The best trash can with a recycle bin depends on where you sort waste and how much room you have. The Lovewind dual bin is best for two equal-capacity kitchen compartments, while SONGMICS and EKO offer split compartments of different sizes. For shared or high-traffic spaces, Rubbermaid’s 23-gallon Slim Jim provides a clearly marked recycling container. The options below compare capacity, access, materials, and intended use.
| Product | Best For | Capacity or Design |
|---|---|---|
| Lovewind Dual Bin | Kitchen sorting with equal compartments | Two 13-gallon sections |
| SONGMICS Dual-Compartment Bin | More trash than recycling | 13- and 6-gallon sections |
| EKO EcoCasa II | Kitchen sorting with different bin sizes | 36L and 24L sections |
| Rubbermaid Slim Jim | High-volume recycling collection | 23-gallon recycling container |
| Amazon Basics Wastebasket | Offices and shared spaces | 10-gallon recycling wastebasket |
Lovewind Dual 13-Gallon Kitchen Bin
Best for: Households that want matching, full-size trash and recycling compartments in one kitchen unit. This Lovewind model has two 13-gallon sections, for 26 gallons total, and is designed for standard 13-gallon bags.
The brushed stainless-steel exterior has a smudge-proof finish, while removable polypropylene inner buckets have handles for lifting and emptying. A hydraulic soft-close lid is designed to close quietly. Two magnets stickers are included to help identify the compartments.
Choose this if you want equal capacity for waste and recycling without setting out two separate cans. Its limitation is that the equal-sized compartments may not suit households that produce substantially more trash than recyclables.
SONGMICS 13- and 6-Gallon Dual Bin
Best for: Kitchens where general waste needs more room than recycling. The two compartments hold 13 and 6 gallons, respectively, making this a better fit than an equal-split bin when sorting volumes are uneven.
The stainless-steel body has a smudge-resistant surface and a pedal for hands-free opening. The lid can also be lifted and held open at 90 degrees during food preparation, and its soft-close mechanism is intended to reduce slamming.
Choose this if you want a larger main trash compartment and a smaller space for recyclables. The 6-gallon side may fill quickly in homes that generate a large amount of recycling.
EKO EcoCasa II Dual Trash Can
Best for: Buyers who want two differently sized, color-coded inner bins in a stainless-steel kitchen unit. The EcoCasa II has a 36-liter section and a 24-liter section, for 60 liters total. Its listed dimensions are 20.74 inches wide by 12.68 inches deep by 25.94 inches high; the lid reaches 37 inches when open.
The fingerprint-resistant finish is designed to reduce visible smudges. A foot pedal opens the bin, and the product information describes it as engineered for more than 200,000 steps. The deodorizer compartment is another feature for buyers concerned about odors.
Choose this if color-coded bins and a smaller secondary compartment fit your sorting routine. Check the listed dimensions before buying, as the unit needs clearance for its width and open lid.
Rubbermaid 23-Gallon Slim Jim Recycling Can
Best for: Offices, break rooms, or other spaces that need a dedicated, high-capacity recycling container. Its blue color and recycling symbol help distinguish it from general waste bins, and its 23-gallon capacity is larger than the smaller office wastebaskets in this selection.
Four bag cinches hold liners around the rim and support quick, knot-free changes. Venting channels are designed to make liner removal easier and reduce the effort involved in pulling a full bag out.
This is a recycling container rather than a two-compartment trash-and-recycling combo. Choose it when you have room for a separate trash can; avoid it if you need both waste streams housed in one unit.
Amazon Basics 10-Gallon Recycling Wastebasket
Best for: Offices, schools, restaurants, and other shared spaces that need a straightforward recycling bin. This 10-gallon blue wastebasket has a recycle logo and is made from co-polymer polypropylene plastic. Its smooth finish can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
The lightweight design makes it a practical option for areas where a bin may need to be moved or cleaned regularly. It is intended for everyday use in settings such as offices and public spaces.
Choose this if you need a separate, simple recycling receptacle rather than a lidded kitchen combo. Its 10-gallon capacity may be too small for locations that collect a high volume of recyclables.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Trash and Recycling Bin
Do you need one combo unit or two separate bins?
A dual-compartment can keeps trash and recycling together, which can simplify sorting in a kitchen with limited floor space. Separate cans offer more flexibility: you can choose different capacities and place recycling where people are likely to use it. The Rubbermaid and Amazon Basics options are dedicated recycling bins, so they need a separate container for trash.
How much capacity does each side need?
Consider your household’s actual waste patterns. Equal 13-gallon sections make sense when trash and recycling volumes are similar. A 13- and 6-gallon split suits buyers who need more room for trash, while EKO’s 36L and 24L sections provide another uneven split. For shared areas, a larger dedicated container can reduce how often recycling needs to be emptied.
Which opening and materials are practical?
A pedal provides hands-free access, which can be useful when cooking or carrying waste. Soft-close lids reduce slamming, while open-position lids can help during food preparation. Stainless steel offers a finished kitchen appearance, but a plastic wastebasket may be more appropriate where simple cleaning and moving the bin are priorities.
What should you check before buying?
Measure the intended location, including space needed to open the lid or operate a pedal. Confirm whether the product uses removable inner buckets, standard-size bags, or bag-retention features. Also check how recycling is identified: some products use a logo or blue color, while certain dual bins include color-coded inner containers or stickers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best trash can with a recycle bin for a kitchen?
A dual-compartment model is a convenient choice when you want trash and recycling in one unit. Compare compartment sizes with the amount of each material your household produces.
Are dual-compartment bins available with equal sections?
Yes. The Lovewind model has two 13-gallon compartments, giving trash and recycling equal capacity.
Is a recycling wastebasket the same as a dual trash-and-recycling bin?
No. A recycling wastebasket collects recyclables in one container and requires a separate bin for trash. A dual-compartment bin holds both waste streams together.
What size recycling bin is suitable for an office?
The right capacity depends on how many people use it and how often it is emptied. A 10-gallon wastebasket can suit smaller collection needs, while a 23-gallon container offers more capacity for shared spaces.
Why choose different-sized compartments?
Different-sized sections let buyers allocate more space to the waste stream they produce most. This can reduce how often one side fills before the other.