Top 5 Dual Compartment Trash Cans: Buyer’s Guide

Imagine this: you’re tidying up your kitchen, and you have a banana peel, some used paper towels, and a plastic bottle. Where do they all go? If you’re like most people, you probably have separate bins for trash and recycling. But what if there was a smarter way to manage your waste, keeping things neat and organized all in one spot?

Choosing the right dual compartment trash can can feel like a puzzle. You want one that’s big enough, easy to clean, and looks good in your home. Plus, figuring out which one best handles your trash and recycling needs can be confusing. It’s a common problem many homeowners face when trying to go green or simply keep their living spaces tidy.

This post is here to help you solve that puzzle. We’ll explore what makes a dual compartment trash can a fantastic addition to any home. You’ll learn what features to look for, how to pick the perfect size, and discover some top choices that make waste management a breeze. Get ready to find a trash can that works for you and your family!

Our Top 5 Dual Compartment Trash Can Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Dual Compartment Trash Can Detailed Reviews

1. Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets

Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver

Rating: 9.4/10

Tired of juggling multiple bins for trash and recycling? The Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can makes sorting your waste simple and stylish. This rectangular bin, in a sleek grey and silver finish, offers a generous 60-liter capacity, perfect for busy households. Its smart design helps you keep your home tidy and your recycling efforts organized.

What We Like:

  • It has two separate sections for trash and recycling, making it super easy to sort your waste.
  • Each inside bin holds 7.9 gallons, and the total capacity is a big 15.9 gallons (60 liters).
  • The removable liner bins have handles, so taking out the trash is a breeze.
  • The stainless steel outside looks great and resists fingerprints and smudges.
  • The lid closes softly, so it won’t bang shut and makes less noise.
  • Non-slip rubber pads on the bottom keep the can from sliding around on any floor.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the 60-liter capacity is good, some larger families might wish for even more space.
  • The rectangular shape is nice, but it might not fit as snugly into very tight corners as a round bin could.

This Amazon Basics trash can is a practical and good-looking solution for managing your household waste. It simplifies recycling and keeps your kitchen looking neat.

2. EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin

EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant

Rating: 8.9/10

Keeping your kitchen tidy and organized just got a whole lot easier with the EKO EcoCasa II Dual Trash Can. This smart bin helps you sort your trash and recyclables effortlessly, all while looking stylish in your home. Its sleek design and handy features make managing waste a breeze.

What We Like:

  • The dual compartments with removable, color-coded inner buckets make sorting waste and recyclables super simple.
  • It’s made from strong, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, so it looks great and is easy to keep clean.
  • The slim, rectangular shape fits nicely against your wall, saving precious kitchen space.
  • The sturdy foot pedal is built to last, so you can open the lid with confidence every time.
  • It even has a special spot for a deodorizer to keep smells locked away.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the capacity is good for many homes, larger families might find themselves emptying it more often.
  • The deodorizer compartment requires separate purchase of deodorizer packs.

This EKO EcoCasa II trash can is a fantastic upgrade for any kitchen. It combines smart design with durable materials to make waste management both efficient and attractive.

3. GAZHOME 13 Gallon Tilt Out Trash Cabinet

GAZHOME 13 Gallon Tilt Out Trash Cabinet, Upgrade Wooden Recycling Cabinet with Flip Door,White

Rating: 9.3/10

Tired of an unsightly trash can cluttering your kitchen? The GAZHOME 13 Gallon Tilt Out Trash Cabinet is here to help! This stylish white cabinet hides your trash, keeping your space neat and tidy. It’s a smart solution for a cleaner home.

What We Like:

  • Sturdy Build: Made with high-quality MDF wood and stainless steel, this cabinet is built to last.
  • Smart Design: The updated flip-up panels make it super easy to toss trash without opening the whole door. Plus, the snap fasteners on the hinges make it more stable and easier to put together.
  • Extra Storage: Need more space? The side hooks can be attached to either side, giving you a spot for towels or bags.
  • Versatile Use: This cabinet isn’t just for trash! Use the top as a small kitchen island to hold your coffee maker or microwave. It’s also great as a laundry hamper or recycling bin.
  • Quick Assembly: You can put this cabinet together in about 30 minutes. All the parts and easy-to-follow instructions are included, even for beginners.
  • Trusted Brand: GAZHOME has lots of experience making great furniture. They promise good quality and are ready to help if you have any problems.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the cabinet is designed for a 13-gallon trash bag, the exact dimensions for the inner trash bin are not specified, which might make finding the perfect fit a slight challenge for some users.

This GAZHOME cabinet is a fantastic way to upgrade your kitchen’s look and function. It offers a clean appearance and smart features for everyday living.

4. simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Step

simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Step, Brushed Stainless Steel with Soft-Close Plastic Lid Kitchen Trash Can

Rating: 9.4/10

Tired of messy trash cans and complicated recycling systems? The simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Step in Brushed Stainless Steel is here to simplify your kitchen cleanup. This sleek can not only looks good but also makes sorting your trash and recycling a breeze.

What We Like:

  • The unique liner rim system makes changing liners super fast and neat. You don’t have to take the whole lid off.
  • It has a special pocket to store extra liners right inside the can, so you’ll always have one handy.
  • No more bulky inner buckets! This design gives you 25% more space for your trash and is easy to wipe clean.
  • The dual compartments make recycling easy and look good while doing it.
  • The strong steel pedal is built to last for years, and the lid closes softly and quietly thanks to special technology.
  • The custom-fit liners are extra strong and stay put, so no more slipping or leaking.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The can is a bit large, so it might take up a good amount of space in smaller kitchens.
  • While the custom liners are great, you have to buy them specifically for this can, which can be an extra cost.

