The 7 Best Touchless Trash Cans for More Sanitary Garbage Disposal

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Best Overall Touchless Trash Can

simplehuman Voice and Motion Sensor Dual-Compartment Trash Can

If you love having the best of the best when it comes to tech, the simplehuman voice and motion sensor trash can is the one for you. Although pricey, this best trash can boasts dual compartments for separating trash and recycled goods, it looks sleek and modern, and it comes decked out with all the touchless features you could want.

This touchless trash can comes in three smudge-proof finishes, and it can hold roughly 15-gallon trash bags of debris. It’s operated by either AA batteries or a plug-in power cord, and it opens both via motion sensor and voice commands.

“I wasn’t sure this simplehuman trash can would be worth the hefty price tag,” says Katie Bandurski, our senior shopping editor and a proud simplehuman trash can owner. “Well, I’m officially proven wrong. There is something so satisfying (and convenient!) about saying ‘open can’ when your hands are full of eggshells or raw chicken waste. And, thanks to the built-in odor absorber, I can take out the trash when it’s actually full rather than when it starts to smell.”

Odor absorber, touchless capabilities, smudge-free finish—and those still aren’t all of this item’s smart features. The simplehuman trash can also has a special liner compartment that conveniently dispenses trash bags inside the bin and an antimicrobial finish that stops the growth of bacteria, fungi, mold and mildew. Really, what more could you ask for from a trash can? (We love simpehuman’s grocery bag dispenser and paper towel holder, too!)

Pros

• Motion- and voice-activated
• Includes recycle bin and trash can
• Odor-absorbing technology
• 15-gallon capacity
• Runs on power cord or batteries

Cons

• Expensive
• Batteries not included

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Best Touchless Trash Can on Amazon

iTouchless SensorCan Kitchen Trash Can

For those who can’t stand that gross trash can smell, the 13-gallon iTouchless SensorCan trash can from Amazon has a built-in odor filter that uses activated carbon to absorb and neutralize unpleasant scents. The can comes in several sizes and shapes, including rectangular and oval designs, and it runs on four D batteries that can last more than a year before needing replacement.

This kitchen gadget opens when it senses you in front of it, and it has a light that blinks red to let you know when it’s about to close. Our Test Kitchen experts who gave it a whirl were impressed and pleased by the swiftness with which it opened and the slight lag before it closed.

The stainless steel exterior is smudge-proof for a neat appearance, and the extra-wide opening allows you to dispose of bulky items easily. With over 46,000 five-star ratings, this Amazon pick is set apart for its odor-neutralizing abilities, sleek design and reasonable price point.

“I’ve had other sensor kitchen trash cans, but this one has some extra features,” adds verified buyer, Alice B. “I do like the odor elimination (works great!), but what I really love is how I can have it right against the side of the kitchen island, and when the lid opens, it doesn’t bang the wall. Plus, it has a great sleek look.”

Pros

• Built-in odor filter
• Multiple shape and size options
• Smudge-proof finish
• Extra-wide opening

Cons

• Batteries not included

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Best Budget Touchless Trash Can

Mainstays Motion Sensor Garbage Can

Many touchless trash cans are quite pricey, but the Mainstays motion sensor garbage can doesn’t break the bank. Despite the lower price, it is every bit as large and attractive as the aforementioned iTouchless and simplehuman trash cans. (We compared and contrasted all three in our Test Kitchen.)

The Mainstays trash can comes in four finishes and has a standard 13-gallon capacity. It uses infrared technology to sense when your hand is over the lid, and the top stays open as long as you keep your hand in front of the sensor. It runs on two C batteries, and you can also switch it to manual opening if needed.

“Most auto-open trash cans are pretty expensive and require a lot of batteries to operate the lid,” writes verified buyer, Renita. “When I found this one at a great price and only two batteries needed, I finally made the purchase. It’s as stylish as the more expensive ones, and works great without the expense of having to purchase a lot of batteries.”

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Multiple color options
• Compatible with standard trash bags
• Has a manual mode

Cons

• No odor-absorption technology
• Batteries not included

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Best Pull-Out Touchless Trash Can

simplehuman Pull-Out Recycling Bin and Trash Can

Even the nicest trash cans are still, well, trash cans. If you’d prefer to tuck yours away in a cupboard, the simplehuman under-counter pull-out can makes it easy and convenient. This dual-compartment pull-out trash can includes a steel frame to install inside one of your cabinets. Plus, there’s a handle on the front of the frame that lets you pull the bin out via the smooth-rolling track—without touching the trash can itself. More than 9,400 shoppers give this touchless trash can five stars—and it’s clear why.

“I love this trash can so much!” writes verified buyer, Krista P. “It was super easy to install (I did it in a dress and heels), and it works perfectly. It’s sturdy and holds more than the one I kept under the sink for years. No more scuffed cabinets from pulling a can out a hundred times a day.”

Pros

• Pre-assembled for easy installation
• Includes recycle bin and trash can
• Two sizes available: 8-gallon and 9.3-gallon
• Easy-grip handle

Cons

• Largest size only holds 9.3 gallons

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Best Touchless Trash Can for Small Kitchens

Homelabs Automatic Trash Can

If you don’t want a big, bulky trash can taking up space in your kitchen, the Homelabs automatic trash can boasts a sleek, narrow design that’s easy to tuck into a corner. It’s available in 13- and 21-gallon sizes and both have a compact footprint of roughly 16 by 10 inches.

