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10 Best Recycling Bins in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

indoor trash recycling bin

People typically associate recycling with bigger facilities, assuming this sustainable practice isn’t for the average homeowner. However, you can reduce your environmental footprint by investing in the right recycling bin for your home or workspace.

It is as simple as throwing your trash in their designated bins. There are endless modern and feature-studded options available on the market, making it easier to pick a recycling bin that suits your space best. Keep reading to find reviews of the top 10 recycling bins today, and peruse our buying guide to make an intelligent purchase.

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A Quick Look at Our Winners in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
simplehuman 58-Liter Step Can simplehuman 58-Liter Step Can
  • Includes steel foot pedal
  • Built-in bag holder and dispenser
  • Easy to remove recycling bucket
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Umbra Garbino Recycling Bin Umbra Garbino Recycling Bin
  • Perfect for limited space
  • Easy to clean
  • Two integrated handles for clean removal
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Brabantia 60-Liter Dual Compartment Bin Brabantia 60-Liter Dual Compartment Bin
  • Non-slip adjustable legs
  • Elevated height to avoid bending
  • Removable inner buckets
  • Best Outdoor
    Suncast 33-Gallon Hideaway Can Suncast 33-Gallon Hideaway Can
  • Chic design
  • Latching lid to restrain odors
  • Water and weather resistant
  • Best for Home Office
    Yamazaki Como Trash Can Yamazaki Como Trash Can
  • Sleek design
  • Compact build
  • Easy to clean
  • The 10 Best Recycling Bins

    1. simplehuman 58 Liter Dual Compartment Recycling Step Can – Best Overall

    simplehuman 58-Liter Step Can

    Capacity: 58 liters
    Weight: 21.3 lbs
    Material: Stainless steel
    Compartments: Two
    Dimensions: 25.8” L x 22” W x 14.2” H

    The simplehuman 58-liter Step Can is undoubtedly the best overall recycling bin, offering excellent specifications in every aspect. Its sleek and modern stainless-steel design will suit any environment, but that isn’t all there is to like about this recycling bin.

    Its dual-compartment 58-liter capacity isn’t just spacious, but it also allows you to separate trash and recycling. If you have a separate bin for trash, you can use these compartments to separate different types of recyclables, such as plastic and paper.

    The bin also features a blue liner in one compartment with a handle for easy removal and disposal. More importantly, you’ll find a storage compartment for plastic liners.

    The most impressive aspect of this bin is its innovative step pedal, which is designed to last 20 steps every day for 20 years. However, that’s not where this bin’s hygienic, hands-free operation ends, as its silver-ion material resists fingerprints and prevents germs.

    Its 58-liter capacity makes this bin ideal for a high-traffic kitchen in a large household, with each bin holding 34 and 24 liters, respectively. Of course, it is expensive, but the features and capacity make it a worthwhile investment.

    Pros
    • Includes steel foot pedal
    • Built-in bag holder and dispenser
    • Easy to remove recycling bucket
    • Separates trash and recycling
    Cons
    • Somewhat heavy
    • Very expensive

    2. Umbra Garbino Recycling Bin – Best Value

    Umbra Garbino Recycling Bin

    Capacity: 9 liters
    Weight: 0.8 lbs
    Material: Polypropylene
    Compartments: One
    Dimensions: 13” L x 9.75” W x 10.25” H

    A good recycling bin doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, which is why the Umbra Garbino Recycling Bin is the best option for the money. It has sufficient capacity, a lightweight build, and features for ease of use, but it doesn’t break the bank.

    The 9-liter capacity for a single-compartment bin may seem insufficient, but it is ideal for a limited space. This small recycling bin is perfect for home offices and bathrooms. Additionally, its plain, single-compartment build makes it easy to clean.

    The bin’s liner also includes two integrated handles, allowing for easy removal and disposal of your recyclables. The design is sleek, simple, and modern, but the lidless build of the recycling bin releases odors, so you’ll need to be careful about what you throw in it.

