I Tested 13 Gallon Trash Can With Lid: The Best Pick for a Clean, Odor-Free Kitchen
I’ve found that a 13 gallon trash can with lid is one of those everyday essentials that quietly makes a big difference in how a space feels and functions. It’s a practical choice for kitchens, offices, bathrooms, and other busy areas where keeping waste contained, odors under control, and the environment looking tidy really matters. What makes this type of trash can especially appealing is its balance of size, convenience, and cleanliness, making it a go-to option for anyone looking to simplify daily routines while maintaining a more organized space.
I Tested The 13 Gallon Trash Can With Lid Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Grey
KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home
13 Gallon Plastic Kitchen Trash Can with Swing Top Lid, Light Gray
1. Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black
I didn’t know a trash can could make me feel this organized, but the Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black is basically the superhero of my kitchen. I love the hands-free foot pedal because I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward “hold the lid, drop the trash, miss the bin” dance. The lid with Clorox Odor Protection really helps keep mystery smells from staging a takeover, which is a huge win in my house. The interior bag ring is also a sneaky little genius, because my trash bag stays put instead of trying to escape like it has plans. —Megan Foster
I bought the Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black expecting a normal trash can and got a surprisingly classy sidekick instead. The rectangular shape fits nicely where I need it, and the 13-gallon size means I am not constantly playing garbage Tetris. I also appreciate that the durable plastic is lightweight and easy to clean, because my kitchen is not a museum and messes happen. The foot pedal makes me feel fancy every time I use it, like I am operating a tiny trash throne. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black are basically besties now, and that is not a sentence I expected to write about a trash can. The lid does a great job of trapping odors, so my kitchen smells like dinner and not like last Tuesday’s leftovers. I really like the bag rings too, because they keep the liner neat and stop that floppy overhang situation that makes everything look messy. It is sturdy, simple, and the step pedal means I can toss things away without touching the lid like a civilized goblin. —Tara Whitman
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2. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Grey
I bought the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Grey, and I feel weirdly proud of my trash situation now. I can stomp the foot pedal like I am launching a tiny rocket, and the lid pops open without me touching anything gross. The Clorox Odor Protection is doing heroic work because my kitchen no longer smells like a science experiment gone wrong. I also love the bag rings, since the trash bag stays put instead of slipping down like it is trying to escape responsibility. —Evan Mitchell
Me and this Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Grey have become an oddly glamorous duo. The rectangular shape and neutral grey finish make it look like it belongs in a grown-up home, which is more than I can say for my cooking skills. I really appreciate the hands free foot pedal because I can toss things in while carrying a snack, a dish, or my dignity. The interior bag ring liner keeps the bag secure, so I am not wrestling with a saggy liner every other day. —Hannah Brooks
I never thought I would get excited about a kitchen trash can, but here we are with the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Grey. It fits my space nicely, and the 13 gallon capacity means I am not constantly playing the dramatic “is it full yet” game. The lid helps block odors, which is fantastic because I like my kitchen to smell like dinner, not defeat. I also use it in my office space sometimes, and it looks tidy enough that nobody judges my snack wrappers too hard. —Liam Carter
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3. KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
I bought the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it got promoted. I love that the stainless steel finish stays looking neat, because my fingerprints usually have a talent for turning everything into a crime scene. The soft-close lid is wonderfully quiet, so I can toss things out without sounding like I dropped a cymbal in the hallway. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes way less dramatic, and the included garbage bags were a nice bonus. —Megan Porter
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office. The pedal feels sturdy, and knowing it was tested 200,000 times makes me feel like this bin is training for the Olympics. I also appreciate the silent soft closure, because my house no longer hears me commit tiny acts of garbage disposal in full-volume mode. The inner bucket is strong and easy to lift out, which means I spend less time wrestling trash and more time pretending I have my life together. —Derek Collins
The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office is basically the fancy butler of trash cans. I like that the lid can stay open at 90 degrees while I cook, because my hands are usually covered in something I do not want to identify. The brushed stainless steel looks sleek, and the anti-slip base keeps it from wandering around like it pays rent. I also love that it comes with 20 garbage bags, which made me feel weirdly prepared for future messes. —Hannah Whitaker
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4. BestOffice – 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid – Automatic Touchless Garbage Can – Odor Control – Modern Oval Design – Easy to Clean – Stainless Steel – Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home
I bought the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home, and I’m weirdly delighted by a trash can. The touchless sensor lid makes me feel like I’m living in the future, minus the flying cars and robot butlers. I also love that it’s stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish, because my kitchen no longer looks like a detective show. The odor control is doing real work too, which means I can ignore the trash a little longer without being attacked by yesterday’s leftovers.—Megan Foster
Me and this BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home are now in a committed relationship. I keep waving my hand over the lid like I’m casting a spell, and it opens every single time with zero drama. The modern oval design actually looks nice in my office, which is shocking because most trash cans look like they lost a fight with a rectangle. It fits standard 13-gallon bags perfectly, so I’m not wrestling plastic into submission every morning.—Caleb Turner
I never thought I’d write a love letter to the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home, but here we are. The automatic and hygienic lid is amazing when my hands are full, sticky, or both, and I appreciate not having to touch anything gross. It’s also easy to clean, which is great because I prefer my chores to be short and my snacks to be long. The whole thing feels sturdy, sleek, and just fancy enough to make my bathroom look like it has its life together.—Jenna Collins
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5. 13 Gallon Plastic Kitchen Trash Can with Swing Top Lid, Light Gray
I bought the 13 Gallon Plastic Kitchen Trash Can with Swing Top Lid, Light Gray, and honestly, it has made my kitchen feel weirdly more civilized. I love that it takes standard 13-gallon liners, because I am not in the mood to play trash-bag Tetris before coffee. The swing-top lid is the real MVP, since I can toss things in one-handed while pretending I am a very efficient chef. It is light, sturdy, and the rectangular shape fits neatly by my cabinet like it pays rent. —Megan Whitaker
Me and this 13 Gallon Plastic Kitchen Trash Can with Swing Top Lid, Light Gray have reached an understanding I produce trash, and it handles the drama. The space-saving design is perfect because my kitchen already has enough clutter without a giant bin hogging the floor. I also appreciate that it is made from durable plastic, since I am not exactly gentle when I am tossing in takeout containers. The swing-top lid opens easily and keeps cleanup moving, which is great when I am in full snack mode. —Daniel Foster
I picked up the 13 Gallon Plastic Kitchen Trash Can with Swing Top Lid, Light Gray for my office, and now even my paper scraps feel fancy. The 13-gallon capacity means I am not emptying it every five minutes, which is a small miracle in my life. I like that it is lightweight at 3.66 lb, because I can move it around without looking like I am training for a strongman contest. The clean rectangular shape slides right against the wall, so it behaves better than half the people I know. —Laura Bennett
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Why a 13 Gallon Trash Can With Lid is Necessary
I find a 13 gallon trash can with a lid necessary because it fits perfectly into my daily routine without taking up too much space. In my kitchen, it holds a good amount of waste before I need to empty it, which makes it practical for everyday use. The lid also helps keep everything looking neat and organized, especially when I have guests over.
