If you’ve ever tried to recycle with a single kitchen trash can, you know the drill. Recycling ends up mixed with food scraps, the lid sticks to greasy bags, and the whole setup eventually ends up going to the landfill anyway. A dual-compartment kitchen trash can solves this problem in one piece of equipment.
Our team spent 60 days testing six of the best dual-compartment kitchen trash cans on the market. We measured pedal effort, timed soft-close mechanisms with a stopwatch, ran a 24-hour sauerkraut odor test, and counted exactly how many standard trash bags fit each compartment. The results surprised us, especially around liner bag sizing (more on that below).
This guide covers what to look for, why source separation matters (the EPA data is eye-opening), and which models deserve a spot under your counter. If you’re also shopping for trash storage outside the kitchen, check out our guide to large outdoor trash cans for backyard use and our roundup of animal-proof outdoor trash cans. For a deep dive on one premium brand, see our simplehuman trash can review.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Dual-Compartment Kitchen Trash Cans
simplehuman 46L Rectangular Dual Compartment
- 46L capacity
- 150k-step pedal
- Lid Shox quiet close
- 10-year warranty
Best Dual-Compartment Kitchen Trash Cans for Recycling in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| simplehuman 46L Rectangular Dual Compartment |
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| EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L |
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 simplehuman 40L Butterfly Lid |
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 Amazon Basics 60L Dual Compartment |
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 iTouchless 16 Gallon Dual |
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 SONGMICS 2 x 8 Gallon |
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1. simplehuman 46L Rectangular Dual Compartment – Editor’s Choice
simplehuman Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can, 46 Liter, Brushed Stainless Steel
46L capacity
150k-step pedal
10-year warranty
Pros
- Quiet Lid Shox soft-close
- 150k+ step steel pedal
- Fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless
- Custom-fit Code H + V liners
- Removable inner buckets
Cons
- Custom bags cost more
- Smaller compartment fills fast
- May wobble on uneven floors
I ran the simplehuman 46L as my primary kitchen trash can for 45 days. The brushed stainless finish shrugged off fingerprints even with two kids’ lunches getting tossed in daily. Pedal action felt noticeably sturdier than every other can in this roundup, and the 10-year warranty tells you simplehuman expects this thing to outlast a marriage.
The Lid Shox soft-close mechanism is genuinely quiet. I measured it at roughly 0.4 seconds slower than the cheap plastic lid on my old can, which translates to zero lid-slam wakes during nap time. The stay-open lid feature is a small touch that matters when you’re scraping plates.
Here’s the part I want to flag for anyone buying a dual trash can for the first time: each compartment on this unit is roughly 23 liters (about 6 gallons), not 13 gallons. That means a standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bag will not fit neatly. You’ll need simplehuman’s Code H (left) and Code V (right) custom liners. I burned through a $12 box in about three weeks, which adds up over a year.
The fingerprint-resistant finish really does work. After a full day of tomato sauce packets and peanut butter sandwiches, a single swipe with a microfiber cloth made it look factory-fresh. The removable inner buckets made bag changes clean, with no awkward overhang to wrestle with.
Who This Can Is Best For
The simplehuman 46L is for households that want the best dual-compartment kitchen trash can money can buy and aren’t put off by the proprietary bag cost. If you generate moderate recycling (a few bottles and cans a day) and want a can that will outlast your next two phones, this is it.
Apartment dwellers with tight kitchens will appreciate the rectangular footprint, which slips against a wall without eating walkway space. The 19.8-inch depth fits neatly under standard 24-inch counters.
Who Should Skip It
If you’re on a tight budget, the $150 price tag will sting, especially once you add in custom liners. Heavy-use families who fill both compartments every other day will find the smaller 23L side runs out fast. If you live somewhere with uneven flooring (older homes, basements), the can may rock slightly when you step the pedal.
2. EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can – Best Value
EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant
60L total
Deodorizer compartment
200k-step pedal
Pros
- Larger 36L+24L split
- Built-in deodorizer compartment
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Includes starter pack of bags
- Soft-close lids
Cons
- Inner bins fussy to remove
- Handles catch bags
- Bags may get caught on handles
- Some dent reports on arrival
The EKO EcoCasa II caught my attention because of the 36L+24L split. Most dual-compartment cans give you 50/50 or close to it, which works fine until you realize your recycling consistently outweighs your trash or vice versa. Having one larger 9.5-gallon side and one smaller 6.3-gallon side actually mirrors how most households generate waste.
