In-cabinet trash cans look sleek and stylish and can help reclaim space in the kitchen. They are a great solution for people who want to sort their trash, such as separating paper, plastic, and organic waste.
Evaluate the volume of waste you create daily and select a trash can that can handle it. Larger households produce more waste and require a larger trash can.
Size
The size of a garbage can is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a waste disposal bin for your kitchen. The ideal size will be based on the amount of trash that is generated by your household. A larger household will produce more waste, which will require a larger trash can to accommodate this volume. On the other hand, a smaller household will generate less waste, which can be more easily managed with a smaller trash can.
The location of the trash can also play a role in its size. Many people prefer to place their trash can under the sink as it frees up space on the floor and allows for easy access. This is especially true in a small kitchen where space is limited. However, many other locations can work well for a trash can, including freestanding models, hanging models, in-cabinet, or built-in models.
Other factors to consider when choosing a trash can include its capacity and style of lid. Capacity is essential because it determines how often you will need to empty the bin. Ideally, you should opt for a trash can that has a capacity that is slightly higher than the amount of waste that you typically generate in a day. This will help you to reduce the frequency of trash collection and prevent overflowing, which can lead to unpleasant odors.
A simple lid design is also a great option for kitchen trash cans. Hooded lids provide a simple and convenient way to open and close the bin. They can also be easier to clean than other lid options. There are also some options available that offer an automatic opening feature, which can be a great convenience for busy households.
Material
The design of a garbage can has come a long way and there are now many options available. Most models are made of plastic or metal and some are available in a variety of colors to match any kitchen decor. The size of a garbage can is also an important consideration and it’s best to choose one that matches the overall dimensions of your kitchen so it won’t be too large or take up too much floor space.
A trash can’s capacity is also an important criterion to consider, especially in larger households where waste is generated daily. You can find models with different-sized bins to help you sort out glass, cardboard, and plastic packaging as well as non-recyclable waste. Many of these bins are also designed to be easily emptied into outdoor containers, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint.
Stainless steel is a popular choice because it looks sleek and modern and is durable and odor-resistant. However, it can smudge and scratch and may need to be wiped down frequently to keep it clean. It’s also expensive, whereas plastic is less costly but can become brittle over time and hold on to odors. You can even find models with a hybrid construction, using both stainless steel and plastic in the same design to give you the benefits of both materials.
Other deciding factors when choosing a garbage can include its lid type and opening mechanism. You can select from a range of styles, including free-standing, hanging, and in-cabinet models as well as touchless, step or swing-top openings. Some models even have a lid that opens automatically when you open the cupboard door where they are fitted into kitchen furniture.
Design
Unlike the days when the garbage can was just a bucket beside the kitchen sink, modern trash bins come in a variety of designs that are meant to help you keep your home clean and tidy. Some even have built-in garbage sorting systems that can help you recycle and dispose of your waste more efficiently.
The first factor to consider when choosing a kitchen garbage can is its capacity. You want to be sure that the bin is big enough to hold the amount of trash you generate in a day. This will ensure that you don’t have to empty the bin too often, which can lead to odors in your kitchen.
Additionally, you’ll also want to consider the size of your kitchen. Larger trash cans may take up too much floor space and make it difficult to move around your kitchen. If you have a small kitchen, then you’ll probably want to opt for a smaller trash can that is easy to conceal.
Another factor to consider when choosing a kitchen trash can is its opening system. You’ll want to choose a bin that opens automatically when you wave your hand over it or push the button on its lid. This will allow you to easily open the can without touching it and avoid getting your hands dirty.
The style of the garbage can is also important to consider. You’ll want to choose a style that matches the rest of your kitchen décor and fits in with your lifestyle. There are several different styles to choose from, including step cans, swing-top cans, and touch-free cans. The one you choose should be comfortable to use and enhance the appearance of your kitchen.
Functionality
If you’re looking for a garbage can that will help you reduce waste generation, look for one with separate bins for sorting. These models come in a range of colors to help you distinguish between paper, glass, and plastic, allowing you to more easily recycle your unwanted items. You can also find trash cans with a lid that locks in place to prevent odors and insects.
Aside from size and functionality, consider your kitchen’s aesthetic. You want your garbage can to blend in with the overall space rather than stand out as an eyesore. Fortunately, the design of kitchen trash cans has evolved and many options are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
For example, if you have a sleek stainless steel stove and refrigerator, you might want to choose a garbage can that matches. These cans often have a brushed stainless steel esthetic and feature antibacterial technology that keeps the interior clean. They’re also fingerprint-proof and are designed to conceal dirt.
Another consideration when choosing a garbage can is how much waste your household generates regularly. Typically, most garbage cans fall into a range of sizes between 10 and 20 gallons. Smaller models tend to be better suited for households of two or those that diligently recycle and compost, which can significantly cut down on the amount of trash you produce.
If you’re in a tight spot, some models are designed to fit inside of cabinets or under sinks. These cans keep the trash out of sight and out of mind and are a great option for Galley kitchens. Some even feature a lid that opens with a foot pedal to make it easier and more hygienic to use.
Budget
A trash can is not the most glamorous kitchen accessory, but it’s an important one that deserves time to consider. You’ll want to take several factors into account, including size, location, and design. This way, you’ll be able to find the right bin for your needs without spending more than you need to.
The size of your kitchen trash can will depend on the amount of waste you generate. You may need a smaller trash can for a single person or a larger one for a family of four or more. You also need to take into consideration the volume of the trash can to ensure you have enough space to fit a large number of garbage bags.
There are a wide variety of kitchen trash cans to choose from. You can choose from freestanding models that sit in a corner of the kitchen, hanging versions that go over the sink or even built-in trash cans that are installed under the counter. Some models have lids that can be opened or closed, and you can choose from different colors to match your décor.
Some models have separate compartments for recycling and trash, making it easy to sort waste and keep your kitchen looking neat. This model from Brabantia, for example, is a sleek stainless steel design that looks more like a piece of furniture than a regular trash can. It has two step-pedals for each compartment, which Naeemah Ford Goldson of Restore Order Professional Organizing finds perfect for her two boys to use.
Other models have original shapes that make them more attractive than the usual rectangular, square, or cylindrical shapes. These models may not have as much capacity, but they can make a big difference in the look of your kitchen. One such model is the Woodrow, which Curbed editor Britnee Tanner says “looks like a modern-day homage to midcentury-modern minimalism.” It’s a small trash can for a studio apartment, but it holds those tiny items that you’ll never know you needed, from used tissues to stray threads.