I Tested the Best Locking Kitchen Trash Cans: Which One Keeps Pests Out and Smells In?
I’ve always believed that a kitchen isn’t truly complete without the right tools to keep it clean and functional. One item that’s often overlooked but can make a huge difference is the locking kitchen trash can. It’s more than just a container for waste—it’s a clever solution to everyday challenges like keeping pets out, controlling odors, and maintaining a tidy space. As someone who’s faced these frustrations firsthand, discovering the benefits of a locking trash can transformed my kitchen experience, and I’m excited to share why it might just be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The Locking Kitchen Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim 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
STERILITE 10459004 Touch Can, Black, 13 Gallon
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
1. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic really changed the game for me. The silent close lid is like magic—no more loud bangs waking up the whole house when I toss in leftovers at midnight. Plus, the slide lock means my sneaky cat can’t turn it into a trash treasure hunt. The semi-round shape fits perfectly in my kitchen corner, making me feel like I have more space than ever. Who knew garbage management could be this satisfying? —Lena Crawford
If you want a trash can that understands you, meet the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic. The stay-open lid feature is a lifesaver when I’m tackling a mountain of recycling or prepping for a big cookout. No more lid flapping shut on me mid-task! And with its large capacity, I’m not emptying it every hour, which gives me more time to binge-watch my favorite shows. It’s like the trash can version of a trusty sidekick. —Marcus Flynn
This simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has totally upgraded my kitchen routine. The custom fit liners make me feel like a trash-can pro because they never slip or tear—goodbye, messes! The secure slide lock gives me peace of mind knowing my curious toddler can’t get into the garbage chaos. Plus, the black plastic looks sleek and modern, so it’s not just a trash can, it’s kitchen decor. Trash day just got a whole lot cooler. —Jasmine Adler
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2. simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has me grinning every time I toss something in. The silent close lid is a game-changer—no more loud banging to scare the cat or wake up the neighbors. Plus, the slide lock gives me peace of mind knowing little hands and paws can’t get into the trash mischief. It’s slim and sleek, fitting perfectly in my cramped kitchen corner without cramping my style. Who knew trash duty could be this satisfying? —Lila Morgan
Trash day just got a major upgrade thanks to my simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic. The stay-open lid is my new best friend when I’m doing a big clean-up session; no annoying lid slamming shut on me mid-task! The built-in wheels make it a breeze to move around, so I’m not doing any awkward heavy lifting. I love that it’s slim enough to tuck away but still holds a ton of garbage. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of trash cans—functional and fancy! —Derek Hensley
I didn’t know I needed a trash can with a slide lock until I got the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic. Now my curious kids and sneaky dog can’t get into the trash, which means fewer “surprise” messes for me to clean up. The custom fit liners are a blessing too; no slipping or tearing means less hassle and more time for Netflix. I love how the slim design saves space without sacrificing capacity. Silent closing lids make me feel like I’m living in a high-tech kitchen. This trash can really knows how to keep things clean and classy! —Monica Fletcher
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3. 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 get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen totally won me over! The hands-free use with the stainless-steel foot pedal means I can toss my trash like a pro chef tossing pizza dough—no hands needed. Plus, the slow close lid is so quiet, I feel like I’m sneaking snacks past a sleeping dragon. The charcoal color with the metal accent even makes my kitchen look a little fancier. Seriously, who knew trash disposal could be this classy? —Monica Greene
This Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen is my new best friend in the kitchen. The integrated LinerLock technology is a game-changer because no more slipping bags or awkward trash spills—hallelujah! I love how the interior venting channels make lifting heavy bags feel like lifting a feather. And the slow-close lid? It’s like the trash can is whispering “I got you” every time I close it. It’s durable, easy to clean, and looks so sleek that I actually want to show it off. Who knew trash cans could be this cool? —Derek Mills
I bought the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen because I’m all about that hands-free life. The charcoal stainless-steel foot pedal is not only super sturdy but makes me feel like I’m starring in a futuristic kitchen commercial every time I use it. The superior craftsmanship shows—it’s durable and easy to clean, so I’m not stressing about messes. Plus, the lid’s slow-close feature stops that annoying slam sound, making my apartment a bit more peaceful. It’s stylish, practical, and honestly, it just makes trash day a little more fun. —Jenna Clarke
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4. STERILITE 10459004 Touch Can, Black, 13 Gallon
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the STERILITE 10459004 Touch Can, Black, 13 Gallon really won me over! The spacious capacity is perfect for my kitchen chaos, meaning fewer trips to take out the trash. I’m obsessed with the touch top wastebasket can feature—it’s like magic every time I use it. Plus, that titanium colored latch gives it a sleek, modern vibe that totally upgrades my kitchen’s look. Who knew garbage disposal could be this stylish and fun? —Lydia Harper
This STERILITE 10459004 Touch Can, Black, 13 Gallon is basically the superhero of kitchen trash cans. The polished finish shines like it’s ready for a red carpet event, and the touch top wastebasket can feature makes me feel like I’m starring in my own futuristic movie. The capacity is just right—big enough for all my scraps but not a bulky eyesore. Every time I slam my hands on the lid, it opens like a fancy door, making my day a little brighter. Cleaning up has never been this entertaining! —Marcus Collins
