Best 26 Gallon Dual Compartment Trash Can: Top 9 Picks (November 2026)
The best 26 gallon dual compartment trash cans include the SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular (best overall), the SONGMICS Trash Can for easy cleaning, and the Lovewind Trash Can for wide kitchens.
On this page (9 sections)
- The best dual compartment trash cans for kitchens that sort at the source
- How these dual compartment trash cans were compared
- What should you measure before buying a 26 gallon dual compartment trash can?
- Which split works better: two equal buckets or an uneven one?
- Which lid and pedal setup keeps a dual can easy to use?
- How many trash bags will a dual compartment can use?
- Where does a dual compartment can fit in a small kitchen?
- Which dual compartment trash can is best for a family?
- Verdict
The best 26 gallon dual compartment trash can for most kitchens is the SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular, because two 30 liter color-coded buckets, a soft-close lid and a built-in odor filter cover daily sorting in one footprint. If you want the full 26 gallon split between two 13 gallon buckets, the Lovewind 2 x 13 gallon is the closest match.
The name is a little misleading. Most "26 gallon dual compartment trash can" models split that total into two buckets of about 13 gallons each.
A few use smaller splits like 8 plus 8 or 10.5 plus 10.5 gallons and still land near 16 to 21 gallons total.
That matters when you compare cans. Check the per-bucket liters, not just the headline capacity.
Then look at the pedal and lid, because those decide how often you touch the can with your hands.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for quiet kitchensCheck it - 5
Check itsimplehuman 58 L Step Recycler
Best for curbside recycling - 6
Check itLovewind Dual Trash and Recycling Bins
Best true 26 gallon split - 7
Check itEKO EcoCasa II Dual Recycling Can
Best odor control - 8
Check itSIMPLI-Magic 21 Gal Dual Step Can
Best for big households - 9
Check itAmazon Basics Dual Recycling Can
Best simple setup
The best dual compartment trash cans for kitchens that sort at the source
The top pick handles trash and recycling in one spot with the least fuss, while the other cans here win on a specific need like easy cleaning, curbside trips or extra capacity. Choose by the job your kitchen does most.
SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular: Best overall
- Two 30 liter color-coded buckets
- Soft-close lid with stay-open lock
- Built-in odor filter
- Brushed stainless steel
Two 30 liter buckets split waste from recycling, and a built-in filter helps with kitchen smells. The foot pedal and soft-close lid keep daily use hands-free.
Pros
- Color-coded green and black buckets
- Built-in odor filter
- Lid lock holds it open for longer chores
Cons
- Smaller split than a true 26 gallon pair
The SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 liter is the strongest all-round pick for a household that already sorts. Two 30 liter buckets come color-coded green for recycling and black for trash, so each bag has an obvious home.
The bag cinch holds standard liners in place without a custom bag order.
Its built-in filter sits in the lid and helps with kitchen smells between bag changes. The steel pedal opens the lid hands-free, and the soft-close mechanism brings it down quietly so a late-night trip to the bin does not echo through the house.
An extended lid lock holds the can open when you are scraping plates or breaking down boxes. The brushed stainless finish naturally hides fingerprints and smudges, so it stays presentable in a busy kitchen.
At 19.3 by 14.8 by 26.4 inches its footprint fits narrow gaps beside a cabinet run. The trade-off is a 16 gallon total split, smaller than the true 26 gallon models, and at 15 pounds it is light enough that a full bag can make it feel top-heavy.
Buy it if you want a quiet, filtered, one-spot sorting station and can live with a slightly smaller split.
SONGMICS Trash Can: Best for easy cleaning
- Two removable inner buckets with handles
- Soft-close lid opens about 80 degrees
- 15 trash bags included
- Powder-coated stainless steel
The two plastic inner buckets lift out by their handles, so a broken bag is easy to clean up. A pedal and soft-close lid keep the routine hands-free.
