Save Your Kitchen from Messes with a Divided Trash Can
Does your kitchen garbage can always look like an explosion of waste? Pizza boxes overflowing with food scraps, piles of plastic food containers tossed in with paper napkins, and empty bottles creating a chaotic mess. No one enjoys constantly digging through a jumbled trash can trying to find recyclables or clear space for more garbage.
The solution is a divided or compartment kitchen garbage can. This ingenious yet simple design provides dedicated sections to organize waste and make cleanup a breeze. Keep reading as we discuss the benefits of divided trash cans, key features to look for, and recommend top options to simplify your kitchen waste management.
Benefits of a Divided Kitchen Trash Can
A divided kitchen garbage can offers many helpful advantages over a standard single bin.
Separate Trash from Recyclables
One of the biggest perks of a compartment can is the ability to easily separate regular trash from recyclable materials. Many models include two sections, one for waste and one for recyclables.
With recyclables in their own compartment, you'll never have to dig through soggy food scraps again trying to rescue a recyclable bottle or remove trash stuck to a soup can. Keeping recyclables clean and sorted makes them much more likely to actually get recycled rather than trashed.
Having dedicated recycling section promotes sustainability by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. Studies show convenience is a major factor影响家庭回收率。在此分开两个隔间提供支持回收。
Organize Different Types of Waste
Beyond simply separating general recyclables, some divided trash cans contain three or even four compartments. This allows tailoring each section for the specific waste needs of your household.
For example, you may want to isolate smelly food waste in one compartment, with paper and plastics in the other sections. Customizing compartments makes it easy to streamline waste disposal and instantly toss items in the appropriate bin.
Multiple sections are also great for homes that compost food scraps. Designate one compartment for compostable organics without mixing it with other trash types.
Control Odors
No one wants their kitchen perpetually filled with the stench emanating from the garbage can. Divided trash cans help contain smells by separating smelly items like food scraps into their own compartment.
Lids on each section also prevent odors from escaping when the can is closed. Premium models integrate carbon filters or baking soda boxes to actively eliminate trash odors and leave a clean scent.
Optimize Space
Dividing one can into organized compartments allows you to maximize trash capacity without claiming precious kitchen real estate. Multi-section cans often fit a total waste volume equivalent to multiple standard garbage cans.
This efficient design is perfect for compact kitchens without space for several waste bins. There are even slim divided cans that tuck neatly into tight spaces between appliances or cabinets.
Hide Unsightly Trash
No one wants to look at messy piles of waste while cooking or cleaning. Divided cans neatly contain garbage in covered compartments, keeping it out of sight and out of mind.
Some models have foot pedals or sensor-activated lids to open and close the can without using your hands. This allows tossing garbage quickly while keeping the contents hidden from view.
Locking lids on select divided cans prevent sneakative pets from getting into the trash. This keeps garbage from being strewn across the kitchen when you’re not home.
Key Features of a Divided Kitchen Garbage Can
When shopping for the perfect divided trash can, there are a few key factors to consider:
Number of Sections
The most common configurations are 2-section and 3-section models. Two sections work well for simply separating trash and recycling. Cans with three or more compartments allow dividing waste into multiple categories.
Evaluate your household’s typical waste breakdown to decide the ideal number of divisions. You can also find customizable divider designs described below.
Section Size Flexibility
Some divided cans have adjustable plastic dividers that snap into place to create customizable compartments. This flexibility makes it easy to reconfigure sections on the fly.
Other models have sturdy fixed wire frames to divide sections. While less customizable, these metal dividers are quite durable for heavy daily use.
Lid Design
Divided trash cans may have a single lid covering all compartments or separate lids for each section. Individual lids help control odors and can reduce cross-contamination of waste smells.
Hands-free operation is another consideration. Step pedal lids allow opening the can by foot so your hands stay clean. Sensor-activated lids open automatically when they detect motion nearby.
Material
Divided garbage cans come in various materials including plastic, stainless steel, and more premium finishes like copper or wood veneer. Plastic is generally the most affordable option but can show smudges and stains over time.
Stainless steel hides fingerprints and smudges while being easy to clean. It offers a modern, upscale look. Copper or wood veneer divided cans create an elegant focal point in upscale kitchens.
Size
Divided garbage cans are available in standard kitchen trash can sizes ranging from 13 gallons to 30 gallons or more. Measure your space to ensure the can dimensions will fit in your desired location.
For tight spaces, slim models with compartments are available in smaller 6-10 gallon capacities. Take into account your household’s daily waste volumes when selecting the ideal size.
Special Features
Advanced divided garbage cans integrate special technologies and features such as:
- Odor control filters
- Antimicrobial properties
- Locking lids
- Non-skid bases
- Built-in bag holders
- Silent closing lids
Prioritize the features that would be most useful for your kitchen and garbage habits.
Best Divided Kitchen Garbage Cans
Now that you know what to look for in a divided trash can, here are some top-rated options to consider for your kitchen.
Simplehuman Dual Compartment Recycling Can
Simplehuman is known for sleek, innovative waste cans, and their dual compartment model checks all the boxes. The stainless steel body is fingerprint proof to maintain a polished look. Adjustable dividers allow customizing the compartments as needed.
The lid features a silent, smooth close mechanism so it never slams shut noisily. For hands-free use, a sturdy steel step pedal opens the lid without touching it. This high-quality, versatile divided can will simplify your kitchen waste sorting for years to come.
Umbra Sutra Trash Can
This modern 2-compartment can from Umbra features an innovative inner bucket design that rotates for easy bag changes and removal. The steel body and lid have a fingerprint-proof matte finish to resist smudges.
Antimicrobial properties prevent bacterial growth on the surface of the can. The lid closes softly and silently. This quality divided can brings hassle-free waste management in a compact footprint.
iTouchless Deodorizer Trash Can
For odor control, the iTouchless Deodorizer contains an activated carbon filter to actively neutralize smells and leave a clean scent. The stainless steel construction is resistant to fingerprints and stains while retaining a contemporary style.
The slow-close lid shuts softly and silently. A microban antimicrobial surface keeps germs at bay. With its integrated odor technology, this Touchless can keeps your kitchen smelling as fresh as it looks.
Rev-A-Shelf Pull Out Waste Container
This space-saving design from Rev-A-Shelf mounts under your sink or counter and pulls out when needed. It glides smoothly on heavy-duty ball bearing slides.
The easy-access compartments make sorting recycling and organics a breeze. The mounting frees up floor space for a uniquely compact divided can solution. Installation is simple with the provided hardware. Give your tight kitchen a customizable divided trash can with this smart pull out design.
As we’ve discussed, divided kitchen garbage cans provide clever compartments to conveniently organize waste and recyclables. Key benefits include simplified recycling, odor control, and optimal space savings.
When selecting a divided trash can, consider features like the number of compartments, lid design, size, and special technologies like odor control filters. We recommended top options ranging from sleek stainless steel models to space-saving under-counter designs.
With so many functional divided cans on the market, there’s a perfect solution for every kitchen. A divided trash can is an easy upgrade that will make your daily waste management and kitchen cleanup much smoother. No more messy piles of jumbled waste! Organize your garbage the smart way and make your kitchen cleanup a pleasure rather than a chore.