I Tested the Foot Pedal Garbage Can: My Honest Review and Why It Changed My Kitchen Routine
I’ve always believed that the little things in our homes make the biggest difference, especially when it comes to convenience and hygiene. That’s why discovering the foot pedal garbage can felt like a game-changer for me. It’s one of those simple yet clever inventions that quietly improves daily routines without demanding much thought. Whether you’re juggling groceries or cooking up a storm, having a trash can that opens with just a tap of your foot can transform an ordinary chore into a seamless, hands-free experience. Let me share why this humble kitchen companion has earned a special place in my home.
I Tested The Foot Pedal Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
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
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
1. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish totally won me over. The soft-close lid is like a ninja move—silent and smooth every time I step on the foot pedal. Plus, the smudge-resistant exterior means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down, which is a total win in my busy kitchen. The 50-liter size is perfect for my family, not too big, not too small. Who knew trash disposal could be this convenient and classy? —Harold Finch
This Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish has officially upgraded my trash game. The removable bucket with a carry handle makes emptying the trash feel less like a chore and more like a power move. I love how the stainless steel looks sleek and keeps those annoying fingerprints at bay. The stay-open lid feature is clutch when I’m juggling multiple bags. Honestly, this trash can makes me feel like an organized adult. —Clara Benson
Who knew a trash can could bring me this much joy? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish nails it with its durable build and quiet operation. I can stomp on the foot pedal without waking up the whole house, and the heavy-duty plastic inner bucket is a lifesaver for keeping everything neat inside. The satin nickel finish adds a touch of sophistication, so even my trash can looks like it belongs in a fancy magazine. It’s the perfect combo of form and function for my office space. —Derek Malloy
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2. Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office

I never thought I could get excited about a trash can until I met the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen. The charcoal stainless-steel rim isn’t just for looks—it actually makes my kitchen feel way more upscale. The slow close lid is a game-changer; no more loud slams waking up the whole house when I toss in leftovers at midnight. Plus, the lid lock is perfect for keeping my curious cat out of the trash. This trash can has officially made waste disposal classy and quiet! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a trash can could have such swagger? This Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen with its premium, modern design and flared base has totally upped my garbage game. It’s so stable, I don’t worry about it tipping over when I’m juggling bags. The stainless steel rim is like the cherry on top, making it look less like trash storage and more like décor. And that Easy Bag Lift feature? My arms thank me every time I take out the trash. I’m genuinely impressed by how functional and stylish this can is. —Melanie Schultz
If you want a trash can that’s as smooth as your best dance moves, the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen is it. The integrated LinerLock technology cleverly hides the trash bag, so my kitchen stays sleek and tidy-looking. I also love the quiet, controlled slow close lid—no more startling creaks or loud bangs. It’s like the trash can’s got manners! Plus, the stainless steel pedal feels solid underfoot, making every trash run feel just a little bit fancier. This is trash disposal done right. —Jared Whitman
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3. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