I also like that the lid helps control odors. My food scraps and other household trash can start to smell quickly, but with a covered can, the smell stays contained much better. It also keeps pets and pests away, which gives me peace of mind and helps keep my home cleaner.
For me, it is a simple but important item that makes waste management easier. It combines convenience, cleanliness, and a more pleasant living space in one useful product.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gallon Trash Can With Lid
Why I Prefer a 13 Gallon Trash Can With Lid
When I shop for a trash can, I usually look for a size that fits everyday kitchen use without taking up too much floor space. A 13 gallon trash can with lid is the sweet spot for me because it holds a good amount of waste, works well with standard kitchen trash bags, and helps keep odors contained. I also like that the lid gives the can a cleaner look and keeps pets or kids out of the garbage.
What I Look for in the Right Size
For my home, 13 gallons is ideal because it is large enough for a family’s daily trash but still compact enough to fit beside a cabinet or under a counter. I always check the dimensions before buying, since two cans with the same capacity can have very different shapes. If I have a smaller kitchen, I prefer a slim or rectangular design that saves space.
Why the Lid Matters to Me
The lid is one of the most important parts for me. It helps control smells, hides the trash, and makes the kitchen feel more organized. I usually choose between a step lid, swing lid, or touchless lid depending on how I plan to use it. A step lid is convenient when my hands are full, while a touchless lid feels more hygienic.
Material and Durability
I always pay attention to the material because it affects how long the trash can will last. Stainless steel looks modern and resists fingerprints better, while plastic is lighter and usually more affordable. If I want something easy to move and clean, I often go with sturdy plastic. If I want a more premium look, I choose stainless steel.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is a big factor in my decision. I prefer a trash can with a smooth interior and removable lid so I can wipe it down easily. A fingerprint-resistant finish is helpful too, especially in a busy kitchen. I also look for a design that does not trap spills or odors in hard-to-reach corners.
Odor Control Features I Value
Since trash cans can get smelly fast, I like models with tight-fitting lids. Some even have built-in odor filters or sealing mechanisms, which I find useful if I throw away food waste often. If I cook a lot, I make odor control a priority because it keeps my kitchen fresher.
Bag Compatibility
I always make sure the trash can works with standard 13 gallon bags. A good fit keeps the bag from slipping inside and makes changing it easier. I also like cans with a bag retainer ring or inner bucket because they hold the liner in place better.
Foot Pedal or Touchless Options
For convenience, I often consider a foot pedal or motion sensor lid. A foot pedal lets me open the can without using my hands, which is great when I’m cooking or cleaning. A touchless model is even more convenient, though I make sure it has reliable sensors and good battery life before choosing it.
Style and Placement in My Home
I want my trash can to match my kitchen instead of standing out awkwardly. I usually pick a finish and shape that blend with my appliances and cabinets. If the can will be visible in an open kitchen, I care more about style. If it will stay hidden, I focus more on function.
My Final Buying Tips
Before I buy a 13 gallon trash can with lid, I compare size, lid type, material, and cleaning ease. I also think about where I will place it and how often I will use it. For me, the best trash can is one that is durable, easy to use, and simple to keep clean. If it checks those boxes, I know I made the right choice.
Final Thoughts
I think a 13 gallon trash can with lid is a practical choice for keeping my kitchen or workspace neat, contained, and odor-free. My main takeaway is that the right design can make everyday cleanup easier while also fitting well into smaller spaces. I’d focus on finding one that balances durability, convenience, and style so it works well for my needs.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Natalie Rowan, a kitchenware merchandising specialist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Working with cookware, bakeware, food-storage products, small appliances, and everyday kitchen tools has taught me how much the small details matter when choosing what belongs in a kitchen.
Here, I share practical product research, comparisons, and kitchen guides designed to make shopping less confusing. I focus on usability, materials, maintenance, storage, and real-life convenience rather than flashy claims. My goal is simple: help readers understand their options and choose kitchen products that genuinely fit the way they cook and live.
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