    Its high-quality polypropylene body prevents fingerprints, stains, and scratches, but you can also easily wipe it down with a paper towel. If glossy black isn’t your style, this bin is available in matte black and metallic white.

    Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with liners, so you’ll have to purchase them separately. But if you only plan on throwing away dry recyclables, we wouldn’t recommend using a liner as it may ruin the modern look.

    Pros
    • Perfect for limited space
    • Easy to clean
    • Two integrated handles for clean removal
    • Sleek and modern design
    Cons
    • Below average capacity
    • Open mouth releases odors

    3. Brabantia 60-Liter Dual Compartment Bin – Premium Choice

    Brabantia 60-Liter Dual Compartment Bin

    Capacity: 60 liters
    Weight: 16 lbs
    Material: Plastic and steel
    Compartments: Two
    Dimensions: 32” L x 21.5” W x 12” H

    The Brabantia 60-Liter Dual Compartment Bin is the premium choice for those who prefer the most high-end recycling bin. This choice may be uneconomical, but its unique design and endless features make it a worthwhile purchase.

    Inspired by vintage coolers, this recycling bin has a sleek and stylish design made from high-quality stainless steel and plastic. It also features four adjustable legs with non-slip feet to keep the unit in place, which is an element most recycling bins don’t include.

    Aside from the legs, the Brabantia bin stands at 32 inches, so you won’t need to bend to empty it. The dual-compartment build includes two interior buckets of durable plastic with stainless-steel handles for easy removal.

    The best part about this premium recycling bin is its soft-touch mechanism, which allows you to open and shut the lid noiselessly. Plus, the top stays open while in use, adding to the bin’s touchless operation.

    It’s also worth noting that this recycling bin is Cradle to Cradle certified, meaning the manufacturing process was socially fair and sustainable. Lastly, the Brabantia 60-Liter Dual Compartment Bin is available in concrete grey, matte black, and matte steel finishes.

    Pros
    • Non-slip adjustable legs
    • Elevated height to avoid bending
    • Removable inner buckets
    • Stay-open lid
    Cons
    • Prone to denting
    • Somewhat expensive

    4. Suncast 33-Gallon Hideaway Can – Best Outdoor

    Suncast 33-Gallon Hideaway Can

    Capacity: 124 liters
    Weight: 15 lbs
    Material: Resin
    Compartments: One
    Dimensions: 31.63” L x 15.75” W x 16” H

    If you put in time and effort for your outdoor landscaping, you probably don’t want a modern, stainless-steel recycling bin ruining the traditional look of your garden. In that case, there’s no better pick than the beautiful Suncast 33-Gallon Hideaway Can.

    While its design is attractive and noteworthy, it does a great job blending in with your landscaping due to its neutral colors. Made from high-quality, weather-resistant resin, the bin is 32 inches tall and has a decorative wicker-style design.

    With a 124-liter capacity, there’s no doubt it has enough space to hold all your recyclables for a week. Then, you only need to add a 30-gallon garbage bag for easy and clean removal. The bin also features a chic latching lid, which prevents odors.

    You can buy this recycling bin in two neutral colors: taupe and brown, both of which will suit your garden effortlessly. The only downfall of this bin is that it doesn’t arrive assembled. However, the end result is worth the wait.

    Pros
    • Chic design
    • Latching lid to restrain odors
    • Water and weather resistant
    • Prevents critters
    Cons
    • It doesn’t arrive assembled.

    5. Yamazaki Como Trash Can – Best for Home Office

    Yamazaki Como Trash Can

    Capacity: 10 liters
    Weight: 1.2 lbs
    Material: Plastic
    Compartments: One
    Dimensions: 12.5” L x 7.5” W x 9.75” H

    If you have a home office, large bin capacity probably isn’t your priority when it comes to a recycling bin. Instead, you’ll be looking for something compact, durable, and stylish. Luckily, the Yamazaki Como Trash Can has all of these characteristics and more.

