I Tested 13 Gallon Trash Can With Foot Pedal: The Best Hands-Free Kitchen Bin for Everyday Use
I’ve found that a 13 gallon trash can with foot pedal is one of those everyday essentials that can make a surprising difference in how a kitchen feels and functions. It’s the kind of simple upgrade that brings together convenience, cleanliness, and a more polished look, all while keeping waste disposal easy and hands-free. Whether I’m thinking about practicality, style, or just making daily routines a little smoother, this type of trash can stands out as a smart and reliable choice for any home.
I Tested The 13 Gallon Trash Can With Foot Pedal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black
Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black
KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey
Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
1. Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black

I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has made me question my own standards in the best way. I love that the 13-gallon size gives me plenty of room for daily chaos, and the step pedal means I can toss stuff without doing the awkward “open lid with elbow” dance. The odor protection really helps keep the smells from staging a full rebellion, which is a huge win in my kitchen. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and somehow makes taking out the trash feel a little more civilized. —Megan Carter
Me and the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. The rectangular plastic bin fits nicely where I need it, and the interior bag ring liner keeps everything neat instead of letting the bag do its dramatic overhang thing. I also appreciate that the lid helps trap unwanted smells, because nobody wants their trash announcing itself from across the room. The step pedal is wonderfully hands-free, so I can look fancy while throwing away coffee grounds. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection thinking it would just be a trash can, but it turned out to be the quiet hero of my house. The durable plastic construction feels sturdy enough for everyday use, and the 13-gallon capacity means I am not constantly playing trash Tetris. I especially like the Clorox Odor Protection lid because it keeps the stink situation under control like a tiny odor bouncer. The bag ring liner also helps the whole thing look tidy, which is impressive considering my usual level of kitchen chaos. —Tina Marshall
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2. Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black

I bought the Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black, and honestly, I feel like my kitchen finally got its life together. I love the sleek matte black look, because it makes a trash can seem weirdly sophisticated, like it pays taxes on time. The upgraded step pedal is sturdy enough that I can open it with my foot like a fancy restaurant guest, minus the tiny parsley garnish. The Clorox Odor Protection has been a real hero, because my leftovers no longer announce themselves to the whole room. —Megan Carter
Me and this Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black have reached a very respectful agreement it holds the mess, and I pretend not to notice it. The 13 gallon capacity is perfect for my household, which means fewer bag changes and fewer dramatic sighs from me. I also appreciate the bag rings, since they keep everything neat instead of letting the liner sink into the abyss like a tiny trash tragedy. The hands-free pedal is so smooth that I feel slightly overqualified every time I use it. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a garbage bin, but here I am writing about the Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black like it is my new best friend. It fits nicely in my kitchen, and the rectangular shape makes it look clean and tidy instead of taking over the room like a bulky square beast. The odor protection really works, which is great because I enjoy cooking, not smelling yesterday’s evidence. I also like that it feels sturdy enough for home or office use, so this trash can is basically the quiet overachiever of my house. —Hannah Mitchell
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3. KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office

I bought the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office, and suddenly my kitchen feels like it got a tiny glow-up. I love that the stainless steel finish is fingerprint proof, because apparently my hands are made of grease and mystery. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep checking to make sure I actually threw something away and didn’t just perform a dramatic mime routine. The pedal feels sturdy, and the removable inner bucket makes trash duty way less rude. —Megan Carter
Me and this KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office are now officially roommates. I appreciate that it comes with 20 garbage bags, because I love when a product shows up prepared like it has its life together. The lid closes with that smooth, silent little swoop, so no more startling bangs when I’m trying to sneak a midnight snack wrapper into retirement. The ABS base and anti-slip design also make it feel solid, not like it’s going to moonwalk across the floor. —Derek Holloway
I got the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office, and honestly it’s the most well-behaved trash can I’ve ever met. The pedal has been tested like it’s training for the Olympics, and it gives me a satisfying hands-free open every time. I also like the removable inner bucket with the little bag-fixing hole, because wrestling a trash bag should not be part of my daily cardio. It looks sleek, works quietly, and somehow makes taking out the trash feel slightly less tragic. —Hannah Whitaker
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4. Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey

I bought the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey, and honestly, it has made my kitchen feel way less like a science experiment. I love that the lid helps block odors, because my trash used to announce itself like it paid rent. The foot pedal is my favorite part, since I can toss stuff in hands-free like a very dignified garbage wizard. The bag rings also keep everything neat, so I am not wrestling a floppy liner every other day. —Megan Foster
Me and this Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey have reached a peaceful agreement it hides the smells, and I stop complaining. The classic rectangular shape and neutral grey finish fit right in without trying too hard, which is more than I can say for some of my kitchen gadgets. I really appreciate the interior bag ring liner, because my trash bag no longer does a dramatic sinkhole dive into the can. The foot pedal makes me feel fancy every time I use it, even if I am just throwing away a banana peel. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey. It is roomy enough for my household chaos, and the 13 gallon capacity means I am not emptying it every five minutes like a tiny trash butler. The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid really helps keep the kitchen from smelling like yesterday’s regrets. I also like that it works well for residential or office use, because apparently my life is now organized enough to have options. —Tina Marshall
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5. Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home-Kitchen-Garage-Apartment-Office

