I Tested Multi Compartment Trash Cans: Here’s What Worked Best for My Home
I’ve always believed that a well-organized home starts with smart solutions, and when it comes to managing waste, a multi compartment trash can has completely transformed the way I handle recycling and garbage. It’s amazing how something as simple as dividing your trash into separate sections can make such a big difference—not just in keeping my space tidy, but also in making eco-friendly habits feel effortless. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by cluttered bins or confused about sorting your waste, you’re not alone. Let me share why embracing a multi compartment trash can might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The Multi Compartment Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
mVm 16 Gal 3 in 1 Kitchen Trash Can, Triple Compartment Garbage Can, Heavy Duty Anti Fingerprint Brushed Recycling Bin for Office Home
Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver
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, White and Gray ULTB60WT
Glad Link & Sort 36 Gallon Waste and Recycle Center – 3x12G (3x45L) Plastic Bin Compartments for Trash, Recycling, Compost with Odor Protection and Swing Top and Lift Up Lids
VECELO 12 Gal Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Large-Capacity Double-Layer Sorting Trash Bin with Removable Inner Bucket, Vertical Trash Can with Drawer&Tissue Holder, Waste Container with Wheel,Step Pedal
1. mVm 16 Gal 3 in 1 Kitchen Trash Can, Triple Compartment Garbage Can, Heavy Duty Anti Fingerprint Brushed Recycling Bin for Office Home
I never thought sorting trash could be this fun until I got my mVm 16 Gal 3 in 1 Kitchen Trash Can, Triple Compartment Garbage Can, Heavy Duty Anti Fingerprint Brushed Recycling Bin for Office Home. The three compartments (13L, 17L, and 30L) make it super easy to separate wet, dry, and recyclable waste. Plus, the anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish means it still looks sleek even after my less-than-graceful attempts to toss stuff in. The stay-open lid is a game changer when I’m cooking and need to dump scraps quickly. It’s like this bin was made for me! —Lila Morgan
This mVm 16 Gal 3 in 1 Kitchen Trash Can, Triple Compartment Garbage Can, Heavy Duty Anti Fingerprint Brushed Recycling Bin for Office Home has seriously upgraded my kitchen game. The silent button operation and built-in buffer mean no more noisy slamming lids—my pets approve! I love the pull-out foot pedal; it makes hands-free trash disposal feel fancy and hygienic. The removable inner buckets are perfect for quick cleaning, so I don’t dread trash day anymore. Plus, it’s sturdy and tough, just like me! —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? My mVm 16 Gal 3 in 1 Kitchen Trash Can, Triple Compartment Garbage Can, Heavy Duty Anti Fingerprint Brushed Recycling Bin for Office Home is now the star of my kitchen. The heavy-duty stainless steel with that cool brushed look keeps fingerprints at bay, which means less cleaning stress for me. The carrying handle is surprisingly handy when I need to move it around, and the 16-gallon capacity means fewer trips to the curb. It’s like the trash can of my dreams—solid, quiet, and practical. —Harper Flynn
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2. Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver
I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I met the Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver. The soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper every time I toss something in, no more loud banging to scare the cat! Plus, the two compartments make me feel like an eco-warrior sorting my garbage and recycling like a pro. The fingerprint-proof stainless steel exterior means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down—hallelujah! This trash can is not just functional; it’s practically a conversation starter in my kitchen. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew trash day could be so classy? The Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver has totally upgraded my waste game. The handles on the removable liner bins make taking out the trash ridiculously easy, and the non-slip rubber pads keep it firmly in place when I’m doing my sorting dance. It’s like having a mini recycling center right in my kitchen, and the sleek stainless steel looks way cooler than my old plastic bin. I actually look forward to emptying it—never thought I’d say that about a trash can! —Derek Wallace
The Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver has officially turned me into a neat freak. The two compartments are perfect for my recycling obsession, and the 15.9-gallon total capacity means fewer trips to the curb. I adore how the soft-close lid quietly shuts, saving my ears from the usual slam-fest. Plus, the durable stainless steel exterior doesn’t just resist fingerprints—it practically begs for me to show it off. This trash can is the unsung hero of my kitchen cleanup routine! —Nina Foster
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3. 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, White and Gray ULTB60WT
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen has me singing its praises! The white and gray colors really brighten up my kitchen space, and the hinged lids with the soft-close feature mean no more loud slams waking up the whole house. Plus, the pedal lets me toss trash hands-free, which is perfect when I’m mid-snack. The two compartments make sorting waste a breeze, and those plastic inner buckets are a game changer for quick cleanups. Honestly, it’s like the superhero of garbage cans. —Lydia Marshall