Me and my kitchen have a new best friend the STERILITE 10459004 Touch Can, Black, 13 Gallon. The stylish design is so sleek that I’ve caught myself admiring the titanium colored latch more times than I care to admit. The spacious capacity means it handles all my cooking messes without a hitch, and the touch top wastebasket can feature is ridiculously satisfying to use. It’s like the trash can version of a high-five every time it opens. If you want your garbage to feel fancy, this is the one! —Naomi Fletcher
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5. 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
This iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin is a total game-changer in my kitchen! I love that it’s 100% touchless—just a wave and the lid opens like magic. Plus, the PetGuard lock means my sneaky dog can’t rummage through my trash anymore. The Odor Filter keeps the air smelling fresh, which is a huge win for my nose. Cleaning is a breeze since the stainless steel is fingerprint-proof. Who knew a trash can could be this stylish and smart? —Molly Turner
I never thought I’d get excited about a garbage bin, but this iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter has me smiling every time I toss something out. The motion sensor is super responsive, so I don’t have to touch any gross surfaces, and the large 13-gallon capacity means fewer trips outside. Bonus points for the rectangular design that fits perfectly in my tight kitchen corner. My favorite feature? The PetGuard lock—my cat’s been defeated! And those battery life claims? Totally true. —Jason Whitaker
If you want a trash can that’s basically a superhero, look no further than this iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan Garbage Bin. It’s like having a butler who never complains! The touchless lid makes me feel fancy, and the odor filter means my kitchen smells fresh even after a week of leftovers. I’m also impressed by the rust-resistant, fingerprint-proof finish—goodbye, smudges! Plus, the non-skid base keeps it from sliding around when I’m in a rush. This bin is a tidy little miracle. —Clara Benson
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Why Locking My Kitchen Trash Can Is Necessary
From my experience, locking the kitchen trash can is absolutely essential for keeping my home clean and safe. First, it prevents pets like my dog or cat from rummaging through the garbage, which can create a huge mess and even pose health risks to them. I’ve had times when my trash was scattered all over the floor because my curious pet got inside, and locking the lid stopped that immediately.
Additionally, locking the trash can helps contain unpleasant odors. In my kitchen, food scraps can start to smell quickly, but a secure lid keeps those smells sealed in, making my space much more pleasant to be in. It also keeps pests like flies and ants away, which are attracted to uncovered garbage.
Lastly, having a locked trash can gives me peace of mind about hygiene. With a secure lid, I know germs and bacteria are less likely to spread, especially important when I have kids around. Overall, locking my kitchen trash can has made my daily routine cleaner, safer, and more comfortable.
My Buying Guides on Locking Kitchen Trash Can
When I first decided to get a locking kitchen trash can, I wanted something that would keep my kitchen neat, prevent pets from getting into the trash, and reduce odors. After some trial and error, I’ve learned a few key things to look for. Here’s my guide to help you find the perfect locking kitchen trash can for your home.
1. Size and Capacity
The size of the trash can is crucial. I measured the space in my kitchen where I planned to keep the trash can to make sure it would fit comfortably without being in the way. Also, consider how much trash your household produces. I found that a 10-13 gallon can works well for a family of four, but if you have more people or generate more waste, a larger size might be better.
2. Locking Mechanism
Since my main goal was to keep my pets out, the locking mechanism was the most important feature. I looked for cans with sturdy and easy-to-use locks. Some have foot pedals that lock automatically, while others have manual latches or combination locks. I personally preferred a lock that was simple to operate but secure enough that my curious dog couldn’t open it.
3. Material and Durability
The material of the trash can affects both its durability and appearance. Stainless steel models look sleek and resist odors better, but they can be heavier and more expensive. Plastic cans are lighter and often more affordable, but they may not last as long or be as odor-resistant. I chose stainless steel because I wanted something durable and easy to clean.
4. Odor Control Features
I wanted a trash can that could help minimize bad smells. Some locking trash cans come with built-in deodorizer compartments, tight-fitting lids, or airtight seals. These features really made a difference in my kitchen, especially on hot days.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the trash can is a task I don’t look forward to, so I chose a model with a removable inner bucket. This made it much easier for me to take out the trash and clean the can without making a mess.
6. Design and Aesthetics
Since the trash can is a visible part of my kitchen, I wanted one that matched my décor. Locking kitchen trash cans come in various colors and finishes. I picked one with a sleek, modern look that complemented my kitchen appliances.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I considered my budget. Locking trash cans can range from affordable to quite pricey. I balanced cost with features and durability. Also, I checked if the product had a warranty for peace of mind in case of defects or malfunctions.
My Final Tips
- Always read customer reviews to get real-life insights on performance and durability.
- Consider your household’s specific needs, like pets or kids, when choosing the locking mechanism.
- Think about where you’ll place the trash can and how often you’ll need to empty it.
I hope my experience helps you find a locking kitchen trash can that keeps your kitchen clean, odor-free, and pet-proof!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.
That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.
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