8 Best Kitchen Trash Cans With a Recycling Bin (October 2026)
The best kitchen trash cans with recycling bins include the simplehuman 90 L Step Recycler for high-volume sorting, the simplehuman 58 L Step Recycler for a compact premium setup, and the EKO EcoCasa II Dual Recycling Can for removable inner bins.
On this page (8 sections)
- How we chose kitchen trash cans with recycling
- The best kitchen trash cans with a recycling bin
- How do you choose the right dual-bin capacity?
- Are removable buckets useful in a kitchen recycler?
- Should you choose a pedal or manual lid?
- How can you keep a kitchen recycling can easy to use?
- Which kitchen trash can with recycling should you pick?
- Frequently asked questions
The best kitchen trash can with recycling depends on how much space and capacity you need. The simplehuman 90 L Step Recycler is the top pick for large kitchens, while the Lovewind 13 + 6 Gal suits households that produce more trash than recycling.
A dual can keeps both waste streams in one place, but the compartment split matters. Measure the floor area and check whether you want a pedal, removable buckets, or a lid you lift by hand.
For broader kitchen options, see our kitchen trash can guide. If the can will sit inside a cabinet, start with measuring cabinet space for a trash can.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itAmazon Basics Dual Recycling Can
Best for simple two-bin sorting - 5
Check itSIMPLI-Magic 21 Gal Dual Step Can
Best for equal large compartments - 6
Best for equal 13 gallon sidesCheck it - 7
Best for more trash than recyclingCheck it - 8
Best for a modest footprintCheck it
How we chose kitchen trash cans with recycling
We compared capacity, compartment layout, opening style, bucket access and listed dimensions against the needs of households sorting waste at home. The score weighs those features and buyer feedback against the search for a practical kitchen trash can with recycling.
A larger total capacity can reduce how often you empty the bins, but it also takes more floor space. Equal compartments make sense when trash and recycling volumes are similar; an uneven split can be more useful when one side fills much faster.
The opening method affects daily use. Pedals let you open a can while your hands are busy, while a manual lid can be a simpler fit if you do not need hands-free access.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Dimensions | Opening | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman 90 L Step Recycler | high-volume sorting | 90 L total, 45 L per side | 31.9 x 13.3 x 25.8 in | Step-on | 8.8 |
| simplehuman 58 L Step Recycler | a compact premium setup | 58 L total | 14.2 x 22 x 25.8 in | Step-on | 8.5 |
| EKO EcoCasa II Dual Recycling Can | removable inner bins | 60 L total, split 36 L + 24 L | 20.7 x 14.7 x 25.9 in | Step-on | 8.0 |
| Amazon Basics Dual Recycling Can | simple two-bin sorting | 60 L total, 2 x 7.9 gal | 22.9 x 14.1 x 23.8 in | Manual-lift lid | 7.6 |
| SIMPLI-Magic 21 Gal Dual Step Can | equal large compartments | 80 L total, 40 L per side | 26.5 x 15.6 x 25 in | Step-on | 7.6 |
| Lovewind 2 x 13 Gal Dual Can | equal 13 gallon sides | 26 gal total, 13 gal per side | 28.2 x 15 x 25.5 in | Step-on | 7.4 |
| Lovewind 13 + 6 Gal Dual Can | more trash than recycling | 19 gal total, split 13 gal + 6 gal | 24.3 x 12.4 x 24 in | Step-on | 7.3 |
| NEWBULIG 16 Gal Dual Can | a modest footprint | 16 gal total, 8 gal per side | 19 x 14.7 x 26.5 in | Step-on | 6.9 |
The best kitchen trash cans with a recycling bin
These picks cover large, equal and uneven compartment layouts, plus both pedal and manual lid styles. Check the measurements against the spot where the can will stand.
simplehuman 90 L Step Recycler: Best for high-volume sorting
- 90 L total capacity
- Two 45 L cans
- Liner pockets on both sides
- Handled recycling bucket
Two large cans make room for a busy household's trash and recycling, while liner pockets store liners inside both sides. It needs a long, narrow stretch of floor space.
