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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You want a dual trash can that makes sorting trash from recycling feel easy, not like a chore you avoid. A good one keeps your kitchen smelling fresh, hides the mess, and opens with a tap of your foot when your hands are covered in raw chicken juice. Here are six options, compared on real specs like capacity, lid mechanism, and footprint, so you can pick the one that fits your kitchen and your habits.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
We’ll help you find the perfect dual trash can for kitchen by explaining what specs matter most, from pedal durability to odor control, so you buy the right one the first time.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Dual Trash Can for Kitchen
Picking a dual trash can is about matching the bin to your kitchen’s rhythm — how much waste you generate, how much floor space you have, and how much you care about the lid closing quietly. Get these three things right and the bin becomes invisible; get them wrong and you’ll be fighting it daily.
Match the capacity to your household size
A single person or couple can get by with a smaller total capacity like 40 liters, while a family of four will want something closer to 58 liters or more. The goal is a bin you empty every two to three days, not one that’s overflowing by dinner time. Also check how the capacity is split — some bins give you equal compartments, but others like the SONGMICS offer a 13 + 5.3 gallon split that favors trash over recycling.
Understand the pedal and lid mechanisms
A step pedal is the hands-free workhorse of any kitchen bin, letting you open it while holding a plate or a pile of vegetable peelings. The durability of that pedal matters. Look for ratings like “150,000-step” to know it can handle daily use for years. The lid itself should close softly to avoid the loud slam that startles everyone nearby — and ideally close quietly enough not to echo through the house.
Check the footprint and inner bucket design
Measure your kitchen space before you buy. A bin that’s 22 inches tall may tuck under a counter, while one that’s 26 inches tall with an extended lid might not. Removable inner buckets make emptying and cleaning far easier since you can lift the whole liner out with a handle. Look for built-in bag holes or liner rims that keep the bag tucked in place — a common complaint across many models.
Finally, think about the finish. A brushed stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, so it stays looking clean with minimal wiping. A plastic bin is lighter and easier to move, but it may not hide smudges as well over time.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Total Capacity | Weight | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman Step Recycler★ Best Overall | Premium build & quiet close | 58 liters | 9.66 kg | 14.2″ x 22″ x 25.8″ | Amazon |
| Step N’ SortBest Value | Small spaces & budget | 40 liters | 6 pounds | 17″ x 13″ x 21″ | Amazon |
| SUPER DEAL 13.2 Gallon | Mid-size & budget | 13.2 gallons | 15.3 pounds | 18.7″ x 12.9″ x 22″ | Amazon |
| GarveeHome 2×8 Gallon | Large capacity & sturdiness | 16 gallons | 17.6 pounds | 18.74″ x 14.8″ x 26.34″ | Amazon |
| SONGMICS 13+5.3 Gallon | Asymmetric sorting | 18.3 gallons | 19.4 pounds | 24.3″ x 14.4″ x 24.3″ | Amazon |
| SIMPLI-Magic 21 Gallon | Family-sized capacity | 80 liters | — | 26.5″ x 15.6″ x 25″ | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. simplehuman Step Recycler, 58L / 15.3 Gallon Dual Compartment
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 300+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The premium pick that brings a 150,000-step pedal, a silent lid, and a 10-year warranty — the one that feels worth every dollar.
If you want the gold standard, this is it. The simplehuman Step Recycler holds 58 liters of waste split across two compartments, and it’s built like it’s meant to outlast your kitchen remodel. The brushed stainless steel body (with a plastic lid) feels sturdy, and the 150,000-step steel pedal is designed to take years of daily stomping without giving out. This model uses the same liner rim system and Liner Pocket® found on simplehuman’s pricier cans, so you can swap bags quickly without wrestling with a loose liner.
