Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Most 13-gallon plastic trash cans fail the same way: the lid springs slip, the foot pedal sticks, or the bag sags into the bin. The good news is that the best pick here answers those everyday frustrations directly with a hands-free step pedal, bag rings that hold the liner tight, and odor protection built into the lid. This guide weighs the real trade-offs between simple step cans, motion-sensor bins, and commercial-grade builds so you can match a can to your kitchen without overpaying.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
One note before we start: not every entry below is exactly 13 gallons, so we’ve matched the nearest same-type size where a listing offers 13 gallons as a selectable option. Here is how to choose the best 13 gallon plastic trash can for your kitchen layout and daily routine.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 13 Gallon Plastic Trash Can
Before you click buy, focus on the three things that decide whether a can feels like a helper or a hassle for years: how the lid opens, how the bag stays put, and what the lid is actually made of. Everything else is styling.
Pick the opening mechanism that matches your hands
If your hands are often full or messy while cooking, a step pedal or motion sensor beats a manual swing lid every time. Step pedals work without batteries but add moving parts that can wear out, while motion sensors feel futuristic but need C batteries replaced every several months. A swing lid is the simplest and most reliable, but it means touching the lid with dirty hands.
Check for bag rings or a liner retainer
The most common annoyance with 13-gallon cans is the bag slipping down into the bin. Interior bag rings or a liner retainer band hold the bag slack neatly around the rim, so you are not fishing a sagging bag out of the bottom. This small feature saves real time on every single bag change.
Consider odor control and lid sealing
A lid that seals well keeps kitchen smells from drifting through the room. Some cans add odor protection formulated into the lid itself, while others rely on a well-sealed fit. If your can lives near a dining area or you cook strong-smelling food, this matters more than the exterior color.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Opening Mechanism | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Bag Retention | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glad with Clorox Odor Protection 2-Pack★ Best Overall | Hands-free kitchens on a budget | Step-On Pedal | 18″ x 14.7″ x 25″ | Interior Bag Rings | Amazon |
| BestOffice Motion Sensor CanTouchless Pick | Touchless convenience with long battery life | Motion-Sensor | 16″ x 11″ x 24″ | Removable Bucket | Amazon |
| Rubbermaid Streamline Slim Step-OnSlim Pro | Commercial-grade durability in a slim footprint | Step-On Pedal | 18″ x 11.5″ x 28.3″ | Liner Retainer Band | Amazon |
| Yewuli Touchless Sensor Can | Hygienic auto-close with long service life | Motion-Sensor | 14.8″ x 10″ x 24.4″ | Standard Fit | Amazon |
| Curver Infinity Step Pedal | Pet-resistant locking lid in grey resin | Step-On Pedal | 18.1″ x 12.8″ x 25″ | Standard Fit | Amazon |
| Capacmkseh Touch-Free Sensor Can | Quiet-close bedrooms and bathrooms | Motion-Sensor | 14.8″ x 10″ x 24.4″ | Removable Bucket | Amazon |
| GGlzxfnc Swing Top Can | Budget-friendly multi-room use | Manual-Lift | 12.5″ x 16.35″ x 28.23″ | Standard Fit | Amazon |
| STERILITE Touch Can | Simple press-top with titanium latch | Press-Top | 0.08″ x 1″ | Standard Fit | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black, 2 Pack
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
A two-pack of step-pedal cans whose odor-blocking lids and bag rings solve the two messiest kitchen problems at once.
You get two 13-gallon bins in a modern black finish, each measuring 18” wide, 14.7” deep, and 25” high — a classic rectangular shape that tucks neatly against a cabinet. The foot pedal gives you hands-free operation, so you can toss scraps while your hands are covered in flour or raw chicken juice without ever touching the lid.
What wins people over is the odor protection: the lid itself is formulated with Clorox Odor Protection to block smells for the life of the can. Interior bag rings tuck the bag slack neatly inside and keep the liner from falling in, which buyers report also means you fully fill 13-gallon bags and waste fewer of them. The scented hint some owners notice reads like Febreze, and guests have been known to compliment the look.
There is one honest catch: the foot pedal can struggle when the can is overfull because the lid catch gets in the way, and the bag holders are not the sturdiest. If you tend to overstuff your trash, ease off near the top and the pedal behaves. One owner laughed that their cat can still get in — so this is not the pick if you need a pet-proof seal.
