5 Best Dual Trash Cans for the Kitchen (October 2026)
The best dual compartment kitchen trash cans include the simplehuman 58 L Step Recycler for frequent recycling trips, the EKO EcoCasa II 36 L + 24 L Dual Can for larger trash loads, and the EKO EcoCasa 30 L + 20 L Dual Can for smaller daily loads.
On this page (7 sections)
- How we chose these dual trash cans
- The best dual trash cans for kitchen sorting
- How to choose the right dual trash can for your kitchen
- How to set up a dual trash can for easy sorting
- How to keep a dual kitchen trash can clean
- Common mistakes that make dual trash cans harder to use
- Which is the best dual trash can for your kitchen?
The simplehuman 58 L Step Recycler is the best dual trash can for kitchen sorting if you want to carry recycling out in a bucket and keep spare liners within reach. Choose an EKO for two removable buckets, Songmics for equal sides with stay-open lids, or Simpli-Magic for standard-liner support.
The key choice is how much room each stream needs, rather than the combined capacity. A roomy recycling side won't help when the trash compartment fills halfway through dinner cleanup.
If you're comparing a single pedal can with a dual design, see our best step trash cans guide. Our trash can size guide explains capacity, while recycling bin vs trash can helps you decide whether both streams belong together.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for equal sorting loadsCheck it - 5
Check itSimpli-Magic 60 L Hands-Free Dual Can
Best for shared liner supplies
How we chose these dual trash cans
We compared compartment layout, bag handling, bucket removal and lid access to find useful matches for different kitchen routines. The best choice should make sorting and emptying easier without blocking the space where you cook.
We gave more weight to features you use every day, such as a carry handle or separate pedal, than to finish alone. A can that looks right but leaves the wrong side overflowing is a poor match.
All 5 picks use pedal opening, so you don't need batteries for the opening mechanism. Their main differences are the capacity split, what lifts out and whether a lid can remain open during a longer chore.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Dimensions | Opening | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman 58 L Step Recycler | frequent recycling trips | 58 L | 14.2 x 22 x 25.8 in | Step-on pedal | 8.3 |
| EKO EcoCasa II 36 L + 24 L Dual Can | larger trash loads | 60 L | 20.7 x 14.7 x 25.9 in | Step-on pedal | 7.9 |
| EKO EcoCasa 30 L + 20 L Dual Can | smaller daily loads | 50 L | 21 x 13 x 26 in | Step-on pedal | 7.6 |
| Songmics 2 x 8 Gal Dual Can | equal sorting loads | 16 Gal total | 23.2 x 14.3 x 24.6 in | Step-on pedal | 7.3 |
| Simpli-Magic 60 L Hands-Free Dual Can | shared liner supplies | 60 L | 19.3 x 14.8 x 26.4 in | Hands-free pedal | 7.2 |
The best dual trash cans for kitchen sorting
The simplehuman leads for recycling carryout and liner storage, while the alternatives serve different sorting habits. Use the product sections below to choose by your emptying routine, available space and balance of trash to recycling.
simplehuman 58 L Step Recycler: Best for frequent recycling trips
- 58 L total capacity
- Handled recycling bucket
- Liner pocket stores 20 liners
- Liner rim grips and hides the trash bag
Choose this for a recycling bucket you can carry out and spare liners stored inside the can. The trash side holds its bag directly under a liner rim.
Pros
- Handled bucket for recycling carryout
- Spare liners stored inside the can
- Lid Shox controlled closing
Cons
- No removable bucket on the trash side
- Fitted trash-side liners use simplehuman Code H
Choose the simplehuman if you want to carry loose recyclables straight to a larger collection bin. Its handled recycling bucket makes that trip simple, especially when your outdoor bin or shared recycling area is away from the kitchen.
The trash compartment uses a rim to grip and hide the bag, with no inner bucket taking up that side. This suits people who prefer pulling out a tied bag rather than lifting a loaded bucket first.
Inside, a pocket holds 20 liners and dispenses them individually. The trash side uses simplehuman Code H fitted liners; don't confuse that code with another brand's liner code.
simplehuman says its steel pedal is engineered for over 150,000 steps, and its Lid Shox mechanism controls the plastic lid's closing motion. The brand backs the can with a 10-year warranty.
Skip it if you want a removable wash bucket on both sides. A leaking trash bag can leave you cleaning inside the main body, so bag fit matters.
Read our simplehuman 58 L dual compartment review for more on this layout.