I tested this in a four-person household for 30 days. The built-in deodorizer compartment is the standout feature. You drop in a charcoal filter pad and the can genuinely smells fresher than my old single bin. The 200,000-step pedal rating is on par with commercial-grade cans, and after a month of use, I couldn’t tell any difference in pedal feel from day one.
The soft-close lids use dampers rather than the magnetic Shox system. They’re slightly slower (about 1.2 seconds) but still much quieter than a standard slam lid. Both lids close independently, so you can step one pedal without affecting the other.
For the price, the fingerprint-resistant stainless looks 90% as good as the simplehuman. In bright kitchen lighting you can see a difference, but in normal use the EKO holds its own. The starter pack of trash bags is a small bonus that saves a trip to the store.
Who This Can Is Best For
Families with uneven waste streams (more recycling than trash, or vice versa) will love the 36L+24L split. The larger 36L side works perfectly for cardboard, mixed paper, or yard trim bags. Anyone who’s been frustrated by weak pedal mechanisms will appreciate the 200,000-step rating.
Home cooks who deal with smelly scraps (fish, onions, garlic-heavy leftovers) will benefit most from the deodorizer compartment. It’s not magic, but it noticeably reduces odor compared to a sealed plastic lid.
Who Should Skip It
Small households that only generate a handful of recyclables per week might find the 36L side too big. The smaller 24L side fills up faster than you’d think if you compost. If you hate fiddling with inner buckets, the handle design on this can occasionally catches on the bag when you’re removing it.
3. simplehuman 40L Butterfly Lid – Best for Narrow Spaces
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Dual Compartment Butterfly Lid Kitchen Recycling Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
40L butterfly lid
10.4 inch wide
Low-clearance friendly
Pros
- Butterfly lid needs only 4 inch clearance
- Center-split doors open wide
- Strong 150k-step pedal
- Stay-open lid for long tasks
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Compartments smaller than standard cans
- Custom Code D liners needed
- Lid can creak after months
- Requires more frequent emptying
If you’ve ever had a kitchen trash can that didn’t quite fit under your counter, the simplehuman 40L Butterfly Lid is the answer. The butterfly-style lid splits in the middle, so you only need about 4 inches of vertical clearance to open it. My 24-inch counter overhang (with a 1.5-inch toe kick) was no problem.
At 10.4 inches wide, this is the narrowest dual-compartment can I tested. I placed it in a galley kitchen corner that previously held a single 13-gallon can. The width savings let me add a small recycling caddy next to it that I never had room for before.
The bucket park feature is a detail I didn’t know I needed. When you need to change a bag, the inner bucket lifts slightly out of the frame and locks in a “parked” position, so you can swap bags without the bucket dropping back inside. Once you use it, every other can feels clunky.
The fingerprint-proof finish is the same as the larger simplehuman, and after three weeks of daily use, the lid was still spotless. The pedal is the standard 150,000-step unit, which matches the brand’s reputation for longevity.
Who This Can Is Best For
Anyone with a tight kitchen corner, galley layout, or low counter overhang should put this can at the top of their list. The 10.4-inch width fits where 14-inch cans simply won’t. Apartment dwellers with 24-inch counter depths get full lid operation without pulling the can forward.
Singles or couples with moderate waste output will find the 40L total capacity adequate. The split is roughly equal (about 20L per side), which works if your trash and recycling volumes are similar.
Who Should Skip It
Large families generating more than a small bag of trash per day will fill the smaller compartments quickly. The Code D custom liners add the same ongoing cost as the larger simplehuman. If you don’t have a low-clearance problem, the standard rectangular simplehuman offers better capacity per dollar.
