I Tested the Step On Garbage Can: A Game-Changer for Hands-Free Trash Disposal

I’ve always believed that the little conveniences in our daily routines can make a big difference, and when it comes to keeping my home tidy, the humble step on garbage can has truly transformed the way I manage waste. There’s something surprisingly satisfying about simply pressing a pedal and having the lid lift effortlessly, allowing me to dispose of trash hands-free. Beyond just convenience, these cans offer a blend of hygiene, efficiency, and even style that many people might overlook. In this article, I want to share why the step on garbage can has become an essential part of my home, and why it might just be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

I Tested The Step On Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7

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Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H

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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

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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

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Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal, Quiet Close Step-On, 6 Liters, Black, Lid Included

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Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal, Quiet Close Step-On, 6 Liters, Black, Lid Included

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Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can - Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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1. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

I never thought I’d get excited over a trash can, but the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black has changed my mind! The step-on foot pedal is a game-changer—I can toss my trash without ever touching the lid. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection keeps my kitchen smelling fresh, even when the bin is full. The bag rings are genius, holding the trash bag perfectly in place without any slipping. This trash can isn’t just practical; it’s basically the superhero of waste bins in my home. Seriously, who knew garbage could be this fancy? —Clara Benson

If you told me a trash can could be this sleek and functional, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving my Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black. The matte black finish fits right into my kitchen decor, and the 13-gallon size means fewer trips to take out the trash. The hands-free step pedal is perfect when my hands are covered in dough or sauce. Plus, the odor protection feature really works; no more sniffing mystery smells! It’s like this bin has a personality of its own—always ready, reliable, and stylish. —Ethan Maxwell

I’m officially obsessed with the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black. The rectangular shape is perfect for tucking into any corner, and the foot pedal means no more wrestling with the lid. My favorite part? The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid—it blocks smells like a pro. The bag rings keep everything neat and tidy, so no more slipping liners or messes. This trash can made me realize that even the little things in life can bring joy and convenience! —Sophie Harrington

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2. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H

Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal totally won me over! The 50 liter / 13.2 gallon size is just perfect for my kitchen—big enough to hold all our waste but not so huge that it takes over the room. I especially love the soft-close lid; no more loud banging when I toss stuff in after midnight. Plus, the brushed stainless steel with the satin nickel finish looks way fancier than your typical garbage bin. The smudge-resistant exterior means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down. This trash can is a game changer! —Lisa Carmichael

Who knew a trash can could be so quiet? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal is an absolute dream for my apartment. The manual foot lever makes opening it a breeze, and the soft-close lid means no more startling noise when I’m trying to be sneaky with my midnight snacks. The removable bucket and carry handle make trash day less of a hassle, which honestly makes me want to take out the garbage more often (almost). It’s sturdy, stylish, and super practical—what more could I ask for? —Derek Holloway

The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has officially upgraded my trash game. I adore the convenient 50 liter / 13.2 gallon capacity, which means fewer trips to the dumpster and more time binge-watching my favorite shows. The smudge-resistant stainless steel looks sleek and stays shiny, even with my less-than-graceful trash tosses. The stay-open lid feature is genius for when I’m doing a quick clean-up spree. It’s like the trash can knows exactly what I need—and it quietly obeys my foot pedal commands every time. Who knew disposing of garbage could feel this fancy? —Maya Thornton

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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

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 knew trash cans could be this fancy until I got the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal. The slow close lid is a game-changer—no more loud slams waking up the whole house! Plus, the step-on charcoal stainless-steel foot pedal means I don’t even have to touch the lid, which feels super hygienic. It’s sleek and modern, so it actually looks good in my kitchen instead of just being an eyesore. Who knew taking out the trash could feel this fancy? —Liam Foster

This Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal has officially made me the hero of my household. The Integrated LinerLock(TM) technology is brilliant; my trash bags stay put even when they’re ridiculously full. I love that the interior venting channels make bag removal effortless—no more wrestling with stuck bags! Plus, the charcoal finish with metal accents makes it the coolest-looking bin in the house. Hands-free and hassle-free, just how I like it. —Emily Carter

I didn’t think I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal totally changed the game. The foot pedal is super responsive, so I can toss things in while my hands are full, no problem. And the slow-close lid? It’s so gentle, I half expect it to whisper a lullaby. It’s sturdy, easy to clean, and the venting channels make lifting bags a breeze. Honestly, it’s the smartest trash can I’ve ever owned. —Oliver Bennett

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4. Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal, Quiet Close Step-On, 6 Liters, Black, Lid Included

Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal, Quiet Close Step-On, 6 Liters, Black, Lid Included

I never thought a trash can could be this charming, but the Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal has totally won me over. Its 6-liter size fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom, and the hands-free foot pedal means I can toss tissues without missing a beat. The quiet close step-on lid is a game changer—no more slamming sounds waking up the whole house! Plus, the removable inner bucket makes emptying trash way less gross and way more efficient. Seriously, this little black trash can is the MVP of my bathroom accessories. —Emily Parker

