6 Best Touchless Trash Cans – You’ll Never Have Dirty Hands Again!

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Daniel
Daniel
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Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
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Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 10, 2023
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Taking out the trash isn’t fun but it regularly needs to be done. Looking for a better waste disposal system? Touchless trash cans help you do the dirty work hands free. But what makes a touchless trash can stand out among the others? Apart from the price, is it its appearance, storage space or smart features?

What’s the best touchless trash can? This depends on your budget among other factors. In our touchless trash can reviews we’ve summarized six of the best touchless trash can options available. We’ve looked closely at type, power, capacity, compartments and size. Your available space determines how big or small you can go. Your volume of trash indicates the capacity and compartments needed. Your preference could be foot pedal or sensor, battery operated or not. Let’s see what’s on offer so you’ll have a better idea of the best touchless trash can options to pick with the help of our buing guide and product reviews.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: simplehuman 46 Liter
    "The large capacity dual bucket rectangular recycler makes neatly sorting and storing your trash & recyclables easy"
  • Best Value: simplehuman 45 Liter
    "With a dent proof plastic lid and strong, wide steel pedal, it’s one of the best touchless stainless steel trash can products on the market"
  • Budget Pick: iTouchless 13 Gallon
    "A 100% automatic and quiet lid powered by an infrared sensor reduces the spread of germs, plus the extra wide opening allows you to dispose of bulky waste"
  • Best Battery-Powered: Ninestars DZT-80-35
    "A compartment holds the 3 long lasting D alkaline batteries, plus the automatic power saving mode helps you save energy"
  • Best Lid: hOmeLabs 13 Gallon
    "With a butterfly lid and built in infrared sensor technology, this 13 gallon touchless trash can offers an automatic quick and quiet motion opening"
  • "With a manual foot lever, this step can offers a soft close lid when opening and closing, a feature that also extends the trash can’s life span"

Top 6 Touchless Trash Cans Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2158 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
1
Editor’s Choice

simplehuman 46 Liter

Features
  • Type: foot pedal
  • Power:
  • Capacity: 12.2 gal
  • Compartments: 2
  • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.8 x 25.7 inches

Other features: 10-year warranty, stay-open lid, removable inner bucket

Our Editor’s Choice, the simplehuman 46 Liter comes out top. It’s smart and sleek in its brushed fingerprint proof stainless steel coating. The large capacity dual bucket rectangular recycler makes neatly sorting and storing your trash & recyclables easy.
Among the best touchless kitchen trash can options, it’s built to last in tough home environments. Its handy strong steel step pedal function enables you to continue cooking and chores even with your hands full. The best part? Keep the stay open lid up as long as you like and whenever you need to. When you’re done its specially designed dampers slowly and silently close your lid without any bothersome loud bangs.
Fitted with Code H and V custom fit liners, pop your trash into durable & heavy duty trash bags without worrying about any spills or leaks. When taking out the trash, simply lift out and clean the removable inner bucket. The non skid base with gentle rubber pads won’t leave any marks on your floors.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Code H and V custom fit liners
  • Fingerprint proof coating
  • Removable inner bucket
  • Silent close lid
  • Stay open lid
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Only fits custom liners
  • Questionable lid seal
  • Pricey
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9076 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.6
2
Features
  • Type: foot pedal
  • Power:
  • Capacity: 45 l/ 11.88 gal
  • Compartments: 1
  • Dimensions: 13.3 x 15.9 x 25.8 inches

Other features: 5-year warranty, steel pedal, lid Shox technology, fingerprint-proof coating

Clean and shiny, our Best Value item is the simplehuman 45 Liter touchless trash can. With a dent proof plastic lid and strong, wide steel pedal, it’s one of the best touchless stainless steel trash can products on the market. The patented lid Shox technology controls slow and silent lid closing. An invisible nano silver coat protects the stainless steel finish from fingerprints and microbes.
Various color options of brushed, black, brass, dark, dark bronze, rose gold and white stainless steel will match your kitchen décor. Engineered with the best solid materials, it’s built to endure frequent use in tough surroundings. The stainless steel liner rim prevents your trash bag from slipping. Simply flip it up to quickly and easily change your trash bag & close it again where it’s tightly held and hidden away. The highlight? It fits most tall kitchen trash bags plus the heavy duty custom fit Code M liners. These can be stored in a nifty storage pocket and individually dispensed as & when needed.

