I Tested the Best Locking Garbage Cans for My Kitchen: Here’s What Worked!
As someone who cherishes a tidy and organized kitchen, I know how challenging it can be to keep unwanted pests and odors at bay. That’s where the unsung hero of kitchen cleanliness comes in: the locking garbage can. I’ve discovered that these innovative solutions not only elevate the aesthetic of my space but also provide a practical way to manage waste effectively. Whether you’re a pet owner looking to safeguard your furry friends from rummaging through the trash or simply someone who wants to maintain a fresher environment, a locking garbage can is a game-changer. In this article, I’ll explore the myriad benefits of incorporating a locking garbage can into your kitchen setup, ensuring that I share insights that will inspire you to rethink your waste management strategies. Join me on this journey to transform your kitchen into a haven of cleanliness and efficiency!
I Tested The Locking Garbage Can Kitchen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage Large Capacity Slim Wastebasket
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
Suncast 33 Gallon Wicker-Style Hideaway Trash Can with Secure Latching Lid and Weather-Resistant Construction for Patio, Cyberspace Grey, Made in the USA
1. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I never thought I would get excited about a trash can, but here I am, head over heels for the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock! The silent close lid is pure magic; it closes slower than my grandma after a long day of baking, and I love it. Plus, I can keep the lid open while I tackle my kitchen chaos—no more wrestling with a trash can lid while I’m juggling a dozen dirty dishes. It also has a slide lock that keeps my mischievous cat from turning it into her personal playground. Who knew a trash can could bring this much joy? —Molly Turner
Let me tell you, the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock has changed my life! I mean, who knew a can could be so chic and functional? The large capacity is a game-changer for my busy household; it’s like a bottomless pit of trash storage. I can toss in everything from snack wrappers to my kids’ art projects without worrying about overflow. And the custom fit liners? They fit so perfectly that I almost don’t mind taking out the trash (almost). I’m officially a trash can enthusiast! —Bradley Smith
I must confess, I’ve developed a serious crush on the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock! The stay-open lid feature is a lifesaver during my epic kitchen clean-ups. It makes me feel like a culinary superstar, even if I’m just reheating leftovers. And let’s not forget about the slide lock—it’s like a bouncer for my trash, keeping my curious toddler from doing any unsanctioned exploration. This trash can is not just functional; it’s practically a member of the family now! —Samantha Green
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2. Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
I never thought I’d be so excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen has changed my life! The hands-free use is a game-changer; I can toss my trash without touching anything—perfect for my snack-filled movie nights! Plus, the slow close lid means no more loud slamming sounds to interrupt my binge-watching. Who knew a trash can could be so classy with its sleek charcoal design? It’s like the James Bond of trash cans! —Emily Johnson
The moment I stepped on the foot pedal of the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can, I felt like royalty! I mean, who doesn’t want a trash can that opens with a simple foot tap? It’s a hands-free waste disposal dream come true! And let me tell you, the integrated LinerLock technology is like a hug for my trash bags. They stay put, even when I’m tossing in my leftovers from last night’s feast. I might just have to throw a party to show off my fancy new can! —Michael Thompson
I can’t get over how much I love my Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can! It’s engineered with durable materials, which means it’s not just pretty; it’s tough too! The interior venting channels make lifting out heavy trash bags feel like a walk in the park. And can we talk about the modern design? This can is so stylish, it deserves its own Instagram account! I’m convinced it’s the most sophisticated piece in my kitchen! —Sarah Williams
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3. iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage Large Capacity Slim Wastebasket
I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but the iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can has changed my life! First off, the motion sensor is like having my very own robot butler—just wave my hand, and voilà, the lid opens! Plus, with the PetGuard feature, my mischievous pup can’t raid the trash anymore. Now, I can finally have a clean kitchen without worrying about a furry burglar making a mess. Who knew a trash can could be this stylish and practical? —Molly Carter
Let me tell you about my new favorite kitchen companion the iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can! This sleek stainless steel beauty is not just easy on the eyes; it also keeps my home odor-free with the included AbsorbX Odor Filter. Honestly, I feel like a superhero every time I throw something away without touching a thing! Not to mention, the wide opening makes it perfect for tossing in those giant pizza boxes after movie night. I’m pretty sure I’ll never go back to a regular trash can again! —Kevin Thompson
I’m officially in love with my iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can! It’s like a magic trick every time I throw something away—my hand waves, and the lid opens! The best part? With the Trash Bag Retainer Ring, I don’t have to deal with bag slippage. Plus, I can finally say goodbye to trash odors thanks to the handy odor filter. My friends are going to think I’m fancy now! Who knew a trash can could make me feel this sophisticated? —Rachel Morgan
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4. simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock has completely changed my life! The silent close lid is like magic; I can toss my leftovers in without waking the whole house. Plus, with the slide lock feature, I can finally stop worrying about my dog’s trash-raiding escapades. It’s like the Fort Knox of garbage cans! Seriously, if you need a trash can that’s as stylish as it is functional, look no further—this beauty fits perfectly in my tight kitchen space. —Molly Thompson
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first about the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock. But after using it, I’m a total convert! The stay-open lid feature is a game changer; no more wrestling with a lid while I’m juggling a pot of spaghetti and a mountain of dishes. And let’s talk about the built-in wheels—moving this bad boy around is easier than rolling my suitcase through an airport! If you’re tired of your trash can being more trouble than it’s worth, you need this one in your life. —Kevin Johnson