The lid is where this bin shines. It uses Lid Shox® technology to close softly and quietly every single time, which is a bigger deal than it sounds when you’re in bed and someone drops a banana peel at 11 p.m. The recessed lid also frustrates clever pets — the owners who bought it specifically to keep a nosy dog out found it works perfectly for that. As one buyer put it, the lid “closes smoothly and quietly every time,” and it keeps odors contained while making the kitchen look more organized.
The design includes a handled recycling bucket on one side, so you can lift the whole thing out and carry it to your outdoor bin without spilling. Add simplehuman’s Code H custom-fit liners for a snug fit, and the 10-year warranty backs the whole thing. The crowd favorite — 4.6 stars across 300+ owners — praises the quality and the fact that it holds enough for a small household for three to four days.
Where it wins
- 150,000-step steel pedal — built for constant daily use
- Lid Shox® soft-close mechanism is whisper-quiet
- 10-year warranty, the longest of any pick here
Worth noting
- Premium price — it’s the most expensive on this list
- Some units arrive damaged, so inspect the box on delivery
Reach for this if: you want a premium, long-lasting bin that looks sleek and won’t slam shut — and you’re okay paying for that quality.
Look elsewhere if: your budget is tight, since this is a real investment for a trash can.
2. Step N’ Sort 2 x 5.5 Gallon, Dual Trash and Recycling Bin
A compact, budget-friendly twin that fits tight corners and even teaches the kids where the recycling goes.
This is the bin for small kitchens, apartments, and families who want to build a sorting habit without a big footprint. The Step N’ Sort splits its 40 liters into two 20L compartments, each with its own lift-out bucket that has a handle for easy emptying. At just 6 pounds, it’s dramatically lighter than the SUPER DEAL’s 15.3 pounds — you can pick it up with one hand to sweep underneath. The soft-close lid prevents slamming, and the smudge-resistant lacquered finish keeps it looking clean in between wipes.
What wins people over is how it makes sorting a habit rather than a chore. As owners put it, “It is small but helps my kids learn where to put the right bins.” The two pedals let you open just the side you need, or both at once with your foot, so you’re not bending down mid-cooking. It’s slim enough — 17″L x 13″W x 21″H — to slide neatly into a corner, under a desk, or in a dorm room.
The trade-off is obvious: at only 5.5 gallons per side, it’s smaller than you might hope, and owners note it’s better for lighter waste loads than a busy family kitchen. If you need more volume, you’ll outgrow this one quickly. But for the price and the portability, it’s a genuinely smart buy for a compact space.
What makes it click
- Only 6 pounds — easy to lift and move anywhere
- Each side opens independently with its own pedal
- Removable buckets with handles simplify liner changes
Know before you buy
- Small side capacity — you’ll empty it more often
- Plastic build feels lighter than stainless steel options
Best for: a small kitchen, a dorm, or a home looking for an affordable way to start separating trash from recycling.
Think twice if: your household produces a lot of waste daily — you’ll want a bigger bin.
3. GarveeHome 2 x 8 gal Stainless Steel Double Trash Can
The over-engineered workhorse with a 300,000-cycle hinge and two equal 8-gallon bins for serious sorting.
This is the pick for households that generate real volume and want equal space for trash and recycling. The GarveeHome splits its 16-gallon total into two 8-gallon compartments, and the build quality is the headline: a 410-grade ferritic stainless-steel shell that resists rust and scratches, a thick ABS lid with stainless overlay, and a steel pedal rated for 150,000+ steps. The one-piece ABS hinge survives an impressive 300,000 open/close cycles, which is exactly the kind of spec that tells you this bin was designed for daily abuse.
Size is the other big story here. Each removable inner basket measures 8.27″W x 11.02″D x 24.80″H — large enough to swallow up to 24 standard 16.9 oz water bottles or 48 12 oz cans. At 18.74″L x 14.8″W x 26.34″H, it’s taller than the SUPER DEAL, and the lid locks open at 95° for hands-free prep when you’re trimming vegetables. The soft-close lid opens to 80° without hitting standard kitchen island edges, so it sits flush against your counters. The fingerprint-resistant finish stays smudge-free, and anti-slip rubber feet keep it planted on tile or hardwood.