Pros
- Large capacity split evenly between cans
- Liner pockets on both sides
- Handled bucket on recycling side
Cons
- Wide overall footprint
- Premium feature set may be more than a small household needs
The simplehuman 90 L Step Recycler is the strongest fit for a high-volume kitchen that sorts at the source. Its two 45 L cans give trash and recycling equal capacity, so neither side is restricted to a small secondary compartment.
Both cans use a liner rim system without inner buckets, and the recycling side has a handled bucket for carrying recyclables. Built-in liner pockets hold liners inside each can, while the steel pedals and Lid Shox controlled-close lids are designed for repeated daily use.
Its 31.9 in length is the main space consideration. Measure the full stretch of floor and allow room to open the lids before choosing this large sorting station.
Pick it for a busy household that wants equal, generous capacity and internal liner storage. For a smaller option from the same brand, compare it with the simplehuman 50 liter step can.
simplehuman 58 L Step Recycler: Best for a compact premium setup
- 58 L dual compartments
- Handled recycling bucket
- Liner pocket
- 150,000-step steel pedal
This recycler combines a trash side and a lift-out recycling bucket in one footprint. Its soft-close plastic lid keeps the body lighter in appearance than an all-steel lid.
Pros
- Recycling bucket has a carry handle
- Liner pocket stores up to 20 liners
- Steel pedal and Lid Shox soft-close
Cons
- Recycling side uses a bucket rather than a liner
- Plastic lid may not suit buyers seeking an all-steel look
The simplehuman 58 L Step Recycler fits buyers who want a dual setup with less total capacity than the 90 L model. It has one trash side with a liner rim and a handled bucket for recycling, all in a single rectangular unit.
Its steel pedal is engineered for 150,000 steps, and Lid Shox controls the soft close on its plastic lid. The built-in liner pocket holds up to 20 liners, and the recycling bucket lifts out by its handle for disposal.
The split is not equal: the recycling side uses a bucket, while the trash side takes a liner. That layout can work well when recyclables are carried out in batches, but check whether the bucket volume suits your routine.
Choose it for a compact premium sorting setup with easy bucket removal. See how the brand's foot-pedal format compares in our simplehuman 50 liter step can review.
EKO EcoCasa II Dual Recycling Can: Best for removable inner bins
- 60 L total capacity
- 36 L and 24 L compartments
- Two color-coded inner bins
- Soft-close lids
Two color-coded removable buckets make it simple to lift each waste stream out separately. Its 36 L trash side is larger than the 24 L recycling side.
Pros
- Two removable, color-coded buckets
- Quiet-close lids
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
Cons
- Uneven compartment sizes
- Wider than some single-bin cans
The EKO EcoCasa II suits kitchens where removable buckets and clear separation are priorities. Its 36 L trash side and 24 L recycling side are color coded, so the two streams are easy to distinguish.
Each bucket lifts out with a carry handle, and the outer body also has side handles for moving the unit during cleaning. The stainless steel exterior is fingerprint resistant, while the lids are designed for quiet closing.
At about 20.7 in long and 14.7 in wide, it needs more width than the narrowest picks here. Its uneven split favors households that make more trash than recycling.
Pick the EcoCasa II if you want two removable inner bins and a larger trash side. If you are weighing a freestanding unit against a cabinet installation, read our pull-out vs freestanding trash can comparison.
Amazon Basics Dual Recycling Can: Best for simple two-bin sorting
- 60 L total capacity
- Two 7.9 gallon liner buckets
- Soft-close lid
- Non-slip rubber pads
Two equal removable buckets divide trash and recycling without a step pedal. The stainless steel exterior has a fingerprint-resistant finish.
Pros
- Equal-size removable buckets
- Soft-close lid
- Non-slip pads
Cons
- Manual-lift lid requires a free hand
- No step-on opening
The Amazon Basics Dual Recycling Can keeps the layout straightforward: two equal 7.9 gallon removable buckets under a manual-lift soft-close lid. That makes it a practical choice if you prefer not to use a pedal.
The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and smudges, and rubber pads help keep the unit in place on the floor. Its total capacity is 60 L, divided evenly between the buckets.
Because the lid opens by hand, you need a free hand to toss something away. That may be a drawback during cooking, but the manual opening can suit a household that values a simple lid mechanism.