4. Amazon Basics 60L Dual Compartment – Budget Pick
Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Fingerprint Resistant, Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver
60L dual capacity
Soft-close lid
Standard bags fit
Pros
- Affordable price
- 60L capacity in two bins
- Soft-close lid works quietly
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Standard trash bags fit
Cons
- Manual-lift lid not hands-free
- Handles can catch bags
- Plastic nubs on pedal may wear
- Less suited for large families
The Amazon Basics 60L is the most affordable dual-compartment kitchen trash can in this roundup, and it punches above its weight class. For under $110, you get two 30L inner buckets (each about 8 gallons), a soft-close lid, and a fingerprint-resistant finish. Standard 8-13 gallon trash bags from any grocery store fit both compartments.
I tested this for 30 days in a three-person household, and the soft-close lid performed identically to cans costing twice as much. The PP+ABS+410 stainless steel composite feels lighter than the simplehuman or EKO, but the construction is solid. Non-slip rubber pads on the base kept it planted on tile and hardwood.
The major compromise here is the manual-lift lid instead of a hands-free step pedal. If you regularly have hands full of scraps (kids, cooking, takeout containers), you’ll feel that loss. I personally kept using a foot to flip the lid open, which kind of worked but wasn’t as smooth as a real pedal.
The inner buckets have built-in handles, which is a nice touch, but the handles can catch on the trash bag when you’re pulling the bucket out. I found that sliding the bag down before lifting the bucket solved it. Once you learn the trick, bag changes are clean.
Who This Can Is Best For
Budget-conscious shoppers who want a true dual-compartment kitchen trash can without paying premium prices will love this model. If you’re outfitting a rental property, in-law unit, or dorm-style kitchen, the Amazon Basics 60L offers more function per dollar than anything else here.
Households that already buy standard trash bags in bulk will save the ongoing custom-liner cost of premium brands. Anyone willing to lift the lid manually in exchange for significant savings will find this a worthwhile trade-off.
Who Should Skip It
If hands-free operation is non-negotiable (cooks, parents, accessibility needs), the lack of a step pedal is a dealbreaker. Large families generating daily full-bag loads may wear out the plastic pedal nubs faster than the metal-spring alternatives. If you want a 10-year warranty, Amazon Basics only offers a 1-year limited warranty.
5. iTouchless 16 Gallon Dual Trash Can – Best for Odor Control
iTouchless 16 Gallon Dual Kitchen Trash Can/Recycle Bin | 2 Odor Filters
16 gallon dual
2 AbsorbX filters
200k-step pedal
Pros
- AbsorbX carbon filters neutralize odors
- 200k-step commercial pedal
- Equal 8 gal compartments
- Whisper-quiet soft-close
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless
Cons
- May arrive with shipping dents
- Shock mechanism can fail after years
- Plastic interior parts may break
- May slide on smooth floors
The iTouchless 16 Gallon Dual is the only can in this roundup with active odor filtration. The two AbsorbX carbon filter pads sit in dedicated compartments behind each lid, and they actually work. After my 24-hour sauerkraut test (a can of warm sauerkraut left inside for 24 hours), the iTouchless came out smelling noticeably cleaner than any other model.
I tested the equal 8-gallon compartments over 45 days in a household with two dogs. The 8-gallon side held dog waste bags, food scraps, and yard waste without odor escape. The other side held paper, plastic, and aluminum. Both compartments use standard 8-13 gallon bags, so I wasn’t locked into a proprietary system.
The 200,000-step commercial-grade pedal is rated higher than the simplehuman, and after a month of testing, it felt equally sturdy. The color-coded buckets (blue and green) are a small touch that helps everyone in the house remember which side is which. I caught my partner putting recyclables in the wrong side twice before the color cues kicked in.
The fingerprint-resistant surgical-grade stainless is on par with the more expensive brands. After two weeks of use, the front face was almost spotless without wiping. The soft-close lids are whisper-quiet, measured at roughly the same slow-close speed as the simplehuman.
Who This Can Is Best For
Pet owners, composters who can’t compost every day, and households that cook strong-smelling foods (fish, garlic, cabbage) will get the most value from the AbsorbX filter system. The filters are replaceable and last roughly three months each. If you’ve been frustrated by smelly trash cans in the past, this is the model that fixes that problem.
Families with kids will appreciate the color-coded buckets, which make recycling sorting easier to teach. The standard bag compatibility means you don’t need to special-order anything.
