Choosing a Trash Can With a Lid
A trash can with lid is a stylistic choice that plays a key role in containing unpleasant odors. It’s also an important consideration if you want your recycling bin to stay closed and locked.
Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell loves this stainless-steel model’s sleek appearance, fingerprint-resistant coating, and smudge-proof finish. It holds a lot, but she says it doesn’t feel heavy or unstable.
Size
Choosing the right trash can size depends on the number of people living in your home and how much waste they create. An empty nester may get by with a 7- to 10-gallon bin, while a couple might need to upsize to 12 to 16 gallons.
A can’s shape also affects its footprint. For example, a round trash can takes up more space than a rectangular model. Also, a can with an internal hinge sits flat against the wall and is less likely to damage it than one that sticks out from the wall.
Finally, think about what the can will be used for. For example, if you want it to serve as a recycling bin in your kitchen, choose one with separate compartments so that you can keep each type of waste separate.
Some trash cans come with liners, which reduce odor and make cleaning easier. You can find liners made of compostable biodegradable material, recycled plastic or paper. The liner should be rated to hold the weight of your trash and to resist rodents.
Another factor to consider is the color of the can. While most cans are available in neutral shades, some are designed to stand out with hues that signal their purpose or function. For instance, blue cans are usually reserved for recycling, while green cans are often meant to hold yard waste.
Color
The color of your trash can will play a role in how it looks in your kitchen. Some bins are stainless steel, which matches other stainless steel appliances and looks sleek and professional. Others are made of plastic and look more homey and casual. Some have lids that are a different color than the body of the bin, which can be a nice accent piece for your space.
Some stainless steel bins come with a special fingerprint-proof coating to keep them clean and free from smudges. This is especially helpful for manual-lid models, since you will be touching the lid often. If you don’t want to get a kitchen products supplier fingerprint-proof model, look for a stainless steel bin that is easy to wipe down.
A soft-closing lid is a nice feature that not everyone needs, but it makes the trash can feel more luxurious and comfortable to use. It also helps trash can with lid to make the bin quieter when you open and close it, which can be a plus in tight spaces where noise might be an issue.
Many flip-top trash cans whack the wall behind them when you step on the pedal too hard, but the Kohler’s lid lifts gently even if you stomp on it. Other brands offer similar styles, including the ultra-slim Skinny waste bin, which comes in bronze, black, surf blue, orange, and red, and the MR safe Garbino bin, which is available in a range of colors that include indigo, teal, and galaxy.
Lid
A trash can with a lid keeps the contents of the bin closed and prevents trash odors from wafting out into your home or office. It also helps to keep out pests and other animals that might get into your rubbish. You can find lids for trash cans in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit a wide range of bins. These lids are easy to clean and are available in plastic, stainless steel, or metal.
Some of these lids feature a handle or button that lets you let the bin stay open. This is especially useful if you want to throw away more than one item at a time. This feature is usually found on automatic sensor cans, step-on bins, and manual lid trash cans.
Another important thing to consider when choosing a trash can is the size and shape. You can choose from a round, square, tall, slim, or rectangular shape for your bin. A bin with a small footprint is ideal for tight spaces, while a tall, square, or rectangular-shaped bin can accommodate more garbage.
Some trash cans are designed with a lid that closes softly and quietly, which makes it convenient to use in your kitchen or restroom. This feature is not essential, but it is a nice addition that enhances the overall functionality of your bin. You can also find lids that latch onto the can itself, which is a great way to ensure that your lid doesn’t get separated from the bin during garbage collection.
Material
The material you choose plays a role in how well your trash can holds up to everyday use. Metal cans offer durability, while plastic offers a lighter weight that makes it easier to move the bin from place to place. Both materials can also be molded into sleek designs to bring a more refined look to your space.
Many people prefer stainless steel trash cans because they’re easy to wipe down and don’t show fingerprint smudges as easily as other types of containers, says Solomon. She uses two of them in her kitchen and says they’re “super easy to keep clean when I’m in a hurry.”
If you like the sleek look of a metal container but don’t want it to rust, consider one with a powder coat finish. This special coating resists scratches, dents and other damage. If you’re going with a stainless steel model, look for one that also has a fingerprint-proof coating. Since you’ll be touching the bin often, it needs to stay smudge-free.
If you have kids or pets, you might want a metal bin that’s rated varmint-proof to prevent critters from getting into your trash. This type of bin typically has a heavy-weight hinge that latches in an open position and a retainer ring at the bottom to keep animals from knocking the can over. Some of these containers can be padlocked in the down position for security.
