Finding the ideal trash can for your home or office can often feel like an overlooked but essential quest. With a myriad of options flooding the market, selecting a bin that perfectly balances functionality, durability, and aesthetics can be surprisingly challenging. Fortunately, Costco, a trusted name for quality and value, offers a curated selection of trash cans designed to meet diverse needs, making your choice significantly easier. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the best Costco trash can offerings, ensuring you find a solution that seamlessly integrates into your space and lifestyle.
Why Choose a Trash Can from Costco?
Costco is renowned for providing its members with high-quality products at competitive prices, and their trash can selection is no exception. Beyond just affordability, Costco often stocks leading brands known for their robust construction and innovative features. A significant advantage for many shoppers is the seamless compatibility of many Costco-sold trash cans with the widely available and cost-effective Kirkland Signature 13-gallon kitchen bags, eliminating the hassle of searching for specialty liners. The warehouse giant’s commitment to value and member satisfaction makes it a prime destination for investing in a trash management solution that truly lasts.
Popular Types of Trash Cans Available at Costco
Costco’s inventory frequently features several popular types of trash cans, each catering to different preferences and practical requirements. Understanding these categories can help you narrow down your options.
Step-Pedal Trash Cans: The Reliable Workhorse
Step-pedal trash cans are a staple for good reason, offering hands-free operation and a sturdy design. Among these, the Kohler 82L Dual Bin Step Trash Can stands out as a consistently popular choice at Costco. This particular model, often available in stainless steel, black stainless steel, and white, is lauded for its practical dual-bin configuration. Each of its two compartments is designed to comfortably accommodate a 13-gallon trash bag, making it perfect for separating general waste from recyclables without sacrificing capacity.
Key features of these highly-rated Kohler bins include:
- Quiet-Close Lids: Engineered to descend gently, preventing jarring slams and potential finger traps.
- Independent Pedals and Lids: Each bin operates separately, offering convenience for both waste streams.
- Space-Saving Profile: Despite its generous 82-liter capacity, the design is often sleek and compact, allowing it to fit neatly against cabinets or in tighter kitchen spaces.
- Durability: Constructed from resilient materials like stainless steel, these bins are built to withstand daily use.
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Our Picks for the Best Trash Can in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver |
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| 2 | TIPGO Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Bin, Small Garbage Cans for Bedroom, Office, Kitchen (Matte Black) |
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| 3 | BestOffice - 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid - Automatic Touchless Garbage Can - Odor Control - Modern Oval Design - Easy to Clean - Plastic - Black - Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home |
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| 4 | BestOffice - 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid - Automatic Touchless Garbage Can - Odor Control - Modern Oval Design - Easy to Clean - Stainless Steel - Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home |
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| 5 | Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black) |
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| 6 | Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50L/13.2 Gal, 16.7x14.7x25.9 in, Satin Nickel Finish |
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| 7 | Towallmark 60L/16 Gal Dual-Compartment Stainless Steel Trash Can,2x8 Gal Pedal-Operated Design with Removable Inner Buckets for Kitchen, Office & Commercial Use |
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| 8 | Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet |
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| 9 | Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Mini Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, for Bathroom & small space, 5L/1.32 Gal, 7.3x8.5x11.8 in, Satin Nickel Finish |
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| 10 | Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 30L/7.9 Gal, 13.8x11.8x25 in, Satin Nickel Finish |
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Customers frequently commend these step-pedal options for their straightforward reliability, especially in contrast to more technologically complex alternatives.
Motion Sensor Trash Cans: Embracing Modern Convenience
For those seeking a touch of modern convenience, Costco occasionally offers motion sensor trash cans. These bins provide hands-free operation through an infrared sensor that detects movement, opening the lid automatically. While the allure of not touching the lid is undeniable, some users have reported considerations such as the need for batteries and the potential for electronic components to fail over time. However, when functioning optimally, they offer a hygienic and effortless disposal experience.
Compact & Specialty Options
Beyond the large kitchen bins, Costco may also carry smaller, more compact trash cans suitable for bathrooms, offices, or other areas requiring a more discreet waste solution. Brands like EKO have appeared, offering stainless steel step bins in smaller capacities, often bundled with complementary sizes. These options typically share the same commitment to quality materials and practical features like soft-close lids and fingerprint-resistant finishes.
Essential Factors When Choosing Your Costco Trash Can
Navigating the array of trash cans at Costco becomes much simpler when you prioritize specific features crucial to your household’s needs.
- Capacity and Size: This is paramount. For a busy kitchen, a dual 13-gallon bin like the Kohler 82L is highly practical. For smaller spaces or secondary bins, consider smaller capacities. Measure your intended space carefully to ensure a perfect fit, paying attention to both the footprint and lid clearance when open.
- Material: Stainless steel is a prevalent choice at Costco, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic and impressive durability. Many stainless steel models also come with fingerprint-resistant coatings, making them easier to maintain in high-traffic areas. Plastic options are lighter and often more budget-friendly.
