5 Best Dual Compartment Trash Cans: Counter Clutter Zero

Counter clutter often starts at the bin. If sorting is hard, recyclables collect on the counter and odors spread. Investing in a dual compartment trash can and a few pro‑grade recycling upgrades is a one‑time fix that streamlines habits for years. Below are five durable, low‑maintenance systems that align with our less is a new more philosophy—buy well once, stop rebuying forever.

TL;DR – Quick Picks

• Best overall: simplehuman 58L Dual‑Compartment Step Can — steel, soft‑close, liners fit perfectly.
• Best under‑counter: simplehuman Pull‑Out Recycler — smooth glides, hidden sorting, easy bag changes.
• Best hands‑free: iTouchless 13‑Gallon Sensor Can — motion lid, odor control, great for prep messes.
• Best design‑forward: Brabantia Bo Dual Bin — furniture‑like aesthetic with removable inner buckets.
• Best commercial‑tough: GLAD Stainless Commercial Step Can — rugged pedal and large capacity.

What to Look For (and Why It Matters)

• Pedal + soft‑close hinges: fewer slams, longer hinge life, quieter kitchen.
• Removable inner buckets: faster cleaning and true recycling separation.
• Custom‑fit liners / bag retention: liners don’t slip down—a hidden stress saver.
• Odor control: tight seals and optional charcoal filters for food‑prep days.
• Footprint & placement: under‑counter, end‑of‑island, or wall‑hugging designs keep traffic flowing.
• Steel, powder coat, or high‑impact polymers: finishes that resist dents and fingerprints.

Pro tip: Place bins where waste happens—next to the prep zone and the dishwasher. Good placement beats capacity.

The 5 Buy‑Once Systems

1) simplehuman 58L Dual‑Compartment Step Can (Best Overall)

Why it’s buy‑once: All‑steel build, wide steel pedal rated for years of use, whisper‑quiet soft‑close lid. One side for trash, the other for recycling; custom liners tuck out of sight.
Best use: Family kitchens and open‑plan spaces where appearance and reliability matter.
Workflow win: Sort as you go—no more counter piles or last‑minute sorting sessions.
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2) simplehuman Under‑Counter Pull‑Out Recycler (Hidden Sorting)

Why it’s buy‑once: Ball‑bearing slides + steel frame; dual buckets glide fully out for easy bag changes. Keeps floors open and bins hidden inside a cabinet.
Best use: Smaller kitchens or minimal aesthetics; place under the sink or near the prep zone.
Workflow win: Sorting happens at the source without visual clutter.
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3) iTouchless 13‑Gallon Sensor Can (Hands‑Free Hygiene)

Why it’s buy‑once: Touchless lid reduces cross‑contamination during raw‑food prep; odor filter helps on heavy‑cook days. Stable base and smooth motorized lid.
Best use: High‑traffic households and cooks who handle lots of ingredients.
Workflow win: Open with a wrist flick or cutting‑board edge—no mess on the lid.
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4) Brabantia Bo Dual Bin (Design‑Forward & Modular)

Why it’s buy‑once: Furniture‑like silhouette, color options, and removable inner buckets. Modular capacities let you pick the ideal split for your household.
Best use: Style‑conscious spaces where the bin is visible; great against a wall.
Workflow win: Looks like furniture, works like a pro system; guests can sort without asking.
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5) GLAD Commercial Stainless Step Can (Rugged & Large‑Capacity)

Why it’s buy‑once: Commercial‑grade pedal mechanism; stainless body; quiet, controlled lid. Built for abuse—busy families, shared kitchens, and utility rooms.
Best use: Households that fill bags fast or want a heavy‑duty secondary bin (garage, pantry).
Workflow win: Fewer trips to the outside bin; pedal keeps hands free.
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Comparison at a Glance

Product	Type	Capacity	Material	Best For	Standout Feature
simplehuman 58L Dual‑Compartment	Step can	58L split	Stainless steel	Main kitchen	Soft‑close, custom liners
simplehuman Pull‑Out Recycler	Under‑counter	Dual buckets	Steel + polymer	Hidden sorting	Full‑extension slides
iTouchless 13‑Gallon Sensor	Sensor can	13 gal	Stainless/polymer	Hands‑free use	Motion lid + odor filter
Brabantia Bo Dual Bin	Step can	Various splits	Steel	Design‑forward homes	Furniture‑style form
GLAD Commercial Step Can	Step can	Large	Stainless steel	Heavy use	Commercial pedal

Install & Setup (Fast Guide)

1. Choose placement first: end of island, under sink, or wall niche.
2. Measure clearance: lids and doors need space; check toe‑kick and hinge swing.
3. Mount slides (for pull‑out units) square and level; use included template.
4. Stock liners (trash + recycling) and label the inner buckets.
5. Establish a rhythm: empty on dish‑run nights; wipe the rim when swapping liners.

Care & Maintenance

• Wipe stainless with microfiber + mild soap; avoid abrasive pads.
• Replace charcoal filters on schedule for odor control.
• Wash inner buckets monthly; dry fully before reinserting.
• Check pedal/sensor hardware twice a year; tighten fasteners if needed.

FAQs

Affiliate Disclosure

This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend durable, long‑life products that fit our less is a new more philosophy.

Learn more about smart home organization, The Best Luxury Knife Sets for Your Kitchen: Precision, Style, and Durability, or Top 5 Cookware Sets: Elevate Your Cooking with Premium Pots and Pans, and How to Design a Dream Walk-In Closet for Lasting Organization