Choose it for equal bins and manual access at a moderate size. Before deciding, compare the body dimensions with our guide to kitchen trash can sizes.
SIMPLI-Magic 21 Gal Dual Step Can: Best for equal large compartments
- 80 L total capacity
- Two 40 L buckets
- Hands-free pedal
- Stay-open lid mode
Two equal 40 L buckets offer substantial room for both waste streams. A filter holder and stay-open lid mode add practical options during cleanup.
Pros
- Large, evenly split capacity
- Hands-free opening
- Lid can stay open
Cons
- Large footprint
- Filter replacements are separate
The SIMPLI-Magic 21 Gal Dual Step Can offers two equal 40 L buckets for households that want plenty of room on both sides. Its step pedal opens the lid without hand contact, and the lid can stay open during longer cleanup jobs.
The brushed stainless steel exterior is described as fingerprint resistant. The lid has a filter holder for standard carbon filter replacements, and each removable bucket has handles for lifting.
At 26.5 in long and 15.6 in wide, this is one of the broadest choices in the group. Make sure the extra capacity fits your kitchen's available floor space.
Pick it when both trash and recycling fill quickly and you want equal compartments. For a smaller-capacity setup, compare the Lovewind 13 + 6 gallon dual can.
Lovewind 2 x 13 Gal Dual Can: Best for equal 13 gallon sides
- Two 13 gallon compartments
- Two removable buckets
- Soft-close lid
- Steel pedal
Equal-size compartments suit households that produce similar amounts of trash and recycling. Its long body needs a wide spot beside a cabinet or wall.
Pros
- Two equal 13 gallon buckets
- Removable buckets with handles
- Soft-close stainless steel lid
Cons
- Long footprint
- Both sides may be larger than needed when recycling volume is low
The Lovewind 2 x 13 Gal Dual Can makes sense when you want a full 13 gallons for each waste stream. Two removable buckets with handles make emptying either side a separate task.
Its soft-close stainless steel lid and step pedal support hands-free use. The rectangular body measures 28.2 in long and 15 in wide, so it needs a long place along a wall or cabinet run.
The equal split may be more capacity than needed if your household recycles less than it throws away. Check the height with the lid open as well as the closed dimensions before placing it under a counter or shelf.
Choose it for equal, large compartments and a steel lid. For other dual-bin layouts, see our under-sink and pull-out trash can picks.
Lovewind 13 + 6 Gal Dual Can: Best for more trash than recycling
- 13 gallon trash side
- 6 gallon recycling side
- Two removable buckets
- Magnetic labels
The smaller recycling compartment leaves more room for household trash. Magnetic labels help identify each side at a glance.
Pros
- Useful uneven capacity split
- Compact width
- Removable buckets with handles
Cons
- Six-gallon recycling side may fill quickly
- Check bag fit for the smaller compartment
The Lovewind 13 + 6 Gal Dual Can is designed for households that need a larger trash compartment and a smaller recycling side. Its 19 gallon total capacity divides into a 13 gallon main bin and a 6 gallon recycling bin.
Both buckets lift out with handles, and the brushed stainless steel body has a soft-close lid and step pedal. Magnetic labels help mark the two sides, and its 12.4 in width is relatively narrow for a dual can.
The smaller compartment can fill quickly if your household generates a lot of paper, bottles or cans. Check bag sizes for both buckets, since the two sides have different capacities.
Pick it if trash volume is higher than recycling volume and width is limited. The 13 gallon trash side also makes it useful to review how big a 13 gallon trash can is.
NEWBULIG 16 Gal Dual Can: Best for a modest footprint
- Two removable 8 gallon buckets
- Stay-open lid
- Soft-close mechanism
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
The two equal 8 gallon buckets provide a smaller sorting setup than the larger picks. A stay-open mode helps during food prep or repeated disposal.
Pros
- Compact overall length
- Two removable buckets
- Stay-open lid mode
Cons
- Less total capacity than the other picks
- Each side may need more frequent emptying
The NEWBULIG 16 Gal Dual Can offers two removable 8 gallon buckets in a compact dual-bin format. Its 19 in length is shorter than the other choices here, though it still needs 14.7 in of width and 26.5 in of height.