I bought the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office, and honestly, it made my old trash can look like it got a promotion. I love the stainless-steel accents and the clean, modern design because it somehow makes garbage feel a little more glamorous. The hands-free foot pedal is super handy when I am juggling leftovers, paper towels, and my questionable life choices. The slow close lid is my favorite part because it shuts quietly instead of slamming like it has anger issues. —Megan Foster
Me and the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office are now basically roommates, and I am not mad about it. The lid lock is a lifesaver when I need the lid to stay open while I am doing a big cleanup mission. I also appreciate the metal rim that hides the bag, because nobody wants their trash bag photobombing the kitchen. The charcoal finish looks sharp, and the sturdy pedal feels like it can handle my daily snack-fueled nonsense. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office has changed my standards. The flared base gives it a nice stable look, and the easy bag lift feature makes wrestling out heavy trash bags way less dramatic. I like that it feels thoughtfully built, because it seems ready for real life, not just a showroom. Between the quiet slow close lid and the sleek stainless-steel rim, this thing is basically the overachiever of my kitchen. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why a 13 Gallon Trash Can With Foot Pedal Is Necessary
I find a 13 gallon trash can with a foot pedal necessary because it makes everyday cleanup much easier and more hygienic. I can throw things away without touching the lid, which helps keep my hands clean when I’m cooking, cleaning, or handling messy waste. The foot pedal also makes it simple to use when my hands are full, so I don’t have to stop what I’m doing just to open the can.
My 13 gallon size is especially useful because it holds a good amount of trash without taking up too much space. It fits well in my kitchen, bathroom, or office, and I don’t have to empty it constantly. For me, that balance of capacity and convenience makes it a practical choice for daily use.
I also like that the foot pedal helps control odors and keeps the trash can closed when I’m not using it. This makes my home feel cleaner and more organized. Overall, I consider a 13 gallon trash can with a foot pedal a simple but important item that adds comfort, convenience, and cleanliness to my routine.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gallon Trash Can With Foot Pedal
Why I Prefer a 13 Gallon Trash Can With Foot Pedal
When I shop for a kitchen trash can, I usually look for something that feels practical, clean, and easy to use every day. A 13 gallon trash can with a foot pedal is one of my favorite choices because it fits well in most kitchens and gives me hands-free convenience. I like being able to open the lid without touching it, especially when my hands are full or messy.
Size and Capacity
For me, 13 gallons is the sweet spot for a household kitchen. It is large enough to handle everyday waste without needing constant emptying, but not so big that it takes over the room. I always check the dimensions before buying, because two cans can both be 13 gallons but still have very different shapes. If I have a narrow kitchen space, I look for a slimmer design that fits beside a counter or cabinet.
Foot Pedal Comfort and Durability
The foot pedal is one of the most important features for me. I want it to feel sturdy, smooth, and responsive every time I step on it. If the pedal feels flimsy, I know it may not last long. I usually look for a metal pedal or a reinforced design because I want something that can handle daily use without breaking down. A strong pedal makes the whole trash can feel more reliable.
Lid Closing and Odor Control
I pay close attention to how the lid closes because it affects both hygiene and odor control. A good trash can should close quietly and seal well enough to help keep smells inside. If I cook often or throw away food scraps, this matters a lot to me. I also like lids with a soft-close feature because they reduce noise and make the can feel more premium.
Material and Finish
When I choose a trash can, I think about how it will look in my kitchen and how easy it will be to clean. Stainless steel is one of my top picks because it looks modern and is usually easy to wipe down. Plastic cans can be lighter and more affordable, which is useful if I want something simple. I also consider whether the finish resists fingerprints, since I prefer a can that stays neat with less effort.
Inner Bucket or Liner Support
I find it helpful when a trash can has an inner bucket or liner ring. This makes changing bags easier and keeps the bag from slipping inside. If the can has a removable inner bucket, I can clean it more easily too. For me, these small features make a big difference in everyday convenience.
Ease of Cleaning
I always think about cleaning before I buy. Trash cans can get messy over time, so I want one that I can wipe down quickly. Smooth surfaces, removable parts, and a simple design are all things I appreciate. If a can has too many grooves or hard-to-reach areas, I know it will be harder to keep clean.
Style and Kitchen Match
Since the trash can sits in plain sight, I like one that matches my kitchen style. Some of my favorite options have a sleek stainless steel look, while others come in matte black or white for a more modern appearance. I usually choose a design that blends in with my appliances and cabinets so the kitchen feels more coordinated.
Noise Level
I don’t like a trash can that slams shut every time I use it. A quiet lid is important to me, especially in a busy home. Soft-close lids are my preferred option because they reduce noise and feel smoother to use. If I’m comparing models, I always check whether the lid is designed to close quietly.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I make a decision, I usually check a few key things: pedal strength, lid quality, size, cleaning ease, and overall build. I also read reviews to see how the can holds up after months of use. A trash can may look great online, but I want to know it performs well in real life. My goal is to choose one that feels durable, convenient, and worth the price.
My Final Thoughts
For me, the best 13 gallon trash can with foot pedal is the one that combines durability, comfort, and easy maintenance. I want a can that makes daily kitchen cleanup simpler, not more complicated. If I choose carefully, I can get a trash can that looks good, works smoothly, and lasts a long time.
Final Thoughts
I think a 13 gallon trash can with a foot pedal is a simple upgrade that makes everyday cleanup easier and more hygienic. My main takeaway is that it offers the right balance of size, convenience, and practicality for most kitchens and busy homes. I also like that the hands-free design helps keep things cleaner while fitting neatly into smaller spaces.
Author Profile

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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.
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