If your current kitchen bin situation is a carrier bag tied to the side of a door — you need a style upgrade — pronto. Aside from looking downright ugly, using a small plastic bag to store your waste is unsustainable and susceptible to leaks and tears. If you need something for your general rubbish, recycling, or even food scraps, you probably need to check out this guide to the best kitchen bins.
On display, your bin can easily bring down the look of your kitchen so choosing a stylish design is imperative. Don't compromise on practicality, though. There are plenty of sensor-activated choices on offer, plus pedal options, for hands-free use.
To make the decision a little easier, the Real Homes team has reviewed a load of top-rated rubbish bins in our own homes. The ones we loved the most made it to this guide, including recycling storage, general waste holders, food caddies, plus in-cupboard and under-the-kitchen sink buys.
Once the waste is sorted, keep your kitchen sanitary with our guide to the best cleaning products for everything you need under your sink. But first, happy bin shopping!
The best kitchen bins for style and functionality
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best kitchen bin
Capacity: 42L
Lid: Sensor
Colours: 3
+ Square to fit into corners
+ Steel body
- Not the largest
For those who can't be dealing with pedal bins, opt for this sensor touch bin. Featuring a contemporary design and a square shape to tuck into a kitchen corner, the bin has a non-corrosive coating and a retainer ring for easy replacement of bin liners. Tried and tested by the Real Homes team, it's the best kitchen bin for couples and small families.
Real Homes rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Best patterned bin
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Pedal operated
Colours: 1
+ Attractive motif
+ Slim design
+ Removable inner
+ Built-in bag fixer
We've got dotty for this grey and white bin from Next. The elegant motif will look good in any kitchen, whether your cooking space is traditional, modern, or a bit of both! It doesn't just look good — the bin functions well too. Our favourite feature has to be the refuse bag hider, because no one wants a VBL (that's a visible bin liner!)
Best butterfly lid kitchen bin
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Butterfly lid
Colours: 1
+ Unique lid design
+ Can be opened under worktops
+ Super-strong, built-to-last steel treadle pedal
+ Clever stay-open facility
Don't be fooled by the delicate design on the butterfly lid — because this product available at Lakeland means business. The steel container fits comfortably under worktops and the silent-close lid with the patented Lid Shox technology means there will be no banging and crashing when you get rid of rubbish.
Best metallic bin
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Hinged
Colours: 1
+ Foot pedal for greater hygiene
+ Slim design
+ Removable inner plastic bucket with handle
- Some customers have complained about hinge design
Chic and kitchen bin aren't words we'd normally use next to each other in a sentence, but this model is brimming with beauty. Great for an industrial or Art Deco-inspired scheme, make a statement with a dramatic dustbin. The slim design means it can be tucked into a small kitchen corner without interrupting the flow of your cooking space.
Best kitchen bin for families
Capacity: 100L
Lid: 2x sensor, 1x pull
Colours: 2
+ All-in-one system
+ Sensor recycling bins
- Large
- High price tag
If you're looking for a solution to store your general waste and recycling that's all in one place, then this is the kitchen bin for you. Although it's large, the set is completely stackable and fits together neatly in your kitchen. The two top compartments are sensor activated, while the spacious general waste bin can be pulled open. It's deceptively spacious, and we've been loving using it in our kitchens. An investment for sure, but it's worth it.
Real Homes rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Best food bin
Capacity: 1.8L
Lid: Lift
Colours: 3
+ Stainless steel handle
+ Sizeable
+ Dishwasher safe
+ 100% recyclable after use
For storing your food waste in fashion — sans unpleasant odours — this Brabantia bin ticks all our boxes. It's compact, dishwasher safe, and recyclable after use. Choose from three colours and use the stainless steel handle for easy emptying. It's spacious enough for families, too.
Real Homes rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Best high-end kitchen bin
Capacity: 60L
Lid: Push-button
Colours: 4
+ Neat and tidy
+ Perfect for small spaces
+ Easy to empty
- Not for large families
- High price tag
It might be pricey, but this bin from JosephJoseph is the ultimate space-saving solution for your kitchen and is really very nice to look at. The design is genius, with the top holding space for all of your general waste along with a dedicated compost/food waste compartment, and the bottom drawer sliding out on wheels to collect your recycling. You can buy replaceable odour filters for it, and it has corners that won't rip your bin bags.
Real Homes rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Best modern kitchen bin
Capacity: 36L
Lid: Touch open
Colours: 9
+ Silent
+ On feet
- Compartments sold separately
- Not sensor
The Brabantia Bo opens silently with the lightest touch. You can add compartments inside of it to separate your waste in style, otherwise, it's 36L in total. It sits up on legs, which gives it that modern vibe and makes it easy to clean stray crumbs. As reviewed by us, it's perfect if you've got spare floor space.
Real Homes rated: 4.5 stars out of 5
Best in-cupboard kitchen bins
Capacity: 2 x 12ltrs
Lid: Lift
Colours: 1
+ Hidden in cupboard
+ Colour coded
- 12L bags are expensive
- Small for families
- Pricey for the size
Looking for a kitchen bin (or two) that you can hide inside the cupboard under your sink? These Brabantia bins are different in colour so that you can use one for general waste and the other for recycling — or whatever else. Each bin has a convenient carry handle for emptying, and they should leave plenty of space inside your cupboard for cleaning products and kitchen rolls, too.