    This single-compartment recycling bin has a simplistic design featuring a stylish wooden handle on one side. The non-embellished design makes it perfect for a professional space such as your home office.

    In addition, the high-end plastic construction makes it easy to clean with a paper towel in case of a stain or fingerprint. While its 10-liter capacity may not seem sufficient, it’ll last you as long as a week in a low-traffic space.

    Since the Yamazaki Como Trash Can only weighs one pound, you can easily lift it with the wooden handle and empty it into the residential recycling bin. However, it’s worth noting that this bin doesn’t have a lid and won’t contain odors in your office.

    Pros
    • Sleek design
    • Compact build
    • Easy to clean
    • Portable handle
    Cons
    • No lid
    • It doesn’t contain odors

    6. IKEA Recycling Bin – Best Stackable

    IKEA Recycling Bin

    Capacity: 38–61 liters
    Weight: 2.4 lbs
    Material: Plastic
    Compartments: One
    Dimensions: 17.75” L x 16.25” W x 21.75” H

    Most people prefer to keep their recycling bins out of view, in which case the IKEA Recycling Bins are ideal. The best part of these bins is that they’re stackable, allowing you to separate your trash and recyclables.

    Since they typically come in packs of three, you can even separate your recyclables into glass, plastic, and paper. In addition, each bin is featured with a stainless-steel hinge-on door lid, allowing you to empty and refill it with ease.

    Other than being practical, they are also great at concealing odors. You can easily hang these stackable bins up behind a door, in your garage, or in any other out-of-sight spot in the house.

    These IKEA bins are available in two capacities: 38 liters and 61 liters. So, if you intend on placing them in a high-traffic area, you will have enough capacity. Also, while the bins provide exceptional capacity, they only take up a little space due to their stackable design. However, it’s worth noting that they’re only available in black and are a much more utilitarian option than our other picks.

    Pros
    • Stackable design saves space
    • Foldable lid for easy access
    • Affordable
    • Separates and conceals various recyclables
    Cons
    • Only available in black
    • Utilitarian

    7. simplehuman Dual Compartment Sensor Can – Best Touchless

    simplehuman Dual Compartment Sensor Can

    Capacity: 58 liters
    Weight: 16.3 lbs
    Material: Stainless steel
    Compartments: Two
    Dimensions: 25” L x 22.2” W x 13” H

    Those that prioritize hygiene when it comes to trash and recycling can benefit from a touchless experience. The simplehuman Dual Compartment Sensor Bin uses modern sensor technology to guarantee little to no contact with the bin itself. All you need to do is wave your hand over its sensor, and the lid opens automatically. But that’s not where its modern features end.

    The bin also operates on voice commands, such as “Close Can,” “Open Can,” and “Stay Open.” Additionally, if you forget to tell the bin to close the lid, it automatically closes after ten minutes of inactivity.

    Aside from being practical and feature-studded, the simplehuman Dual Compartment Sensor Bin has a beautiful, modern design. It’s made from durable, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and has two inner compartments.

    Each compartment is lined with blue-handled buckets, holding 24 and 34 liters each. The bin also features a built-in liner pocket, which automatically dispenses liners. Since this is an electric recycling bin, you may power it with the bin’s wall adapter or six AA batteries, which aren’t included in the package.

    Pros
    • Fingerprint-resistant surface
    • Dual compartments
    • Built-in liner dispenser
    • Voice and motion control sensors
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • It doesn’t come with batteries

    8. Step N’ Sort 3-Compartment Trash & Recycling Bin – Most Compartments

    Step N' Sort 3-Compartment Trash and Recycling Bin

    Capacity: 60 liters
    Weight: 28 lbs
    Material: Stainless steel
    Compartments: Three
    Dimensions: 24” L x 13” W x 24” H

    If you plan on keeping your recycling bin in a high-traffic area for a large household, such as the kitchen, you’ll need an option with high capacity and more compartments. In this case, the Step N’ Sort 3-Compartment Trash and Recycling Bin is the perfect pick.