Owners consistently praise the sturdy build and the fact that both sides are the same size — a detail that matters more than you’d think. The honest caveat is that standard bags can slip on the rim; some owners swear by adding simple bands to hold bags in place, and standard 8-gallon bags may not fit perfectly (simplehuman size G bags reportedly fit best). If you can live with that quirk, you get a bin that feels far more expensive than it is.
Why it stands out
- Equal 8-gallon sides — no lopsided sorting between trash and recycling
- 300,000-cycle hinge and 150,000+ step pedal scream durability
- Lid locks open at 95° for hands-free cooking prep
The catch
- Standard bags can slip and ride up at the rim
- Taller footprint may not fit under every counter
Choose it for: a busy kitchen that needs equal, generous space on both sides plus a build that won’t quit.
skip it if: you hate fiddling with bag fit — you might need to hunt for the right liner size.
4. SUPER DEAL Kitchen Trash Can 13.2 Gallon 50L Dual Stainless Steel
A budget-friendly dual that keeps odor sealed and lets you open each side with its own pedal.
The SUPER DEAL earns its spot as a solid mid-range option that nails the essentials without the premium markup. It packs a 13.2-gallon total capacity into two independent inner compartments, with two separate pedals so you can open just the trash side or just the recycling side — no wasted effort. The brushed stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, and the manufacturer claims rust and corrosion protection even in humid spaces, which is a real plus for a kitchen sink area.
The lid uses a dampening mechanism that lowers gently and silently, eliminating the jarring slam of cheaper bins. The well-sealed design helps contain odors and deters insects, which matters in warmer months. A non-slip base keeps the bin firmly planted on marble or tile, so you won’t chase it across the floor every time you step on the pedal. Both inner buckets lift out for easy rinsing, and the stainless exterior wipes clean in seconds.
Owners love the look and the convenience of having trash and recycling in one unit — it works particularly well in dorm rooms and for couples. The honest feedback is that the compartments run smaller than the 13.2-gallon number suggests once liners are in, and the lid mechanism gets mixed praise. It’s a value play, not a luxury one, and at 22 inches tall it fits neatly under most standard counters.
What it delivers: a compact, odor-sealed dual that keeps trash and recycling separate for less — ideal for a couple or a dorm room.
The trade-off: the compartments feel smaller than advertised, and the lid’s soft-close action is good but not great.
5. SONGMICS Kitchen Dual Trash Can, 13 + 5.3 Gallon
A smart asymmetric split that gives trash 13 gallons and recycling 5.3 — because most homes generate way more waste.
Here’s a bin that thinks differently. Instead of equal compartments, the SONGMICS gives you 13 gallons for trash and 5.3 gallons for recycling, acknowledging the reality that most households toss far more garbage than cans and bottles. If you’ve ever watched recycling pile up while the trash side sits half-empty, this split is for you. The total 18.3-gallon capacity is the second-largest on this list, and it’s spread over a 24.3″L x 14.4″W x 24.3″H footprint.
Operation is flexible: step on the pedal for hands-free opening, or lift the lid to a 90° stay-open position while you’re prepping food. The soft-close mechanism shuts gently and quietly. The stainless steel body is smudge-resistant, and each inner bucket lifts out with built-in bag holes that keep liners from slipping. It comes with 15 starter bags — 13-gallon, code K, designed to fit the larger side — so it’s ready to use from day one.
Owners describe it as “really streamlined and attractive,” a low-profile bin that’s ideal for two people but too small for big families. The recurring note is that the compartments run slightly smaller than expected and the lid doesn’t always latch onto the bag properly. If you’re a pair who recycles lightly, the math on this split makes it a genuinely clever buy.
