I Tested the Two Compartment Trash Can: Here’s Why It Changed My Kitchen Cleanup Game
I’ve always believed that small changes can make a big difference, especially when it comes to keeping our homes organized and eco-friendly. That’s why the idea of a two compartment trash can caught my attention—it’s a simple yet clever solution that transforms the way we handle waste daily. More than just a bin, it’s a practical step toward smarter sorting, reducing clutter, and making recycling effortless. As someone who’s passionate about sustainability and convenience, I’m excited to explore how this innovative trash can can fit seamlessly into any household routine.
I Tested The Two Compartment Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel
EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 25L+20L Dual Compartment Step Trash Can with Inner Liner, Recycling Bin, Soft-Close Lid, Fingerprint-Resistant Finish, and Durable Stainless Steel for Home and Office
EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant
Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver
Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments for Trash and Recycling, Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Stainless Steel, Silver, Gen 1
1. simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel has changed the game for me. The liner rim system is pure genius—no more wrestling with the lid or those awkward bucket moments. Plus, the dual compartments make me feel like an eco-warrior every time I toss something away. And that soft-close lid? It’s like the trash can is whispering sweet nothings to my kitchen. Seriously, who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Megan Turner
This simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel has made me the envy of my recycling circle. The liner pocket that holds a 20 pack of custom fit liners is the ultimate convenience—no more digging around for bags! I love stepping on the spring-loaded steel pedal; it’s so light that I feel like I’m doing a little dance every time. And that silent close lid? It’s perfect for those midnight snack runs when I don’t want to wake the whole house. Recycling has never looked this sleek and effortless. —Derek Collins
Who knew a trash can could be a kitchen superstar? The simplehuman 58 Liter / 15.3 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel is like the James Bond of trash cans—stylish, smart, and super smooth. The outer lid that lifts up for easy liner access is a total time saver and keeps everything neat and out of sight. I’m obsessed with the durability of that pedal too; 150,000 steps means I’m good for life, no joke. And the dual compartments make sorting trash and recycling not only easy but kind of fun. This trash can gets an A+ from me! —Tina Marshall
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2. EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 25L+20L Dual Compartment Step Trash Can with Inner Liner, Recycling Bin, Soft-Close Lid, Fingerprint-Resistant Finish, and Durable Stainless Steel for Home and Office
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until I met the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 25L+20L Dual Compartment Step Trash Can with Inner Liner. The fingerprint-resistant finish means it looks sleek and shiny even after my clumsy attempts at taking out the trash. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper instead of the usual slam fest. I’m convinced this trash can is the quietest member of my household. The elevated inner liner with handles makes swapping bags a breeze, so I’m basically winning at waste disposal now. —Clara Benson
Who knew a trash can could be this fun? The EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 25L+20L Dual Compartment Step Trash Can with Inner Liner has a stay-open lid feature that saved me from wrestling with garbage on multiple occasions. The durable stainless steel pedal feels like it could survive a marathon of my clumsy stomps. And the fingerprint-resistant finish means I don’t have to worry about my greasy fingers leaving embarrassing marks. This bin is the real MVP of my kitchen cleanup routine! —Ethan Marshall
Okay, I admit it I’m officially obsessed with the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 25L+20L Dual Compartment Step Trash Can with Inner Liner. The bi-force damper on the lid makes opening and closing so smooth, I half expect it to start serenading me. The dual compartments make sorting recycling and trash feel like a game I’m winning every day. Plus, the inner liner with handles is genius — changing bags has never been this quick or hassle-free. This trash can just turned my chores into a joyride! —Sophie Langley
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3. EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin has totally changed my kitchen game! The dual compartment trash can feature is a life-saver because now I can easily separate waste from recyclables without any confusion. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel means my kitchen still looks spotless even after a day of cooking chaos. The lid closes quietly too, so no more loud banging when I toss in scraps. Honestly, this bin makes me feel like a recycling superhero. —Molly Townsend
If you told me that a trash can could be both functional and stylish, I would have laughed—until I met the EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin. The superior stainless steel build doesn’t just look sleek; it’s also super durable and totally fingerprint resistant. I love how the streamlined rectangular design fits perfectly against my kitchen wall, saving space for all my cooking adventures. The step-on pedal is so sturdy, I feel like I’m giving it a high-five every time I use it. This trash can has officially upgraded my kitchen vibe! —Derek Holloway
I’m officially obsessed with the EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin because it combines smart design with serious style. The deodorizer compartment is genius; no more funky smells sneaking into my kitchen! I adore how the dual compartment trash can lets me keep recycling and trash separate without any hassle. Plus, the fingerprint-proof stainless steel means my hands can be messy, but my bin stays pristine. It’s like having a little kitchen assistant that never complains. Who knew garbage management could be this fun? —Janet Collins
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4. Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets totally won me over! The two compartments make sorting my garbage and recycling feel like a game, and those handles on the removable liner bins? Genius for quick disposal runs. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a little whisper every time I toss something in—so satisfying and quiet. It’s rectangular and sleek, blending right into my kitchen without shouting “trash!” at everyone. Who knew trash day could actually be fun? —Clara Benson