With a unique butterfly-style opening mechanism, the motion sensor is powered by a plug-in cord or C batteries. The can has a retainer ring that keeps bags in place, and it also features an on/off switch for when you’re on vacation. Plus, you can change the angle of the motion sensor to suit the bin’s placement.

“The motion control detection is fantastic, and I wish I’d known about it long ago,” shares five-star reviewer, SW. “We live in a small condo, but this sleek and functional appliance is worth the price and the space it takes. No spills or near misses with this classy container, and our ever-hungry (big) lab can’t get into it or knock it over.”

Pros

• Compact, sleek design
• Runs on power cord or batteries
• Has an on/off switch
• Adjustable motion sensor
• Retainer ring to keep trash bag in place

Cons

• On the pricier side
• Batteries not included

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Best Touchless Trash Can for Big Families

iTouchless Touchless Sensor Trash Can

The iTouchless touchless sensor trash can comes in a large 23-gallon size, making it ideal for big households. The round design has a motion-activated lid that runs on D batteries, and it’s even equipped with a natural carbon odor filter to eliminate any smells.

In addition to its oversized form, this trash can is also mounted on caster wheels, allowing you to push it around your home more easily. The stainless steel is fingerprint-resistant, and there are even air vents in the bottom of the can to make removing your trash bags easier.

Wondering how the odor-resistant technology really holds up? “We have lots of diapers and we just toss them in without pre-bagging,” writes verified purchaser, Yertman. “The odor control really works! Thinking about buying one for my teenage son’s bedroom just for him to put his socks in!”

Pros

• 23-gallon capacity
• Odor-absorbing filter
• Mounted on wheels
• Smudge-proof finish
• Air vents for easy bag removal

Cons

• Expensive
• Batteries not included

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Best Touchless Trash Can for Bathrooms

Ninestars Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can

For your bathroom, the Ninestars motion sensor trash can is a more compact option. It holds just 1.8 gallons of waste, and it has a slim design that can be tucked beside the toilet or sink. The motion-activated lid runs on two AA batteries, and the design is splash-proof, so you can put it next to a sink or shower without worry. Say goodbye to open-lid bathroom trash bins once and for all, thanks to this tech-forward design.

“We have a very small bathroom and this fits perfectly between the toilet and vanity,” shares MM, a five-star reviewer. “I was afraid the lag time between sensing and the lid opening would be too long but it’s not, it opens immediately, stays open for a few seconds and then closes.”

Pros

• Slim, compact size
• Splash-proof design
• 1.8-gallon capacity
• Runs on two AA batteries

Cons

• Batteries not included

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What to Look for When Buying a Touchless Trash Can

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When shopping for a touchless trash can, there are several features to consider as you compare different models:

• Opening mechanism: Touchless trash cans typically have a motion sensor that automatically opens the lid, saving you from having to get your hands dirty. However, there are a number of ways the lid might open. Most have a simple hinged design that swings upward, but it may open length or width-wise. Other touchless trash cans have a “butterfly lid” with two side-by-side doors that lift open. Think about which design will work best for your kitchen, keeping in mind any clearances you might need under a counter or kitchen island, or near a wall.
• Power source: Because they have built-in motion sensors, touchless trash cans generally need some type of power source—typically batteries or a plug-in power cord. Battery-operated models can be placed anywhere in your kitchen, but you’ll have to keep extra batteries on hand. Corded models, on the other hand, require less maintenance, but they need to be placed close to an outlet.
• Capacity: It’s important to find a trash can that’s an appropriate size for your needs. If you get one that’s too small, you’ll find yourself emptying it constantly. However, if it’s too big, the trash may start to smell before the bag gets full. On average, most kitchen trash cans are around 13 gallons, but there are models that hold more than 20 gallons that may be better suited for larger households.
• Special features: In addition to a touchless opening mechanism, some trash cans have additional features that make them convenient to use. This might include a compartment for garbage bag storage, a built-in odor eliminator or even voice commands on really high-tech models.

Why You Should Trust Us

As a group of both amateur and professional cooks, the Taste of Home team has created its fair share of kitchen messes. So, it’s safe to say we know our way around a trash receptacle and would only recommend those we’d be comfortable keeping in our own homes. Moreover, the shopping editors, specifically, test dozens of buzzy, new products monthly, so we’re well-versed in sussing out whether fancy features and high technology are actually worth it or whether a gadget is just a flash in the pan, er, can. For this article, we inspected multiple models in person to evaluate the efficacy and speed of their motion sensors and ultimately ensure our suggestions to you are super sound.

How We Found the Best Touchless Trash Cans

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We found the best touchless trash cans through a combination of in-depth internet research and in-person testing. We started with a list of models that had generated considerable buzz, as well as some overlooked underdogs, then combed through their specs and reviews to assess their legitimacy and weigh their value, novelty, capacity and performance. Additionally, we evaluated a few of the models in person and all-out tested our best overall pick to confirm it deserved its title.

FAQ

Are touchless trash cans worth it?

Regardless of your needs, touchless trash cans are virtually always worth it. How much you want to spend, however, is up to you. Fortunately, touchless trash cans aren’t necessarily as expensive as they sound. There are kitchen models on this list that cost as little as $55 and as much as $300, and their sizes, appearances and features are just as varied. But they all make your kitchen that much more sanitary and hassle-free, so they’re well worth it.

Are touchless trash cans better than step?

Step trash cans and touchless trash cans both offer increased cleanliness, as they don’t involve touching a lid, handle or flap with dirty hands. However, touchless trash cans, many of which are “smart,” might offer more features beyond increased cleanliness that low-tech step trash cans do not, such as an odor absorber, voice sensor, liner dispenser and compost caddy.