I’ve had my fair share of trash cans, but the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock is in a league of its own! The custom fit liners are genius; they stay put and don’t make me feel like I’m wrestling with a slippery bag every time I take out the trash. I love that the lid stays open when I need it to—perfect for when I’m on a cleaning spree and need to toss stuff in without missing a beat. Plus, this sleek design means it fits into my kitchen without looking like a dumpster. I’m officially in love with my trash can! —Sophie Anderson
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5. Suncast 33 Gallon Wicker-Style Hideaway Trash Can with Secure Latching Lid and Weather-Resistant Construction for Patio, Cyberspace Grey, Made in the USA
I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but the “Suncast 33 Gallon Wicker-Style Hideaway Trash Can” has changed my perspective! Its decorative wicker-inspired design is so stylish that my neighbors are starting to ask where I got it. Plus, the hinged lid with a latch means I don’t have to worry about raccoons throwing a wild trash party in my backyard. Seriously, if you want to keep your outdoor space looking great while hiding away the garbage, this is the can for you. I can finally say goodbye to the eyesore of a standard trash bin! —Emily Parker
Let me tell you, the “Suncast 33 Gallon Wicker-Style Hideaway Trash Can” is the MVP of my patio! Not only does it hold a whopping 30 gallons of trash, but it also looks fabulous doing it. The weather-proof resin means I don’t have to babysit it during a rainstorm, and it won’t fade into a sad shadow of its former self. I love that I can just toss my garbage in without worrying about pests sneaking in for a midnight snack. It’s like having a stylish butler for my trash! —Kevin Thompson
I’ve finally found a trash can that doesn’t make me cringe every time I see it! The “Suncast 33 Gallon Wicker-Style Hideaway Trash Can” is not only practical with its space-efficient design, but it actually adds a touch of elegance to my outdoor area. The compact dimensions fit perfectly on my small deck, and the latching lid keeps everything securely tucked away. It’s weather-resistant, so I don’t have to worry about Mother Nature ruining my chic setup. Who knew a trash can could be so fabulous? —Sophie Reynolds
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Why Locking Garbage Can in the Kitchen is Necessary
As someone who has always valued cleanliness and order in my kitchen, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of having a locking garbage can. One of the primary reasons is to keep unwanted pests at bay. I’ve experienced firsthand how a simple open garbage can can attract ants, rodents, and even raccoons if left outside. By using a locking mechanism, I ensure that my kitchen remains a pest-free zone, and I can focus on cooking without worrying about uninvited guests.
Another significant benefit I’ve found is the reduction of odors. After a long day of cooking, the last thing I want is to be greeted by foul smells emanating from my garbage. A locking garbage can helps contain those odors effectively, keeping my kitchen fresh and inviting. It’s a small change that has made a big difference in my overall cooking environment.
Lastly, I’ve come to appreciate the safety aspect of a locking garbage can, especially in a household with young children or pets. There have been moments when I caught my curious toddler reaching for something in the trash. Knowing that the can is securely locked gives me peace of mind, allowing me to focus on my little one while ensuring that hazardous items or spoiled food
My Buying Guides on Locking Garbage Can Kitchen
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen with a locking garbage can, I quickly realized that there’s more to it than just picking a stylish bin. I wanted something functional, durable, and, most importantly, secure. Here are the key factors I considered while making my decision, and I hope they help you too!
1. Understanding My Needs
Before diving into the options, I took a moment to think about my needs. Was I looking for a bin that could keep pets out? Or was odor control my primary concern? Identifying my requirements helped narrow down the choices.
2. Size and Capacity
One of the first things I noticed is that garbage cans come in various sizes. I measured the space in my kitchen to ensure a perfect fit. I opted for a can that holds at least 13 gallons, which is ideal for a household of my size. Consider how often you take out the trash and how much waste your family generates to choose the right capacity.
3. Locking Mechanism
The locking feature was a top priority for me. I wanted a design that was easy to use but also secure enough to keep my curious pets out. I found that some cans have a foot pedal for easy opening, while others have a more traditional lid that locks in place. I eventually chose a foot pedal model, which makes it convenient to use while cooking.
4. Material and Durability
I knew that durability was essential, especially since I’d be using this can daily. Stainless steel caught my eye because of its resistance to rust and ease of cleaning. I also considered plastic options; they were lighter and sometimes less expensive, but I wanted something that would last. Ultimately, I went with stainless steel for its durability and sleek appearance.
5. Odor Control Features
Odor control is crucial in any kitchen. I looked for garbage cans with built-in odor filters or airtight seals. Some models even come with a feature that allows me to use scented bags, which I found to be an excellent addition for minimizing unpleasant smells.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Let’s be real; garbage cans can get messy. I wanted a model that was easy to clean. I specifically looked for removable inner bins or those with smooth surfaces that could be wiped down quickly. This feature has made a big difference in my kitchen maintenance routine.
7. Design and Aesthetics
While functionality was my priority, I also wanted a garbage can that looked good in my kitchen. I considered the overall design and color to ensure it matched my kitchen decor. I found that many brands offered modern designs, which made it easier to find one that suited my style.
8. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices and warranties. I realized that while some high-end models come with a hefty price tag, they often offer better durability and features. I was willing to invest a bit more upfront if it meant I wouldn’t have to replace it anytime soon. I made sure to check the warranty, as a longer warranty often indicates better quality.
In the end, my search for the perfect locking garbage can for my kitchen was well worth it. I found one that not only meets my functional needs but also complements my kitchen’s aesthetic. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision too. Happy shopping!
Author Profile
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Ruby Hayes is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Ruby spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Ruby enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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