Why it earned the top spot
- Two 13-gallon cans with hands-free step pedals for under-counter kitchens
- Clorox Odor Protection in the lid blocks smells for the can’s lifetime
- Interior bag rings stop the liner from slipping down into the bin
Who should think twice
- Foot pedal can jam when the can is packed too full
- Bag rings feel less sturdy than the rest of the build
- Not pet-proof — a determined cat can lift the lid
Reach for it if: you want two reliable, odor-fighting step cans that save you money on bags and look tidy in a modern kitchen.
Look elsewhere if: you need a sealed, pet-proof lid or plan to routinely pack the can to the brim.
2. BestOffice 13 Gallon Plastic Trash Can with Lid
A tall, narrow motion-sensor can whose 4 C batteries reportedly run for ten-plus months on a single set.
This 13-gallon bin measures 16” long, 11” wide, and 24” high, making it tall and narrow — a shape owners say fits perfectly in small spaces. The motion sensor opens the lid when your hand or body approaches, so you never touch the bin while cooking, and the quiet-close lid drops softly instead of slamming.
Battery life is the headline here. Owners mention that a set of 4 C batteries lasted over 10 months of daily use, and one owner noted the sensor works even with cheap dollar-store batteries, only slowing as the power fades. The sensor is also tuned to avoid over-triggering, which keeps the family dog out of the trash while still opening reliably for people.
The body is made from high-quality PP plastic — a non-toxic, harmless material — and it is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and fingerprint-proof, so a quick wipe keeps it looking new. The main trade-off is that the red pigment can rub off slightly on a Lysol wipe, though owners say there is no visible fading, and it is light enough that a playful pet could knock it over.
The case for it
- 4 C batteries lasted 10+ months for several owners
- Waterproof, anti-fingerprint, and scratch-resistant PP plastic
- Sensor is calm enough to keep dogs out
The honest limits
- Lightweight build can be tipped over by pets
- Red pigment may transfer slightly when wiped with cleaner
Best for: anyone who wants touchless convenience in a narrow kitchen footprint and hates changing batteries often.
Not ideal: households with heavy pets that might knock a light can over.
3. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Streamline Slim Step-On
The commercial-grade workhorse that hugs the wall with a small 18″ x 11.5″ footprint and metal-reinforced internals.
Rubbermaid built this for hospitals and commercial kitchens, and it shows. The wide but shallow design sits flush against the wall — measuring 18” long, 11.5” wide, and 28.3” high — so it takes up surprisingly little floor space while still swallowing a full 13-gallon load. Customers note it is big enough for party takeout containers without needing a bag change every thirty minutes.
Durability is the defining trait. The step mechanism uses metal components, and metal rods support the trash bag inside, so the pedal survives heavy daily stomping without cracking. Reinforced handles hold heavy loads without deformation, and the tall pedal clearance makes it easy to step on even in boots. The quiet, controlled lid closure cuts down on noise, and the internal hinge design keeps the wall behind it scratch-free.
The liner retainer band holds polyliners securely around the rim, so bag changes are fast and clean. The trade-off is the price — several owners note it is pricey for a plastic can, but they also say it is worth it for the longevity. It also meets OSHA and OBRA standards for worker and environmental safety, a credential you rarely see on household bins.
Built to last
- Metal step components and bag-support rods for heavy daily use
- Compact footprint hugs the wall to save floor space
- Liner retainer band keeps bags secure and changes easy
What you pay for
- Premium price for a plastic can; catch it on sale
- Lid opens only via the pedal, so it needs a foot or a hook
Choose this if: you want a can that will survive years of heavy use and fit into a tight gap beside the fridge.
skip it if: you are after a budget bin or want a lid you can also lift by hand.
4. Yewuli 13 Gallon Touchless Sensor Trash Can
A touchless sensor can rated for over 40,000 lid openings, so the mechanism outlasts the bag supply you will buy for it.
This 13-gallon (50L) bin pairs a wear-resistant PP plastic body with a motion sensor that opens in just 2 to 3 seconds and senses your hand from 7.9 to 9.8 inches away. That short, precise sensing window means the lid responds to deliberate gesture rather than every passing movement — though owners note it is still sensitive to area-wide motion in busy kitchens.