- Lid Mechanism: Do you prefer a robust, reliable step-pedal system or the touch-free convenience of a motion sensor? Consider the pros and cons of each, including long-term durability and maintenance. Look for features like soft-close mechanisms to prevent noise and damage. Some step-pedal models even feature a “stay-open” mechanism for extended tasks or bag changes.
- Durability and Build Quality: A trash can is an investment. Look for sturdy construction, strong hinges, and resilient pedals. Reading product reviews, particularly those on Costco’s website, can provide valuable insights into real-world durability.
- Aesthetics and Design: Your trash can is a functional appliance, but it also occupies a visible space in your home. Choose a style, color, and finish that complements your existing kitchen decor, whether that’s classic stainless steel or a modern black stainless steel.
Costco’s Value Proposition: Bags and Beyond
One of the often-cited advantages of purchasing a trash can from Costco is its compatibility with Kirkland Signature kitchen bags. These 13-gallon bags are widely praised for their strength and value, fitting snugly into many of the larger bins, especially the popular dual-bin models. This synergy means you won’t be locked into expensive, proprietary trash bags, a common complaint with some other high-end brands.
Costco’s pricing model, which often includes discounts and promotional offers, further enhances this value. Keep an eye out for these deals, as they can make a significant difference in the overall investment.
Top Brands and Models Often Seen at Costco
While Costco’s inventory can rotate, certain brands consistently feature in their trash can lineup:
- Kohler: Their 82L Dual Bin Step Trash Can is a flagship item, highly recommended for its thoughtful design and robust performance. Many users specifically transition to Kohler from other brands due to its reliability and practical features.
- Simplehuman: While less consistently stocked than Kohler for trash cans specifically designed for Costco’s 13-gallon bags, Simplehuman products are occasionally available. It’s worth noting that some Simplehuman models are optimized for their own custom-fit bags, which may not align with the Costco bag advantage.
- EKO: This brand offers well-designed stainless steel options, often found in multi-packs with various sizes, providing solutions for different areas of the home.
Maximizing Your Costco Trash Can Experience
Once you’ve chosen your perfect trash can from Costco, a few simple practices can help ensure it serves you well for years to come:
- Optimal Placement: Position your trash can in a high-traffic kitchen area that’s easily accessible but doesn’t obstruct movement. For dual bins, consider placing it where both trash and recycling are convenient.
- Regular Cleaning: Even with proper bag usage, spills and odors can occur. Regularly wipe down the exterior with a microfiber cloth, especially stainless steel models, to keep it looking pristine and fingerprint-free. For the interior bins, a wash with soap and water followed by thorough drying can prevent odor buildup.
- Bag Changing Best Practices: For step-pedal cans with a “stay-open” lid feature, ensure you engage it fully when changing bags to prevent the lid from closing prematurely. Always use high-quality bags, like Kirkland Signature, that fit well to minimize slippage and messy overflows.
“A well-chosen trash can is more than just a receptacle; it’s an integral part of maintaining a clean, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing living space. Invest wisely, and it will serve you silently, reliably, day in and day out.” – Admin, Reviewincly.com, Waste Management Specialist
Conclusion
Selecting the right trash can is a small decision with a big impact on your home’s hygiene and functionality. Costco provides an excellent array of options, particularly step-pedal models like the highly-regarded Kohler 82L Dual Bin, which offer a blend of durability, smart features, and value. By considering factors such as capacity, material, lid mechanism, and compatibility with readily available Kirkland Signature bags, you can confidently choose a trash can that meets your needs and enhances your daily routine.
Ready to elevate your home’s waste management? Explore the quality and convenience of Costco’s trash can selection today! What features are most important to you in a new trash can?
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes of trash cans are typically available at Costco?
Costco generally offers a range of sizes, with prominent options including large kitchen trash cans, often around 13 gallons (49-50 liters) per compartment for dual bins, and some single bins up to 82 liters. They also occasionally stock smaller, compact bins suitable for bathrooms or offices, sometimes in multi-packs.
Do Costco trash cans fit standard garbage bags?
Many of the popular trash cans sold at Costco, especially the Kohler models, are designed to fit standard 13-gallon kitchen bags, including the Kirkland Signature brand, which is a major draw for many members. This eliminates the need for proprietary or specialty bags.
What are the main benefits of a dual bin trash can from Costco?
Dual bin trash cans from Costco, like the Kohler 82L model, offer dedicated compartments for both trash and recycling, promoting better waste separation and making recycling efforts more efficient. They often feature independent pedals and quiet-close lids for each section, combining convenience with thoughtful design.
Are motion sensor trash cans from Costco reliable?
Motion sensor trash cans can offer great hands-free convenience. However, some user reviews suggest that electronic components and battery life can be points of consideration over the long term. Many users prefer the simple, mechanical reliability of step-pedal trash cans to avoid potential electronic failures.
How do I clean a stainless steel trash can from Costco?
To clean a stainless steel trash can from Costco, simply wipe down the exterior regularly with a soft cloth and a gentle stainless steel cleaner or a damp microfiber cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints. For the interior, remove the bins and wash them with warm, soapy water, ensuring they are thoroughly dried before placing them back in the outer shell.