    What do we love it for?
  • Compatible with tall kitchen trash bags
  • Fingerprint proof coating
  • Liner storage and dispenser pocket
  • Secure liner rim
  • Soft close lid
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Easily dents
  • Expensive
  • Questionable rose gold color quality
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4525 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.4
3
Budget Pick

iTouchless 13 Gallon

Features
  • Type: sensor
  • Power: batteries/AC adapter
  • Capacity: 13 gal
  • Compartments: 1
  • Dimensions: 10.8 x 12.8 x 27.9 inches

Other features: full-service manufacturer’s promise for 2 years, 1 natural carbon odor filter is included, extra-long battery life

The iTouchless 13 Gallon touchless trash can’s our Budget Pick. Its odor control system keeps your kitchen smelling fresh. A 100% automatic and quiet lid powered by an infrared sensor reduces the spread of germs, plus the extra wide opening allows you to dispose of bulky waste. With advanced seal technology your trash is securely stored away, and common 13 gallon trash bags fit perfectly.
The top feature? Three operation modes for multitasking. Auto mode lifts the lid for five seconds. Stay open mode keeps the lift open while an object’s detected in the sensor area. A button opens and closes the lid in manual mode, or it’ll automatically close again after five minutes. It’s energy efficient with two power options: four alkaline D size batteries last up to a year or AC power adapter easily attaches.
The stainless steel coating is fingerprint proof and it’s easy enough for kids, parents & the elderly to use. It’s affordable, slim and contoured, making it among the best touchless kitchen trash can products available.

    Why is it special?
  • 1 carbon filter included
  • 3 operation modes
  • Extra long battery life
  • Odor absorbing filter
  • Quiet operation
    What are the flaws?
  • Batteries not included
  • Optional AC adapter sold separately
  • Questionable lid quality
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4728 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
4
Best Battery-Powered

Ninestars DZT-80-35

Features
  • Type: sensor
  • Power: batteries
  • Capacity: 21 gal
  • Compartments: 1
  • Dimensions: 14.41 x 18.5 x 26.8 inches

Other features: 2-year warranty, ultra-quiet motor, new battery compartment design, and automatic energy saving mode

As the Best Battery-Powered Model, Ninestars DZT-80-35 21’s a sure winner. Oval in size, this large 21 gallon touchless trash can comes with a rotatable infrared motion sensor as well as an open and close button. It’s fingerprint resistant with a heavy duty stainless steel non skid base.
An improved ultra quiet motor disposes of your trash and it’s designed in an elegant and stylish brushed type 430 stainless steel & chrome trim finish. A compartment holds the 3 long lasting D alkaline batteries, plus the automatic power saving mode helps you save energy. The extra large opening with a micro fitted lid allows disposal of larger trash items while trapping all odors inside. A removable ring liner firmly and neatly holds your trash bag, plus a removable bucket liner makes for easy cleaning. It’s compatible with any standard trash bags or Ninestars custom trash bags 21-30. This touchless stainless steel trash can is ideal for your bedroom, children’s room, dormitory room, bathroom, home, office or kitchen.

    Why is it special?
  • Automatic energy saving mode
  • Compatible with standard kitchen trash bags
  • Large and wide
  • Removable ring and bucket liner
  • Rotatable infrared motion sensor
    What are the flaws?
  • Batteries not included
  • Questionable lid quality
  • Sensor easily confused
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8515 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.0
5
Features
  • Type: sensor
  • Power: batteries/ AC adapter
  • Capacity: 13 gal
  • Compartments: 1
  • Dimensions: 16.2 x 10.3 x 22.5 inches