This simplehuman trash can is a smart and stylish way to manage your kitchen waste. It truly makes sorting and disposing of trash a much easier task.

5. simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid

simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel

Rating: 9.5/10

Tired of messy trash cans and smelly kitchens? The simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can is here to help! This stylish brushed stainless steel bin makes sorting your trash and recycling a breeze. Its smart design keeps things neat and tidy, making your kitchen a more pleasant place to be. It’s designed to make a chore feel less like a chore.

What We Like:

  • The liner rim system makes changing trash bags super fast and clean. The outer lid lifts up, so you don’t have to take the whole top off.
  • A special pocket inside holds a pack of liners, so they’re always ready when you need them.
  • It has two compartments, making it easy to separate trash from recyclables in a good-looking way.
  • The strong steel pedal is easy to press and built to last for years.
  • The lid closes slowly and quietly thanks to special technology, no more loud bangs!
  • Custom-fit liners prevent bags from slipping or bunching up, keeping everything looking neat.
  • An optional odor-absorbing pod fits inside the lid to keep your kitchen smelling fresh for a long time.
  • You can add a compost caddy that attaches to the side, making it even easier to sort your waste.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The price point might be higher than some basic trash cans.
  • The brushed stainless steel finish, while beautiful, can show fingerprints if not wiped down regularly.

Overall, this simplehuman trash can is a fantastic upgrade for any kitchen. It makes recycling easy and keeps your space looking clean and smelling fresh.

Your Guide to the Best Dual Compartment Trash Can

Choosing the right trash can makes a big difference in keeping your home clean and organized. Dual compartment trash cans are super helpful because they let you sort your trash easily. This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for a dual compartment trash can, keep these important features in mind:

  • Capacity: How much trash can it hold? Think about how much trash your household makes. Some cans have different sizes for each compartment.
  • Lid Type: Do you want a lid that opens with a foot pedal? Or maybe a touch-open lid? Some lids are also soft-close, so they don’t slam shut.
  • Removable Inner Bins: These make it easy to take out the trash and clean the can. Look for bins with handles.
  • Compartment Separation: How well are the two parts divided? A good divider keeps your recyclables and trash separate.
  • Design and Style: Does it fit with your kitchen or room decor? Many come in stainless steel, plastic, or other materials.

Important Materials

The material of your trash can affects its look, durability, and how easy it is to clean.

  • Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks sleek and modern. Stainless steel is also strong and resists rust. However, it can show fingerprints.
  • Plastic: Plastic trash cans are usually lighter and less expensive. They are also easy to wipe clean. Some plastic cans can be less sturdy than metal ones.
  • Brushed Nickel or Other Metals: These offer a similar look to stainless steel but might have different finishes.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Several things can make a dual compartment trash can better or worse.

  • Build Quality: A well-made can feels sturdy. Hinges should be strong. Foot pedals should work smoothly. Poorly made cans can break easily.
  • Ease of Cleaning: Smooth surfaces and removable inner bins make cleaning simple. Cans with many nooks and crannies are harder to keep clean.
  • Odor Control: Some lids have special filters or tight seals to help keep smells inside. This is a big plus for kitchen trash cans.
  • Fingerprint Resistance: If you choose stainless steel, look for a finish that resists fingerprints. This keeps your trash can looking cleaner.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use the trash can matters.

  • Kitchen: This is the most common place. You can use one side for regular trash and the other for recycling (like cans and bottles).
  • Bathroom: A smaller dual compartment can work well for separating general waste from items like cotton balls or tissues.
  • Office or Craft Room: You might use one side for paper waste and the other for scrap materials.

A good dual compartment trash can simplifies your life. It helps you recycle more and keeps your space tidy.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a dual compartment trash can?

A: The main key features are the trash can’s capacity, lid type (like foot pedal or soft-close), whether it has removable inner bins, how well the compartments are separated, and its overall design and style to match your room.

Q: What are the most common materials used for dual compartment trash cans?

A: The most common materials are stainless steel, which is durable and stylish, and plastic, which is lighter and often more affordable.

Q: What makes a dual compartment trash can have better quality?

A: Better quality comes from strong build quality, like sturdy hinges and smooth-working pedals. Ease of cleaning, good odor control, and fingerprint-resistant finishes also improve quality.

Q: What can make the quality of a dual compartment trash can worse?

A: Lower quality can result from flimsy construction, parts that break easily, or a design that makes it hard to clean. Cans without good seals might also let out odors.

Q: How can I use a dual compartment trash can in my kitchen?

A: You can use one compartment for regular trash and the other for recyclables, like paper, plastic bottles, and cans. This makes sorting waste very easy.

Q: Are dual compartment trash cans good for small spaces like bathrooms?

A: Yes, smaller dual compartment trash cans can be useful in bathrooms. You can use one side for general waste and the other for items like tissues or makeup wipes.

Q: What is the advantage of having removable inner bins?

A: Removable inner bins make it much easier to empty the trash and clean the entire can. They often come with handles for a better grip.

Q: Do dual compartment trash cans help with odor control?

A: Many dual compartment trash cans offer odor control features. These can include tight-fitting lids or special filters that help trap smells inside.

Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a dual compartment trash can?

A: Stainless steel is a good material because it is strong, lasts a long time, and looks nice. However, it can sometimes show fingerprints, so look for fingerprint-resistant finishes.

Q: What should I consider about the lid of a dual compartment trash can?

A: You should consider how the lid opens, such as with a foot pedal or by touch. Soft-close lids are also a good feature because they close gently and quietly.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

Leave a Comment