8 Best Kitchen Garbage Cans With Recycling (November 2026)
The best kitchen garbage cans with a recycling bin include the EKO EcoCasa Plus 2 x 10.6 Gal (best overall), the Simpli-Magic 18.5 Gallon for the biggest loads, and the Lovewind Dual Trash and Recycling Bins for for big families.
On this page (9 sections)
- The best kitchen garbage cans with recycling for each kitchen
- How the best dual trash and recycling cans compare
- How we compared these recycling trash cans
- What capacity split works for a family kitchen?
- Which dual trash can fits a narrow kitchen gap?
- How do you keep a dual trash and recycling bin from smelling?
- What size bags fit a dual kitchen garbage can with recycling?
- Are step-on lids worth it on a recycling trash can?
- Which recycling trash can should you buy?
The best kitchen garbage can with recycling for most homes is the EKO EcoCasa Plus 2 x 10.6 Gal, because its two equal 10.6-gallon buckets sort waste and recyclables without shortchanging either side. If your household fills a bin fast, the Simpli-Magic 18.5 Gallon adds a 40-liter trash side; if floor space is tight, a 2 x 8-gallon dual bin like the DUMOS is the smarter fit.
A dual-compartment bin does more than save a second container. It puts the recycling bucket at the same height and in the same reach as the trash, which is the whole point: you sort as you scrape a plate instead of walking a bottle to a second bin.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. We compared capacity splits, footprint, lid and pedal design, bucket handling and bag fit, then ranked each can by how well it handles a real kitchen routine.
For a wider look at this category, our roundup of the best kitchen trash can with recycling covers more options.
Our picks at a glance
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The best kitchen garbage cans with recycling for each kitchen
The EKO EcoCasa Plus is the strongest all-round pick for a normal family kitchen. Every other can here is the better choice for one specific job, so match the pick to the space and the load you bring home.
EKO EcoCasa Plus 2 x 10.6 Gal: Best overall
- Two 10.6-gallon inner buckets
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Soft-close dual lids
- Pedal rated for 200,000+ steps
Two equal buckets give trash and recycling the same room, so neither side fills first. The pedal and soft-close lids handle daily kitchen traffic.
Pros
- Equal 10.6-gallon compartments
- Pedal tested to 200,000+ steps
- Removable buckets with handles
Cons
- Widest cabinet in the top group
- Higher price tier than the 8-gallon duals
The EKO suits a household that produces roughly equal trash and recyclables. Two 10.6-gallon buckets mean the recycling side is not an afterthought bolted onto a big trash bin; each side gets a real 40-liter share.
Each inner bucket holds up to 24 bottles or 48 cans, according to EKO.
The pedal is built for heavy use. EKO says the stainless steel mechanism is engineered for over 200,000 open-and-close cycles, so a family stepping on it all day is inside the design brief.
Soft-close lids open wide without hitting counter edges and stay open while you scrape plates.
The cabinet measures 24.72 inches wide by 15.67 inches deep and 25 inches high. That is a real footprint, so measure the gap beside your counter before you commit.
The fingerprint-resistant brushed steel wipes down with a damp cloth.
The EKO's edge over the smaller duals is the even split, which keeps the recycling side usable instead of decorative. Its 80 liters also beats the 70 liters on the Simpli-Magic.
Simpli-Magic 18.5 Gallon: Best for the biggest loads
- 40L waste and 30L recycling split
- Slow-close single lid
- Built-in filter holder
- Lid lock stays open
A 40-liter trash side takes bulk waste while the 30-liter recycling side handles bottles and paper. A filter holder and a stay-open lock suit long sorting jobs.
Pros
- 40L trash side for bulk waste
- Built-in filter holder
- Lid lock for longer tasks
Cons
- One lid covers both compartments
- Trash bags sold separately
Simpli-Magic is the pick when volume matters more than symmetry. Its 40-liter trash side and 30-liter recycling side mean the trash half takes bulk waste like pizza boxes and takeout containers, while the recycling half still handles bottles and paper.
The total works out to 70 liters, or 18.5 gallons.
A single slow-close lid covers both compartments. A lid lock holds it open for longer chores like breaking down cardboard.
Simpli-Magic also builds in a filter holder for odor control, which matters more here than on the smaller bins because there is more waste sitting at once.
