Stylish Kitchen Trash Cans

My favorite question to answer when anyone comes over is, “Where’s the trash?” Yes. We have, what I consider to be, a stylish kitchen trash can that seamlessly blends into our kitchen.

My mission in life is to make essential items, like kitchen trash cans, blend into the background. Unfortunately, lots of trash cans out there, especially for the kitchen, are rubbish and unworthy of being out on display.

Because we don’t have a cute spot to hide the trash can (hello tiny kitchen) or cabinets with built in slots for pull out trash cans (the actual dream), I had to find something that was going to be both easy on the eyes and easy to keep clean.

Our kitchen is certainly small, but that’s honestly its greatest offense. Original hardwood floors, updated cabinetry and lots of natural light make the space feel both operational and aesthetically pleasing.

Because our kitchen is well appointed (thanks landlord!), our receptacle had to be stylish. It’s actually now something I think of as functional decor. And there are a few ways I maintain the trash situation so that no one knows it’s there – literally.

• Every week I wipe down the surface of the trash can and the interior. I like to use Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes.
• I don’t have a stainless steel trash can, but if I did – I’d also wipe regularly with stainless steel cleaner. I use Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner on my dishwasher, fridge and microwave and LOVE it.
• Food scraps are SMELLY. One way to minimize odor when it comes to the trash is diverting food scraps from the kitchen trash can to a compost bin. If you don’t have a need for compost, but are interested in the process, there are several programs that will pick up food scraps from your house and use them to create compost at an industrial facility. (We use Compost Now, for instance.)

1. Brabantia Bo Touch Top Can: This trash can is slightly bigger than the can in number two and doesn’t have legs. But, just like it’s leggy counterpart – it comes in SO MANY fun colors.
2. Brabantia Matte Black Bo Touch Bin: TouchWe have this one! The dual internal compartments are great for separate trash and recycling. Love the feet on this one as well, it quite literally, elevates the kitchen trash can look.
3. Kohler Step on Trash Can: I like that this trash can is no frills, simple and a great size. Would be so unassuming in a white kitchen!
4. Brabantia NewIcon Step Can: I’m a big Branbantia stan if you can’t tell…This can is different from the others in that it is only for trash (no dual internal compartment) and uses a step mechanism to open instead of a touch top. Really good neutral colorways.
5. simplehuman 58 Liter Recycler: She’s giving luxury. She’s giving ease of access. This stunner has two compartments, one for trash and one for recycling. It is also voice activated! So if you’re messy in the kitchen, but also chic, this one is for you. There is even a compost caddy that will attach to the outside of the bin.
6. SONGMICS Trash Can: Love the price point of this trash can and all of the neutral colors it comes in! It’s about the same size as the “Bo Touch” up above, but has a step mechanism instead.
7. 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can: This is definitely a more cost-effective alternative to the simplehuman trash can. At $55 it’s a great buy and tons of great reviews on Amazon!