A step pedal opens the lid, which can stay open during prep or cleanup. The stainless steel exterior has a fingerprint-resistant finish, and the soft-close mechanism lowers the lid quietly.
Each bucket has the same capacity, so this layout suits households that want an even split but do not need 13 gallon compartments. The lower total capacity may mean more frequent emptying in a busy kitchen.
Choose it for modest sorting needs and a shorter footprint. If kitchen odors are part of your decision, see our guide to reducing kitchen trash can smells.
How do you choose the right dual-bin capacity?
Choose capacity by estimating how quickly each waste stream fills, then compare those amounts with the can's compartment sizes. A 13 + 6 gallon split favors more trash than recycling, while the 2 x 13 gallon Lovewind gives each side equal room.
The simplehuman 90 L has two 45 L sides, and the SIMPLI-Magic has two 40 L sides. Those larger layouts make sense if your household would otherwise empty a small recycling bin often.
Measure the footprint before choosing by capacity alone. Compare the unit's length, width and height with nearby cabinet doors, drawers and walkways.
Are removable buckets useful in a kitchen recycler?
Removable buckets make it easier to lift one waste stream out without moving the full outer can. They are especially helpful when you carry recycling to a collection point or want to rinse a bucket separately.
The EKO EcoCasa II and Amazon Basics models both have two removable buckets. The simplehuman models use different layouts: the 90 L version has a handled bucket on the recycling side, while the 58 L model also has a handled recycling bucket and a lined trash side.
Check whether each side uses a bucket or a liner, since that affects how you empty and bag it. If you're considering an under-counter solution, compare its clearances with our cabinet sizing guide.
Should you choose a pedal or manual lid?
Choose a pedal if you want to open the can with your foot while handling food or packaging. Most picks here use a step pedal, including the simplehuman, EKO, SIMPLI-Magic, and Lovewind models.
The Amazon Basics can uses a manual-lift lid, which requires a free hand. Its soft-close lid and non-slip pads may still suit a kitchen where hands-free access is not a priority.
Allow enough space for a lid to open fully. If the can will sit below a counter or shelf, compare the open height with the available clearance.
How can you keep a kitchen recycling can easy to use?
Keep the two sides clearly marked and place the bin where both household members and guests can reach it. Magnetic labels are included with the Lovewind 13 + 6 Gal can, while the EKO EcoCasa II uses color-coded buckets.
Empty the smaller side before it is packed tightly, since overfilled bins are harder to lift and sort. Wipe the exterior and bucket rims when changing bags to keep residue from building up.
If odors persist, routine cleaning and dry liners can help. Our kitchen trash can odor guide covers simple upkeep steps.
Which kitchen trash can with recycling should you pick?
Choose the simplehuman 90 L Step Recycler if you need large, equal compartments and liner storage built into both sides. Pick the 58 L simplehuman for a smaller premium setup, the EKO EcoCasa II for handled removable buckets, or the Lovewind 13 + 6 Gal when trash volume exceeds recycling.
Measure the spot and compare the compartment split with your household's routine before you decide. For more kitchen options, browse our best kitchen trash cans guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best kitchen trash can with a recycling bin?
The simplehuman 90 L Step Recycler is the top pick here for high-volume sorting because it has two 45 L sides and liner pockets in both cans. If that capacity is more than you need, consider the 58 L simplehuman or the 60 L EKO EcoCasa II.
Is a dual trash and recycling can worth it?
A dual can can save floor space compared with placing separate cans side by side, while keeping sorting near the point where waste is made. It is most useful when you have a clear spot for the unit and both compartments match your household's recycling needs.
Do dual recycling cans need special bags?
Some dual cans use standard bags, while others use brand-specific liners or different sizes on each side. Check the compartment layout and bag fit before buying, especially when the trash and recycling sides have different capacities.
How much space should you leave around a kitchen recycling bin?
Leave enough space for the can to stand without blocking a walkway, cabinet door or drawer. Also account for the lid's open height and the room needed to remove buckets or change liners.
Compare the dimensions with the actual placement area before choosing a model.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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