Color-coded liners in blue and green come with the can to make sorting obvious at a glance. Bags are sold separately, and the bin works with standard liners held by the bag cinch.
The trade-off against the EKO is the unequal split: the recycling side fills faster in a household that rinses a lot of containers. The cabinet is 23.8 inches long and weighs 22 pounds, so moving it for cleaning takes both hands.
Lovewind Dual Trash and Recycling Bins for: Best for big families
- 19-gallon trash and 8-gallon recycling split
- Soft-close lid with 90-degree stay-open
- Heavy-duty steel pedal
- Two magnetic sorting stickers
The 19-gallon main side swallows pizza boxes and bulk waste while the 8-gallon side keeps recyclables apart. It is the largest trash-to-recycling split here.
Pros
- 19-gallon trash side
- 90-degree stay-open lid
- Magnetic trash and recycle stickers
Cons
- Longest footprint in this roundup
- Recycling side is smaller than the trash side
Lovewind makes the largest dual can in this roundup at 27 gallons total. The 19-gallon trash side and 8-gallon recycling side suit a busy family that fills a bin quickly; Lovewind says the main side takes standard 20-gallon bags and the recycling side takes 8-gallon liners.
The lid opens to 90 degrees and stays there, which helps when you peel vegetables or sort a stack of containers with both hands. A hydraulic soft-close hinge keeps the lid from slamming, and the reinforced steel pedal is rated for up to 200,000 presses.
Two magnetic sorting stickers are included, so everyone in the house knows which side is which. The brushed steel body resists smudges and the two PP inner buckets have handles for lifting them out.
The trade-off is size. At 28.2 inches long, it needs the most cabinet clearance here, and the small 8-gallon recycling side fills faster than the trash side in a household that recycles heavily.
Pick a more even split if that describes you.
SUPER DEAL Kitchen Trash Can 16 Gallon: Best for wet and dry waste
- Two removable inner bins
- Independent lids per compartment
- Soft-close damper
- Stainless steel 410 body
Each compartment has its own lid and its own removable bin, so wet kitchen scraps and dry recyclables stay apart. Carry each bucket out separately on trash night.
Pros
- Independent lid per side
- Two removable bins with handles
- Narrow 12.8-inch depth
Cons
- 8-gallon sides need more frequent emptying
- Lighter stainless gauge than the top picks
SUPER DEAL suits a kitchen that separates wet scraps from dry recyclables. Its two removable inner bins each have their own lid, so coffee grounds or food scraps do not sit under the same lid as clean paper and cardboard.
You can lift each bucket out by its handle and carry it out separately.
The 16-gallon total splits into two 8-gallon sides. A damper makes the lid close slowly, and the stainless steel 410 body wipes clean with a damp cloth.
The bucket liners are shatter-resistant PP plastic.
At 12.8 inches deep, this is one of the narrower cans here, which helps if your gap is deep but shallow. The full cabinet runs 20.7 inches wide and 26.2 inches high.
The trade-off against the EKO and Simpli-Magic is capacity. Two 8-gallon sides mean more trips to the outside bin in a family kitchen.
It is the better pick when wet waste separation matters more than volume.
DUMOS Kitchen Trash Can: Best value dual bin
- Two 8-gallon inner buckets
- Soft-close pedal lid
- Fingerprint-resistant steel
- Pedal tested to 150,000+ steps
Two 8-gallon buckets split trash and recycling evenly at a modest footprint. The sealed lid contains odors and the steel pedal takes steady daily use.
Pros
- Even 8-gallon split
- Compact 19-inch length
- Odor-sealing lid
Cons
- Smaller total capacity than the EKO
- No stay-open lid lock
DUMOS is the value pick among the even-split duals. It gives you two 8-gallon buckets in a cabinet only 19 inches long, so it fits gaps that the wider EKO and Lovewind cans cannot.
The lid seals to contain odors and help keep pets out of the trash.
The steel pedal uses stainless thread with plastic to keep the step light, and DUMOS rates it for over 150,000 steps and 300,000 open-close cycles. The soft-close lid avoids slamming during late-night cleanup.
The fingerprint-resistant steel body wipes down easily. Both inner buckets lift out for emptying and cleaning.
The trade-off is total capacity: 16 gallons against 27 on the Lovewind or 18.5 on the Simpli-Magic. It also skips a stay-open lid lock, so the lid falls closed when you let go of the pedal.
