The Best Trash Cans

What has your trash can done for you lately besides hold your garbage? Does it open for you? Do guests mistake it for a high-end appliance? Does it smell...good? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it might be time to consider buying a new trash can. But before you do, there are some factors you will want to consider. Here are some tips to help you sort through the trash talk and find the right trash can for you.
Are you a tech junkie?
If technology and cool gadgets are your bag, check out touchless trash cans. These models are equipped with infrared sensors that signal the lid to automatically open when your hand comes within inches of the sensor and close when you remove your hand. The sensor range varies per model, but the Nine Stars DZT-50-9 Infrared Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can has one of the longest ranges at 11 inches. This model also features an on/off switch which comes in handy in households with young children and pets as well as an open/close button for when you want to keep the lid open.

Most of these models are battery-powered and like the Nine Stars version, can last up to six months with normal daily usage. There are some that come with AC adapters that plug in to standard wall outlets like the Modernhome PMT-723/1 Premium Automatic Brushed Stainless Steel Trash Can.
And these smooth operators look as smart as their sensors. Modern and sleek, they look more like a high-end appliance than a trash can. Most are made of stainless steel and come in a variety of fingerprint-resistant finishes including brushed nickel, matte black, matte white and bronze. One model, the BestOffice 13-gallon Touch Free Sensor Automatic Touchless Trash Can even comes in bright red. And they come in a variety of shapes that fit almost anywhere in your home including oval, rectangular and semi-round.
Keep in mind when choosing a touchless trash can that not all are made for standard, grocery-brand garbage bags. Some models like the simplehuman Semi-Round Touchless Automatic Trash Can, have custom-fit liners that may not be as readily available as the grocery store variety.
Are you a germophobe?
If the idea of coming within 11 inches of a touchless or any trash can has you running for the hand sanitizer, you may need a more specialized solution. While most trash can manufacturers claim that stainless steel is naturally microbe-resistant, simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can with Liner Pocket takes it a step further. While it’s not in the touchless category, the can is covered with a Nano-Silver Clear Coat that protects the stainless steel, and you, from germs.
For environmentally-conscious germophobes, there is the iTouchless Dual-Compartment Stainless Steel Automatic Senor Touchless Recycle Bin/Trash Can. Its dual compartments each have their own sensor lids to keep trash and recyclables separate and help prevent cross-contamination.
Do you like the smell of lemons?
There’s nothing worse than the smell of fish in the trash can. Except maybe for imported cheese. Top it off with your garden variety of pet messes and you’ve got one smelly concoction brewing in your trash can. For anyone that produces really smelly garage, there are solutions that make sense – and scents. The iTouchless Multifunction Sensor Trash Can not only includes an active carbon filter to eliminate tough odors, it also comes with a fragrance cartridge and built-in diffuser that emits the scent of fresh-cut lemons.
If lemon is incompatible with your scent profile, there are the iTouchless Deodorizer Automatic Sensor Touchless Deodorizer Automatic Sensor Touchless Trash Can and the Aamina Deodorizer Automatic Sensor Touchless Trash Can. Both come with an activated carbon odor filter for tackling garbage odors naturally without a scent.
Remember, these models may require filters that are custom made and not readily available, so stock up when you purchase your order.
No space to stash your trash?
Under-cabinet models are ideal if you’re short on floor space. There are basically two types and both are budget-friendly: the pull-out trash can and the door-mounted trash can. Pull-out cans like the Rev-A-Shelf 35-quart Waste Bin have a sliding mechanism that is mounted inside the cabinet. Pull it out when you need it, push it back under the counter and out of site when you don’t. These cans do take up quite a bit of space, so if your cabinet space is minimal, consider a door-mounted model like the simplehuman In-Cabinet Trash Can. This model hangs discreetly on the inside of your cabinet or pantry door so it takes up little-to-no storage space and won’t damage your cabinets. Be sure to look for under-cabinet models with lids to keep odors in and pests out. And because these models are made smaller, keep in mind you will need to empty it more often.

If you have space between your cabinets and appliances, look for thin trash cans designed to fit in tight spots. The simplehuman Butterfly Step Trash Can Recycler has a slim shape and a lid that splits in half making it particularly useful in low-clearance areas.

The Rubbermaid Home Slim Trash Can is a more budget-friendly, utilitarian option. Coordinating colors that match your cabinets will help complete the “no trash can here” illusion.

Like the bling but don’t have the ca-ching?
If you like the sophisticated, clean look of stainless steel, but don’t have $100-plus to spend on one, look for less expensive plastic options that look like stainless steel. The Umbra Brim Step Waste Can is made from polypropylene, but it has the sleek look of brushed nickel. It also comes in matte black and bronze. Or go with brushed metal accents like the Umbra Venti Swing-Top Trash Can.

Touchless trash cans don’t have to be out of reach even with a tight budget. Just by choosing plastic models like the simplehuman Stone Plastic Touchless Trash Can over stainless steel models, you can save $25 or more. You can also find affordable touchless cans with built-in carbon odor filters like the simplehuman Round Sensor Matte Deodorizer Trash Can.

If your current trash can isn’t working hard enough for you, it’s time to can it and get a new one. By assessing your needs, space and budget, you can find the right trash can for you.

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This page about Trash Can was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2024-12-26 08:18:43 and has been viewed 5113 times.