Emptying the trash has to rank as one of the worst and most unhygienic household chores. Not only does it involve removing a potentially smelly, trash-filled bag, you also run the risk of coming into contact with the bag’s contents and that disgusting juice which often forms at the bottom of the trash bag. It should come as little surprise that many people hate taking out the trash.
Beyond this chore, most people don’t like touching the trash can itself. These household fixtures often harbor germs and bacteria you don’t want on your hands. The most common bacteria found on trash can lids include:
But those aren’t the only bad guys lurking around your garbage. Trash cans can have up to 411 bacteria per square inch.
To minimize this interaction and keep touching to a minimum, it’s a great idea to add one of the best touchless trash cans to your kitchen (and your office, bathroom and bedroom, too). These handy devices come in both manual and automatic models, and, aside from fitting and removing the bag, they ensure you don’t have to come into contact with the can or bag at all. This lack of contact raises hygiene levels at home. They are especially convenient if you’ve been cutting meat or other potentially bacteria-filled items and don’t want any residues left on the trash can itself.
Below, we’ve put together a list of the 15 best touchless trash cans for ordering online. Options include both manual, foot-controlled garbage cans as well as automatic options, which only require a wave of the hand or foot to start the opening process.
1. iTouchless Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can
With over 30,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, the iTouchless Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can is easily the most popular option on our list. It boasts an automatic opening mechanism with status indicator lights and Reflx technology, which prevents the lid from closing on your hand. The included AbsorbX Odor Filter absorbs unwanted odors to keep your kitchen smelling fresh while the 12-inch opening ensures even the largest of trash items can be disposed of without a problem. You can also choose between powering this garbage can with batteries or the included AC power adapter.
2. ELPHECO Motion Sensor Bathroom Trash Can
While most of the time touchless trash cans are used in the kitchen or in common areas of office spaces, they can be equally as useful in the bathroom or under your desk. The slim, oval design of the ELPHECO Motion Sensor Bathroom Trash Can is discrete, and the smooth, grey color blends into most spaces. In addition, the redesigned infrared sensor on the can will only open the lid when your hand is placed above it. This prevents unnecessary openings, which are common with these types of trash cans in high-traffic spaces, like next to the toilet or in the bedroom.
Buy: ELPHECO Motion Sensor Bathroom Trash Can $37.99
3. FDW Kitchen Trash Can
The FDW Kitchen Trash Can sports an attractive design and is constructed from high-quality stainless steel. It features advanced technology, which prevents the obnoxious noise associated with the opening and closing operation you hear in many other competing trash cans. The 13-gallon capacity is large enough to store even a large household’s trash, and the removable lid makes fitting and removing the bag a whole lot easier. The versatile design makes this trash can a great option for any room of the house, including bedrooms, offices and living rooms.
4. HCB Garbage Can
The sound of a garbage can lid slapping down can be one of the most annoying sounds in the world. It becomes even more so if someone is trying to nap nearby or there’s a need to be quiet. That’s why the HCB Garbage Can is nearly completely mute thanks to its innovative closing mechanism. In addition, the touchless garbage can is activated by an induction sensor, and the bin itself is waterproof, making it easy to clean.
Buy: HCB Garbage Can $51.98
5. Halo Quality Sensor Trash Can
Unlike a normal trash can, motorized touchless trash cans do require energy for operation. In the case of the Halo Quality Sensor Trash Can, this comes in the form of four AA batteries or an AC adapter. AA batteries are much smaller and more efficient than the industry-norm, D batteries. Furthermore, the trash can offers a sensor-operated lid and odor control. It actually includes one AbsorbX Odor Filter and one lemon-scented fragrance cartridge, so it won’t just block odors, it will make your kitchen smell lemony fresh, too.
Buy:
Halo Quality Sensor Trash Can
$54.99
6. AmazonBasics Rectangle Soft-Close Trash Can
If you prefer a manual, touchless trash can, then the AmazonBasics Rectangle Soft-Close Trash Can is the choice for you. The sleek, black design won’t look out of place in any kitchen, and the 32-liter capacity provides plenty of space for storing all of your trash. You’ll also find a soft-close lid to prevent unpleasant noise during the opening and closing process. The internal plastic bucket can be removed for easy emptying, and the non-slip rubber feet help to prevent unwanted movement during use.
