Fall is the season when kitchens work overtime. Weeknight soups, Sunday roasts, holiday baking, and the first of the Thanksgiving prep all produce one thing in common: a lot more waste. Peels, packaging, bones, foil, and takeout containers pile up faster than usual, and the humble trash can suddenly becomes one of the hardest-working items in your home. If yours is too small, too smudgy, or too awkward to open with messy hands, this is the perfect time to upgrade.
In this guide we walk through how to choose a kitchen trash can that actually fits the way you cook, and we highlight six real picks from our Trash collection at WoW Store, from budget-friendly touchless bins to fingerprint-proof stainless steel models. Whether you have a tiny apartment kitchen or a busy family hub, there is a bin here that fits.
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Trash Can
Before you shop, think through four questions. Getting these right matters more than any single feature.
1. What size do you really need? Most households land on 13 gallons (about 50 liters), which matches the standard tall kitchen bag. It holds a full day or two of cooking waste for a family of three to four without needing constant emptying. Smaller households can go with 8 gallons, and big families or frequent entertainers may prefer 16 gallons or a dual-bin setup.
2. How do you want to open it? Step-on pedals are reliable and need no batteries. Touchless sensor lids are fantastic when your hands are covered in raw chicken or dough. Swing and open-top bins are simplest but let odors escape.
3. What material suits your kitchen? Stainless steel looks sleek and resists odors, but can show fingerprints unless it has a special coating. Plastic is lightweight, affordable, and easy to wipe down, and it will not dent.
4. Where will it live? Measure the gap beside your counter or inside your cabinet. Slim and rectangular bins save floor space, while round bins are easier to rotate into a corner.
1. PayLessHere 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can in Red
At just $41.23, the PayLessHere 13 Gallon Plastic Trash Can with Automatic Touchless Lid is the easiest way to try hands-free convenience without spending much. The bold red finish adds a pop of color to a neutral kitchen, and the sensor lid opens when your hand or a bag of scraps approaches, so you never have to touch a greasy lid again.
This is a great pick for families with kids who are learning to help in the kitchen, and for anyone who cooks a lot of raw meat during the holiday season. Because the body is plastic, it wipes clean in seconds and will not dent if it gets bumped by a stroller or a vacuum. Keep spare batteries in a nearby drawer so the sensor never leaves you guessing.
2. KdbK 13 Gallon Fingerprint-Proof Stainless Steel Trash Can
If you love stainless steel but hate smudges, the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid is built for you. It is priced at $64.85 and features a 50-liter capacity with a fingerprint-resistant finish, so the surface looks clean even in a busy household. The lid helps contain odors, which matters when you are tossing onion skins, fish packaging, and leftover casserole into the same bin.
Stainless steel also pairs well with modern appliances, so this bin blends into the kitchen rather than standing out. It is a strong all-rounder: big enough for everyday use, handsome enough to sit in plain sight, and affordable enough that you do not need to agonize over the decision.
There are also other KdbK listings with the same capacity if you prefer a different finish or variant, such as this $79.18 version.
3. BestOffice 13 Gallon Plastic Trash Can
Sometimes you simply want a dependable, no-fuss bin. The BestOffice 13 Gallon Plastic Trash Can at $74.23 offers the standard kitchen capacity in a lightweight, easy-to-clean body. Plastic will not rust, will not dent, and is simple to rinse in the tub or with a hose when a leak happens.
It also works well outside the kitchen. Many families buy a second bin like this for the garage, laundry room, or mudroom, where raked leaves, pet supplies, and cleaning waste tend to collect during autumn. Buying the same size for different rooms means you can stock one box of bags and be done.
4. BestOffice 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can
For a more premium look, the BestOffice 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can costs $98.98 and brings the brushed-metal style that suits contemporary and farmhouse kitchens alike. Metal construction feels sturdy, resists odor absorption, and holds up well to daily use over many years.
If you host family dinners, a stainless bin looks tidy in an open-plan space where guests can see it. Wipe it down with a soft cloth and a little vinegar solution, then dry it to keep the surface shining through the busy holiday months.
5. BestOffice Kitchen Trash Can
The BestOffice Kitchen Trash Can is listed at $95.68 and is designed as a practical everyday bin for the main cooking area. Its straightforward form makes it easy to slot beside a counter or tuck near a pantry door, and it handles the daily stream of food scraps and packaging without fuss.
Choose a model like this when you want solid, repeatable performance and you do not need extra features. It is also a smart choice for a shared household where everyone needs to understand how the bin works at a glance.
6. Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can for Bathroom, Bedroom & Office
Last, the Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can Bathroom Bedroom Office Waste Bin at $95.68 is a versatile design that works wherever you need tidy waste containment. The metal finish gives a clean, polished look in any room, which makes it easy to coordinate with the rest of your home.
Because it is built for multiple spaces, you can start in the kitchen and later move it to a home office or bedroom if you upgrade again. That flexibility makes it a smart long-term purchase.
Fall Kitchen Trash Can Checklist
- Measure first. Check the height under your counter and the width of the open floor space before you order.
- Match your bags. A 13-gallon bin uses standard tall kitchen bags, so buy a bulk box to save money.
- Pick the opening style that fits your habits. Touchless for messy cooking, step-on for reliability, open top for small spaces.
- Plan for odors. Choose a lid, and sprinkle baking soda in the bottom before adding a fresh liner.
- Consider pets and kids. A lid that closes firmly keeps curious noses out of the bin.
- Schedule a monthly deep clean. Rinse, wash with warm soapy water, dry completely, and re-line.
- Have a second bin ready for holidays. Extra capacity during Thanksgiving prep prevents overflow and stress.
- Separate recycling. A small second bin makes sorting cans, bottles, and boxes much easier.
Tips to Keep Your Trash Can Fresh All Season
Even the best bin needs a little care. Take out the trash before it is completely full, especially after cooking fish or garlic-heavy meals. Double-bag wet scraps, and freeze meat trimmings until trash day if you want to avoid smells entirely. Wipe the lid and rim weekly, because that is where most grime and bacteria collect. For stainless steel, wipe in the direction of the grain with a microfiber cloth. For plastic, a mild dish soap solution is plenty.
Finally, think about placement. A bin close to your prep area encourages you to scrape plates straight into it, which keeps counters cleaner and cuts down on stray crumbs and fruit flies, a common autumn nuisance when apples, pumpkins, and squash sit on the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size trash can is best for a family kitchen?
Thirteen gallons (around 50 liters) is the most popular size because it fits standard tall kitchen bags and holds a day or two of waste for a family of three to four. Larger households or those who cook daily may prefer 16 gallons or two bins.
Is stainless steel or plastic better for a kitchen trash can?
Both work well. Stainless steel looks premium and resists odors, especially with a fingerprint-resistant finish. Plastic is lighter, usually cheaper, and will not dent, making it ideal for busy homes and secondary rooms.
Are touchless trash cans worth it?
If you cook often with messy hands, yes. A sensor lid keeps germs off the lid and speeds up cleanup. Just remember to replace the batteries periodically.
How do I stop my kitchen trash can from smelling?
Empty it regularly, use a lid, add baking soda under the liner, and wash the inside monthly. Double-bagging wet or smelly waste also helps a lot.
Upgrade Your Kitchen Bin Today
The right trash can makes cooking, hosting, and cleaning up simpler all fall long. Browse the full WoW Store Trash collection to compare sizes, finishes, and opening styles, and pick the bin that fits your kitchen and your budget. Your future self, standing in a tidy kitchen after Thanksgiving dinner, will thank you.