The smart bits
- Asymmetric split matches real household waste patterns
- Lid locks open at 90° for hands-free prep
- 15 starter liner bags included
Before you commit
- Fragile steel — some owners note dents
- Compartments smaller than expected; lids don’t always latch onto bags
Grab it for: a couple or pair who trashes a lot but recycles lightly and wants a sleek, low-profile unit.
Pass it by if: every member of a large family recycles — you’ll want equal-sized bins.
6. SIMPLI-Magic 21 Gallon (80L) Dual Compartment Kitchen Trash Can
The biggest bin here — 80 liters split 40/40 — with a built-in odor filter that keeps the whole kitchen fresher.
If your household produces enough waste to feed a small army, this is the bin you need. The SIMPLI-Magic holds a massive 80 liters total, split into two color-coded 40L + 40L inner buckets. At 26.5″L x 15.6″W x 25″H, it’s the widest and one of the tallest picks here, so measure your space carefully. The brushed stainless steel finish is fingerprint-resistant, hiding the grease smudges that come with a busy kitchen.
The standout feature is the built-in filter holder in the lid, which reduces unwanted kitchen smells between bag changes — a real upgrade over bins that rely solely on a sealed lid. The soft-close mechanism drops the lid in under 3 seconds with zero slamming noise, and there’s a stay-open mode that locks the lid for longer cleanup sessions. The steel foot pedal is calibrated for light-pressure operation, so even a gentle tap opens it. Removable inner buckets with handles make liner changes mess-free.
Owners call it “solidly built” and praise how much neater a single dual bin looks compared to two separate cans — the lids close flush with the top, which also keeps dogs out. The candid feedback: the trash side feels a touch smaller than the advertised volume (a 13-gallon bag packs down to about 10 gallons of actual space), the stainless shell scratches slightly easily, and the bags don’t always stay secured. For a family that empties daily, the capacity and odor control make it a strong contender.
The big wins
- 80L capacity — the largest on this list, built for families
- Built-in odor filter reduces smells between bag changes
- Lid closes flush, keeping clever pets out
The honest limits
- Wide footprint needs real floor space
- Bags don’t always stay secured in place
Perfect for: a large family that empties daily and wants maximum capacity plus odor control in one footprint.
Not for: a tiny galley kitchen where the 26.5-inch width will dominate the floor.
Understanding the Specs
Total Capacity vs. Section Split
The total capacity (measured in gallons or liters) tells you how much waste the bin holds overall, but the split matters just as much. A bin like the SONGMICS dedicates 13 gallons to trash and only 5.3 to recycling, suiting households that generate far more garbage. The GarveeHome and SIMPLI-Magic split evenly, which is better if you recycle as much as you toss. Estimate your weekly waste volume and match the split to your habits, not just the headline number.
Pedal Durability and Lid Action
A step pedal is a moving part that takes real abuse, so look for a rated lifespan — the simplehuman and GarveeHome both cite a 150,000-step pedal, which means years of daily use. The lid mechanism matters just as much: a soft-close lid lowers gently instead of slamming, which is quieter and kinder to the hinge. Check whether the lid has a stay-open or lock-open position for hands-free food prep, a feature worth having if you cook a lot.
FAQ
Will a dual trash can fit under my kitchen counter?
How do I know which trash bag size to use?
Can a dual trash can really control kitchen odors?
Is a stainless steel body worth the extra cost over plastic?
How often will I need to empty a 40-liter dual trash can?
What’s the difference between a soft-close lid and a slow-close lid?
Can my dog or cat open these trash cans?
Are the inner buckets removable and easy to clean?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the dual trash can for kitchen winner is the simplehuman Step Recycler because it combines a 150,000-step pedal, a whisper-quiet Lid Shox® close, and a 10-year warranty — the complete package backed by the strongest owner sentiment. If you want equal, generous sorting capacity on a sturdy build, grab the GarveeHome 2×8 Gallon. And for a small space or a first dual bin on a budget, the Step N’ Sort is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.