EKO EcoCasa II 36 L + 24 L Dual Can: Best for larger trash loads
- 36 L + 24 L compartments
- Color-coded removable buckets
- Carry handles on both buckets
- Soft-close stainless steel lids
The unequal split suits homes that need more room for trash than recycling. Both buckets lift out, so either side can be carried away for emptying or cleaning.
Pros
- Larger compartment for the faster-filling stream
- Two removable buckets with carry handles
- Outer side handles for repositioning
Cons
- Unequal sides won't suit every sorting routine
- Needs 37 in of open-lid clearance
Choose the EKO EcoCasa II if your trash takes up more room than your recycling and you want both compartments to lift out. Its 36 L and 24 L split gives the faster-filling stream a larger share.
Both color-coded buckets have carry handles. That helps when you need to remove a bucket for a spill, replace a bag away from the can or carry recycling to another collection point.
The outer body also has side handles for repositioning during floor cleaning. Its stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, and dampers control the lids as they close.
EKO says the foot pedal is engineered for over 200,000 step cycles. Treat pedal-cycle claims as design information, rather than a reason to choose the wrong compartment layout.
Skip this model if your loads are roughly equal or a shelf limits lid travel. It needs 37 in of open-lid clearance.
EKO gives differing depth measurements, so confirm the exact dimensions before ordering for a tight space. Leave room to remove the buckets as well as open the lids.
EKO EcoCasa 30 L + 20 L Dual Can: Best for smaller daily loads
- 30 L + 20 L compartments
- Independent pedals and lids
- Removable buckets with handles
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
Choose this for modest waste loads and separate access to each compartment. Its smaller total capacity suits a routine with regular emptying trips.
Pros
- Open either side independently
- Both buckets lift out for cleaning
- Soft-close lids
Cons
- Least total capacity among these picks
- Needs 35.1 in of open-lid clearance
Choose the smaller EKO EcoCasa if you have modest daily loads and want separate access to each side. Its independent pedals and lids let you open only the compartment you're using.
That layout suits a kitchen where you often discard one item at a time. A clear trash-side label and recycling-side label will help guests choose the correct pedal without lifting both lids.
Both buckets lift out using carry handles, so you can empty or wash either one separately. The lids have soft-close dampers, and the stainless steel finish resists fingerprints.
Its 30 L and 20 L compartments favor an uneven waste split. Skip it if you're already filling a similar-size trash compartment too quickly, since the second compartment can't lend it extra room.
Smaller capacity also doesn't guarantee an easy fit under furniture. Allow 35.1 in for the open lids, plus working space to remove the buckets.
For other layouts that may suit your room, browse our kitchen trash can style guide. Choose the shape around the space you actually use, including the area where your foot reaches the pedals.
Songmics 2 x 8 Gal Dual Can: Best for equal sorting loads
- Two 8 Gal compartments
- Removable buckets with side handles
- Lids stay open at 90 degrees
- 15 liners included
Matching compartments suit similar amounts of trash and recycling. Stay-open lids help when you're sorting several items during meal prep or cleanup.
Pros
- Equal room for both waste streams
- Stay-open lids for longer chores
- Handled buckets lift out separately
Cons
- Needs about 2 in behind the can
- Equal sides can leave unused room with uneven loads
Choose Songmics if your household produces similar volumes of trash and recycling and you want lids that remain open during cleanup. Each side holds 8 gallons, so neither stream gets a smaller compartment.
The lids can stay open at 90 degrees while you scrape plates or sort packaging. Close them when the task is done, especially if food scraps are exposed or pets can reach the can.
Both inner buckets have side handles for removal. Songmics includes 15 liners and offers matching 8-gallon liners under its own code H.
The stainless steel body and lids have soft-close mechanisms. Songmics says the surfaces resist fingerprints and scratches, but routine wiping still matters around the rims and pedals.
Skip this model if your trash and recycling loads are strongly uneven, or if your planned spot leaves no rear clearance. Songmics advises keeping about 2 in between the can and the wall.
That gap belongs in your floor-space measurement. Don't push the body back against a wall just to make the front edge line up with nearby cabinets.
Simpli-Magic 60 L Hands-Free Dual Can: Best for shared liner supplies
- Two color-coded 30 L sides
- Bag cinch for standard liners
- Built-in odor-control filter
- Extended open lid lock
The bag cinch supports standard liners for households that want to keep using a shared bag supply. Equal compartments, an odor-control filter and a lid lock round out the design.