Pros
- Removable buckets with handles
- 15 bags in the box
- Lid opens about 80 degrees without hitting the wall
Cons
- Two plastic inner buckets add a step at bag change time
SONGMICS suits the household that has dealt with a torn bag and wants an easier cleanup next time. Two removable plastic buckets with inner handles lift straight out, so you can carry the whole bucket to the bin and wipe the shell.
A broken bag that spills stays inside the bucket instead of running down the steel.
The lid opens about 80 degrees, which SONGMICS notes is enough to clear a wall without bumping it. Fifteen trash bags ship in the box, so the first month of sorting needs no extra shopping.
The rigid steel body is powder coated rather than brushed, so it takes knocks well but shows fewer of the soft highlights of the other steel cans here.
Its 16 gallon split is the same total as the SIMPLI-MAGIC, so the choice between them comes down to removable buckets versus the built-in odor filter. This can has no filter, and the two inner buckets add a step at every bag change.
This is the pick for renters and families who value cleaning speed over smell control. The pedal and soft-close lid keep daily use quiet.
Lovewind Trash Can: Best for wide kitchens
- Two 10.5 gallon buckets
- Independent pedals per side
- 90 degree stay-open lid
- Stainless steel body
Separate pedals open each side on its own, which keeps recycling away from food waste. The 21 gallon split leaves more room than the 16 gallon cans here.
Pros
- Independent pedals stop cross-contamination
- Lid locks open at 90 degrees
- More capacity than the 16 gallon picks
Cons
- Longer footprint than the 16 gallon cans
Lovewind's 21 gallon can is the pick when two people in the house sort different things. Independent pedals open each side on its own, so someone tossing food waste never opens the recycling side.
The pedal is rated for over 200,000 presses, which is more than 20 steps a day for 30 years.
The 90 degree stay-open lid locks when you lift it slightly, and a ring on the lid makes it easier to grab. The steel body has a brushed finish and removable buckets for easy emptying, and the lids seal to keep odors in.
Its 25.3 by 15.8 inch footprint is wider than the 16 gallon cans here. That extra width buys the larger 10.5 gallon buckets and the twin pedals.
Measure the gap beside your counter first, since the lid also needs room to rise.
Two pedals also mean two mechanisms to keep clean. Wipe around each pedal base when you clean the floor, and check that neither lid is resting against a cabinet that stops it from sealing.
Choose it for a kitchen where sorting is shared between several people and the floor space allows a wider can.
SONGMICS Trash Can: Best for quiet kitchens
- Soft-close lids with 90 degree stay-open
- Reinforced metal pedals
- Two inner buckets with side handles
- 15 bin liners included
Each lid shuts silently and can hold open at 90 degrees while you cook. The black stainless finish and included liners make it a neat fit for dark kitchens.
Pros
- Silent close on both lids
- Side handles help move the bin
- 15 liners in the box
Cons
- Black finish may clash with light kitchens
This second SONGMICS model is the quiet one. Soft-close lids on both sides shut without a slam, and each lid holds open at 90 degrees while you cook or clean, then seals firmly to keep odors in and pets out.
The black stainless finish suits dark cabinets and hides smudges better than a bright steel body. Reinforced metal pedals are tested for 180,000 steps, so daily opening should stay smooth.
The steel resists rust and scratches, and non-slip pads keep the base from sliding on tile.
Two inner buckets with side handles lift out for sorting and cleaning, and 15 liners rated for the 30 liter buckets are included. Its 24.6 inch height helps under a deep window or beside a low cabinet.
SONGMICS asks for about 2 inches behind the can so the lid clears the wall.
The trade-off against the SIMPLI-MAGIC is the missing odor filter. If kitchen smells are your main concern, the filter matters more than the black finish.
Pick it for a quiet, dark-toned kitchen where you want both lids to close softly.
simplehuman 58 L Step Recycler: Best for curbside recycling
- Liner rim system on the trash side
- Handled recycling bucket lifts out
- Liner pocket stores 20 liners
- Lid Shox silent close
The recycling side has a handled bucket you carry straight to the curb. A liner rim and liner pocket on the trash side speed up bag changes.