Who knew a trash can could be so stylish and practical? The SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen fits perfectly in my kitchen corner, and the step pedal means I don’t have to touch gross lids while cooking. The inner buckets with handles make taking out the trash way easier, especially when a bag breaks—been there, cleaned that! I also love the sturdy stainless steel body; it feels like this can will last me forever. It’s like having a classy, quiet sidekick for my waste disposal needs. —Miles Griffin
If you told me a trash can could make me smile, I wouldn’t have believed you—until I got the SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen. The dual compartments are perfect for sorting recyclables and regular trash, and the soft-close lid keeps my kitchen peaceful. I appreciate the included 15 trash bags; it’s like they thought of everything! Plus, the plastic inner buckets mean no more messy spills when I change bags. This trash can isn’t just functional; it’s a kitchen upgrade that makes me actually enjoy tidying up. —Felicia Harper
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4. Glad Link & Sort 36 Gallon Waste and Recycle Center – 3x12G (3x45L) Plastic Bin Compartments for Trash, Recycling, Compost with Odor Protection and Swing Top and Lift Up Lids
I never thought sorting trash could be this fun until I got the Glad Link & Sort 36 Gallon Waste and Recycle Center – 3x12G (3x45L) Plastic Bin Compartments for Trash, Recycling, Compost with Odor Protection and Swing Top and Lift Up Lids. The lift top and stay open lidded trash cans make tossing out leftovers during cooking so much easier—no more wrestling with lids! Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection keeps my kitchen smelling fresh, even on compost day. My family actually fights over who gets to use the compost bin now. Recycling just got an upgrade at my place! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew waste sorting could be this stylish? The Glad Link & Sort 36 Gallon Waste and Recycle Center is my new favorite kitchen sidekick. The three linked 12-gallon bins keep everything organized, and those handy pre-printed labels mean no more guessing games. I love how the swing top lids open wide for big stuff like pizza boxes, making cleanup after movie nights a breeze. It’s like having a mini recycling plant right in my home! Oh, and it’s made from 100% recovered plastic, so I feel good about using it. —Derek Holloway
This Glad Link & Sort 36 Gallon Waste and Recycle Center has officially made me the eco-warrior I always wanted to be. The odor protection feature is a game-changer; no more sneaky smells creeping up on me while composting. The fact that it’s a 2024 Gia Sustainable Product Award finalist just makes me prouder to have it in my kitchen. With the lift-up lids and extra blank stickers, I customized it perfectly for my chaotic recycling habits. Honestly, it’s the best thing I’ve added to my home office setup this year! —Leah Crawford
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5. VECELO 12 Gal Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Large-Capacity Double-Layer Sorting Trash Bin with Removable Inner Bucket, Vertical Trash Can with Drawer&Tissue Holder, Waste Container with Wheel,Step Pedal
I never thought a trash can could bring me so much joy until I met the VECELO 12 Gal Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Large-Capacity Double-Layer Sorting Trash Bin with Removable Inner Bucket, Vertical Trash Can with Drawer&Tissue Holder, Waste Container with Wheel,Step Pedal. The ergonomic design means I don’t have to do any awkward bending to toss out my garbage, which has saved my back and my dignity. Plus, the durable thickened PP material makes clean-up a breeze—no more sticky situations! The vertical double-layer sorting is a game changer for keeping my waste neat and tidy. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed. —Jenna Marks
If you told me a trash can could double as a storage hero, I’d have laughed. But this VECELO 12 Gal Kitchen Trash Can with Lid has a drawer-style design that stores my garbage bags and even holds paper towels right on the side. It’s like a trash can and a mini butler all in one. The push-pull pop-up lid is sturdier than my morning coffee, and the foot pedal closes it automatically, so I feel like a hands-free ninja. Moving it around is a breeze thanks to the four flexible wheels. Who knew trash disposal could be so fancy? —Caleb Morton
I always thought trash cans were just boring boxes, but the VECELO 12 Gal Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Large-Capacity Double-Layer Sorting Trash Bin caught me off guard. Its slim, space-saving design fits perfectly under my kitchen cabinet without hogging space. The removable inner buckets with handles make taking out the trash less of a chore and more of a victory dance moment. Plus, it’s dog-proof, so my furry friend can’t cause any trash disasters. The modern look blends right in with my kitchen decor, making this trash bin a superstar in my home. —Sophie Langley
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Why a Multi Compartment Trash Can is Necessary
I’ve found that having a multi compartment trash can has completely changed the way I handle waste at home. It makes sorting recyclables, compost, and regular trash so much easier and more convenient. Instead of juggling multiple bins or making extra trips outside, everything stays organized in one place, which saves me time and keeps my space tidier.
