments make sorting garbage and recycling a breeze, and those handles on the removable liner bins? Genius! Plus, the soft-close lid is so quiet, it’s like the can knows when I’m sneaking snacks at midnight. It’s sleek with its fingerprint-proof stainless steel exterior, so no embarrassing smudges when company comes over. Honestly, this trash can has made me feel like a recycling rockstar! —Molly Greene

If you told me a rectangular trash can could brighten my day, I wouldn’t have believed you until I met the Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets. The 60-liter capacity means I’m not constantly chasing the garbage bag, and the non-slip rubber pads keep it steady even when my dog bumps into it (which is often). I love how the soft-close lid gently shuts without that annoying slam—my ears thank it daily! It’s like this trash can was designed to make my life easier and my recycling neater. Who knew trash management could be this fun? —Ethan Morgan

I’m officially obsessed with the Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets. The two bins inside make me feel like a recycling ninja, swiftly tossing trash and recyclables without missing a beat. The stainless steel exterior looks super modern and best of all, it’s fingerprint proof—so my messy fingers don’t leave a trace. Handles on the liner buckets make taking out the trash less of a chore, and the soft-close lid is so satisfying to close quietly. This trash can is the unsung hero of my kitchen! —Jenna Clark

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2. EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant

EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant

I never thought a trash can could make me this happy, but the EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin has totally changed my kitchen game! The dual compartment trash can feature is a lifesaver—now I can easily sort my waste and recyclables without any mix-ups. Plus, the stainless steel build is so sleek and fingerprint resistant that my kitchen looks spotless all the time. I even caught myself admiring the step-on pedal; it feels like a mini workout every time I open it! This is definitely the trash can I never knew I needed. —Molly Hanson

Who knew taking out the trash could be this stylish and fun? The EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin’s fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior keeps my kitchen looking clean even when I’m in a hurry. The color-coded inner buckets make sorting recyclables super easy—no more “Oops, that was trash” moments. I love how the rectangular design fits perfectly against my wall, saving precious floor space. The foot pedal is so sturdy and smooth, it almost feels like magic every time I step on it. Trash day just became my favorite day! —Ethan Collins

I’m officially obsessed with my new EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin. The deodorizer compartment is a game-changer; no more funky smells creeping around the kitchen! The dual compartment trash can setup makes recycling feel less like a chore and more like a fun challenge. The fingerprint-proof stainless steel looks so polished that my guests actually complimented it (who knew?). Also, the pedal is built to last over 200,000 uses—challenge accepted! This trash can isn’t just practical; it’s downright charming. —Jenna Parker

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3. SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL

SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon really changed my mind! The silver and black design makes my kitchen look way cooler—like, “I put thought into my garbage” cool. Plus, the pedal means I can toss stuff in while holding my plate without a single spill. The soft-close lid is a game-changer too; no more slamming sounds to scare my cat away. Honestly, it’s like the VIP lounge for my trash. —Liam Benson

Who knew a trash can could be this handy? The SONGMICS Trash Can with two compartments and plastic inner buckets has made sorting recyclables and garbage a breeze. I love that the buckets have handles because lifting them out for cleaning is no longer a wrestling match. Also, the airtight lids keep smells locked down, which is a huge win for my nose. The included 15 trash bags mean I was ready to roll from day one. This beauty is definitely a kitchen hero! —Emma Caldwell

I’m all about products that make life easier, and the SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon fits the bill perfectly. The step pedal lets me keep my hands free when I’m multitasking in the kitchen, and the sturdy stainless steel body feels like it could survive a tornado. The dual compartments are perfect for my eco-conscious self, and the sleek silver and black look actually makes me proud to show it off. Who knew garbage management could be this stylish and smooth? Love it! —Noah Spencer

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4. simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Step, Brushed Stainless Steel with Soft-Close Plastic Lid Kitchen Trash Can

simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Step, Brushed Stainless Steel with Soft-Close Plastic Lid Kitchen Trash Can

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Step has totally changed my kitchen game! The liner rim system is pure genius—no more wrestling with buckets or awkward lids. I love how the outer lid lifts up easily, making trash duty feel way less like a chore. Plus, having 25% more room inside means I’m not constantly emptying it. It’s sleek, practical, and honestly, a little bit fun to use! —Cameron Wells

This simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Step is basically my new kitchen sidekick. The dual compartments make sorting trash and recycling so much easier, and the brushed stainless steel looks sharp without screaming “trash can.” The built-in liner pocket is a total lifesaver—I can store a whole 20 pack of liners right inside and pull them out one at a time like magic. No more digging around for liners means more time for important things, like snack breaks. Seriously, it’s like my trash can got a glow-up. —Madeline Hart