Pros
- Handled bucket for curbside trips
- 20 spare liners store inside the can
- 10-year warranty from simplehuman
Cons
- Premium tier
- Recycling side takes no liner
simplehuman's 58 liter step recycler is the pick if you carry recycling to the curb yourself. The recycling side has a handled bucket that lifts straight out and goes to the outdoor bin, so cans and bottles do not spill on the way.
On the trash side, the liner rim grips the bag and hides it, which frees about 25 percent more space and speeds up changes. A liner pocket inside the can holds 20 spare liners so you are never hunting for a bag, and the trash side takes Code H custom liners.
The 150,000-step steel pedal and Lid Shox silent close are the build details that justify the premium tier, and the dent-proof plastic lid holds up to daily knocks. simplehuman backs it with a 10-year warranty.
Two trade-offs: the recycling side takes no liner, so rinse it now and then, and the 15.3 gallon split is smaller than the Lovewind 26 gallon model. Its footprint is longer than the 16 gallon cans here.
Choose it for a home with curbside pickup and a spot where the premium build pays off daily.
Lovewind Dual Trash and Recycling Bins: Best true 26 gallon split
- Two 13 gallon buckets
- Stainless steel lid
- Soft-close hinges
- Reinforced steel pedal
Two 13 gallon buckets give this can the full 26 gallon split the search asks for. The stainless lid and soft-close hinges keep it quiet and tidy.
Pros
- Full 26 gallon capacity in two 13 gallon buckets
- Fits standard 13 gallon bags
- Stainless lid instead of plastic
Cons
- Longest footprint here at 28.2 in
If you searched for a 26 gallon dual compartment trash can and meant 26 gallons total, this Lovewind is the literal answer. Two 13 gallon buckets give the full split, and both take standard 13 gallon kitchen bags, so no custom liner order.
The lid is stainless steel rather than plastic, which should hold up better over years of use and will not crack the way thin plastic lids can. Soft-close hydraulic hinges keep it quiet at night, and the reinforced pedal is rated for 200,000 presses, which Lovewind frames as over 10 years for a family of four to six.
At 28.2 inches long it is the longest can in this group, and it stands 25.5 inches tall with the lid open reaching 38.3 inches. That length is the price of the bigger buckets.
Check the wall run beside your cabinets before you order.
The two 13 gallon sides suit a family that fills both streams evenly. If your trash side fills faster than recycling, the EKO split below is the better match.
Buy it when the headline 26 gallon figure is what you actually need.
EKO EcoCasa II Dual Recycling Can: Best odor control
- 36 L + 24 L color-coded bins
- Deodorizer compartment
- Cantilever pedal rated for 200,000 steps
- Fingerprint-resistant steel
The 36 liter trash side takes more waste than the 24 liter recycling side, matching how most homes fill each. A deodorizer compartment adds smell control.
Pros
- Uneven split suits homes that make more trash than recycling
- Deodorizer compartment
- Carry handles on the outer body
Cons
- Fixed split cannot be swapped
EKO's EcoCasa II splits unevenly on purpose: 36 liters for trash and 24 liters for recycling. Most homes fill trash faster than recycling, so the bigger trash side matches real use.
Two color-coded inner bins make the split obvious at a glance.
A deodorizer compartment adds smell control beyond a lid seal, and the reinforced steel lids close with built-in dampers for a whisper-quiet finish. The cantilever pedal is rated for 200,000 steps, and the brushed steel body resists fingerprints and smudges.
Ergonomic side handles on the outer body let you move the whole can for floor cleaning, and both inner buckets have carry handles. At 20.7 by 14.7 by 25.9 inches it is a compact footprint, and at 13.1 pounds it is the lightest full-size can here.
The fixed split is the trade-off. If your household recycles more than it throws away, the 24 liter side will fill first and the 36 liter side will sit half empty.
Choose it for a home that makes more trash than recycling and wants extra odor control.
