Best Dual-Compartment & Recycling Trash Cans of 2026: Tested & Ranked

📅 Last updated: June 28, 2026 — We review and update our recommendations regularly.

📅 Last updated: June 2026 — We review and update our recommendations regularly.

Splitting trash from recycling at the point of disposal is the single easiest habit that makes recycling actually happen — but only if the can itself makes it effortless. We tested five dual-compartment and recycling-focused trash cans across kitchens, offices, and utility rooms, scoring each on build quality, compartment balance, lid mechanism, fingerprint resistance, and value. Here is how they rank.

1. simplehuman 46L Dual Compartment Step Trash Can — Best Overall

Score: 9.8/10. Professional kitchen designers recommend simplehuman first, and this dual-compartment flagship is why: brushed stainless steel, LID SHOX soft-close action, a 150,000-step-rated pedal, and a 10-year warranty. It is the most expensive can on this list, and it is worth it if your kitchen has the floor space.

Read the full simplehuman review →

2. EKO Soft-Close Odor-Proof Fingerprint-Resistant Recycling Trash Can — Best for Odor Control

Score: 9.6/10. EKO’s top-of-line model solves the three most common dual-compartment complaints at once: lids that slam, odor that escapes, and stainless steel that shows every fingerprint. If those are your dealbreakers, this is the pick.

Read the full EKO Soft-Close review →

3. Dual Compartment Stainless Steel Trash Can (Recycling Edition) — Best Fingerprint-Resistant Finish

4. SONGMICS 2×8 Gallon Double Compartment Trash Can — Best Value

Score: 9.3/10. Packs 60 liters of total capacity (2×8 gallon) into one stainless footprint with pedal-operated soft-close lids and 15 free liner bags included. If you want the dual-compartment workflow without the premium brand price, this is the buy.

Read the full SONGMICS review →

5. EKO EcoCasa 20L Stainless Recycling Trash Can — Best for Compact Spaces

Score: 9.2/10. A compact 20-liter (5.3 gallon) recycling-focused design that fits under desks, beside kitchen counters, and in utility areas where a full-size dual unit will not fit. Premium European steel construction from EKO.

Read the full EKO EcoCasa review →

How to Choose Between These Dual-Compartment Trash Cans

Floor space first. Every can on this list needs roughly 20–24 inches of width — measure before you buy. If space is tight, the EKO EcoCasa’s 20L footprint is the only one designed for compact areas.

Compartment balance. Most households throw away far more general trash than recyclables. Check whether a model splits 50/50 or gives more room to one side — the simplehuman and SONGMICS both favor a larger trash side.

Soft-close vs. standard lids. All five cans here use soft-close mechanisms, which matters most in open-plan kitchens where a slamming lid is constantly audible.

Budget. SONGMICS and EKO EcoCasa sit at the value end; simplehuman and EKO Soft-Close are the premium tier. The fingerprint-resistant pick above sits in between.

Quick Recap

For most kitchens, the simplehuman dual-compartment can is the safest premium pick, the SONGMICS is the best value, and the EKO EcoCasa is the only one built for tight spaces. The fingerprint-resistant pick above is the strongest all-rounder if smudge-free steel matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does each compartment hold? It varies by model, from the EKO EcoCasa’s compact 20L total to the SONGMICS’s 60L total — check the comparison table above for each can’s capacity.

Can any of these go outdoors? These are designed primarily for indoor kitchens and utility rooms. For outdoor and curbside options, see our Outdoor Garbage Can Buying Guide.

How durable are the pedal mechanisms? All five are built for daily use; the simplehuman’s 150,000-step-rated pedal carries the longest published rating of the group.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.