Real Homes rated: 4.5 stars out of 5
Best colourful kitchen bin
Capacity: 45L
Lid: Sensor
Colours: 9
+ Fun design
+ Great for corners
+ Sensor opening makes it so easy to use
- Not for large families
If you’re the proud owner of a retro-style kitchen and don’t want a huge unsightly receptacle overshadowing it, this bin should be your go-to. It comes in a range of vintage-inspired pastel shades with chrome trim and looks very sleek indeed, thanks in no small part to the lack of bulky pedals or handles. Instead, it opens with a sensor. It also has a helpful bin bag retainer ring to keep your black sack in place. If pink isn't your thing, it comes in other shades, like mustard yellow and green.
Real Homes rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Best bin for small kitchens
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Touch
Colours: 5
+ Feels good quality
+ Very little assembly
- Bags are expensive
- Narrow opening
We reviewed the Brabantia 30L touch bin in a Dreamy Blue hue, which was a refreshing retake on our very tired-looking bin. It's easy to clean with a removable plastic inner bucket, and it responds to a very light touch. Plus, it doesn't take up much space either thanks to its rounded edges. Just beware that the specific bags they recommend are pricey, but you don't have to use them.
Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best pedal kitchen bin
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Pedal
Colours: 3
+ Great for flats
+ Vintage style
+ Hands-free
- No sensor
This bin is the perfect finishing touch if you're curating a vintage look in your kitchen. It's also great for anyone chasing a farmhouse chic vibe. It has plenty of space and a removable inner unit for easy cleaning. We've tested this bin out in our home and found it to be a stylish option, whether for your general waste or your recycling.
Real Homes rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best kitchen bin for your recycling
Capacity: 15L x 3
Size: H50 x W62 x D35cm
+ All-in-one system
+ Colour-coded
+ Great for smaller households
- Takes up extra floor space
- No room for general waste
If you like to recycle but have no room for a second (and third) bin, then go for this three-in-one pedal bin. The colour coding makes it easy to remember which is which, and the sleek and simple brushed metal container looks very neat. Each compartment is on the smaller side at 15L each, so 45L in total..
Best affordable kitchen bin
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Pedal
Colours: 4
+ Affordable
+ Compact
- Not for large families
If you're looking for a kitchen bin on a budget, this one from Dunelm is perfect for small households and it's stylish, too. It's rounded, which reduces the space it takes up in up a kitchen. The bin opens with the press of the pedal and it has a removable bucket inside. Highly rated by reviewers, it's ideal if you want something compact and pretty.
Best trash can bin
Capacity: 49L
Lid: Lift
Colours: 2
+ Sizeable
+ Great for recycling
+ Simple
- Not hands-free
- Wide
If you prefer the look of a trash can bin, and you don't mind picking up the lid each time you want to add to your rubbish pile, then this Habitat option is great. If you buy more than one, they are great for separating your waste. With a 49-litre capacity, they take any standard bag. The bins have handles, as does the lid, so there's no need to worry about replacing batteries or ending up with a faulty pedal.
Best indoor/outdoor bin
Capacity: 24L
Lid: Pedal
Colours: 5
+ Rust and stain-resistant
+ Suitable for outdoor use
+ Can be washed
If the latest kitchen bins feel a bit too contemporary, look to this rustic can to make an old-school statement. Made from high-quality galvanised steel, it's just the thing to add an industrial-chic feel to your food prep space. As well as antique gold, this product comes in black, white, grey, and copper. What's more, you can leave (or use) it outside and it won't rust!
Best swing bin
Capacity: 50L
Lid: Swing
Colours: 2
+ Durable
+ Lightweight
+ Made in Britain
- Made from plastic
It don't mean a thing, if you ain't got that swing (bin)! But once you take a look at this super-cute sage product, trust us, you'll want it immediately. The soft rectangular shape means it sits flush against your walls, and it comes in a pretty pastel green hue that works well in any kitchen. Though it is made from plastic, it's durable and lightweight, so we can assure you it's here to stay. The bin also comes in a neutral mushroom hue. Who knew kitchen bins could be so Instagrammable?
What is the best kitchen bin?
In terms of the best all-rounder kitchen bin, our top pick is the Morphy Richards Chroma Sensor Bin with Infrared Technology (opens in new tab) because it ticks all the boxes. It's affordable, sleek, available in lots of different colours, and it opens when you wave. It's also square-shaped, so it fits nicely into a corner. The two different capacities are great for catering to a range of size kitchens.
Where should I put a kitchen bin?
"When figuring out where to put your kitchen bin, it is important to consider the layout of your kitchen including the size, as well as how you’ll use it and how often," explains Antony Joseph, Creative Director at Joseph Joseph (opens in new tab).
