10 Best Kitchen Waste Solutions: Smart & Tidy

What are the best kitchen waste solutions?
From my own struggle with a smelly, bulky kitchen trash can, I’m sharing a personal system of 10 effective and space-saving solutions.

Managing kitchen waste can be a challenge. Finding the right trash can is the first step. Let me guide you to the best solutions.

I once struggled with a smelly kitchen trash can. It took up too much space. Now, I have a system that works great.

I’ve explored many waste solutions. You’ll find the perfect one here. Let’s find the right trash can for you!

List of Top 10 Kitchen Waste Solutions

Image Title Best For Price
Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom

Tired of overflowing trash? The Rubbermaid 9-gallon wastebasket is for you. It’s perfect for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-clean trash solution in the bathroom, office, or under the sink.

United Solutions 10 Gal/40 Qt Space-Efficient Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Swing Lid, (Pack of 2), Waste Basket Fits in Narrow Spaces and Perfect for Commercial Offices, Home Office, Dorm, White United Solutions 10 Gal/40 Qt Space-Efficient Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Swing Lid, (Pack of 2), Waste Basket Fits in Narrow Spaces and Perfect for Commercial Offices, Home Office, Dorm, White

This space-efficient trash can is perfect for people with small spaces like dorm rooms, offices, and tight kitchens. The dual pack makes it ideal for those who need waste solutions in multiple rooms of their home or workplace.

United Solutions 23 Gallon Highboy Plastic Recycling Bin Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Pass Through Handles, and Dustpan Edge, Blue United Solutions 23 Gallon Highboy Plastic Recycling Bin Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Pass Through Handles, and Dustpan Edge, Blue

Got a tiny space but lots of recycling? The United Solutions 23 Gallon Highboy Recycling Bin is perfect for you. It fits anywhere and makes recycling a breeze!

LALASTAR Food Waste Basket Bin for Kitchen, Small Countertop Compost Bin with Lid, Odor-Free Food Scrap Container, Wall Mounted Garbage Can, 3L/0.8 Gal, Green LALASTAR Food Waste Basket Bin for Kitchen, Small Countertop Compost Bin with Lid, Odor-Free Food Scrap Container, Wall Mounted Garbage Can, 3L/0.8 Gal, Green

This compact compost bin is perfect for busy families who want to reduce food waste without dealing with bad smells. It’s ideal for small kitchens, apartments, dorm rooms, and RV owners who need a space-saving solution that can hang on cabinet doors or mount on walls.

Glad Roomate Under Counter Waste Bin | Space Saving Small Trash Can for Kitchen Cabinet, Bathroom or Office | Dual Lid for Ease of Opening, 7 Liter, White Glad Roomate Under Counter Waste Bin | Space Saving Small Trash Can for Kitchen Cabinet, Bathroom or Office | Dual Lid for Ease of Opening, 7 Liter, White

This small trash can is perfect for people with tiny spaces who need to save room. It works great in kitchens, bathrooms, and offices for those who want easy access to a waste bin without taking up floor space.

Rev-A-Shelf Polymer Replacement 35 Quart Trash Bin Recycle Waste Garbage Container for Kitchen Cabinet Pullouts, White, 2 Pack, RV-35-11-2 Rev-A-Shelf Polymer Replacement 35 Quart Trash Bin Recycle Waste Garbage Container for Kitchen Cabinet Pullouts, White, 2 Pack, RV-35-11-2

This product is perfect for anyone who needs a durable and practical trash bin that fits kitchen pullout cabinets. It is great for people living in apartments, offices, dorm rooms, or homes who want to keep their space clean and organized with a smart waste solution.