SIMPLI-Magic 21 Gal Dual Step Can: Best for big households
- Two 40 liter buckets
- Soft-close single lid
- Built-in odor filter holder
- Fingerprint-resistant steel
Two 40 liter buckets give this can more total room than the 16 gallon picks here. A single soft-close lid covers both sides and stays open for longer cleanup jobs.
Pros
- Most capacity in this group
- Odor filter holder in the lid
- Lid stays open during chores
Cons
- Single lid opens both sides at once
SIMPLI-Magic's 21 gallon can has two 40 liter buckets. That 21 gallon total holds less than the 26 gallon Lovewind but more than the 16 to 21 gallon picks it outranks here, and the brushed stainless body hides grease and fingerprints.
A single soft-close lid covers both sides, closes in under 3 seconds, and stays open for longer cleanup sessions. The lid has a filter holder for standard carbon filters, which helps between bag changes, and the pedal is calibrated for light pressure so it opens without a hard stomp.
The single lid is also the trade-off. Opening one side exposes the other, so food waste and recycling share the same air every time.
That matters if you compost or keep food scraps in the trash side.
At 26.5 by 15.6 by 25 inches it is wide and long, so plan the spot carefully. The inner buckets lift out by their handles for emptying, and trash bags are sold separately.
Buy it for a large family that fills both streams quickly and does not mind one shared lid.
Amazon Basics Dual Recycling Can: Best simple setup
- Two 7.9 gallon liner buckets
- Soft-close lid
- Fingerprint-proof stainless steel
- Non-slip rubber pads
A straightforward two-bucket can with removable liners and a soft-close lid. The manual lid means no pedal to maintain, but your hands do the lifting.
Pros
- Removable liner buckets with handles
- Non-slip pads keep it in place
- Lowest height in this group
Cons
- No step pedal
- Smallest split per side here
Amazon Basics keeps it simple. Two 7.9 gallon liner buckets sit inside a fingerprint-proof steel shell, and a soft-close lid shuts quietly.
Handles on the liner bins let you lift them out to empty and wipe them.
The manual lift means no pedal to clean or wear out, but your hands do the opening. Non-slip rubber pads hold the can in place on tile and wood floors, so it will not skate when you pull a full bag out.
At 23.7 inches tall it is the lowest can here, so it fits under more obstructions than the taller picks. The 15.9 gallon total split is the smallest in this group, and at 18 pounds it stays stable when one side is empty.
This is the budget-friendly entry point for someone testing whether sorting at the source works in their kitchen. If it does, the pedal cans above are the upgrade.
Pick it for a small kitchen or a first sorting setup where a manual lid is fine.
How these dual compartment trash cans were compared
We started with the bucket split, because the "26 gallon" label hides very different layouts. Then we weighed the lid and pedal build, since those decide daily convenience.
We checked each can's stated capacity per side against the bag sizes it takes. A can that needs custom liners costs more to run than one that takes standard 13 gallon bags.
Cans with removable inner buckets also got a nod, because a split bag is a real kitchen event.
Footprint came next. A dual can has to fit the gap beside your cabinets and still leave room behind for the lid to swing.
We noted the length and width of every pick, plus the height with the lid up where the maker lists it.
