20 Best Countertop Trash Cans & Kitchen Waste Bins of 2022

With so many different kitchen waste bins on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. Perhaps you are looking for a compost bin to keep food waste out of landfills or just have a small trash can close to where you work in the kitchen. No matter the reason, we created a list of the best options to help you find the right countertop trash can for you. Looking for something more specific? Feel free to jump ahead or keep scrolling if you are just browsing through:

You might also want to check out our post on where your garbage goes once you set it out on the curb or drop it at the dump. Let's start with our top 5 picks for the best countertop trash cans.

Our top 5 picks for the best countertop waste bins

To make it even easier to choose a countertop trash can, we have created a list of the top 5 choices.

1. Best countertop composter for food waste: Lomi Home Composter
2. Best small kitchen waste bin: LALASTAR Hanging Small Trash Can
3. Best removable lid countertop trash can: AYADA Mini Trash Can
4. Best heavy-duty countertop trash can: Lunies 2.4 Gal Compost Bin
5. Best swing lid trash can: Estilo Mini Countertop Trash Can

 

 

20 best countertop trash cans for every kitchen

Now that you've seen our top choices for different types of garbage cans, here is a list with more details about each can and some additional options for whatever your needs might be.

1. Estilo Mini Countertop Trash Can

This little bin with its lid that gently swings is great for coffee grounds, crumbs, peelings, cotton balls, and all your other small trash. It would be great in a small kitchen or office break room.

What we like	What we don’t like
Balanced swing lid Sleek stainless steel Doesn't take up a lot of counter space	Small capacity Rusts easily Potentially sharp edges

 

2. Lomi Countertop Compost Bin

This isn't your average countertop compost bin that just collects your food scraps. It produces usable, finished compost. It's a countertop electric composter that turns your food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants and it keeps your kitchen waste out of the landfill. Plus, it doesn't smell!

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy to use Odorless and mess-free Creates nutrient rich dirt that can be used for plants	Sells out quickly Might be small for larger families Some modes take a few hours

 

 

3. Lunies 2.4 Gal Compost Bin/Hanging Small Trash Can

This little hanging trash can is perfect for the kitchen or bathroom. It has a transparent adhesive strip on the back that easily attaches inside any cabinet.

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy to clean Great for small spaces Good value for money	Narrow clip doesn't fit over some cabinet doors Lid doesn't seal well The lid doesn't always stay open

 

4. AYADA Mini Trash Can with Lid

This cute desktop trash bin keeps flies and odors at bay. It comes in three different colors to seamlessly blend in with any decor. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy to clean No sharp edges Opens with just a touch	Small capacity Made out of plastic Locking buckle tends to break

 

5. LALASTAR Hanging Small Trash Can with Lid

This versatile small trash can works as a great compost container. It can be hung from your kitchen cabinet with the included hook or wall mounted with the adhesive pad. It comes in four different colors to match your kitchen.

What we like	What we don’t like
Snug lid Space saving Lightweight	Comes apart easily Plastic Doesn't fit all cabinets

 

6. Simplehuman 10 liter/2.6 Gallon In-Cabinet Trash Can

This small trash can hangs inside your kitchen cabinet for quick and easy access. You can easily hook the steel frame onto the cabinet or screw it on for a more permanent set-up.

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy to install Bin is easy to clean Great for small kitchens	Gap between the lid and the trash can (risk of odors and pests) Made out of plastic

 

7. Chef'n EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin

This little compost bin is both cute and functional. Just look at that cute handle! It also comes with charcoal filters to keep smells at bay.

What we like	What we don’t like
Made out of ceramic Looks great Great for small kitchens	Inner bucket stains easily Small capacity Handle can be a bit cumbersome during use

 

 

 

8. Tiyafuro 2.4 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin

Another great over-the-cabinet trash can that saves you from bending over to empty the trash. It's great for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, office, or even for camping. It can be mounted on the wall if you'd rather do that. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy to assemble Spring loaded lid Doesn't smell	Comes with non-compostable bags Plastic Small capacity

 

9. LoveInUSA Mini Table Trash Can

If you're looking for a more elegant-looking trash can, this small brushed stainless steel is right for you. It has a swing lid, fits right on your countertop, vanity, or office desk, and is perfect for tea bag wrappers, cotton balls, or any other small items you might need to toss. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Brushed stainless steel Durable	Rounded lid creates a smaller capacity Sharp edges

 

10. Originals Mini Countertop Trash Can

This neat little trash can has a silicone handle and a bayonet-style design with inner and outer cylinders that makes it super easy to clean. Great for your bathroom vanity countertop to easily throw away small bathroom items like cotton balls or makeup garbage. Also great for the kitchen to toss your food scraps in. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Durable Holds a good amount of food scraps Easy to clean	The bag tends to slide down Small opening Made of plastic

 

11. OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin

This compost bin was designed to sit on countertops. It keeps compost bags tucked inside for a neat look. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Stay open lid Easy to clean Convenient handle	Smells when you open the lid The lid doesn't seal tight Plastic

 

 

 

12. JILLICK Small Trash Can with Lid

This small trash can is made of high-quality stainless steel, making it durable and strong. It is great for your coffee bar or bathroom counter and looks great in any space. The lid comes off easily so you can wipe off the inside when needed, making it a breeze to clean. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Great for small spaces Looks excellent Easy to clean	Lid doesn’t fit tightly Small capacity Metal dents easily

 

13. HOMMP Tiny Countertop Trash Can

This pretty little trash can comes in 4 colors and is compact enough to fit on your desk. It has a swing-top lid that is great for small spaces or under-cabinet use. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Looks nice Convenient push button lid Simple design	Plastic Not very durable

 

14. Strawberry Swing Lid Countertop Trash Bin

This could possibly be the cutest trash can we have ever seen. You can get it in either pink or red and as the name says, it looks like a cute little strawberry. It has a swing lid, making it perfect for your bathroom counter or anywhere you need easy access to a small bin. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Super cute Fingerprint resistant material Durable	Swing lid doesn’t create a tight seal Doesn’t hold a lot of waste Expensive for size

 

15. Superio 1.25 Gal Mini Plastic Trash Can

This little trash can has a convenient swing top lid that closes right away to keep your trash out of sight. It’s also relatively narrow so it can save you tons of space wherever you choose to put it. And it comes in 3 colors to fit with your decor.

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy to clean Won’t rust like stainless steel Fits in tight spaces	Plastic Flimsy Lid doesn’t always swing freely

 

16. HEYPORK 2.4 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin

This convenient compost bin hangs right on your kitchen cabinet or can be mounted to the wall for easy access while cooking. Its tight-fitting lid helps keep odors to a minimum and it’s humanized lid design means your pets won’t be able to get into it.

What we like	What we don’t like
Lid design keeps pets out Tight fitting lid Larger capacity than most small bins	Starts to smell if food sits for too long Latch can be difficult to manage while mounted Plastic

 

17. Jesintop Counter Top Compost Bin with Lid

This countertop compost bin can be put on the counter, hung from your cabinet doors or if you use the included adhesive strips, you can mount it on any clean surface. The lid can be hung from the container in any position without preventing you from opening your cabinet door or  getting in the way of trash removal. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Locks in odors Lid doubles as a scraper Can hang the lid from the container	Plastic Can be a pain to clean Best to use bags with it

 

 

 

18. Cesun Small Trash Can with Lid

This tiny garbage can has a snug, tight fitting lid to keep fruit flies out and odors inside. It doesn’t take up much room in your kitchen and can be hung our mounted. It even has a removable rim to keep bags from slipping. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Snug lid Lightweight Great for small spaces	Small capacity Flimsy Plastic

 

19. Litem Food Waste Basket Bin

This food waste basket is a small and convenient bucket ideal for your kitchen countertop. It has an extra long handle for easy carrying and the inner bucket can be removed to easily add your scraps to your compost bin. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy to clean  Extra long handle	Expensive for the size Doesn’t hold a lot

 

20. Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin

This bin easily fits on your kitchen counter and is both decorative and practical. You can easily collect your food waste without having to worry about smells thanks to the included charcoal filters. It is also easy to clean and durable. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Odor free Easy to clean  Sleek design	Fills up quickly Hand wash only

 

Top 5 tips for selecting the right countertop garbage can

Whether you are using your countertop trash can at home, the office, or a business, there are some things you should factor in when you shop for the right container for the job. Here are 5 tips for making your trash can search easier.

1. Consider how much waste you create: The amount of waste you produce is going to impact your choice of a trash can. The faster you fill the bin, the more often you will have to take it out.
2. What are you putting into the trash can: Maybe you want to use the small trash can as your compost or you live somewhere where you have to sort your waste. Either way, you should consider what type of waste you are putting into your can before choosing one.
3. How much space do you have: Do you have enough counter space for a countertop trash can or are you better off getting a bin that will hang off your cabinet? Space can also impact the shape of the trash can you select.
4. Consider what it is made out of: You might be worried about finding an eco-friendly material or maybe you want something sleek and professional looking. Whether your choice is environmental or aesthetic, choosing steel or ceramic is usually a better option than plastic.
5. Think about odor/pests: Making sure your countertop trash can prevents odors is important. Odors can attract flies, which can lead to maggots in your can. Find a can with a tight fighting lid or charcoal filters to keep odors down.

With so many different countertop trash cans on the market, it is easy to find one that fits your needs and style. If you are looking for a better experience when it comes to composting, check out Lomi. You don't have to worry about odors or pests, and it takes up minimal space on the counter. You can turn your food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants with the click of a button. Be sure to check out the user comments on how people are loving their Lomi composter. It's the perfect countertop trash can for your search.

Written by: Sarah Kendal