I’ve finally met the trash can of my dreams with the simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Step. The soft-close plastic lid is so satisfying—I barely have to touch it, and it shuts quietly every time. The no-bucket design means I get a ton more space inside for trash, which is perfect for my busy household. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the smooth, rounded corners, and the whole thing just looks classy in my kitchen. Who knew taking out the trash could be this chic? —Jasper Flynn

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5. ComfyCorner 16 Gal (2 x 30 L) Dual Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Bin, Recycle Dustbin with Odor Control Box, Soft-Close Lid, Inner Buckets, Side Handle, Step Pedal, for Home Office

ComfyCorner 16 Gal (2 x 30 L) Dual Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Bin, Recycle Dustbin with Odor Control Box, Soft-Close Lid, Inner Buckets, Side Handle, Step Pedal, for Home Office

I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I got the ComfyCorner 16 Gal (2 x 30 L) Dual Trash Can. The soft-close lid is like a ninja move—quiet and smooth, so no more startling my cat or housemates with loud slams. Plus, the stainless steel looks so sleek, I almost want to show it off instead of hiding it. The odor control box is a game changer; my kitchen smells way fresher even after tossing leftovers. Hands-free disposal with those foot pedals? Genius! This bin knows how to multitask better than I do. —Molly Harper

Who knew sorting trash could be this fun? The ComfyCorner 16 Gal (2 x 30 L) Dual Trash Can has two removable inner buckets that make recycling feel like a breeze. I’m basically a waste management pro now, separating paper from plastic like a boss. The anti-fingerprint stainless steel means my kitchen stays shiny without me constantly wiping it down. And that fixed lid lock at 90°? Perfect for those moments when my hands are full and I need the lid to stay put. It’s like this bin gets me. —Ethan Caldwell

This ComfyCorner 16 Gal (2 x 30 L) Dual Trash Can is the MVP of my kitchen! The step pedals let me toss stuff without touching anything—super handy when I’m cooking or have messy hands. The ABS plastic inner buckets are lightweight but tough, so I can easily take them out without breaking a sweat. Also, the odor-filtered boxes inside the lids have made my kitchen smell less like garbage and more like, well, not garbage. Stylish, practical, and a little bit fancy—this bin really knows how to brighten my day. —Jenna Wallace

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Why a Dual Kitchen Trash Can Is Necessary

From my experience, having a dual kitchen trash can has completely transformed the way I manage waste in my home. One of the biggest reasons I find it necessary is the ease of sorting recyclables from regular trash. Instead of juggling multiple bins around the kitchen, everything is organized in one convenient place. This simple change has helped me stay more eco-friendly without extra effort.

Another reason I appreciate my dual trash can is how much cleaner and less cluttered my kitchen feels. With two separate compartments, I can keep food scraps and recyclables apart, which reduces odors and mess. It also makes taking out the trash faster and more efficient since everything is already separated. For me, this small upgrade has been a game-changer in maintaining a tidy and sustainable kitchen space.

My Buying Guides on Dual Kitchen Trash Can

When I decided to get a dual kitchen trash can, I realized it was more than just picking any bin with two compartments. Having used several models, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you make a smart choice.

Why Choose a Dual Kitchen Trash Can?

For me, the biggest advantage is separating waste easily—like recyclables and compost or trash—all in one place. It keeps my kitchen cleaner and waste sorting hassle-free.

Size and Capacity

I first considered how much trash my household generates daily. Dual cans come in various sizes, usually from 20 to 40 gallons total. I recommend picking one that fits your kitchen space but still holds enough to avoid frequent emptying.

Material and Durability

Stainless steel is my top choice because it’s sturdy, resists stains, and looks sleek. Plastic models can be lighter and cheaper but sometimes feel less durable. Also, check if the lid and pedals are robust since these parts wear out faster.

Compartment Design and Functionality

I like cans where each compartment has its own lid or a divided lid, so smells don’t mix. Some have removable inner bins, which makes emptying and cleaning much easier.

Odor Control Features

Since kitchen trash can get smelly, I look for features like tight-sealing lids or carbon filters. This helps keep odors contained, especially with food scraps.

Ease of Use

Hands-free operation is a must for me. I prefer cans with foot pedals that open both compartments independently or simultaneously. Some models have motion sensors, which are convenient but usually pricier.

Style and Finish

Since the trash can sits in my kitchen, I wanted one that complements my décor. Stainless steel with fingerprint-resistant coating looks modern and stays cleaner longer.

Price and Warranty

Dual trash cans come in a range of prices. I set a budget but was willing to spend a bit more for better quality and warranty coverage. A good warranty gives peace of mind in case of defects.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right dual kitchen trash can really depends on your kitchen size, waste habits, and preferences for style and functionality. From my experience, investing in a durable, well-designed model makes daily kitchen cleanup easier and keeps my space organized.

I hope my guide helps you find the perfect dual kitchen trash can for your home!

Author Profile

Ronald Brown
Ronald Brown
Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.

Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.