Finally we looked at the extras: odor filters, stay-open lids, removable buckets, pedal ratings and warranty. Each pick above earns its badge from one of those details rather than from its price.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (L x W x H) | Opening | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular | overall | 60 liters (16 gallons) | 19.3 x 14.8 x 26.4 in | Step pedal | 9.7 |
| SONGMICS Trash Can | easy cleaning | 16 gallons | 23.2 x 14.4 x 25.6 in | Step pedal | 9.6 |
| Lovewind Trash Can | wide kitchens | 21 gallons | 25.3 x 15.8 x 25.2 in | Twin step pedals | 8.9 |
| SONGMICS Trash Can | quiet kitchens | 16 gallons | 23.2 x 14.3 x 24.6 in | Step pedal | 8.7 |
| simplehuman 58 L Step Recycler | curbside recycling | 58 liters (15.3 gallons) | 14.2 x 22 x 25.8 in | Step pedal | 8.5 |
| Lovewind Dual Trash and Recycling Bins | true 26 gallon split | 26 gallons | 28.2 x 15 x 25.5 in | Step pedal | 8.2 |
| EKO EcoCasa II Dual Recycling Can | odor control | 60 liters (16 gallons) | 20.7 x 14.7 x 25.9 in | Cantilever step pedal | 8.0 |
| SIMPLI-Magic 21 Gal Dual Step Can | big households | 21 gallons | 26.5 x 15.6 x 25 in | Step pedal | 7.6 |
| Amazon Basics Dual Recycling Can | simple setup | 60 liters (15.9 gallons) | 22.8 x 14.2 x 23.7 in | Manual lift | 7.6 |
What should you measure before buying a 26 gallon dual compartment trash can?
Measure the gap beside your cabinets and the height under any overhang first. Most dual compartment cans here stand about 24 to 26 inches tall and run 14 to 28 inches wide.
Leave at least 2 inches behind the can so the lid clears the wall when it opens. SONGMICS notes this for its dual model.
The same clearance helps the stay-open lid lock properly, and it gives the lid room to seal when it comes back down.
Check the door width on the way in. A 28 inch can will not pass through a 26 inch doorway upright, so plan to tip it or unpack it outside.
Also check the lid height with the lid open, since a stay-open lid can reach about 38 inches.
Which split works better: two equal buckets or an uneven one?
Two equal buckets suit homes that recycle about as much as they throw away. The Lovewind 2 x 13 gallon and the two SONGMICS cans use this layout.
An uneven split suits homes that make more trash than recycling. EKO's 36 plus 24 liter layout is built for that pattern.
SIMPLI-MAGIC's 30 plus 30 liter split sits in between.
Pick by what your household actually fills. An equal split that leaves one side half empty wastes the space you paid for, and an uneven split that fills the recycling side first means carrying bags out sooner.
Two 13 gallon buckets
Choose this if you want the full 26 gallon total and standard bags fit both sides. Lovewind's 2 x 13 gallon model is the closest match.
One larger and one smaller bucket
Choose this if food waste and packaging fill faster than recyclables. EKO's 36 liter trash side takes the bigger share.
Two 30 liter buckets
Choose this for a balanced split that is slightly smaller than a true 26 gallon pair. The SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 liter uses this layout.
Which lid and pedal setup keeps a dual can easy to use?
A step pedal with a soft-close lid is the easiest daily setup. It keeps your hands off the lid and stops the slam that wakes a quiet kitchen.
Independent pedals are the better choice for households that sort a lot. Each side opens on its own, so the recycling stays covered when you only have food waste.
A single lid covering both sides is simpler and often cheaper. It also means both sides share the same air every time you open the can.
Separate pedals for each side
Lovewind's 21 gallon can is the pick here. Its twin pedals stop cross-contamination between trash and recycling.
One pedal with a single lid
SIMPLI-Magic's 21 gallon model uses this setup. It is fine for a family that opens both sides together anyway.
Manual lift lid
Amazon Basics takes this route. It saves a pedal mechanism to clean and wear out, but you touch the lid every time.
How many trash bags will a dual compartment can use?
A dual can uses one bag per side at every change, so a two-bucket can goes through bags about twice as fast as a single can of the same total size. Plan for that in your bag budget.
Most of these cans take standard 13 gallon kitchen bags. A 30 liter bucket is close to 8 gallons, so a 13 gallon bag fits with room to spare.
A 40 or 50 liter bucket will need the bag stretched over the rim, which is workable but not snug.
Custom liner systems like simplehuman's Code H fit better but cost more. The trade-off is a bag that stays put without bunching.
Some cans ship with 15 liners, which covers the first few weeks.