    Having three compartments, it can hold up to 60 liters at a time. You can use this bin to separate trash and different types of recyclables, such as plastic, glass, and paper. The best part about this bin is that each compartment has its own lid and foot pedal.

    The foot pedals don’t just ensure a hygienic, hands-free experience, but they also allow you to open only the compartment you want to use. As a result, the recycling bin is better at containing odors than most options on our list.

    Each compartment also contains an inner liner with handles for easy removal and disposal. Due to its durable and stylish stainless-steel build, the recycling bin is also resistant to stains, fingerprints, and scratches.

    While this bin is spacious and practical, it doesn’t include any mechanisms to help secure the trash bags in place. Lastly, it’s worth noting that the bin’s open bottom leads to spills on the floor.

    Pros
    • Multiple compartments
    • Separates recyclables
    • Comes with sticker pad to label bins
    • Hands-free foot pedal
    Cons
    • Open bottom leads to spills
    • Doesn’t secure trash bags in place

    9. iTouchless SoftStep Trash Can – Best Odorless

    iTouchless SoftStep Trash Can

    Capacity: 50 liters
    Weight: 13 lbs
    Material: Stainless steel
    Compartments: One
    Dimensions: 26” L x 16.75” W x 12.5” H

    No matter how practical or feature-studded they are, containing odors is an issue that even high-end recycling bin struggle with. However, the iTouchless SoftStep Trash Can does a great job of concealing unpleasant smells.

    It has a sleek, simple, and modern design, made of high-quality stainless steel that resists scratches, stains, and fingerprints. However, a classic appearance isn’t all there is to this single-compartment recycling bin.

    Aside from a foot pedal, it includes many other features for a touchless and hygienic experience. For example, its included filter is worth noting, as it neutralizes and absorbs unpleasant smells. The recycling bin comes with one filter, but you’ll have to purchase the rest separately. You can also benefit from the silent-close lid complementing the ergonomic foot pedal, allowing you to operate the bin with minimal force and noise.

    Unlike most foot pedal-operated lids, this bin’s lid stays as long as you prefer, allowing you to execute longer cleaning tasks. If you want to extend this bin’s hand-free operability, you can purchase iTouchless’ trash can sensor lid separately.

    The recycling bin also includes an inner lining bucket, which can be removed and installed with the help of its stainless-steel handle. Lastly, it’s worth noting that customers have reported broken parts, but the manufacturer’s warranty is easy to avail.

    Pros
    • Silent-close lid
    • Ergonomic foot pedal
    • Removable inner bucket
    • Smudge-proof stainless steel design
    Cons
    • It doesn’t come with replacement filters
    • Reviews report broken parts

    10. OXO Compost Bin – Best for Food Waste

    OXO Compost Bin

    Capacity: 6.6 liters
    Weight: 1.1 lbs
    Material: Plastic
    Compartments: One
    Dimensions: 7.5” L x 6.6” W x 6.4” H

    Most recycling bins are only fit for dry plastic or paper recyclables, which is why you’ll need to look for a different pick for food waste. The OXO Compost Bin has features that accommodate food waste and compost materials, such as its pest-reducing capabilities.

    Of course, its small size isn’t enough for larger recyclables, which is why it’s perfect for your countertops. This recycling bin can come in handy when cooking, so you don’t have to wait till the end of your session to throw scraps away.

    The removable lid makes it incredibly easy to empty the recycling bin and install a fresh liner. Of course, the lid doesn’t guarantee a hands-free operation, but it does stay open as long as you prefer, allowing you to throw in scraps while you’re working.

    The recycling bin’s smooth plastic construction makes it easy to clean with the help of a paper towel. The manufacturer also claims that the free flow of oxygen in the bin helps reduce odors and pests, but reviews deny this claim.

    Pros
    • Compact build
    • Ideal for countertops
    • Easy to clean
    • Removable lid
    Cons
    • Awkward fit with liners

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Recycling Bins

    While a simple plastic recycling bin from Walmart may get the job done, you can purchase a premium, tailor-fit bin that contains odors, has enough space, and suits your living space.