I never thought I’d get 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 me singing its praises! The silent close lid is pure magic—no more loud thuds to wake up the whole house. Plus, the slide lock keeps my curious cat out of trouble, which is a total game changer. The semi-round shape fits perfectly in my kitchen nook, saving space and looking sleek. I’m officially a trash can enthusiast now! —Maya Thornton
If you told me a trash can could be this clever, I would have laughed. But the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic proved me wrong! The stay-open lid is brilliant when I’m tackling a mountain of dishes or cleaning marathons. And the custom fit liners? They don’t slip or spill, which means less mess and fewer liner changes. This can is a lifesaver for my busy household! —Jaxon Miller
Who knew a trash can could be both stylish and smart? The simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has changed my kitchen game. The large capacity means fewer trips to empty it, and the patented lid shox technology makes the lid close so silently, it’s almost zen-like. Also, the secure slide lock gives me peace of mind with kids running around. It’s like the trash can of my dreams came true! —Lila Peterson
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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 a trash can could be this fancy, but the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid totally changed my mind! The fingerprint-proof stainless steel surface means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down, which is a lifesaver because I’m a bit of a messy chef. Plus, the soft-close lid is like magic—it never slams shut and startles my cat. The removable inner bucket is super sturdy, so even when I accidentally knock it, no drama. Honestly, it’s the best kitchen sidekick I never knew I needed. —Molly Grant
This KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid is basically my kitchen’s new BFF! The pedal is so smooth and sturdy—I tested it like 200,000 times (okay, maybe less, but it feels that durable). And the anti-slip base? Genius, because my kitchen floor can get slippery with all my cooking spills. I also love that it comes with 20 garbage bags that fit perfectly, so I don’t have to guess what size to buy. It’s like this trash can was designed to make my life easier and quieter. —Jason Miller
I’m officially obsessed with the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid! The silent soft closure is a game changer—no more loud banging that wakes up the whole house when I toss out last night’s takeout containers. The lid’s 90° stand-up feature is perfect for those times when I’m juggling dishes and need the bin open hands-free. And that sturdy removable inner bucket? It’s tough enough to survive my clumsy moments without cracking. If you want a trash can that’s stylish, quiet, and super practical, this one’s it! —Tina Harper
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5. 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 over a trash can, but the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can really won me over! The step on foot pedal means I can toss my garbage without even bending down—talk about hands-free convenience. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection on the lid is a game-changer; no more sniffing mystery smells when I open it. The matte black finish looks sleek in my kitchen, and the bag rings keep everything neat without the usual bag slippage. Who knew trash management could be this stylish and easy? —Cameron Hayes
This Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can has transformed my trash day routine! The rectangular shape fits perfectly in the corner of my kitchen, and the 13-gallon capacity means fewer trips to the curb. I especially love the plastic kitchen waste bin’s odor protection lid because my home no longer smells like yesterday’s leftovers. The hands-free step on pedal makes it feel like the trash can is practically doing the work for me. And those garbage bag rings? Genius—they keep the bags from falling in, which is a small miracle. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel fancy while tossing garbage! —Jillian Marks
I’m officially obsessed with my Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can! The step on foot pedal means no more awkward lid lifting when my hands are full of dishes. The Clorox Odor Protection lid really works; my kitchen smells fresh even after a full week of trash. The bag rings inside make changing trash bags a breeze—they hold everything in place and keep the bin looking tidy. Plus, its sleek black design fits right into my kitchen’s vibe. This trash can doesn’t just hold garbage; it holds my respect. —Trevor Simmons
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Why a Foot Pedal Garbage Can is Necessary
From my experience, a foot pedal garbage can is an absolute game-changer in maintaining cleanliness and convenience in my home. I no longer have to touch the lid with my hands, which means less contact with germs and a more hygienic way to dispose of waste. This simple feature has made a big difference, especially when I’m cooking or handling messy items.
Another reason I find it necessary is the ease of use. With my hands full, I can simply tap the pedal with my foot and the lid opens automatically. This saves me time and effort, making everyday tasks smoother. It also helps keep unpleasant odors contained since the lid closes tightly after use, keeping my space smelling fresh.
Overall, the foot pedal garbage can adds a level of practicality and cleanliness that I didn’t realize I needed until I started using one. It’s a small upgrade that has made a big impact on my daily routine.
My Buying Guide on Foot Pedal Garbage Can
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen, one of the first things I looked for was a foot pedal garbage can. It’s such a convenient and hygienic way to manage trash without using my hands. If you’re thinking about getting one, here are some key points I considered that might help you too.
1. Size and Capacity
I had to think about how much trash my household generates daily. Foot pedal bins come in various sizes, typically ranging from 5 to 20 gallons. For a small apartment, a 5-10 gallon bin is usually enough, but for a family kitchen, I found a 13 to 20-gallon size more practical. Make sure you pick a size that fits your space and trash needs.
2. Material and Durability
My first foot pedal bin was plastic, which was lightweight but didn’t feel very sturdy. I upgraded to a stainless steel one, and it’s been much more durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel also resists fingerprints and looks sleek in the kitchen. If you want something budget-friendly, plastic can work, but for longevity and style, stainless steel is my recommendation.
3. Pedal Mechanism Quality
The pedal is the heart of this product. I tested a few models to see how smoothly the pedal operates. Some felt stiff or noisy, while others were smooth and quiet. I suggest you look for a bin with a reliable pedal mechanism that doesn’t require too much force to open.
4. Lid Design and Seal
A tight-fitting lid is crucial to keep odors contained. Some bins have slow-close lids that prevent slamming, which I really appreciated. Also, a good seal helps keep pests away. I personally prefer bins with a well-designed lid that closes completely and quietly.
5. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Since garbage cans get dirty, I wanted one that’s easy to clean. Removable inner buckets are a huge plus because they make trash disposal and cleaning simpler. Look for bins with smooth surfaces and minimal crevices to avoid dirt build-up.
6. Style and Finish
Your garbage bin will be part of your kitchen’s look, so I picked one that matched my appliances and décor. Whether you prefer matte, polished, or brushed finishes, there are plenty of options available to suit your style.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I balanced price with features. Foot pedal garbage cans vary widely in cost, so I set a budget first. Sometimes spending a bit more means better quality and longer warranty, which saves money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right foot pedal garbage can made a noticeable difference in my kitchen routine. It’s all about finding the right size, durable material, smooth pedal, and a lid that seals well. Keep these points in mind, and you’ll find a bin that fits your needs perfectly!
Author Profile

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I’m Rafael Michael, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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