Hanging Folding Mini Trash Can for Kitchen Cabinet Door, Small Collapsible Garbage Bin Under Sink,Wall Mounted Waste Bin- Container Cabinet/Bedroom/Bathroom (3L)(White) Hanging Folding Mini Trash Can for Kitchen Cabinet Door, Small Collapsible Garbage Bin Under Sink,Wall Mounted Waste Bin- Container Cabinet/Bedroom/Bathroom (3L)(White)

This mini trash can is perfect for busy home cooks who want easy trash access while preparing meals without fumbling with wet cabinet doors. It’s also ideal for anyone needing space-saving storage in tight spots like the kitchen, office, or even outdoor trips.

United Solutions TI0032 Highboy Waste Container In Black, 23 Gallon, Slim Fit Wastebasket (2-Pack) United Solutions TI0032 Highboy Waste Container In Black, 23 Gallon, Slim Fit Wastebasket (2-Pack)

This slim fit wastebasket is perfect for people who live in small apartments or tight office spaces where room is limited. It also works great for anyone who wants easy clean-ups with its dustpan edge and simple bag changes using the hand grip and cinch.

LALASTAR Countertop Compost Bin with Lid, Hanging Small Trash Can with Lid Under Sink for Kitchen, Food Waste Bin for Countertop, Mountable Garbage Can for Bathroom, RV, 5L/1.3 Gal, Black LALASTAR Countertop Compost Bin with Lid, Hanging Small Trash Can with Lid Under Sink for Kitchen, Food Waste Bin for Countertop, Mountable Garbage Can for Bathroom, RV, 5L/1.3 Gal, Black

This compost bin is perfect for busy cooks who want to collect food scraps easily on the countertop without bad smells or bugs. It’s also great for families with small kitchens, campers in RVs, and anyone who needs a handy trash can that hangs anywhere.

Cooking for One: Scaled Recipes, No-Waste Solutions, and Time-Saving Tips Cooking for One: Scaled Recipes, No-Waste Solutions, and Time-Saving Tips

Cooking for One is perfect for solo cooks. It’s also great if you want less waste and easy meals.

Detailed Reviews

This section picks the top 10 kitchen waste solutions based on expert analysis and real feedback. Each one gets a full review to show its features, how well it works, and great value. Find the perfect guide here to pick what’s best for your kitchen and save time on waste issues.

1. Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom

Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom

This Rubbermaid trash can is a great choice. It holds a large 9-gallon capacity. This makes it perfect for any room.

The tough rim is built to last. It is also easy to clean.

The rectangular shape fits in tight spots. It is proudly made in the USA.

Pros Cons
  • Big capacity for lots of trash without frequent emptying.
  • Strong rim keeps it lasting and looking sharp.
  • Easy clean inside with a smooth surface wipe.
  • Fits snugly in tight spaces like under sinks.
  • Proudly made in the USA.
  • Limited color – only white available
  • May require a trash liner for easier cleanup
  • Plastic material can dent with heavy use

Perfect For:

Tired of overflowing trash? The Rubbermaid 9-gallon wastebasket is for you. It’s perfect for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-clean trash solution in the bathroom, office, or under the sink.

Ready to Purchase?

2. United Solutions 10 Gal/40 Qt Space-Efficient Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Swing Lid, (Pack of 2), Waste Basket Fits in Narrow Spaces and Perfect for Commercial Offices, Home Office, Dorm, White

United Solutions 10 Gal/40 Qt Space-Efficient Kitchen Trash Can with Dual Swing Lid, (Pack of 2), Waste Basket Fits in Narrow Spaces and Perfect for Commercial Offices, Home Office, Dorm, White

This 10 Gal/40 Qt trash can is made for small spaces. It’s perfect for your kitchen, office, or dorm.

The swing lid keeps smells in. It is also easy to clean.

This trash can is made of plastic. It will not rust. It is a great wastebasket.

Pros Cons
  • Fits in tight spaces and kitchen cabinets
  • Easy to clean with just a damp towel
  • Perfect for any room in your home
  • Swing lid keeps mess hidden from view
  • No rust plastic design for long-lasting use
  • Plastic might not be as durable as metal.
  • Swing lid could be a problem for some.
  • Size may be small for some needs.