Power comes from 4 C-size batteries (not included), and the maker rates it for more than 40,000 opening actions. An on/off switch lets you disable the sensor entirely when you want to save power, which is a thoughtful touch for homes with lots of foot traffic. The well-sealed lid locks in garbage odors and keeps the room air fresh.
The smooth, waterproof surface wipes clean in seconds, and the minimalist black design blends into kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and offices. At 5 pounds, it is light enough to move around easily but sturdy enough for daily use. The honest caveat is battery management: the open feature is sensitive, so in a high-traffic household the batteries could drain faster than the 40,000-cycle rating suggests without that switch.
Why it stands out
- Rated for 40,000+ opening actions on 4 C batteries
- 2-3 second open response with 7.9-9.8 inch sensing range
- On/off switch lets you save battery in quiet hours
Keep in mind
- Sensor can trigger on area-wide movement in busy rooms
- Batteries not included; alkaline recommended
Grab it for: a hygienic, hands-free can that handles big-family waste with a long-rated mechanism.
Pass if: you dislike managing batteries or need a sensor that ignores all background motion.
5. Curver Infinity 13 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can
A grey resin step can with a front lock that owners actually use to keep dogs and kids out of the trash.
This 13-gallon can measures 18.1” long, 12.8” wide, and 25” high, with a resin construction that resists rust, rot, and moisture damage — so it is at home in the kitchen, garage, or even a damp bathroom. The soft-close lid drops smoothly and quietly, which reduces noise and extends the mechanism’s lifespan.
The defining feature is the locking lid on the front. Owners say the lock is genuinely useful for keeping pets or kids out of the trash, and the grey resin finish does not look dirty the way stainless steel does — fingerprints simply do not show. The step pedal opens the lid smoothly and closes it softly, and the easy-clean recycled material wipes down without fuss.
The honest trade-off is that the locking mechanism and pedal have drawn mixed feedback. Some reviewers point out the lock does not always hold firmly and the step function can fail within weeks, while others say it is durable and will last. Treat the mechanism with care — don’t stomp the pedal — and it rewards you. It is also a little awkward to pull out a full bag without the lid getting in the way.
What it does well
- Front lock keeps pets and kids out of the trash
- Resin build resists rust, rot, and moisture damage
- Grey finish hides fingerprints and looks clean
Be gentle with
- Lock and pedal mechanism have drawn mixed durability reports
- Full-bag removal can be awkward with the lid in the way
Pick this if: you need a locking lid to outsmart a curious dog or toddler in a damp or garage setting.
Think twice if: you want a step mechanism you can stomp on without worry.
6. Capacmkseh 13 Gallon Touch-Free Trash Can
A quiet-close sensor can whose battery life surprised owners — nearly a year on one set in some homes.
This 13-gallon (50-liter) bin is built for rooms where noise matters. The cushioning mechanism lets the lid close softly, slowly, and silently — no loud clanging — which is why owners feel confident placing it in a bedroom corner or a nursery-adjacent hallway. The fingerprint-resistant, stain-resistant surface wipes clean with a damp cloth.
The interior features a removable bucket lined with pocket holes that keep plastic bags in place, so the liner does not slide down as the can fills. Shoppers say the motion sensor opens reliably when your hand passes over it, and one household used it for almost a year without changing the battery — a standout for a sensor can.
The footrest design also allows hands-free operation, and the maker positions it as a dog-proof bin to keep pets out of the trash. The catch: it is plastic and slides around easily on hard floors, and some owners warn it can get knocked over, making it better suited to a garage than a busy kitchen with pets. The size also reads compact to some buyers, so measure your space first.
Where it shines
- Quiet-close lid is silent enough for a bedroom
- Battery life stretched to nearly a year for one family
- Removable bucket with pocket holes holds bags in place
Who it isn’t for
- Light plastic slides easily and can be knocked over
- Runs compact — smaller than some expect from 13 gallons
Best suited to: bedrooms, offices, or garages where a quiet, low-key sensor can is the goal.
Not for: busy kitchens with pets that could topple a light bin.
7. GGlzxfnc 13 Gallon Swing Top Trash Can
A no-battery swing-top bin with a dual-action lid that pushes in or lifts up, priced for any room of the house.
This black oval can stands 12.5” long, 16.35” wide, and 28.23” high — tall enough to hide a week of kitchen trash while fitting under most counters. The dual swing lid works two ways: it swings inward when you push trash through the top, or it opens fully when you lift it to drop in larger items. No batteries, no pedal, no mechanism to break.
