With form and convenience in mind, we researched the best recycling bins for every room in your home, evaluating their capacity, material, lid type, and functionality. Our top pick, the Simplehuman Rectangular Dual Compartment 58-Liter Step Can, has a dual-compartment design and an array of convenient features. Here are the best recycling bins in a variety of categories. This bin also features Simplehuman’s innovative step pedal, designed to last over 150,000 steps (or 20 steps per day for 20 years). The hands-free operation makes for a more hygienic experience, as does the silver-ion finish, which reduces the spread of germs and resists fingerprints. Patented technology ensures that the lid closes silently every time—another big plus. Although this pick is on the expensive side, we think the convenient, sophisticated design is worth the investment. With a total capacity of 58 liters, this large receptacle is ideal for a high-traffic kitchen, basement, or garage. The side intended for trash holds 34 liters (about 9 gallons), while the recycling compartment holds 24 liters (about 6 gallons). This unit is on the heavy side at over 20 pounds, which could be challenging when moving or cleaning it. On the plus side, it’s not likely to be tipped over by children or pets. This product is backed by a 10-year warranty, guaranteeing years of reliable use. Price at time of publish: $250 Thanks to two integrated handles at the sides, it’s easy to lift, transport, and empty. What’s more, it weighs less than a pound. Since this bin has a fairly small capacity of 8.5 liters (2.25 gallons), it’s best suited for a smaller room, like an office or craft room. Its wide, open mouth makes it easy to load. The only downside to the open design is that it doesn’t contain odors or conceal the bin’s contents. If you want to keep this recycling can clean and dry, you can purchase liners elsewhere at an additional cost, though they could take away from the modern aesthetic of this small recycling can. Price at time of publish: $8 Another convenient feature is a soft-touch mechanism that enables the lid to open and close smoothly. The lid will stay open as long as needed, so you can perform longer cleaning tasks without interruption. This bin is also Cradle to Cradle certified, which means that the manufacturing process meets certain sustainability and social fairness standards. It comes in several elegant finishes, including matte black, matte steel, and concrete gray. Although it’s one of our more expensive picks, and some users report issues with denting, it comes with a 10-year warranty to protect your purchase. Price at time of publish: $269 These bins come in two sizes—38 or 61 liters (10 or 16 gallons)—so you can decide which is best for various types of recycling. Both sizes nest together and can be neatly stacked to save floor space. Each bin has a foldable lid, which you can open even if there’s another bin stacked on top of it, allowing easy access to its contents. Price at time of publish: $20 The sleek stainless steel exterior has a silver-ion coating that resists fingerprints and stays shiny in the face of everyday use. The two inner plastic buckets are removable for easy emptying and cleaning. The blue-handled bucket holds 24 liters (about 6 gallons) and is ideal for recycled materials, while the larger bucket, which holds 34 liters (about 9 gallons), is better suited for trash. This model’s rim keeps liners out of sight and securely in place. Another noteworthy feature is the built-in liner pocket, which dispenses liners individually without the need for tearing or perforations. This unit has two power options: the included wall adapter or six AA batteries (sold separately). We have read some reports of the trash can malfunctioning within a short period, so be sure to take advantage of Simplehuman’s 10-year warranty if you encounter any problems. Although this pick has a steep price tag, we think the hassle-free technology is worth the splurge. Price at time of publish: $300 This trash can comes in two neutral colors—brown and taupe—a welcome change from the standard bright blue color you’ll find on many recycle bins. The faux wainscotting design will blend in nicely with most outdoor furniture decor, making it an ideal choice for decks and patios. Note that this trash can requires some assembly, but the process is quick and easy. Price at time of publish: $60 The Step N’ Sort bin has a sleek and durable stainless steel build, and its larger 23-inch-wide design is a good fit for busy kitchens. Most users say it works great for recyclables, but there is no mechanism to keep trash bags securely in place. It’s also important to note that this recycling bin has an open bottom, which means that any overspill could end up on the floor. Price at time of publish: $121 Another bonus is the smooth plastic construction, which you can easily clean with a soft, damp cloth. The only downside to the open design is that it won’t conceal the bin’s contents or contain odors. However, those might not be problems if you’re using it strictly for dry waste. Price at time of publish: $27 The inner bucket is removable, so it’s easy to lift and empty. Thanks to rubber pads on the non-skid base, you don’t have to worry about the canister sliding around. Another convenient feature is the tuck-and-hold bag lock, which prevents trash bags from slipping or falling into the canister. This unit doesn’t require custom liners and is compatible with 13-gallon trash bags. We found a few reports of parts breaking shortly after use, but a one-year warranty protects the product. Price at time of publish: $100 This compost bin is lightweight and easy to carry at just a little over 1 pound, which is a major plus if you’re traveling to a drop-off facility. It’s available in several colors and also comes in a larger, 1.75-gallon size to suit various needs. Although the lid reduces odors, some users say it doesn’t eliminate them entirely. For that reason, you may need to empty your compost more frequently. Price at time of publish: $23 As for internal organization, a dual or multi-compartment recycling bin allows you to separate trash and recycling or sort different recyclables, such as paper and plastic. These solutions could take up more real estate. On the other hand, the beauty of a multipurpose bin is that it allows you to keep everything neatly contained in one canister. If your space is limited, one unit could help you optimize it.
Material
Recycling bins come in a variety of materials, but stainless steel and plastic are the most popular options on that market. While plastic is typically cheaper, easier to clean, and lighter in weight, it’s not as durable as stainless steel and is more prone to cracking—especially in extreme temperatures. Stainless steel recycling bins tend to be pricier and more stylish in design. On the downside, stainless steel is more susceptible to fingerprints and other marks, making it a little more challenging to clean. Since stainless steel tends to be heavier than plastic, this type of bin might be harder to lift, but it’s also less likely to be knocked over.
Lid Type
A unit with a soft- or silent-close lid is always a welcome feature, especially in a home with rambunctious children. Some bins come with a foot pedal for hands-free operation, while more advanced models offer touchless technology for convenience and hygiene. If you keep a recycling bin outdoors, a hinged or locking lid will deter raccoons and other nosy critters.
Extra Features
Any bin equipped with a handle (or multiple handles) will likely be easier to lift. Some recycling bins include a filter to neutralize odors. Others offer a built-in storage compartment that allows you to keep extra liners on hand yet neatly concealed within the canister. If you’re interested in hands-free operation, smart technology, which you’ll find on more expensive models, lets you open the bin with a simple voice command or wave of your hand. Hands-free operation is not only convenient but more hygienic as well. A foot pedal requires some physical effort, but it also allows for hands-free operation, reducing the spread of germs in the home.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a home and lifestyle writer who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. To select the best recycling bins on the market, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their material, capacity, lid type, and extra features. Sage consulted hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites. For expert insight on choosing and caring for a recycling bin, she interviewed Melissa Homer, The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board member and chief cleaning officer at MaidPro.
