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Kitchen trash can sizes

Most US kitchen bags are sold as “13 gallon tall kitchen” bags, so a 13-gallon (about 50-litre) can is the easiest size to buy liners for. Check the can’s dimensions too — height matters under counters and inside cabinets.

Main types of kitchen bin

Read more in touchless vs step trash cans.

Features that matter

• Soft-close lid — prevents banging and extends the life of the hinge.
• Lid lock — keeps pets and children out.
• Liner pocket or bag ring — holds the bag in place and hides the edge.
• Inner bucket — removable for easy cleaning; some have handles.
• Odour control — tight-sealing lids, charcoal filter slots or deodoriser compartments.
• Non-skid base — keeps the can steady when you step on the pedal.

Materials and finishes

Choosing the right can

1. Estimate how much waste you make — if you empty a 13-gallon can more than once a day, go bigger.
2. Measure the space: height with the lid open under counters, width and depth.
3. Decide on opening type: step, sensor or pull-out.
4. Plan recycling: dual bins or a second can nearby.
5. Check which bag sizes fit and whether the maker requires special liners.
6. Look at the warranty, especially for sensor lids and pedal mechanisms.

Compare step trash cans, touchless sensor trash cans, dual-compartment recycling bins and pull-out cabinet bins, and check current dimensions on the merchant page.

Cleaning and odour tips

Empty wet food waste often, especially in warm weather, and wrap meat or fish scraps before binning them. Wipe the lid and pedal weekly and wash the inner bucket monthly with warm soapy water or a vinegar solution; dry it fully before adding a new bag. A sprinkle of baking soda in the bottom absorbs odours. A separate small compost caddy for food scraps keeps the main bin much fresher.

Sizes explained in detail

For more on choosing capacity and dimensions, see kitchen trash can sizes.

Where should a kitchen trash can go?

The best spot is close to your main prep area but out of the path between the sink, stove and refrigerator. If you cook often, place the can where you can scrape cutting boards and plates without crossing the kitchen. If floor space is tight, a slim rectangular can usually fits against a wall better than a round can with the same capacity.

• Next to the sink: convenient for scraping plates and food prep, but make sure the lid can open without hitting the counter overhang.
• At the end of an island: easy to reach from multiple sides, but avoid blocking stools or walkways.
• Inside a base cabinet: hides trash and helps with pets, though capacity is limited by cabinet width and plumbing.
• In a pantry or utility nook: keeps the kitchen looking cleaner, but may be less convenient during meal prep.

Avoid placing a lidded can directly against a wall if the lid needs rear clearance to swing open. Also check whether a pedal can will slide on smooth flooring; a non-skid base or a mat can help.

How to measure before buying a kitchen trash can

Do not rely on capacity alone. Two 13-gallon cans can have very different footprints, lid heights and bag fit. Measure the exact space first, then compare it with the manufacturer’s listed dimensions on the merchant page.

1. Measure the maximum width and depth of the floor space, including any baseboard, cabinet pull or appliance handle nearby.
2. Measure height with the lid fully open. For step cans and sensor cans, allow enough room so the lid does not hit a counter edge.
3. Leave walking clearance. If the can sits in a walkway, choose a narrow or semi-round shape that does not stick out too far.
4. For cabinet bins, measure the inside cabinet width, depth and height, not the outside door size. Watch for sink plumbing, garbage disposals and shelf lips.
5. Check the bag overhang. If the can hides the liner under a rim, make sure your usual bags are tall enough to fold securely over the edge.

For a built-in option, compare cabinet measurements carefully before shopping for pull-out cabinet bins. A pull-out frame that is slightly too wide or too deep will not install cleanly.

Bag fit, slipping liners and messy overhang

A trash can that technically holds the right gallon size can still be annoying if the bag slips, stretches or leaves too much plastic showing. Shape matters: a tall rectangular can may need a different liner height than a round can of the same capacity.

If a manufacturer recommends custom liners, check whether standard bags also fit acceptably. Custom liners can look neater, but standard bags are easier to replace in a pinch.

Which opening style fits your routine?

The right opening style depends on how you cook, who uses the kitchen and whether pets can reach the bin. A simple, sturdy mechanism is often better than a feature you will not use.

• Choose a step can if you want hands-free opening without batteries. A wide pedal is easier to hit when your hands are full; start with step trash cans if reliability is your top concern.
• Choose a touchless can if you often handle raw meat, sticky packaging or messy prep scraps. Check how it is powered and whether the sensor area has enough open space; compare touchless sensor trash cans if convenience matters most.
• Choose a pull-out can if you want the bin hidden or need to keep pets out. The trade-off is smaller capacity and the need for cabinet installation.
• Choose an open-top or swing-top can only where odor and pets are not major issues, such as a dry recycling area.

For households with children or pets, lid security matters more than the opening style. A heavy base, tight lid, cabinet location or latch can prevent spills better than a lightweight can with a loose-fitting top.