Pros
- Standard-liner support with a bag cinch
- Equal space on both sides
- Lid lock for extended chores
Cons
- Equal split won't suit strongly uneven loads
- Filter care adds a maintenance task
Choose Simpli-Magic if you want equal compartments with support for standard liners. Its bag cinch helps secure bags, which is useful if you prefer drawing from the same liner supply used elsewhere in your home.
The green and black sides each hold 30 L. Assign a clear purpose to each color from the start so family members don't develop different sorting rules.
A foot pedal provides opening without touching the lid, while slow closing reduces abrupt lid movement. The extended lid lock is useful for chores involving repeated disposal, such as clearing packaging after putting groceries away.
There's also a built-in odor-control filter. Use it alongside regular emptying and cleaning, since trapped food residue still needs to be removed.
Skip this can if one waste stream routinely dwarfs the other. Equal sides can mean frequent trash trips while the recycling compartment remains partly empty.
Before buying bags in bulk, check that your standard liners reach the bottom and leave enough material to secure at the rim. Bag support matters more than the gallon number printed on the package.
How to choose the right dual trash can for your kitchen
Choose the can around your waste split, disposal route and available clearance, in that order. Finish and color matter after the design works with the way you cook, sort and empty bags.
How much capacity does a dual kitchen trash can need?
Size each compartment for the amount it must hold between realistic emptying trips. If you take kitchen trash out daily, you may need less space than a household that waits several days.
For a week, notice which stream fills first and how much room it uses. Include busy cooking days and grocery unpacking, rather than judging from a quiet weekday alone.
Measure volume loosely, without pressing waste down to make it fit. Heavy, tightly packed bags are harder to lift, and sharp packaging can damage a liner.
For help comparing units, read kitchen trash can sizes in gallons and liters. A dual can's total capacity describes both sides together, not the size of the trash bag you'll remove.
Should you choose equal or unequal compartments?
Choose equal sides for similar loads and unequal sides when one stream consistently takes more space. Don't assume recycling always belongs in the smaller compartment.
A household that cooks from basic ingredients may have a different waste balance from one that brings home bulky packaging. Flatten eligible cartons and boxes before judging how large the recycling side needs to be.
If recycling is your larger stream, consider how the bigger side would work for it. Check that the bag arrangement and bucket access still suit the job you assign to each compartment.
Leave some room below the rim so bags can close and lids can settle fully. Buying a larger total capacity won't solve a poor split if you still overload one side.
Do you want two removable buckets?
Choose two removable buckets if you want to carry either compartment away for emptying or cleaning. That is especially useful when spills need attention somewhere other than the kitchen floor.
A bag-only trash side suits a routine built around tying the liner and carrying it straight outside. It removes the bucket-lifting step, but you lose a separate container that can catch a bag leak.
Think through the whole route, including doors, stairs and any outdoor bin lid. A bucket handle helps with carrying, but the load still needs to be comfortable for the person emptying it.
Will the can fit with its lids open?
Measure floor space, lid travel and removal space before choosing a spot. A can can fit while closed yet be awkward to use beneath a shelf or beside an open dishwasher.
Mark its footprint on the floor with removable tape. Stand where you'd press the pedals and check whether a drawer, cabinet door or walking route overlaps that area.
Bucket removal needs more room than a lid opening alone. Plan to move the can forward if an overhead surface would stop you lifting a full bucket straight out.
For a practical placement check, use our guide to where to put a trash can in the kitchen. A spot near the prep area works only if you can still reach the can while cooking.
Which lid and pedal features will you use?
Choose independent openings for one-item disposal and a stay-open feature for longer sorting chores. Soft closing is useful when the kitchen shares space with a dining or living area.
Don't choose solely by pedal-cycle claims. Compartment fit, clear foot access and comfortable emptying have a more direct effect on whether the can works in your kitchen.
A lid also isn't a pet lock. If your dog opens bins or pulls at exposed bags, choose placement and access controls around that behavior rather than relying on a closed lid alone.
How do you choose liners for separate compartments?
Choose bags by rim fit, usable depth and closure room, rather than matching the can's total capacity. Each side of a dual can needs its own bag decision.
A bag that's too short can hang from the rim and pull loose under load. Too much loose material can bunch near a hinge or stop the lid from settling.
Try a small pack before committing to a large supply. Where a recycling program accepts loose material, a clean, unlined bucket may make emptying easier; follow your local collection rules.
Keep liner codes brand-specific. Similar letters on different brands don't establish that the bags have the same dimensions or fit.
How to set up a dual trash can for easy sorting
Set up clear labels, secure liners and an easy emptying route before putting the can into daily use. Small choices at the start prevent repeated sorting mistakes later.