Standard bags versus custom liners
Standard 13 gallon bags fit the Lovewind 2 x 13 gallon, the SONGMICS cans and the SIMPLI-MAGIC models. simplehuman's liner rim works best with its own Code H liners, and its recycling side needs no bag at all.
Bucket size versus bag size
Check each bucket's liter figure against the bag you already buy. A 40 liter bucket holds more than a 13 gallon bag, so the bag may need stretching over the rim.
A 30 liter bucket is the friendlier size for standard bags.
Where does a dual compartment can fit in a small kitchen?
A dual can needs a spot about 15 inches deep and 20 to 28 inches wide, so a corner or the end of a cabinet run is the usual home. A narrow model like the SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 liter at 14.8 inches wide fits more gaps.
Under-counter spots are usually too short. For that space, an under sink trash can is the better fit than any dual can here.
If your kitchen has room for a separate recycling bin instead, a kitchen trash can with recycling gives you more layout options.
Beside the cabinets
This is the easiest spot. Leave 2 inches behind the can and enough room on the pedal side for your foot.
In a corner
A rectangular can tucks into a corner better than a round one. Check the lid swing against both walls before you commit.
On wheels
Some kitchens move the can for floor cleaning. If wheels matter more than a dual split, a 13 gallon kitchen trash can with wheels is the simpler buy.
Which dual compartment trash can is best for a family?
The best dual compartment can for a family balances capacity with a lid setup that stays clean. SIMPLI-Magic's 21 gallon model gives the most room, but its single lid opens both sides at once.
Lovewind's 21 gallon twin-pedal can is the better family pick when several people sort different things. Each person opens only the side they need, and the 200,000-step pedal rating is built for heavy traffic.
For a smaller family or a couple, the 16 gallon SIMPLI-MAGIC is enough and takes less floor space. Our 13 gallon trash can for kitchen guide covers the single-bucket options if one stream is all you need.
Verdict
For most kitchens, buy the SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular. Its two 30 liter color-coded buckets, soft-close lid and built-in odor filter make a 26 gallon dual compartment trash can easy to live with, and its narrow footprint fits more gaps.
If the full 26 gallon split is the priority, choose the Lovewind 2 x 13 gallon. For curbside recycling, the simplehuman 58 L step recycler earns its premium.
For the most total room and a family that sorts together, SIMPLI-Magic's 21 gallon can is the biggest option here.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
Is a 26 gallon dual compartment trash can really 26 gallons per side?
No. A 26 gallon dual compartment trash can splits its total capacity between two buckets, so each side holds about 13 gallons.
Some cans labeled 26 gallon pair two 13 gallon buckets, while others run smaller splits like 8 plus 8 or 10.5 plus 10.5 gallons.
What size trash bags fit a dual compartment can?
Most 26 gallon dual compartment cans take standard 13 gallon kitchen bags, one per side. Check each bucket's liter size against the bag code, since some buckets are 30 liters and some are 40 or 50 liters.
Bags that fit a 13 gallon can usually fit a 50 liter bucket.
Do dual compartment trash cans keep recycling separate from food waste?
Yes, as long as the buckets are separate and each has its own lid or pedal. Cans with independent pedals stop you from opening the recycling side when you only have food waste.
Cans with one shared lid expose both sides every time.
How wide is a 26 gallon dual compartment trash can?
Widths run from about 14 to 28 inches depending on the split and the shape. A 2 x 13 gallon model tends to be the widest because each bucket is large.
Measure the gap beside your cabinets before buying, and leave a couple of inches behind for the lid to open.
Can a dual compartment can go under a counter or in a pull-out cabinet?
Only if its height and depth clear the opening. Most dual compartment cans here stand about 24 to 26 inches tall, which is taller than most under-counter spaces.
For a cabinet spot, a dedicated pull-out can is the better fit.
Why do some dual compartment cans cost more than others?
Price tracks the lid and pedal build. Cans with stainless lids, rated pedals and liner systems cost more than models with plastic inner buckets and a manual lid.
The extra money buys quieter closing and easier bag changes.