7. BestOffice Red Touchless Trash Can
Not all touchless trash cans have to be black, white or grey. They can be fun colors, too, like the BestOffice Red Touchless Trash Can. This 13-gallon can is designed for use in offices, but it would work equally well in a retro-inspired kitchen. The automatically opening lid activates when a user swings their arm or hand over the top of the trash can. It then stays open for five seconds, giving you enough time to deposit your garbage inside.
Buy:
BestOffice Red Touchless Trash Can
$64.99
8. NINESTARS Infrared Trash Can Combo Set
The NINESTARS Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can Combo Set includes not one but two touchless trash cans. The bigger garbage can can hold up to 13 gallons of trash, while the smaller one has a capacity of three gallons, making it suitable for bathrooms or under the sink. Each one is activated by infrared motion detection and features delayed sensing technology to prevent unnecessary openings. As an added bonus, these trash cans also seal to prevent unwanted odors from leaking out into your home.
Buy: NINESTARS Infrared Trash Can Combo Set $72.98
9. Glad Stainless Steel Sensor Trash Can
Let’s face it. Trash cans can get stinky. That’s why it may be important for your household to invest in a touchless trash can with odor protection, like the Glad Stainless Steel Sensor Trash Can. It includes Clorox Odor Protection, which inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria around the lid and the lid frame. In addition, this trash can also boasts a rear bag compartment, so you don’t have to go searching for your trash bags every time you take out the trash.
Buy: Glad Stainless Steel Sensor Trash Can $91.22
10. Home Zone Living Sensor Trash Can
Sporting a silent opening and closing mechanism, an adjustable sensor and a sleek silver design, the Home Zone Living Sensor Trash Can has it all. It’s available in either a dual 50-liter or 68-liter option, depending on the needs of your family. The infrared motion sensor can be set off with the wave of your hand, giving you an easy way to deposit trash without coming into contact with the garbage can. There’s also a four-second delayed close, and the option to keep the lid open longer using the button on the rim.
11. Rebrilliant Popel Steel Motion Sensor Trash Can
The Rebrilliant Popel Steel Motion Sensor Trash Can gets rave reviews, which all seem to boil down to three great selling points. First, this touchless trash can is bigger than average and can accommodate 21 to 30-gallon trash bags. Second, it’s very energy-efficient, requiring three D-batteries that only need to be changed about once a year. And, finally, the hands-free operation is simple and super easy to get used to. This is one trash can you can get excited about.
Buy:
Rebrilliant Popel Steel Motion Sensor Trash Can
$126.00
12. SONGMICS Step Trash Can
In the modern age of recycling, it only makes sense that your trash can features more than a single, throw-everything-in-one-place compartment. In the SONGMICS Step Trash Can, you’ll have a double compartment bin, and each compartment will have its own functioning pedal. The design also sports slow-closing lids for minimal noise and handles at either end for easy transporting around the house. This touchless trash can is also available in three different color options: black, silver and brown.
13. hOmeLabs Automatic Trash Can
With its sleek and rectangular design, the hOmeLabs Automatic Trash Can adds a touch of class to any room of the house. The two-piece lid delivers a fast-acting, motion detector alongside a manual option for when it’s required. The garbage can is available in either a 13 or 21 gallon option and sports a fingerprint-free, stainless steel exterior. For easy emptying, this model features a smart ring bag, helping to prevent any unnecessary contact with the bin’s contents.
14. iTouchless Rolling Sensor Kitchen Trash Can
Sometimes you need a trash can that can go where you need it. That’s exactly what the iTouchless Rolling Sensor Kitchen Trash Can can do thanks to its four caster wheels. While moving it will require touching it, you won’t need to make contact with the lid thanks to its sensor-operated opening mechanism. In addition, it comes with a AbsorbX Natural Carbon Odor Filter to neutralize odors, and it’s fingerprint-proof and smudge-resistant.
Buy:
iTouchless Rolling Sensor Kitchen Trash Can
$199.99
15. Simplehuman Dual Compartment Recycler
The Simplehuman Stainless Steel Dual Compartment Recycler 200 is available in six different color options, including white, black, rose gold and brass. It boasts over 1,500 five-star reviews from users and sports a double-compartment design, making it ideal for households who recycle. Each individual compartment has its own lid and carrying handle for easy emptying. The wide steel pedal lifts the main lid and features a slow-closing mechanism to minimize noise.
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