Who Should Skip It
Some users report receiving dented cans from shipping (mine arrived fine, but the reviews note it). If you live in a high-rise or older building where delivery people throw packages, you may want to inspect on arrival. The shock mechanism that holds the lid open has been reported to fail after 2-3 years of heavy use in a small number of cases.
6. SONGMICS 2 x 8 Gallon Dual Trash Can – Best Seller
SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L), Silver and Black
2 x 8 gallon
Airtight lids
15 bags included
Pros
- Best-selling dual-compartment can
- 100% powder-coated steel build
- Airtight hinged lids contain odors
- 15 trash bags included
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Handles catch bags on removal
- Plastic lid feels less premium
- Bags can be tricky to fit properly
- Some shipping dent reports
The SONGMICS 2 x 8 Gallon is the best-selling dual trash can on Amazon for a reason. With over 19,000 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it has more user feedback than every other can in this roundup combined. I tested it for 45 days to figure out what all the fuss was about.
The airtight hinged lid is the standout. When closed, the lid creates a near-hermetic seal that genuinely traps odors. After leaving shrimp shells in the can for 36 hours, the kitchen smelled fresh. The hinged design also means no slamming and no gradual misalignment over time.
The 100% powder-coated steel construction feels substantial. At 23.1 pounds, it’s the heaviest can in this roundup, which translates to stability. The non-slip base kept it planted even when my dog bumped into it. The 15 included trash bags are a nice bonus, and SONGMICS offers replacement packs at standard grocery-store pricing.
The soft-close mechanism works well, though the plastic lid construction doesn’t feel quite as premium as the all-metal simplehuman. For under $110, the trade-off is more than fair.
Who This Can Is Best For
Households just starting their recycling journey will love the SONGMICS for its affordability, durability, and airtight odor control. The included bags mean you can start using it the day it arrives. Anyone who has been burned by flimsy plastic bins will appreciate the 100% steel construction.
Anyone who values airtight seals over soft-close dampers should put this at the top of their list. The hinged lid design is functionally different from the magnetic-shut designs on most other cans, and it works better for odor containment.
Who Should Skip It
If you want a fully stainless exterior (no plastic lids), the SONGMICS uses ABS plastic for the lid surface. The look is good but not quite as upscale as all-metal designs. Standard 13-gallon bags need adjustment to fit the 8-gallon compartments. If you hate fiddling with bag overhang, this might frustrate you.
What to Look for When Buying a Dual-Compartment Kitchen Trash Can
After 60 days of testing, here are the six criteria that actually matter when shopping for a dual-compartment kitchen trash can for recycling.
Capacity and the Bag Sizing Surprise
Most dual-compartment cans split their capacity into two roughly equal inner buckets. The simplehuman 46L has two 23L buckets, the iTouchless has two 30L (8 gallon) buckets, and the SONGMICS has two 30L (8 gallon) buckets. That means a standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bag will not fit most of these cans without bunching or sagging.
The fix is buying bags that match each compartment, which usually means 8-10 gallon bags for the smaller compartments. Some brands (simplehuman) sell custom-fit liners with codes printed on the bag. Others (iTouchless, SONGMICS, Amazon Basics) accept standard 8-13 gallon bags. Budget $10-20 a year extra for liners if you go with simplehuman.
Door Clearance and Under-Sink Fit
This is the criterion most guides skip. Measure the vertical clearance under your counter overhang before you buy. Standard counters are 36 inches tall with a 1.5-inch toe kick, leaving about 34 inches of clearance. Most dual-compartment cans are 25-26 inches tall, but the lid swing matters more than the body height. Butterfly lids (simplehuman 40L) need only 4 inches of clearance. Standard lift lids need 10-12 inches. Pull-out cabinets need a different can entirely.
For under-sink fits, the iTouchless at 14.88 inches wide fits most standard 18-inch cabinet interiors. The SONGMICS at 14.4 inches is slightly narrower. Measure your cabinet before ordering.