Pick it when footprint and price matter more than volume.
SageNest Kitchen Trash Can: Best oval shape for narrow gaps
- Two 8-gallon removable bins
- Independent sealed lids
- Soft-close foot pedal
- Oval stainless steel body
The oval cabinet slips into tighter gaps than a rectangular bin of the same capacity. Each 8-gallon bucket has its own sealed lid to hold odors in.
Pros
- Oval shape for awkward corners
- Separate sealed lid per bucket
- Brushed steel wipes clean
Cons
- 8-gallon buckets fill fast in a busy kitchen
- Oval liners are less common in stores
SageNest is the oval option, and the shape is the point. The rounded cabinet slips into corners and narrow gaps where a rectangular bin of the same size will not sit flush.
Inside are two 8-gallon removable bins, each with its own tightly sealed lid to hold odors in.
The brushed stainless body resists fingerprints and wipes clean. A soft-close foot pedal opens the lid without hand contact, and the sloped lid profile gives it a slimmer look than a flat-topped can.
Capacity is 16 gallons total, the same as the DUMOS and SUPER DEAL. The oval footprint measures 18.9 inches long by 14.76 inches wide and 26.46 inches high.
The trade-off is bag fit. Oval buckets take oval or stretchy liners more comfortably than standard rectangular bags, and oval liners are less common on store shelves.
If you buy bags in bulk, a rectangular dual bin is the easier match.
Garvee Trash Can: Best for small kitchens
- Two 8-gallon buckets
- Soft-close lid opens to 80 degrees
- Anti-slip rubber feet
- Liner rim hides bag edges
The compact matte grey cabinet fits beside a counter without crowding it. A liner ring keeps bags from slipping and the lid stays open for longer prep jobs.
Pros
- Narrow 18.74-inch footprint
- Liner ring holds bags in place
- Side handles for moving it
Cons
- Smallest total capacity here
- Matte finish shows marks more than brushed steel
Garvee is built for a small kitchen. The matte grey cabinet is only 18.74 inches long and 14.8 inches wide, and Garvee lines the height up with standard kitchen island counters so the bin tucks beside the island without blocking the walkway.
Two 8-gallon PP buckets split trash and recycling evenly. A liner ring grips the bag so it does not slip or bunch, and the inner buckets have lips so you can pull a full liner out without touching the waste.
The soft-close lid opens to 80 degrees and locks at 95 degrees for hands-free prep.
Anti-slip rubber feet keep the bin steady on tile or wood. Ergonomic side handles make it easier to pull out for cleaning.
The trade-off is that Garvee ties the SUPER DEAL, DUMOS and SageNest for the smallest total capacity in this roundup. In a household that cooks daily, both 8-gallon sides will need emptying often.
The matte finish also shows smudges more than brushed steel.
Lovewind 13 + 6 Gal Dual Can: Best budget dual can
- 13-gallon trash and 6-gallon recycling split
- Soft-close stainless lid
- Reinforced steel pedal
- Two magnetic stickers
A standard 13-gallon trash side pairs with a 6-gallon recycling side, so regular kitchen bags fit the main bucket. The low 24-inch cabinet tucks under more counters.
Pros
- Standard 13-gallon trash side
- Low 24-inch height
- Soft-close lid seals odors
Cons
- Small 6-gallon recycling side
- Lowest score in this roundup
Lovewind's smaller dual can is the budget pick with a standard trash side. Its 13-gallon trash bucket takes regular kitchen bags, so you are not hunting for custom liners, while the 6-gallon recycling side takes 8-gallon bags for paper, plastic and glass.
Total capacity is 19 gallons.
The low 24-inch cabinet tucks under more counters than the taller bins here. A soft-close hydraulic hinge on the stainless lid keeps it quiet, and the reinforced steel pedal is rated for up to 200,000 presses.
Two magnetic stickers come in the box.
The brushed steel outer body wipes clean and the two PP inner buckets have handles. At 12.4 inches wide and 24.3 inches long, it is a slim cabinet for its capacity.
The trade-off is the 6-gallon recycling side. That is smaller than the 8-gallon recycling sides on most bins here, so it fills first in a household that recycles a lot.
It is the right pick when standard 13-gallon bags matter most.
