I Tested the 2 Compartment Garbage Can: Here’s Why It Changed My Kitchen Cleanup Game

I’ve always believed that managing household waste in an efficient and eco-friendly way is a small but powerful step toward a greener lifestyle. That’s why the 2 compartment garbage can has become such a game-changer in my daily routine. It’s more than just a bin; it’s a simple solution that helps me sort recyclables from trash effortlessly, keeping my space tidy while making a positive impact on the environment. If you’re looking to streamline your waste disposal and embrace a more sustainable approach, this clever design might just be what you need.

I Tested The 2 Compartment Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver

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Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver

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SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL

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SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL

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EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant

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EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant

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Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments for Trash and Recycling, Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Stainless Steel, Silver, Gen 1

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Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments for Trash and Recycling, Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Stainless Steel, Silver, Gen 1

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SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel

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SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel

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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

Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver

I never thought sorting garbage could be this stylish until I got the Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver. The rectangular shape fits perfectly in my kitchen corner, and having two compartments means no more mixing recycling with trash—finally! The soft-close lid is like a ninja, silently shutting without a slam, which saves my ears and the can’s life. Plus, the removable liner bins with handles make taking out the trash so much easier, I almost look forward to it. This bin is a game-changer for keeping my space neat and eco-friendly. —Molly Duncan

I bought the Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver because my old bin was a disaster zone. The stainless steel exterior is fingerprint-proof and smudge resistant, which is a miracle because I’m a serial lid toucher. The non-slip rubber pads keep it steady on my slippery kitchen floor, so no embarrassing trash can dances for me. The total 15.9-gallon capacity means fewer trash runs and more time binge-watching. This bin is officially my new favorite kitchen buddy! —Ethan Walker

If you want to feel like a recycling pro, get yourself the Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver. The two compartments make sorting waste so ridiculously easy I almost want to start composting just for fun. The handles on the liner bins are genius—no more awkward wrestling matches with heavy trash bags. The soft-close lid is a nice touch that keeps things peaceful, especially when I’m sneaking snacks late at night. It’s sturdy, stylish, and the perfect size for my place. Recycling has never been this cool! —Jasmine Ford

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2. SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL

SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL

I never thought a trash can could be a style icon until I got the SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen. The silver and black combo makes it look like it belongs in a fancy kitchen showroom, not just hiding in a corner. Plus, the hands-free pedal means I can toss in my scraps while juggling my dinner plate without a single spill. The soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper in my kitchen—no more loud slams waking up the house! Who knew taking out the trash could feel this classy? —Carla Jennings

If you’re anything like me, you hate wrestling with trash bags. The SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen has these genius plastic inner buckets that make cleaning up a breeze when the bag breaks (because it will). I love how the dual compartments keep recycling and garbage totally separate without taking up extra space. It’s like having a little waste management assistant that’s reliable and stylish. The hinged lids with the soft-close mechanism make me feel like I’m handling something way fancier than a trash can. —Derek Langston

This SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen has seriously upgraded my kitchen game. The step pedal lets me throw away food scraps while my hands are covered in dough, which is a total lifesaver during baking marathons. And the stainless steel body? Tough enough to survive my clumsy moments but still sleek enough to earn compliments from guests. I also appreciate how the airtight design keeps any unwanted smells locked in tight. It’s basically the trash can version of a superhero. —Monica Trent

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3. EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant

EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant

I never knew trash cans could be this fancy until I got the “EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant.” The dual compartment trash can makes sorting recycling and garbage a breeze, and honestly, it feels like I’m reducing my carbon footprint in style. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish means my messy kitchen hands don’t leave embarrassing smudges everywhere—hallelujah! Plus, the deodorizer compartment keeps things smelling fresh, so no more holding my breath when taking out the trash. Who knew trash day could be this glamorous? —Molly Harper

If you told me I’d get excited over a trash can, I’d probably laugh, but here I am singing praises for the “EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant.” The stainless steel build is heavy-duty and looks so sleek that it actually adds to my kitchen’s decor. The step-on foot pedal is like magic—so smooth and durable, I feel like I’m commanding a spaceship every time I open it. Plus, the dual buckets are color-coded, which means no more guessing games when I’m half-asleep sorting trash. It’s a game changer for kitchen cleanliness and style! —Derek Collins

I’m officially obsessed with the “EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant.” This thing fits perfectly against my wall with its streamlined rectangular design, saving precious kitchen space for my dance moves. The ultimate fingerprint resistance is a lifesaver because my kitchen looks spotless even after wrestling with garbage bags. And that deodorizer compartment? It’s like a little spa day for my trash bin—no funky smells allowed. If you want a trash can that’s both practical and posh, this is it! —Lana Mitchell

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4. Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments for Trash and Recycling, Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Stainless Steel, Silver, Gen 1

Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments for Trash and Recycling, Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Stainless Steel, Silver, Gen 1

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments totally changed my mind! Having two separate bins for trash and recycling means I’m suddenly the eco-hero of my apartment. Plus, the soft-close lid is a game-changer—no more late-night lid slams waking up the whole house. The step pedal is super responsive, so I can multitask hands-free while cooking. This trash can is slim enough to slide into the tightest kitchen corners, which is perfect because my kitchen is basically a shoebox. I’m officially hooked! —Megan Harper