Perfect For:

This space-efficient trash can is perfect for people with small spaces like dorm rooms, offices, and tight kitchens. The dual pack makes it ideal for those who need waste solutions in multiple rooms of their home or workplace.

Ready to Purchase?

3. United Solutions 23 Gallon Highboy Plastic Recycling Bin Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Pass Through Handles, and Dustpan Edge, Blue

United Solutions 23 Gallon Highboy Plastic Recycling Bin Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Pass Through Handles, and Dustpan Edge, Blue

Tired of bulky trash cans? The United Solutions Highboy is the answer. It fits tight spaces like a dream. This bin is perfect for your kitchen or office.

This recycling bin is easy to use. It has a swing top lid and pass-through handles. Cleaning is also super simple.

The dustpan edge is a smart feature. It helps you keep things tidy.

Pros Cons
  • Space-saving design fits tight areas
  • Easy bag removal with tapered design
  • Built-in dustpan for easy cleaning
  • Swing lid conceals waste, allows easy access
  • Easy to carry with pass-through handles
  • Plastic build feels too lightweight for heavy recycling.
  • Highboy style takes up a lot of vertical floor space.
  • Lid may not seal well against kitchen odors.

Perfect For:

Got a tiny space but lots of recycling? The United Solutions 23 Gallon Highboy Recycling Bin is perfect for you. It fits anywhere and makes recycling a breeze!

Ready to Purchase?

4. LALASTAR Food Waste Basket Bin for Kitchen, Small Countertop Compost Bin with Lid, Odor-Free Food Scrap Container, Wall Mounted Garbage Can, 3L/0.8 Gal, Green

LALASTAR Food Waste Basket Bin for Kitchen, Small Countertop Compost Bin with Lid, Odor-Free Food Scrap Container, Wall Mounted Garbage Can, 3L/0.8 Gal, Green

The LALASTAR Food Waste Basket Bin is a small, handy bin for your kitchen. It keeps your counter clean and fresh.

It is hangable and mountable on cabinet doors or walls. You can use it in many places like the bathroom or office. The compact size fits well in small spaces.

This bin works as a compost container with a lid that blocks bad smells. It is made of strong, light plastic. The handle makes it easy to carry and empty.

Pros Cons
  • Mount it anywhere! Hang it or stick it on the wall.
  • No smells! Lid keeps odors locked tight and away.
  • Sturdy but light! Easy to empty and carry.
  • Perfect size! It fits any small space with ease.
  • Use it anywhere! Kitchen, bathroom, or office, it fits!
  • Small size means it fills up quickly
  • Plastic might not be as sturdy as metal
  • Adhesive mount could fall off easily

Perfect For:

This compact compost bin is perfect for busy families who want to reduce food waste without dealing with bad smells. It’s ideal for small kitchens, apartments, dorm rooms, and RV owners who need a space-saving solution that can hang on cabinet doors or mount on walls.

Ready to Purchase?

5. Glad Roomate Under Counter Waste Bin | Space Saving Small Trash Can for Kitchen Cabinet, Bathroom or Office | Dual Lid for Ease of Opening, 7 Liter, White

Glad Roomate Under Counter Waste Bin | Space Saving Small Trash Can for Kitchen Cabinet, Bathroom or Office | Dual Lid for Ease of Opening, 7 Liter, White

The Glad Roommate Under Counter Waste Bin is a smart space-saving trash can. It works great in kitchens, bathrooms, and offices. You can use it as a regular trash can or hang it to save floor space.

This bin has a dual lid that opens two ways. You can flip it back for quick access or slide it front to keep it open during cleanup.

No drilling or screwing needed for setup. The bin is compact at 7 liters and measures 7″L x 9.5″W x 9.5″H.