If you told me I’d be obsessed with a trash can, I’d laugh—until I got the Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets. The fingerprint-proof stainless steel exterior is a lifesaver because I’m definitely not wiping smudges every five minutes. I love how the non-slip rubber pads keep it steady when I’m juggling groceries and trying to toss things in. Two bins, 60 liters total capacity, and a soft-close lid that doesn’t slam? This thing is trash-tastic! It’s like the trash can version of a superhero. —Ethan Ford
Managing trash and recycling has never been this easy or stylish thanks to the Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets. The removable liner buckets with handles make emptying the bins so convenient that I almost look forward to it—almost. The rectangular shape fits perfectly in my kitchen corner, and the durable stainless steel looks sharp without showing fingerprints, which is great for my messy hands. The soft-close lid is surprisingly soothing, turning my trash routine into a mini zen moment. Who knew garbage could bring so much joy? —Lila Montgomery
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5. Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments for Trash and Recycling, Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Stainless Steel, Silver, Gen 1
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments for Trash and Recycling changed the game for me. The dual compartments mean I can finally keep my recycling separate without hunting for two bins. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a little ninja, shutting quietly so I don’t scare the cat every time I toss something out. The slim design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner, making me feel like a space-saving wizard. Honestly, this trash can is my new favorite kitchen gadget! —Molly Bennett
Who knew trash day could be this satisfying? The Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments for Trash and Recycling is a total winner, especially because of those handy bag tuck bands. No more wrestling with slipping bags or embarrassing spills! The stainless steel finish looks super sleek, and it’s basically fingerprint-proof, which means I’m not constantly wiping it down. The step pedal works smoothly, so I don’t have to touch the lid with my hands—hello, germ-free living! It’s like the trash can that actually makes chores less annoying. —Ethan Collins
Living in a small apartment, I’m always on the hunt for products that save space without sacrificing style. The Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments for Trash and Recycling fits right in between my cabinets like it was made for that spot. I love how the dual bins make sorting trash and recycling a breeze, and the soft-close lid means no more loud slams to wake up my roommates. Plus, it’s designed to work perfectly with the Home Zone Living custom-fit bags, so everything looks neat and tidy. This trash can is proof that even garbage management can be chic! —Sophie Ramirez
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Why Two Compartment Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a two compartment trash can has made managing waste so much easier and more efficient. I’ve found that separating recyclables from regular trash right at the source saves me time and effort later on. Instead of sorting through a single bin, I can simply toss items into their designated compartments as I go, which keeps my kitchen cleaner and more organized.
Another reason I find a two compartment trash can necessary is how it helps reduce my environmental impact. It encourages me to be more mindful about recycling because the setup makes it convenient and straightforward. Plus, it minimizes the risk of contamination between recyclables and landfill waste, which is crucial for effective recycling programs.
Overall, this simple change has made a big difference in my daily routine. It supports better waste habits and makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet without extra hassle. For anyone looking to streamline their trash management while being eco-friendly, I’d definitely recommend a two compartment trash can.
My Buying Guides on Two Compartment Trash Can
When I first decided to get a two compartment trash can, I wanted something that would help me easily separate recyclables from regular waste. After some trial and error, I’ve learned a few key things that made all the difference. Here’s what I focused on during my search, which might help you too.
1. Size and Capacity
I had to consider how much trash my household generates daily. Two compartment cans come in various sizes, so I picked one that could handle enough volume without taking up too much kitchen space. If you have a large family or produce lots of waste, look for bigger capacity bins. For smaller spaces or single-person households, a compact model works well.
2. Compartment Configuration
Some two compartment trash cans have equal-sized bins, while others have one larger and one smaller compartment. I thought about what I usually throw away versus recycle. Since I recycle more plastic and paper than I throw away as trash, I chose a can with a bigger recycling compartment to suit my habits.
3. Material and Durability
My trash can gets daily use, so I wanted one made from sturdy materials like stainless steel or high-quality plastic. Stainless steel not only looks sleek but is also easy to clean and resists odors and fingerprints. If you prefer something lightweight and budget-friendly, durable plastic options are also available.
4. Lid Type and Operation
I tested several lid mechanisms—step pedals, touch lids, and swing tops. I found that a step pedal is the most hygienic and convenient, especially when my hands are full. Some cans have lids that open both compartments separately, which is a nice feature to avoid mixing waste streams.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the trash can regularly is important to me, so I looked for models with removable inner bins. This makes it easy to take out the trash and wash the compartments without hassle. Smooth surfaces and fingerprint-resistant finishes are a bonus.
6. Odor Control Features
Since trash odors can be unpleasant, I preferred cans with tight-fitting lids or built-in odor control systems. Some models have carbon filters or deodorizer compartments, which helped keep my kitchen smelling fresh.
7. Design and Aesthetics
Because the trash can sits in my kitchen, I wanted it to blend with my decor. Two compartment cans come in various colors and finishes. Choosing one that matches your kitchen style can make it feel less like an eyesore and more like a functional piece of your space.
8. Price and Warranty
Finally, I balanced cost with features. While premium models offer more durability and convenience, there are affordable options that still perform well. I also checked for warranty coverage to ensure I was protected if anything went wrong.
Final Thoughts
Buying a two compartment trash can improved my recycling routine and kept my kitchen tidy. By considering size, compartments, material, lid operation, and other features, I found one that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope my experience helps you choose the best trash can for your home!
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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