How the best dual trash and recycling cans compare
The comparison table lines up capacity, footprint and lid design so you can see which bin fits your kitchen. Read the total gallons first, then check the split and the cabinet size.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (W x D x H) | Opening | Our score |
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| EKO EcoCasa Plus 2 x 10.6 Gal | overall | 80 liters (2 x 10.6 gal) | 24.72 x 15.67 x 25 in | Step-on | 9.3 |
| Simpli-Magic 18.5 Gallon | the biggest loads | 70 liters (18.5 gal) | Step-on | 9.1 | |
| Lovewind Dual Trash and Recycling Bins for | big families | 27 gallons (19 + 8 gal) | Step-on | 8.9 | |
| SUPER DEAL Kitchen Trash Can 16 Gallon | wet and dry waste | 16 gallons (60 liters) | 20.7 x 12.8 x 26.2 in | Step-on | 8.5 |
| DUMOS Kitchen Trash Can | value dual bin | 16 gallons (2 x 8 gal) | Step-on | 8.3 | |
| SageNest Kitchen Trash Can | oval shape for narrow gaps | 16 gallons (2 x 8 gal) | Step-on | 8.1 | |
| Garvee Trash Can | small kitchens | 60 liters (2 x 8 gal) | Step-on | 7.9 | |
| Lovewind 13 + 6 Gal Dual Can | budget dual can | 19 gallons (13 + 6 gal) | Step-on | 7.3 |
How we compared these recycling trash cans
We ranked these bins by matching their published specs to the way a kitchen actually fills up. Capacity split came first: a bin with an 8-gallon recycling side and a 19-gallon trash side is not the same tool as one with two equal buckets, even when both claim 27 gallons.
Next we weighed footprint against the gap most kitchens have beside a counter. A can that will not fit is not a bargain, so cabinet width, depth and height all count.
Then we looked at the mechanism: pedal rating, soft-close lids, stay-open locks and whether each bucket lifts out on its own.
Bag fit rounded out the comparison. A bin that takes standard 13-gallon or 8-gallon liners is easier to keep stocked than one that needs custom bags.
Our score weighs these factors against what a buyer sorting trash and recycling in one can actually needs.
What capacity split works for a family kitchen?
For two to four people, an even split of two 8-gallon buckets is usually enough. The recycling side fills at a steady pace while the trash side takes the bulk of food waste.
Pick a larger trash side when your household generates more rubbish than recyclables.
The split matters more than the total. A 27-gallon can with a 19-gallon trash side and an 8-gallon recycling side leaves most of its room on the waste half.
A 16-gallon can split evenly gives each job 8 gallons and often sorts better in practice.
Even split: two 8-gallon buckets
The DUMOS, SageNest and Garvee all use two 8-gallon buckets. That suits a household that rinses containers and recycles as much as it throws away.
It also keeps each bucket light enough to carry out in one trip.
Uneven split: a big trash side with a smaller recycling bin
The Lovewind 19 + 8 and Simpli-Magic 40L + 30L put more room on the waste side. Choose this if your recycling mostly fits in a small side bucket and your trash overflows first.
A 13-gallon trash bucket with a 6-gallon recycling side, like the smaller Lovewind, is the lightest version of this layout.
Which dual trash can fits a narrow kitchen gap?
Measure the gap first, then choose the bin that leaves room for the pedal and the lid swing. The narrowest cabinets here are about 18.7 to 19 inches long, so they fit gaps that the 28.2-inch Lovewind cannot.
Start with width and depth together. The Garvee at 18.74 by 14.8 inches is the tightest fit in this group.
The DUMOS at 19 by 14.7 inches is close behind. The EKO needs 24.72 by 15.67 inches, so it suits a wider stretch of wall.
Leave a few inches in front for your foot on the pedal and enough height above the lid for it to open. A lid that opens to 80 or 90 degrees needs more vertical clearance than one that opens flat.
Measure the open height as well as the closed height.
Under-counter and corner placements
For a corner, the SageNest's oval shape can sit closer to the walls than a rectangular can. For a gap under a counter overhang, check the closed height: the Lovewind 13 + 6 Gal is 24 inches tall, the lowest here.
Beside the island or against a wall
If the bin stands in the open, width matters less and depth matters more. A can 12.4 to 12.8 inches deep, like the smaller Lovewind or the SUPER DEAL, hugs the cabinet line better than a deeper one.