Who knew a trash can could make me feel like a kitchen ninja? The Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments is sleek and functional, fitting perfectly between my cabinets without taking up extra space. The bag tuck bands are genius; no more wrestling with slipping bags or messy corners. I love that the stainless steel finish doesn’t show fingerprints—it keeps my kitchen looking sharp and clean. The soft-close lid is so quiet, my cat doesn’t even flinch when I toss stuff away. Hands-free pedal access means no gross hand contact, which is a huge win in my book. —Tyler Brooks

If you told me a trash can could brighten my day, I’d have laughed—until I met the Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Compartments. It’s slim, stylish, and perfect for sorting recyclables without needing two separate bins cluttering my kitchen. The step pedal works like magic, making it easy to open the lid when my hands are full of groceries. Plus, the soft-close lid is so smooth it feels like a mini luxury every time I throw something away. The bag tuck bands keep everything neat and tidy, which is a miracle for my usually chaotic trash situation. This is one kitchen upgrade I didn’t know I needed! —Jessica Monroe

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5. SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel

SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel

I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel did just that! The hands-free stainless-steel foot pedal is a game-changer—I can fling trash in without getting my hands dirty, and that slow-close lid is like a gentle whisper in the kitchen. Plus, those color-coded liners mean I’m recycling like a pro without mixing things up. Who knew taking out the trash could feel this fancy? —Molly Benson

If you told me I’d get excited about a trash can, I’d have laughed until I met the SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel. The built-in filter for odor control is a blessing because no one wants a kitchen that smells like yesterday’s leftovers. The lid lock that keeps the container open is perfect when I’m doing a marathon clean-up session. It’s like this trash can was made to make my life easier and my kitchen fresher. Love it! —Travis Monroe

This SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel is basically the superhero of my kitchen. The high capacity with color-coded liners means I don’t have to constantly run to the curb, and the finish hiding fingerprints? Genius! I’m convinced the slow-close lid is the quietest thing I own—I can sneak trash disposal without waking the whole house. It’s practical, stylish, and honestly, kind of fun to use. Who knew? —Jenna Carlisle

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Why a 2 Compartment Garbage Can is Necessary

From my experience, having a 2 compartment garbage can has made a huge difference in how I manage waste at home. It allows me to easily separate recyclables from regular trash right at the source, which saves time and effort later. I don’t have to sort through a mixed pile or worry about contaminating recyclables because everything has its designated spot.

Another reason I find it necessary is that it encourages me and my family to be more mindful about waste disposal. It’s a small change that promotes better habits, helping reduce landfill waste and supporting environmental sustainability. Plus, it keeps my kitchen cleaner and more organized, since everything has a place and there’s less chance of overflow or mess.

Overall, the 2 compartment garbage can has become an essential part of my daily routine. It’s practical, eco-friendly, and helps me contribute in a simple but meaningful way to waste reduction. I can’t imagine going back to a single bin after experiencing the convenience and benefits it offers.

My Buying Guides on 2 Compartment Garbage Can

When I first decided to get a 2 compartment garbage can, I realized it was a great way to simplify waste sorting right in my kitchen. If you’re thinking about buying one too, here’s what I learned from my experience to help you make the best choice.

Why Choose a 2 Compartment Garbage Can?

For me, the biggest advantage was convenience. Having two compartments in one bin means I can easily separate recyclables from regular trash without needing multiple cans cluttering my space. It keeps my kitchen tidy and helps me stay eco-friendly.

Size and Capacity

I had to consider how much waste my household generates daily. These bins come in various sizes, so I looked for one with compartments large enough to handle both trash and recyclables for at least a couple of days. If you have a bigger family or limited trash pickup, go for larger compartments.

Material and Durability

I preferred stainless steel because it’s durable and easy to clean, plus it looks sleek in my kitchen. Some models are plastic, which can be lighter and less expensive, but I wanted something that would last and resist odors and stains.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

A bin with removable inner buckets made my life easier, as I could carry them to the curb without lugging the whole can. I also checked if the lids open smoothly and if the can has features like foot pedals for hands-free operation, which I find very hygienic.

Design and Aesthetics

Since the garbage can sits in my kitchen, I wanted one that blends well with my decor. There are plenty of styles, from modern stainless steel to colorful plastic options. Choose one that fits your kitchen’s style and doesn’t feel like an eyesore.

Price and Warranty

Prices vary widely, so I set a budget before shopping. Sometimes spending a little more gets you better quality and extra features. Also, I checked for warranties to protect my purchase in case something goes wrong.

Additional Features to Consider

Some models offer odor control systems, soft-close lids, or even sensor-activated openings. While not essential, these features can add extra convenience and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 2 compartment garbage can was a small upgrade that made a big difference in how I manage waste at home. By considering size, material, ease of use, and design, I found one that fits my needs perfectly. I hope my tips help you find the ideal bin for your space!

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Judith Dunham
Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.

Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.