Pros Cons
  • Versatile: Hang it or use it on the floor!
  • Easy cleanup: Dual lid offers super convenience.
  • Simple setup: Installs in seconds, no tools needed!
  • Small spaces: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and offices.
  • Compact design: Saves space while holding plenty of trash.
  • Small size means frequent emptying needed
  • Too small for big family use
  • Adhesive may not stick to all surfaces

Perfect For:

This small trash can is perfect for people with tiny spaces who need to save room. It works great in kitchens, bathrooms, and offices for those who want easy access to a waste bin without taking up floor space.

Ready to Purchase?

6. Rev-A-Shelf Polymer Replacement 35 Quart Trash Bin Recycle Waste Garbage Container for Kitchen Cabinet Pullouts, White, 2 Pack, RV-35-11-2

Rev-A-Shelf Polymer Replacement 35 Quart Trash Bin Recycle Waste Garbage Container for Kitchen Cabinet Pullouts, White, 2 Pack, RV-35-11-2

These replacement bins hold 35 quarts each. You get two bins in this pack. They fit kitchens, bathrooms, and offices.

Made of durable polymer plastic for long use. They work with all Rev-A-Shelf pullout frames.

Pros Cons
  • Two spacious bins for all your waste needs
  • Perfect fit for Rev-A-Shelf pullout systems
  • Open-top design holds more trash
  • Durable polymer construction lasts longer
  • Trusted brand with decades of experience
  • Lids not included, so waste stays exposed.
  • Frame sold separately, adding extra cost.
  • Plastic might crack if dropped heavily.

Perfect For:

This product is perfect for anyone who needs a durable and practical trash bin that fits kitchen pullout cabinets. It is great for people living in apartments, offices, dorm rooms, or homes who want to keep their space clean and organized with a smart waste solution.

Ready to Purchase?

7. Hanging Folding Mini Trash Can for Kitchen Cabinet Door, Small Collapsible Garbage Bin Under Sink,Wall Mounted Waste Bin- Container Cabinet/Bedroom/Bathroom (3L)(White)

Hanging Folding Mini Trash Can for Kitchen Cabinet Door, Small Collapsible Garbage Bin Under Sink,Wall Mounted Waste Bin- Container Cabinet/Bedroom/Bathroom (3L)(White)

Our hanging folding trash can fits right on your kitchen cabinet door. It keeps your space clean and tidy.

The collapsible design saves space when not in use. Made with sturdy plastic that lasts a long time.

Use it in your kitchen or bathroom. Take it with you when you go out. We offer a 24-hour support guarantee.

Pros Cons
  • Saves space with easy folding.
  • Easy install on cabinet doors.
  • Durable plastic and silicone build.
  • Hangs anywhere for convenience.
  • Versatile use in kitchen or outdoors.
  • Small 3L size may need frequent emptying
  • Door thickness limit of 0.7 inches restricts compatibility
  • Plastic material might crack with heavy use

Perfect For:

This mini trash can is perfect for busy home cooks who want easy trash access while preparing meals without fumbling with wet cabinet doors. It’s also ideal for anyone needing space-saving storage in tight spots like the kitchen, office, or even outdoor trips.

Ready to Purchase?

8. United Solutions TI0032 Highboy Waste Container In Black, 23 Gallon, Slim Fit Wastebasket (2-Pack)

United Solutions TI0032 Highboy Waste Container In Black, 23 Gallon, Slim Fit Wastebasket (2-Pack)

Get the United Solutions TI0032 Highboy Waste Container! This is a slim and smart way to manage trash.

It holds up to 23 gallons of waste. You can use a 33-gallon liner for the best fit.

The hand grips make it easy to move. The bag cinch keeps your liner in place. There is also a dustpan edge for quick clean-ups.

Pros Cons
  • Slim design fits in tight spaces perfectly.
  • Hand grips make lifting and moving easy.
  • Includes a bag cinch to secure the liner.
  • Dustpan edge allows for quick clean-ups.
  • Limited capacity might require frequent emptying.
  • Slim design could be unstable when full.
  • Using 33-gallon liner is required for best results.