How do you keep a dual trash and recycling bin from smelling?
Rinse bottles and jars before they go in the recycling side, and empty the trash bucket before food scraps sit for days. Most odors in a dual bin come from the trash half, not the recycling half.
A sealed lid helps, but it does not replace regular emptying.
Bins with separate lids per compartment, like the SUPER DEAL and SageNest, keep clean recyclables away from food waste. A filter holder, like the one on the Simpli-Magic, gives odor control one more layer.
Wipe the inner buckets with mild soap and water when you take the bags out.
For more on keeping bins fresh between pickups, our guide to the best black kitchen trash can covers finishes and lid styles that hide marks and hold odors in.
What size bags fit a dual kitchen garbage can with recycling?
Most dual bins take standard liners sized to each bucket, so you rarely need custom bags. The catch is that the two sides are usually different sizes, so you buy two bag sizes.
A 13-gallon trash side takes regular kitchen bags. An 8-gallon recycling side takes 8-gallon liners.
The EKO's 10.6-gallon buckets need a liner close to that size. The Simpli-Magic ships with color-coded blue and green liners to make sorting obvious.
Before you stock up, note each bucket's gallon size and buy liners that match. A liner that is too large bunches over the rim; one that is too small slips down.
A liner ring or bag cinch, like the Garvee's, holds the bag in place either way.
Are step-on lids worth it on a recycling trash can?
Yes, for most kitchens. A step-on lid opens without your hands, which matters when you are holding a plate or a stack of containers.
It also keeps the lid closed between uses, so odors and pets stay contained.
The pedal is the part that wears out. A rating like EKO's 200,000+ cycles or DUMOS's 150,000+ steps tells you the maker expects years of daily use.
A soft-close hinge cuts the slamming noise and reduces wear on the lid.
The trade-off is clearance. A pedal needs a few inches in front of the bin.
If your gap is shallow, a pedal can makes the bin stand further out from the cabinet. For more size options, see our roundup of the best 13 gallon trash can for kitchen picks.
Which recycling trash can should you buy?
Buy the EKO EcoCasa Plus 2 x 10.6 Gal if you want the best balance for a normal family kitchen. Its two equal buckets sort trash and recycling without a weak side, and its pedal and soft-close lids are built for daily use.
Buy the Simpli-Magic 18.5 Gallon if bulk waste fills your bin first and you want a 40-liter trash side with a filter holder. Buy the Lovewind Dual 19 + 8 if you have a big family and the floor space for a 28-inch cabinet.
If your gap is narrow, buy the Garvee or the DUMOS. If standard 13-gallon bags matter most and you want a low cabinet, buy the Lovewind 13 + 6 Gal.
For a compact kitchen with a modest gap, our roundup of the best 8 gallon kitchen garbage cans covers smaller options.
The decision rule is simple. Measure your gap, count how much recycling your household really produces, then choose the split that matches it.
A can that fits and sorts evenly gets used; one that crowds the walkway or fills its recycling side in two days gets ignored.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
How big should a kitchen garbage can with recycling be?
For a household of two to four people, 16 to 19 gallons total is a practical size. Larger families who cook at home often do better with 21 to 27 gallons so the trash side does not overflow between pickups.
Do dual-compartment trash cans need special bags?
No. Most dual bins take standard liners sized to each bucket, such as 13-gallon bags in a 13-gallon trash side and 8-gallon bags in an 8-gallon recycling side.
Check each bucket's size before you stock up on liners.
Where should the recycling side go in the kitchen?
Put the bin where you sort most often, usually beside the prep counter or the sink. Face the recycling bucket toward the room so bottles and paper go in without reaching across the trash side.
Can one pedal open both lids on a dual trash can?
On most dual bins a single pedal opens the main lid over both compartments. A few models use separate pedals for each side, which keeps the recycling lid closed while the trash lid is open.
Will a dual trash can fit against a cabinet?
Only if you leave room for the pedal and the lid swing. Measure the depth plus a few inches of clearance in front, and measure the width against the gap you plan to fill before ordering.
Do recycling bins in the kitchen smell?
Rinse bottles and jars before they go in, and empty the recycling side at least once a week. A sealed lid and a separate bucket on the recycling side keep most kitchen odors inside the trash half.
