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.
Here is the short answer: a dual-compartment bin is the one you want if you separate trash from recycling in the same spot, because a single-bin can forces you to walk two containers. The three picks below all land around the same 13-gallon size you searched for, but they solve the sorting problem in very different ways. One splits waste into two buckets behind one steel body, one is a slim plastic workhorse that hides smells, and one is a tall lightweight can that tucks into a narrow kitchen corner.
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.
Quick matching note first: this list uses flexible, human-like sizing for bins around 13 gallons, so it accepts roughly 12 to 14 gallons or 45 to 55 liters. That means not every pick is the exact number you typed in, but each one holds the same real-world load of kitchen waste. The payoff is that you stop guessing which lid mechanism and footprint fit your kitchen. Here is what a genuinely useful 13 gallon recycling bin looks like in practice.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 13 Gallon Recycling Bin
The bin itself holds the same rough load in every pick here — around 13 gallons, which is the size of a standard kitchen bag. What changes your day-to-day is the opening mechanism (how the lid lifts), the compartment layout (one bucket or two), and the material (plastic or stainless steel). Get those three right and the bin stops being a daily annoyance.
One bucket or two
A dual-compartment bin has two independent inner buckets under one lid. That means you sort trash from recycling without taking a single step. It costs more space and more weight, but it removes the second container from your floor.
Step-on pedal versus a lift lid
A step-on pedal lets you open the lid with your foot, so your hands stay free and you never touch the rim. On the dual-compartment pick here, that pedal system runs two separate lids. On the plastic and tall picks, one pedal lifts the single lid.
Material, bags, and cleaning
Stainless steel resists fingerprints and rust in a steamy kitchen, and a quick wipe keeps it looking sharp. Plastic is lighter and cheaper to replace, and it will not rust at all. Whichever you choose, check the recommended bag size — getting that wrong is the number one reason bags slide down inside the can.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Capacity | Material | Item Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUPER DEAL Kitchen Trash Can 13.2 Gallon Dual★ Best Overall | Sorting trash and recycling in one spot | 13.2 gallons | Plastic, Stainless Steel | 15.3 pounds | Amazon |
| Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Hiding kitchen odors on a budget | 13 gallons | Plastic | — | Amazon |
| Curver Lid in Stainless Steel Like Finish | Narrow kitchens and small footprints | 13 gallons | Polypropylene | 6.5 pounds | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. SUPER DEAL Kitchen Trash Can 13.2 Gallon Dual Stainless Steel Garbage and Recycling Can
Our pick — 4.5★ from 200+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
Two lids, two buckets, one stainless body — the bin that ends the second-can shuffle.
This is the pick for anyone who separates waste right at the counter and is tired of babysitting two containers. The SUPER DEAL splits its 13.2-gallon interior into two independent buckets under one steel shell, so trash and recycling stay apart without you moving an inch. The brushed stainless finish resists fingerprints and rust, which matters in a steamy kitchen. And this is the crowd favorite of the three — 4.5 stars across 233 ratings.
The double pedal setup is the part buyers keep coming back to. Each foot press lifts only the lid you want, so your hands stay clean and free. The dampened lids lower gently instead of clacking shut, and the sealed design helps keep odors trapped and insects out. What wins people over most is the look, with functionality close behind — owners repeatedly describe it as a can that looks nicer than the money it costs.
Now the honest part. Durability gets mixed feedback: most owners find it very sturdy, while some report dented units on arrival. After six months, buyers report it “still looks nice and lid functions smoothly,” with a lid that can bow slightly if something heavy rests on it. It is also the heavyweight here — at 15.3 pounds it is 2.4 times the 6.5 pounds of the Curver, so budget one clear spot on the floor rather than sliding it around.
What two pedals buy you
- Trash and recycling stay separate in one body, so no second can crowds your kitchen floor.
- Two inner buckets lift out for cleaning and bag changes.
- Sealed, soft-close lids cut noise and help hold odors in.
- Non-slip base keeps it planted on tile and marble.
Sizes worth knowing before you buy
- At 15.3 pounds it is the heaviest pick here, so it is not easy to reposition.
- Durability is mixed — most units are sturdy, but some arrive dented.
- Deeper and wider than a slim plastic can, so measure your gap first.
Buy this if: you want sorting handled in one footprint and prefer a stainless look that wipes clean.
Think twice if: you have a narrow gap of floor space or need to move the can around often.
2. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection
The rectangular plastic bin built to trap kitchen smells and take a beating.
If odor is your obsession, start here. The Glad lid uses Clorox Odor Protection to block smells for the life of the can, and the step-on pedal keeps your hands off the rim. It holds 13 gallons in a classic rectangular plastic body — 18 inches wide, 14.7 inches deep, 25 inches high. That is a shape that lines up flush against a cabinet or counter edge rather than bulging into the room.