"A large kitchen provides plenty of space and opportunities for a bin with a large capacity, whilst a small kitchen scheme means you should prioritise space optimisation. In the case of a small kitchen, in-cupboard bins are the most useful, usually under your sink to allow for easy disposal of food prior to doing the washing up. With an integrated bin, you emulate a sleek design whilst also preserving limited floor space,"
"When it comes to a larger kitchen, it is best to keep your bin near your preparation area or either under or near the sink for practicality. You can also place them in a corner so that it does not block access to any other appliances or get in the way."
How often do you empty kitchen bins?
"Emptying your kitchen bin obviously depends on how quickly it fills up, which will vary from household to household. Emptying too often means you’ll likely be throwing away lots of half-used bin liners; emptying too infrequently and you may find your waste starts to smell," warns Joseph
"[Some kitchen bins, including] our Titan Trash Compactor (opens in new tab), feature an in-built odour filter and a hygienic compaction system that allows you to crush your waste with ease, which means you can fit more in, empty less often, and, in the process, use fewer liners."
"But no matter how often you empty your bin, it is important to regularly clean it, to maintain a hygienic environment in your kitchen."
How often should you clean your food waste bin?
"Food waste bins should ideally be emptied and cleaned every day to prevent the build-up of unwanted smells and bacteria that have the potential to contaminate your food preparation areas."
"When it comes to the cleaning compost bins, you can use natural materials, such as lemon and vinegar to clean, as well as warm soapy water and baking soda to keep them smelling fresh."
Real Homes review process
We've tested a bunch of these kitchen bins to ensure they're up to a good standard when it comes to both style and quality. We've shared this job around the team, so everyone has had their chance to test a kitchen bin and give their verdict. This way, we've tested bins in large family households, small flats, and everything in between. The ones we liked made it to this list, and we've even given each bin we tested a star rating to make it easier for you to come to a decision.
If you're interested, you can read more information on how we test products at Real Homes.
Annie is our Head Ecommerce Editor and often tests a range of products, from mattresses to kitchen bins and even a BBQ or three. Annie lives in a two-bedroom flat in South East London with her husband and two pets, and her kitchen is quite spacious. With no built-in space for a bin, she's been on the lookout for something that's stylish and practical for quite some time now. She's an avid recycler although she doesn't really want three or four bins taking up the floor space in her kitchen, which is why she loves her Tower Freedom Recycling System (opens in new tab).
Before this, Annie had the Morphy Richards Chroma Sensor Bin, which was in her kitchen for years. In fact, she only switched to the Tower model because she found she needed a larger bin after getting another pet.
Annie has also tested the Brabantia Bo bin at her parents' home in their busy family kitchen. They wanted something to help separate their recycling, but without interfering with their modern style. This was the perfect addition and it's still standing years later.
Lindsey works across a range of brands at Future, including other homes websites such as Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and Ideal Home. Lindsey raves about both of her kitchen bins that are featured in this guide, and she really recommends the in-cupboard Brabantia Sort & Go bins to keep things out of the way. They're the perfect under-the-sink bins. Otherwise, her food bin is the Brabantia Compost Food Waste Caddy, which she mostly loves because of its convenience. It goes in the dishwasher!
Molly was previously an ecommerce writer at Real Homes, specialising in floorcare. Molly lives in a flat with her boyfriend and has a small amount of kitchen space to work with. That is why she LOVED the JosephJoseph Totem Max. It's definitely a luxurious option but it undoubtedly looks good and is super compact for renters and anyone who lives in a flat!
3 things to consider when buying a kitchen bin
1. Size
Depending on the size of your household and how much rubbish you generate, you’ll have to think about the capacity that would be useful to you. We've listed general waste-only bins, food bins, in-cupboard bins, as well as recycling units. It's all dependent on your kitchen size and your family size.
2. Lid
Bear in mind your new kitchen bin's lid, as sensor lids will prove themselves to be handy whilst cooking or when your hands are full, but they do come at an extra cost. Otherwise, some bins are touch to open, which is usually silent, and there are also pedal bins. It's all down to personal preference, really.
3. Style
After that, it’s all a matter of style. If you think all bins are a bit of an eyesore, then think again because a big kitchen bin needn’t necessarily disrupt your interior scheme. Go for something colourful to spice up your kitchen or try an in-cupboard bin to hide your waste.
What is a good size kitchen bin?
Anything between 15 and 30 litres should be just fine if you live alone or with one other person and don’t throw away an above-average amount of stuff. A 30 to 40-litre bin is generally advisable for families of three whose bin gets taken out quite frequently. The best bet for four people or more — or those who don’t want to take out the rubbish any more than they have to — are 40 to 50-litre bins. Go for something that's more than 50 litres if it's an all-in-one unit for recycling and general waste.
Where to shop for a new kitchen bin
- Amazon kitchen bins (opens in new tab)
- B&Q kitchen bins (opens in new tab)
- Argos kitchen bins (opens in new tab)
- Lakeland kitchen bins (opens in new tab)
- eBay kitchen bins (opens in new tab)
- Wilkos kitchen bins (opens in new tab)
- John Lewis & Partners kitchen bins (opens in new tab)
