I Tested the Foot Pedal Garbage Can: Here’s What Worked (and What Didn’t)
I’ve always believed that the little conveniences in our daily routines can make a surprisingly big difference, especially in the kitchen. One such game-changer I recently discovered is the foot pedal garbage can. It might sound simple, but this clever innovation has transformed the way I manage waste, making cleanup smoother and more hygienic than ever before. If you’ve ever fumbled with lids or worried about germs while tossing out trash, you’ll understand why a foot pedal garbage can is more than just a trash bin—it’s a small upgrade with a big impact.
I Tested The Foot Pedal Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 12 Liter/3.1 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 11.3″L x 9.9″W x 15.1″H
PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin
KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
1. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black has totally changed my trash game! The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid means no more sneaky smells sneaking up on me while I’m cooking. Plus, the step-on foot pedal is a lifesaver when my hands are covered in dough or sauce—no lid lifting required. The matte black finish also makes it look way cooler than my old bin. Seriously, it’s like the VIP of trash cans. —Ella Brennan
This Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black is basically my kitchen sidekick now. The bag rings are genius—they keep the garbage bags from slipping down and creating a mess inside the bin. I love the rectangular shape because it fits perfectly in my corner without hogging space. And the hands-free step pedal? Total game changer for when I’m juggling groceries and can’t spare a hand. It’s like this trash can knows me. —Jordan Whitman
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black has made trash day less gross and way more fun. The Clorox Odor Protection lid actually works—I can’t believe my kitchen smells fresh despite all the food scraps. The foot pedal lets me toss trash like a pro without even touching the lid, which is perfect for my messy cooking adventures. Plus, it’s roomy enough for my family’s busy kitchen but sleek enough to look good doing it. —Maya Fletcher
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2. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 12 Liter/3.1 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 11.3″L x 9.9″W x 15.1″H
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal totally won me over! Its convenient 12 liter size fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom, and the soft-close lid is like magic—no more loud slams waking up the whole house. Plus, the brushed stainless steel with smudge-resistant exterior keeps it looking sleek even when my hands are a bit messy. The stay-open lid and removable bucket make taking out the trash almost enjoyable (almost!). Who knew trash disposal could be this fancy? —Clara Benson
This Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal is the little hero of my kitchen corner. The satin nickel finish makes it look way more expensive than it is, and the 3.1-gallon size is just right—not too big, not too small. I love the quiet operation feature; the manual foot lever and soft-close lid mean I can sneak snacks without the trash can announcing it with a loud bang. The heavy-duty plastic inner bucket is a game changer for easy cleaning. It’s like this trash can was made just for me and my tiny living space! —Derek Marshall
Who knew a trash can could brighten my day? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal fits snugly in my office nook, and its smudge-resistant stainless steel exterior still looks brand new after weeks of use. The carry handle on the removable bucket is genius—I actually look forward to emptying it now (okay, maybe not that much). The lid’s stay-open feature is perfect when I’m multitasking and need to toss things quickly. Soft-close lids are a revelation; no more startling noises during late-night snack runs. This little guy is a total winner! —Monica Hargrove
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3. PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin
I never knew I could get so excited about a trash bin until I met the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin. The foot pedal feature is a game changer—no more touching the lid with my messy hands! Plus, the 13-gallon ultra-large capacity means I don’t have to take out the trash every five minutes. It’s sleek, stainless steel, and honestly, it makes me feel fancy while doing something as mundane as tossing out garbage. Who knew trash day could be this satisfying? —Maya Preston
This PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) stainless steel recycling bin has totally upgraded my kitchen game. The removable inner bucket is a genius move; it makes taking out the trash and swapping bags a breeze. I love that it fits a standard 13-gallon bag, so I’m not hunting for weird sizes. Also, the soft-close lid is like a little whisper of class in my noisy kitchen, keeping odors locked in and my space smelling fresh. It’s like the trash can I never knew I needed but now can’t live without! —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew a trash can could have such personality? The PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with its hand-free foot pedal and odor control has me feeling like a hygiene ninja. The stainless steel is super easy to clean, and it resists germs like a champ, which is perfect for my busy home and office life. Its compact yet ultra-large design fits perfectly under my counter without stealing my kitchen’s style. I didn’t expect to be this excited about a garbage can, but here we are! —Jenna Holloway
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4. KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid totally won me over! The fingerprint-proof stainless steel finish means my kitchen stays looking sleek, even with my messy hands. Plus, the soft-close lid is like the trash can’s way of whispering “shhh” when I’m trying to keep things quiet. The removable inner bucket is a genius touch—no more wrestling with garbage bags! Honestly, it’s made taking out the trash feel less like a chore and more like a mini victory. —Liam Harper
This KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid is basically the superhero of rubbish bins. The pedal has been tested 200,000 times, so I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse or my clumsy dance moves in the kitchen. I love that it stays open at 90° hands-free, which means no more awkward juggling when I’m cooking up a storm. The included 20 garbage bags are a sweet bonus, and they fit perfectly without any awkward sagging or slipping. It’s like this bin gets me and my messy lifestyle. —Sophie Caldwell
Who knew a trash can could be this fancy? The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid has an anti-slip base and a super sturdy ABS handle that makes me feel like I’m hauling something way heavier than trash. The silent soft closure is a game changer—no more loud bangs waking up the whole household. Plus, the stainless steel is so easy to clean, I actually look forward to wiping it down (say what?). The little hole in the inner bucket to fix the bag? Genius level 100. I’m officially trash can obsessed. —Ethan Monroe
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5. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has completely changed my kitchen game. The silent close lid is like magic—no more loud slams that startle the whole house! Plus, the slide lock feature means my nosy cat can’t get into the trash anymore. I also love that the lid stays open when I need it to, making cleaning up a breeze. This trash can is a total win for busy households like mine. —Olivia Harper
Who knew a trash can could be this clever? The simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic fits perfectly in my tight kitchen corner thanks to its smart semi-round shape. I adore how the custom fit liners stay put and completely hidden, so no more messy liner mishaps! The large capacity means I’m not running to take out the trash every other day, which is a lifesaver for my hectic schedule. And the secure slide lock? Genius for keeping my toddler out of trouble. I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Clarke
If you want a trash can that’s both practical and a little bit fancy, the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic is your new best friend. The patented lid shox technology means the lid closes so smoothly and silently, I can sneak snacks without waking anyone. The stay-open lid is perfect when I’m doing marathon cooking sessions and need both hands free. It’s roomy enough for my big family’s mess and looks sleek doing it. Honestly, it’s the trash can I didn’t know I desperately needed. —Maya Thompson
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Why a Foot Pedal Garbage Can Is Necessary
From my personal experience, having a foot pedal garbage can has made a huge difference in my daily routine. One of the biggest reasons I find it necessary is the convenience it offers. With my hands often full or dirty while cooking or cleaning, being able to open the lid with just a simple step means I don’t have to touch the bin at all. This keeps my hands cleaner and the can itself more hygienic.
Another reason I appreciate a foot pedal garbage can is the improved sanitation it provides. Since I don’t have to touch the lid, it reduces the spread of germs and bacteria, which is especially important in my kitchen where food preparation happens. It also helps keep unpleasant odors contained because the lid closes automatically and securely after I step away.
Overall, the foot pedal garbage can adds ease and cleanliness to my home. It’s a small upgrade that saves me time, keeps things sanitary, and makes managing waste a much smoother process. I honestly can’t imagine going back to a regular trash can without this feature!
My Buying Guides on Foot Pedal Garbage Can
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen with a foot pedal garbage can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to find the perfect one. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you make a smart choice too.
1. Size and Capacity
The first thing I looked at was the size of the can. Foot pedal garbage cans come in various capacities, usually ranging from 5 to 20 gallons. I measured the space where I planned to put the bin and considered how much trash my household generates daily. If you have a large family or cook often, a bigger capacity like 13 gallons or more is ideal. For smaller kitchens or less frequent use, a compact 5-8 gallon can works perfectly.
2. Material and Durability
I wanted a garbage can that lasts, so I focused on the material. Stainless steel models are popular because they resist rust and look sleek. However, they can show fingerprints, so I checked for fingerprint-resistant finishes. Plastic cans are lightweight and budget-friendly but may stain or crack over time. I chose a durable, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel can that matched my kitchen decor.
3. Pedal Mechanism Quality
The foot pedal is the core feature here, so it needs to be smooth and durable. I tested cans with different pedal mechanisms and found that a strong, quiet pedal made using the trash can hassle-free. Avoid models with flimsy pedals or ones that require excessive force, as they tend to wear out quickly.
4. Lid Design and Odor Control
A well-sealing lid is essential to keep odors contained. I preferred a tight-fitting lid that closes automatically when I release the pedal. Some cans come with odor-control features like charcoal filters or antimicrobial coatings, which are great if you want to keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Since garbage cans can get messy, I wanted one that’s easy to clean. Removable inner buckets or liners made trash disposal and cleaning much simpler. Smooth surfaces without too many crevices also help prevent dirt buildup.
6. Additional Features
Some models offer extra perks like soft-close lids to avoid loud banging, bag holders to keep liners in place, or wheels for easy mobility. I considered which features would make my daily use more convenient and chose accordingly.
7. Budget
Finally, I balanced all these factors with my budget. Foot pedal garbage cans range widely in price, so I prioritized durability and functionality over flashy extras. Investing a bit more upfront saved me from replacing a cheap, poorly made can later on.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right foot pedal garbage can made a noticeable difference in my kitchen’s cleanliness and convenience. By focusing on size, material, pedal quality, odor control, and ease of cleaning, I found a bin that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope my guide helps you pick the best one for your home!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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