Two bag rings are the quiet hero. They tuck the slack of the bag neatly inward and hold it there, so the liner cannot slip down into the can. Owners also like that it arrives fully assembled with nothing to install, and that the pedal lifts the lid almost fully and shuts it quickly. The slim, clean profile is the other recurring compliment — it disappears into a corner instead of announcing itself.
Two things to know before you buy. Pulling a full bag out with one hand is awkward, and there is no internal liner (a removable inner bucket), so wiping the inside takes more effort. A minority of units show a crooked fit at the lid when you press the lever, though owners mention the bin survives real abuse — one owner “bought identical replacement after 5 years of heavy use when lid broke.” That 5-year repeat purchase is the honest reason this plastic can holds its own next to metal.
Where it wins: The odor-blocking lid and two bag rings handle the two jobs a kitchen bin actually has — hold the bag, hide the smell — with no second container and no assembly.
Reach for this if: you want a no-fuss, budget-friendly bin that swallows standard 13-gallon bags and locks smells in.
Look elsewhere if: you must pull full bags out one-handed or prefer an interior liner for easier deep cleaning.
3. Curver Lid in Stainless Steel Like Finish, Recycling Bin, 50 Liter
A tall, 6.5-pound bin that slips into the tightest kitchen gap.
Small kitchens are where this one lives. The Curver stands 28.2 inches tall but only 12.9 inches wide, so it tucks into a galley corner that a wider can cannot reach. The polypropylene body comes in a stainless-steel-like finish that will not rust, and it takes a 49-liter or 13-gallon bag. It is also the featherweight of the trio at 6.5 pounds — a 2.4 times gap against the 15.3-pound SUPER DEAL.
The step-on pedal and slow-close lid are the two features buyers single out. The lid lowers gently to cut noise, and the pedal lets you toss waste without touching anything. A hidden bag holder keeps the liner tucked out of sight and secure, and the whole thing arrives ready to use, with a reach of large-capacity picks that fits both a kitchen and a bathroom corner. Owners call it compact and genuinely good-looking, and the clean surface wipes down fast.
Now the trade-off. Getting a loaded bag out is the recurring gripe — the internal bag-holding arms snag the liner as you pull, so you may need to free it more than once. The lid durability also draws mixed reports, with some owners noting it can pop off. Neither is a dealbreaker, but if you want a bin you can yank a full bag from in one motion, the earlier picks are smoother at that job.
The honest summary: You are buying footprint and silence here — a slender, rust-free can with a genuinely quiet lid. Bag removal is fiddly, so budget a few extra seconds at change time.
Pick it for: narrow galley kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere floor width is the hard limit.
Skip it for: high-turnover households that swap full bags several times a day.
Understanding the Specs
Capacity and the bag-size trap
Capacity is measured in gallons or liters, and it tells you which liner the bin wants. A 13-gallon bin pairs with standard kitchen bags, while the Curver lists a 49-liter or 13-gallon bag for its taller body. Match the liner to the listed size and the bag will not pull loose when the bin gets heavy. If your bags keep sliding down, the size is usually the culprit, not the can.
Opening mechanism and lid closure
The opening mechanism is how the lid lifts — here, all three use a step-on pedal so your hands stay clean. Lid closure separates the picks: a soft-close or quiet-close lid lowers under its own dampening, so it does not slam. A simple step pedal opens the lid; the hinge quality is what decides how smoothly it closes over years of daily use.
FAQ
Is a 13 gallon recycling bin the same as a standard kitchen trash can?
Will a dual-compartment bin really keep trash and recycling separate?
How do I stop the trash bag from slipping down inside the can?
Does a stainless steel finish resist rust in a humid kitchen?
How long should a 13 gallon recycling bin last?
Is a step-on foot pedal actually better than a lift lid?
Will a 13 gallon bin fit under a standard kitchen counter or in a cabinet gap?
Do dual-compartment bins need batteries to open?
How should I clean a recycling bin without damaging it?
Which material lasts longer for a kitchen recycling bin, plastic or stainless steel?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most kitchens, the 13 gallon recycling bin that earns its spot is the SUPER DEAL dual-compartment can — two buckets under one stainless body, two pedals, and a soft-close lid (a hinge that lowers the lid gently instead of slamming). That keeps trash and recycling apart without a second bin on your floor. If odor control and a budget-friendly plastic body matter more to you, grab the Glad with Clorox Odor Protection, whose bag rings and odor-blocking lid make it the dependable everyday choice. And for a narrow galley kitchen or a slim bathroom corner, the tall, 6.5-pound Curver slides into a gap the others simply cannot reach. Whichever you choose, check the bag size against the can’s listed capacity before checkout — it is the single easiest thing to get wrong.
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 September 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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