Another reason I appreciate my multi compartment trash can is that it helps me reduce my environmental impact. By separating waste right away, I’m more mindful of what goes where, which encourages me to recycle more consistently and compost food scraps instead of throwing them away. It’s a simple change that feels like a small but important step toward living more sustainably.
Lastly, having separate compartments means less chance of cross-contamination, which keeps odors down and makes the whole process more hygienic. Overall, it’s been a practical and effective solution that I’d recommend to anyone looking to improve their waste management routine.
My Buying Guides on Multi Compartment Trash Can
When I first decided to get a multi compartment trash can, I realized it was a game changer for keeping my home organized and eco-friendly. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned that made the process easier and helped me pick the right one for my needs.
Why Choose a Multi Compartment Trash Can?
For me, the biggest advantage was sorting waste right at the source. Instead of mixing recyclables, compost, and trash all together, having separate compartments meant I could quickly separate everything without extra bins cluttering my space. It also encourages better recycling habits, which was important to me.
Number of Compartments
I found that choosing the number of compartments depends on how you sort your waste. Most models have 2 or 3 compartments – usually for trash, recyclables, and compost. If you have a specific recycling system or multiple types of waste, make sure to pick one that matches your needs. For example, I opted for a 3-compartment can because I separate compost, plastics, and general trash.
Size and Capacity
Consider the space where you’ll put the trash can. I measured my kitchen corner before buying to ensure it wouldn’t be too bulky. Also, think about how much waste your household generates. I went for a medium-sized option that balanced capacity and footprint, so I don’t have to empty it constantly but it doesn’t take over my kitchen.
Material and Durability
I preferred stainless steel because it’s sturdy, easy to clean, and looks sleek. Some models come with plastic lids or liners, which can be handy for maintenance. Avoid flimsy materials that might crack or warp over time. Also, look for rust-resistant finishes if you want it to last long.
Lid Design and Opening Mechanism
This was important for me because I wanted hands-free operation. Some trash cans have foot pedals for each compartment, while others have swing or touch lids. I chose one with separate foot pedals so I could open the right compartment without touching the lid – especially helpful when cooking or gardening.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is a big deal for trash cans. I looked for models where each compartment liner or bin can be removed easily. Smooth interiors and removable parts make the process less messy. Some cans even have antimicrobial coatings, which I found to be a nice bonus.
Additional Features
Some multi compartment trash cans come with extra perks like odor control filters, bag holders, or wheels for easy movement. I found the built-in bag dispenser super convenient because it keeps trash bags handy without extra clutter.
Price and Warranty
Multi compartment trash cans come in a wide price range. I set a budget but was willing to invest a bit more for durability and features that mattered to me. Also, checking the warranty gave me peace of mind in case of defects or issues.
Final Thoughts
Buying a multi compartment trash can made waste sorting so much easier in my daily routine. By focusing on compartments, size, material, and functionality, I picked one that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope my experience helps you find the right trash can that keeps your space clean and organized!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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