- Assign the sides. Put a plain “Trash” label on one side and a short list of accepted recyclables on the other.
- Seat the buckets fully. Check that handles and bag edges aren't trapped beneath a rim or lid.
- Fit the bags. Let each liner reach the bottom, secure the top and keep loose plastic away from moving parts.
- Check access. Open each lid, remove each bucket and try the nearby cabinet doors with the can in place.
- Choose an emptying trigger. Remove waste before it reaches the rim, gets too heavy or causes odor.
Match the recycling label to your local program, since accepted materials vary. Color coding helps only when everyone understands what each color means.
Keep spare liners near the station unless the can provides storage. During a bag change, wipe any spill before fitting the replacement so residue doesn't sit hidden beneath it.
After the first week, review which side fills first. If one stays nearly empty, change your emptying schedule or side assignment rather than packing the other side harder.
How to keep a dual kitchen trash can clean
Clean the rims, buckets and any leaked waste, not just the visible steel body. A fingerprint-resistant finish helps with appearance, but it doesn't remove food residue.
Wipe spills promptly and remove scraps caught beneath bag edges. Clean each compartment separately so dirty water or loose trash doesn't enter the recycling side.
For removable buckets, empty them before washing and let them dry fully before replacing a liner. Moisture trapped beneath a bag makes it harder to notice a fresh leak.
Use a soft cloth and a cleaner suited to the surface, following the brand's care directions. Our guide to cleaning a stainless steel trash can covers the outer finish.
Keep water away from pedal linkages and lid mechanisms unless the care directions allow it. Let a controlled-close lid complete its movement rather than forcing it down.
If the can has an odor-control filter, follow its care and replacement instructions. Don't wash a filter or add scented products unless the brand allows that treatment.
Remove wet food waste before odor spreads, even if the bag isn't full. Our guide to keeping a kitchen trash can from smelling explains how bag changes, drying and residue removal work together.
Common mistakes that make dual trash cans harder to use
The most common mistake is buying by total capacity while ignoring the split. Other problems usually come from poor clearance, bag fit or unclear sorting rules.
- Treating both sides as overflow trash. This can contaminate recycling and leaves the household without a consistent sorting system.
- Packing recycling tightly. Items can become wedged, making the bucket harder to empty and the load harder to carry.
- Leaving bags above the rim. Loose plastic can catch near a hinge or interfere with closing.
- Blocking the pedals. A mat, cabinet edge or nearby object can make daily access awkward.
- Using stay-open mode as the default. Keep it for active chores, then close the lid when you're finished.
- Waiting for every compartment to fill. Empty the side that needs attention without waiting for the other one.
Don't use the recycling side for every item that looks recyclable. Food residue, mixed materials and bagged recycling may need different handling under your local rules.
If the chosen can feels awkward every day, check placement before replacing it. Moving it a short distance may improve pedal access, bucket removal and the route to your main bins.
Which is the best dual trash can for your kitchen?
The best dual trash can for kitchen use is the one that fits your waste split and emptying routine. Choose after deciding which stream needs more room and whether you want to carry a bag or a bucket.
Pick simplehuman for frequent recycling carryout and built-in liner storage. Choose the EKO EcoCasa II for larger uneven loads, or the smaller EKO EcoCasa for modest loads with independent openings.
Choose Songmics for equal loads and stay-open lids, or Simpli-Magic if standard-liner support is a priority. Before ordering, confirm the space for both everyday use and a full bag change.
If one compartment would stay mostly empty or the body would block your kitchen, compare single-compartment options in our best kitchen trash cans guide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What size dual trash can should I get?
Choose each compartment's size around what you discard between emptying trips, rather than choosing by total capacity alone. A large combined volume can still leave the trash side too small.
Measure floor space and lid clearance, then use our kitchen trash can size guide to compare gallons and liters.
Is a dual trash can worth it?
A dual trash can is worth it when you sort trash and recycling in the kitchen and want both in one station. It makes the most sense when both compartments fill at a useful pace.
Separate cans suit homes that need different locations or much more space for one stream.
Do dual trash cans need special bags?
Not all dual trash cans need special bags, but bag fit depends on each compartment's opening and depth. Simpli-Magic supports standard liners with a bag cinch, while simplehuman offers fitted Code H liners for its trash side.
Buy a small supply first so you can check fit before stocking up.
Should both compartments be the same size?
Choose equal compartments when trash and recycling take up similar space between emptying trips. Unequal sides work better when one stream consistently fills faster.
Judge by loose volume rather than weight, and include the packaging you can flatten before deciding how much room your recycling side needs.