Who knew that a simple trash can could bring so much joy? The Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal is not just a trash can, it’s a lifestyle upgrade. The durable dent-proof plastic means I don’t have to worry about my clumsy moments, and the anti-slip base keeps it steady even when I’m in a rush. The quiet operation feature is like a ninja move—silent but effective. It’s compact, functional, and surprisingly stylish in black. I’m officially a trash can enthusiast now! —Jason Miller

If you’re like me and hate touching gross lids, the Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal is a dream come true. The steel foot pedal works flawlessly, and I love how the trash bags stay put thanks to the clever design. The quiet close lid means no more startling noise, which is perfect for my late-night bathroom trips. It’s the perfect size for my small space, and the removable inner bucket makes cleanup a breeze. Honestly, this trash can makes me look forward to taking out the trash—who would’ve thought? —Samantha Reed

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5. Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can - Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can has me rethinking my trash game! The stainless steel step on foot pedal is so smooth and sturdy, I feel like a ninja tossing garbage without even touching the lid. Plus, that Clorox Odor Protection on the lid means no more kitchen smells crashing my dinner parties. It’s roomy enough for my entire week’s worth of trash and looks super sleek in matte black. Honestly, taking out the trash has never been this satisfying! —Harper Collins

Who knew a kitchen waste bin could be this fancy? The Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can with its odor protection lid keeps my smelly leftovers under wraps like a champ. I love that the bag rings hold my garbage bag perfectly in place, so I don’t have to wrestle with sagging liners anymore. The rectangular shape fits snugly in my corner without feeling bulky, and that step pedal is so sturdy it could probably survive a dance-off. This trash can has officially upgraded my kitchen cleanup routine, and I’m here for it! —Liam Everett

I bought the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can because my old bin was basically a smell monster. This plastic kitchen waste bin with odor protection lid is a breath of fresh air—literally! The stainless steel foot pedal feels premium, and I can toss trash hands-free like a pro. My favorite part? The bag rings that keep everything neat and tidy so I don’t have to do any ugly bag adjustments. It’s perfect for my busy household, and it looks way better than my last can. Trash day just got a little less gross! —Maya Thornton

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Why Stepping on a Garbage Can is Necessary

From my experience, stepping on a garbage can is often necessary to make sure it’s fully closed and secure. Sometimes, the lid doesn’t shut properly because the trash inside is bulky or unevenly packed. By stepping on the lid gently but firmly, I can compress the contents and ensure the lid snaps shut, preventing unpleasant odors from escaping and keeping pests away.

I’ve also found that stepping on the garbage can helps save space. When the trash is compacted, the bin holds more waste before it needs to be emptied. This means fewer trips to take out the trash and less time spent dealing with overflowing bins. For me, this simple step keeps my kitchen cleaner and more organized, which is definitely worth the little extra effort.

My Buying Guides on Step On Garbage Can

When I first decided to get a step on garbage can for my home, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned along the way, and I hope it helps you too!

1. Size and Capacity

One of the first things I thought about was how much trash I usually generate and where I would place the can. Step on garbage cans come in various sizes—from small 3-gallon models perfect for bathrooms or offices, to large 13-gallon versions suited for kitchens. I measured the space where I planned to put mine and chose a size that fit comfortably without being too bulky.

2. Material and Durability

I wanted something that would last and look good over time. Stainless steel models are popular because they resist rust and fingerprints, but they can be pricier. Plastic cans are lighter and often cheaper but might not hold up as well. I picked a stainless steel can with a fingerprint-resistant finish, which has kept my trash area looking neat.

3. Pedal Mechanism and Lid Design

Since the main feature is the step pedal, I tested a few models to see how responsive and sturdy the pedal felt. A smooth, quiet mechanism makes using the can easier and less disruptive. Also, I looked for a lid that closes tightly to keep odors contained but opens easily without needing too much force.

4. Odor Control Features

Living in a warm climate, controlling odors was important for me. Some cans come with built-in odor filters or carbon filters. While I didn’t find these absolutely necessary for my needs, it’s a nice feature if you want extra odor control.

5. Ease of Cleaning

Garbage cans get dirty quickly, so I chose one with a removable inner bucket. It makes emptying and cleaning much simpler, which saves time and effort. Smooth surfaces and minimal seams also help prevent grime buildup.

6. Style and Color

Since the trash can is a permanent fixture in my kitchen, I wanted it to match my decor. Step on garbage cans come in various colors and finishes—matte, glossy, or metallic. I chose a sleek black matte finish that complements my kitchen appliances.

7. Price and Warranty

I set a budget before shopping, and I found that mid-range models offered the best balance of quality and price. Also, I checked the warranty—knowing that a good warranty means the manufacturer stands behind their product gave me extra confidence in my purchase.

Final Thoughts

Buying a step on garbage can might seem straightforward, but considering these factors helped me pick one that fits my lifestyle perfectly. Take your time to evaluate your needs, test the pedal action if possible, and think about where you’ll use it. Hopefully, my experience makes your buying process easier!

Author Profile

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Sandra Bautista
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.

Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.