    Here is a complete buyer’s guide to the best recycling bin you can get this year.

    Capacity

    The capacity is the most critical aspect of a suitable recycling bin. However, it’s not always necessary to opt for the bigger option, as you should look for a recycling bin that suits your space best.

    For example, a smaller option may be sufficient if you place the bin in your bathroom. On the other hand, a larger bin may be required if you place it outside your home. You must also consider the number of people using the space before deciding on a bin capacity.

    Ideally, a 2.5-gallon recycling bin would serve best for a small space like a home office. However, a kitchen in a medium-sized household would require something larger, such as 13 to 15 gallons.

    If you plan on placing your recycling bin in a high-traffic area in your large household, you’ll need a 15 to 35-gallon capacity.

    Material

    You may think the material of your recycling bin doesn’t affect its performance, but that’s not the case. Recycling bins come in various materials, with plastic and stainless steel being the most popular options.

    Plastic comes as an obvious choice for many people, considering its advantages. It’s affordable, easy to clean, and lightweight. However, plastic recycling bins are less durable and well-performing than stainless-steel ones and are vulnerable to dents and cracks in the heat.

    On the other hand, stainless steel recycling bins are on the pricier side, but they’re typically worth the investment. Their material also makes them heavier to lift but harder to knock over or damage.

    In addition, it’s easier to find stylish and modern designs when opting for stainless steel recycling bins. However, they may be more susceptible to fingerprints, requiring you to clean them more often.

    a green plastic trash garbage recycling bin
    Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay

    Compartments

    Other than capacity, you may also consider the internal organization of your recycling bin. For example, a single-compartment recycling bin may serve as sufficient, but a dual or multi-compartment bin will allow you to separate your trash.

    This way, you can discard your trash and store your recyclables in one bin while still keeping them organized. You can also use multiple compartments to separate various types of recyclables, such as plastic and paper.

    Besides practicality, a multi-compartment recycling bin also adds to the beauty of your room by neatly containing everything in one area. This can be especially useful if you place your bin in a small space.

    Lid Type

    Other than having a closed lid, you may think there’s no importance to the recycling bin’s lid. However, the lid can determine how much physical contact you make with the bin and how well the bin contains odors.

    In addition, it determines how noisy or convenient the recycling bin is, as you can select soft or silent-close lids for a more sophisticated use. If you prefer not to touch your recycling bin at all, you can look for bins with hands-free operation, such as a foot pedal model.

    Advanced versions of a hands-free recycling bin will include sensors and remote controls to provide a touchless experience. Lastly, if you plan on placing your recycling bin outdoors, a locking or hinged lid will help you deter critters.

    woman putting used bottle into recycling bin
    Image Credit: SHVETS production, Pexels

    Features

    Lastly, it’s worth noting that a plain plastic recycling bin may get the job done, but one with features will always be the better pick. For example, bins with handles are much easier to lift and empty.

    Other than that, additional filters can help your recycling bin contain or neutralize odors. You may also find bins with built-in storage compartments for extra liners, such as the simplehuman recycling bin.

    Those that prefer hands-free operation can invest in recycling bins with innovative touchless technology. While these options may be more expensive, they’ll allow you to open the lid by waving your hand above the sensor or using voice control.

    Such options aren’t just futuristic and practical, but they’re also much more hygienic than the average recycling bin. However, a simple foot pedal will serve the same purpose without breaking the bank if you’re on a budget.

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    Conclusion

    Keeping a recycling bin in your home or office space is the first step toward a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. This eco-friendly practice can be affordable, and several of the products from our reviews do not require a substantial investment. While the simplehuman 58-Liter Step Bin offers the best overall capabilities as a recycling bin, the Umbra Garbino Recycling Bin offers exceptional features at a low price.

    Finally, the Brabantia 60-Liter Dual Compartment Bin is the perfect pick for someone going above and beyond in their recycling practices.


    Featured Image Credit: Jenson, Shutterstock

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