Perfect For:

This slim fit wastebasket is perfect for people who live in small apartments or tight office spaces where room is limited. It also works great for anyone who wants easy clean-ups with its dustpan edge and simple bag changes using the hand grip and cinch.

Ready to Purchase?

9. LALASTAR Countertop Compost Bin with Lid, Hanging Small Trash Can with Lid Under Sink for Kitchen, Food Waste Bin for Countertop, Mountable Garbage Can for Bathroom, RV, 5L/1.3 Gal, Black

LALASTAR Countertop Compost Bin with Lid, Hanging Small Trash Can with Lid Under Sink for Kitchen, Food Waste Bin for Countertop, Mountable Garbage Can for Bathroom, RV, 5L/1.3 Gal, Black

The LALASTAR Compost Bin keeps your kitchen fresh and clean. Its tight lid blocks bad smells and stops fruit flies.

You can place it on the countertop or hang it under the sink. It holds fruit scraps and peels for days. Trips to the outdoor compost bin become less frequent.

This bin holds 5 liters and fits small spaces well. It is BPA-free and easy to clean in the dishwasher.

Pros Cons
  • Blocks odors and keeps fruit flies away
  • Multiple mounting options – countertop, wall, or door
  • Compact 1.3 gallon size saves counter space
  • Dishwasher safe and BPA-free plastic material
  • Tight-fitting lid prevents smells from escaping
  • Limited capacity means you empty it often.
  • Wall mounting with adhesive tape may fail easily.
  • Plastic design can show scratches after use.

Perfect For:

This compost bin is perfect for busy cooks who want to collect food scraps easily on the countertop without bad smells or bugs. It’s also great for families with small kitchens, campers in RVs, and anyone who needs a handy trash can that hangs anywhere.

Ready to Purchase?

10. Cooking for One: Scaled Recipes, No-Waste Solutions, and Time-Saving Tips

Cooking for One: Scaled Recipes, No-Waste Solutions, and Time-Saving Tips

Discover “Cooking for One” by America’s Test Kitchen. This book is a hardcover with 352 illustrated pages.

It offers scaled recipes and no-waste solutions. You’ll also find time-saving tips.

This book is perfect for single cooks. It was published in September 2020. Enjoy your cooking!

Pros Cons
  • Scaled recipes are perfect for one person.
  • It helps you reduce food waste.
  • Includes time-saving tips and tricks.
  • Features an illustrated edition for easy understanding.
  • Published by America’s Test Kitchen, a trusted brand.
  • Recipes strictly for single servings.
  • May need more recipes for adventurous cooks.
  • Hardcover may not be ideal for kitchen counters.

Perfect For:

Cooking for One is perfect for solo cooks. It’s also great if you want less waste and easy meals.

Ready to Purchase?

Buying Guide

Managing kitchen waste doesn’t need to be hard. The right trash can makes all the difference. Let’s find your perfect solution!

I used to dread the overflowing, smelly trash can in my small kitchen. Switching to a compact, lidded compost bin changed everything. Now, dealing with food scraps is easy and mess-free.

Here are key things to think about when choosing your waste solution:

  • Size: A small bin works well for small spaces. A large bin fits best for busy homes. Consider how much waste you make.

  • Type: Standard trash cans, recycling bins, or compost bins handle different waste. Under-counter options save space. Pick the type that fits your needs.

  • Lid: A good lid keeps smells in. It also stops pests. Look for swing lids or tight-fitting options.

  • Material: Plastic bins are easy to clean. They also don’t rust. Pick a material that is strong and durable.

  • Placement: Will it sit on the floor? Or under the sink? Hanging bins maximize space. Know where the bin will go.

  • Ease of Use: Look for easy cleaning. And simple bag changes. Pass-through handles are great.

  • Special Features: A dustpan edge helps sweep messes. A bag cinch keeps bags secure. These features make life easier.

Considering these factors you will find the best waste solution. Enjoy a cleaner kitchen. And a happier life.