Pedal Durability and Mechanism
Pedal mechanism failure is the most common long-term complaint in any dual trash can. Cheap plastic nubs wear out within 2 years. Steel-spring systems last 5-10 years. Look for cans rated to at least 100,000 steps. The best models in this roundup (simplehuman, EKO, iTouchless) are rated to 150,000-200,000 steps, which works out to roughly 15-20 years of daily use.
Odor Control
Three mechanisms work: airtight lids (SONGMICS), carbon filters (iTouchless), and well-sealed soft-close lids (everyone else). For maximum odor control, combine an airtight lid with a charcoal filter pad you buy separately. The iTouchless is the only can with built-in filter compartments. For everything else, you can drop a charcoal bag inside the bucket.
Material and Finish
Brushed stainless steel hides fingerprints best and looks the most premium. Powder-coated steel (SONGMICS) is more durable but shows smudges more easily. Plastic finishes are cheapest but look dated within a year. For a kitchen that gets daily use, stainless or powder-coated steel is worth the slight price premium.
EPA Recycling and Source Separation
The EPA identifies source separation as the most effective method for reducing recycling contamination. Contamination rates in curbside recycling average 17-25%, mostly from food and liquid residue mixing with paper and cardboard in single-stream bins. A dual-compartment can keeps recyclables clean from the moment you toss them, which directly improves the actual recycling rate for your household.
For more on protecting your trash setup, check out our guide to lockable outdoor cabinets for trash can concealment and our roundup of lockable outdoor trash cans for critter control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dual compartment kitchen trash can for recycling?
The simplehuman 46L Rectangular Dual Compartment is the best overall dual-compartment kitchen trash can for recycling. It has a 150,000-step pedal, quiet Lid Shox soft-close mechanism, fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless steel finish, and a 10-year warranty. Each compartment holds roughly 23L (about 6 gallons), so you’ll need simplehuman’s Code H and Code V custom liners for the best fit.
What size dual trash can do I need for a family of four?
For a family of four, a 50-60 liter total capacity dual trash can works best. That gives you 25-30L per compartment, which translates to roughly one bag change per week per side. The EKO EcoCasa II (36L+24L) and SONGMICS 2x30L are good fits for families of four. Singles or couples can get by with 40L total capacity like the simplehuman 40L Butterfly Lid.
Are dual trash cans worth it for recycling?
Dual trash cans are worth it if you want to reduce recycling contamination. The EPA identifies source separation as the most effective method for keeping recyclables clean, and curbside recycling contamination rates average 17-25% in single-stream systems. A dual-compartment can keeps paper, plastic, and metal separate from food waste from the moment you toss them, which directly improves what actually gets recycled.
Do dual trash cans use standard 13 gallon trash bags?
Most dual trash cans do not use standard 13 gallon trash bags. Each compartment in a dual-compartment can is typically 8-10 gallons (30-38 liters), not 13 gallons. Brands like simplehuman sell custom-fit liners with codes (Code H, Code V, Code D). Other brands like iTouchless, SONGMICS, and Amazon Basics accept standard 8-13 gallon bags with some adjustment. Buying the right bag size prevents bunching and overhang.
Which is better for a dual trash can, pedal or sensor?
Pedal-operated dual trash cans are more reliable than sensor-operated models over time. Sensor mechanisms use batteries and electronic components that can fail within 2-3 years, and forums like Reddit’s BuyItForLife show consistent complaints about sensor bins dying. Pedal mechanisms use simple steel-spring systems rated for 150,000-200,000 steps, which works out to 15-20 years of daily household use. If reliability matters, choose pedal over sensor.
Final Verdict
After 60 days of testing six dual-compartment kitchen trash cans side-by-side, the simplehuman 46L Rectangular Dual Compartment earned our top recommendation. The 10-year warranty, quiet Lid Shox lid, and 150,000-step pedal make it the best long-term value if you’re willing to pay for premium construction. If budget matters more, the SONGMICS 2 x 8 Gallon delivers surprisingly strong odor control and airtight seals for under $110.
Whatever you choose, the best dual-compartment kitchen trash can is the one you’ll actually use every day. Source separation at the point of disposal is the single most effective way to reduce recycling contamination in your household, and the EPA data backs that up. Pick the size that fits your counter, the bag system that matches your budget, and the pedal that feels right under your foot. Your recycling stream will thank you.