The brushed finish resists cracks, and the easy-to-clean surface makes it a practical pick for the kitchen, bathroom, garage, or office. It accommodates a standard 13-gallon trash bag, and at this price you can afford to put one in several rooms without guilt. Buyers describe it as well made and sturdy for the money, and one owner uses it specifically to store recyclable plastic bags until they are worth taking to the recycling center.
The honest trade-off is that the manual lid means touching it with your hands, and an occasional unit has arrived broken in shipping, which is a risk with any budget bin. A few buyers also found the size smaller than expected, so compare the 28.23” height against your intended corner. For a simple, reliable workhorse, it does exactly what a trash can should.
Why it is easy to recommend
- Dual swing lid pushes in or lifts up with no mechanism to wear out
- Crack-resistant brushed plastic is simple to wipe clean
- Tall, slim oval fits kitchens, baths, garages, and offices
Set expectations
- Manual lid means touching it with hands
- Occasional unit arrives broken in shipping
Reach for it when: you want a cheap, dependable, battery-free bin for a spare room or garage.
Move on if: you need hands-free operation or a can that feels substantial in a main kitchen.
8. STERILITE Touch Can, White, 13 Gallon
A polished white press-top can with a titanium-colored latch that some owners have run for over a year before a spring gave out.
Sterilite’s Touch Can is a simple, elegant design with a polished white finish and a titanium-colored latch that looks far more expensive than it is. The spacious 49-liter capacity (roughly 13 gallons) makes it a solid fit for kitchen use, and the crack-resistant plastic is easy to wipe down. It uses a press-top mechanism: press the lid and it pops open, then press again to close.
Buyers praise how well it fits 13-gallon bags and how clean it looks against kitchen cabinetry. The polished finish resists the grime that dark cans show, and one owner calls it easy to wipe down after spills. For the money, it is a tidy, functional bin that does the basics well.
The recurring gripe is the spring-loaded lid. The lid does not always stay closed on arrival for some units, and the assembly lacked instructions for attaching the spring. One owner ran two of these for 16 months before both spring-loaded lids broke in the same spot within days of each other. If you want a press-top that will shrug off years of abuse, this one needs a gentle touch.
What works
- Polished white finish with titanium latch looks premium
- Fits standard 13-gallon bags neatly
- Crack-resistant plastic is simple to wipe down
What to watch
- Spring-loaded lid has drawn durability complaints over time
- Lid may arrive unassembled with no spring instructions
Best for: buyers who want a clean-looking, low-cost press-top for a light-traffic kitchen and do not mind occasional lid maintenance.
Not for: heavy-use households that will pound the lid open and closed dozens of times a day.
Understanding the Specs
Bag rings vs. liner retainers
Bag rings are interior plastic hoops that tuck the bag slack around the rim, keeping the liner from falling in as you add trash. Liner retainers do the same job with a flexible band that grips the bag at the top. Both save you from the annoying “fishing the bag out of the bottom” routine, so look for either feature when comparing cans.
Step pedal vs. motion sensor vs. press-top
A step pedal opens the lid with your foot, keeping hands clean but adding a mechanical linkage that can wear out. A motion sensor opens automatically when your hand or body approaches, needing batteries but offering true hands-free use. A press-top or swing lid has no moving sensors but means touching the lid. Match the mechanism to how messy your hands get at trash time.
FAQ
Will a 13-gallon trash can fit standard kitchen garbage bags?
How long do motion sensor trash can batteries last?
What is the difference between a step pedal and a motion sensor can?
Are 13 gallon and 50 liter trash cans the same size?
Can a motion sensor trash can keep pets out?
How do I stop the trash bag from falling into the can?
Is a heavier trash can always more durable?
What does “quiet close” mean on a trash can?
Can I use a 13 gallon trash can for recycling?
How do I clean a plastic trash can without damaging it?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the 13 gallon plastic trash can winner is the Glad with Clorox Odor Protection 2-Pack because it pairs hands-free step pedals with odor-blocking lids and bag rings — and it is the crowd favorite with a strong rating across hundreds of owners. If you want touchless convenience that runs for months on one battery set, grab the BestOffice. And for a commercial-grade bin that will survive years of heavy use in a slim footprint, the Rubbermaid Streamline is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, KitchPrep earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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