Other features: butterfly lid, manual open-close option, easy cleaning

For the Best Lid, the hOmeLabs 13 Gallon’s the one for you. With a butterfly lid and built in infrared sensor technology, this 13 gallon touchless trash can offers an automatic quick and quiet motion opening. The lid opens when it detects motion within six inches. It’s hygienic and hands free.
It’s slim and trendy stainless steel construction has been designed to last, plus it’s fingerprint resistant and easy to clean. Split doors on the lid help this trash can neatly fit under your low countertop. The 90° swivel sensor ball easily adjusts for top or side activation. With dual operation you can also select the manual open and close button option.
Take your pick from the multiple power options with the battery holder, power jack and switch found in the top lid. Either four long lasting C cell alkaline batteries or an AC adapter will do the trick. The benefit? The smart ring bag hiding your trash out of sight and a smooth interior for easy trash removal.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Dual operation
  • Long lasting battery
  • Motion sensing
  • Smart ring bag
  • Quiet operation
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Batteries not included
  • Optional AC adapter sold separately
  • Questionable lid quality
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7125 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.8
Features
  • Type: foot pedal
  • Power:
  • Capacity: 13.2 gal
  • Compartments: 1
  • Dimensions: 16.73 x 14.65 x 25.87 inches

Other features: fingerprint-proof, smudge resistant, stay-open lid mode

We conclude our touchless trash can review selection with the AmazonBasics 13 Gallon. We’ve rated it as the Best Foot Pedal Mode option. This 13 gallon touchless trash can is finished in satin nickel. It’s rectangular, contemporary and classy. With a manual foot lever, this step can offers a soft close lid when opening and closing, a feature that also extends the trash can’s life span.
Not only is this product fingerprint proof, but it’s also smudge resistant and covered in durable stainless steel to withstand harsh environments. Waste disposal is easy with the removable heavy duty plastic interior bucket. When you’re busy with those longer chores you’ll benefit from the lid’s stay open mode. This is also useful when removing and replacing the trash can liners.
This touchless stainless steel trash can makes waste disposal a breeze with its hands free convenience. You’ll love using this minimalist design every day in any room from your bathroom or laundry room to your kitchen or office.

    What do we love it for?
  • Contemporary design
  • Fingerprint proof
  • Removable heavy duty plastic interior bucket
  • Soft close lid
  • Steel manual foot lever
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Shipping possibly damages product
  • Long delivery and replacement wait
  • Questionable quality

Things to Consider

If you still haven’t decided from our touchless trash can review selections, our buyer’s guide is here to help you out. We’ll show you what to keep in mind in terms of pros and cons and general specs & features. In addition to answering some FAQs, you’ll have all the necessary information you need to confidently go and pick the best touchless trash after reading this.

Touchless trash can pros and cons

With the many designs of trash cans available from pull out to built into cabinet or under counter options, you might be wondering what makes a touchless trash can the product to consider. Let’s look at some benefits and drawbacks:

Pros:

  • Available in foot pedal or sensor options: Take your pick based on personal preference.
  • Easy to use and clean: Heavy duty trash can liners make for easy trash removal without any drips, spills or leakages. Removable buckets are quick to clean.
  • Hands free: When cooking and cleaning you already have your hands full, so a touchless trash can’s more practical & enables you to stay focused on your task.
  • Hygienic: You’re less exposed to germs by avoiding touching the actual trash can lid.
  • Available in plastic or stainless steel: Plastic varieties of foot pedal trash cans are more affordable, but stainless steel versions ultimately last longer and offer more features.

Cons:

  • Overall longevity questionable: Touchless trash can lids are more likely to break over time due to daily wear and tear.
  • Sensor batteries need replacing: While most compatible batteries are long lasting, they aren’t included with the product purchase and will need to be replaced after 12 to 18 months.
  • Weak step on mechanism on foot pedal: A foot pedal trash can may weaken or break after constant use.

 

Features to consider when buying a touchless trash can

6 Best Touchless Trash Cans - You'll Never Have Dirty Hands Again!

When browsing among touchless trash cans make sure you’ve considered various features before finalizing your selection. Remember you’ll be using this item every day, multiple times throughout, so it has to work for you. Let’s explore type, power, capacity, compartments, dimensions, material, warranty and extra features & further expand on these features covered in our touchless trash can reviews.

Type

The two main types of touchless trash cans we’ve reviewed are foot pedal and sensor. Each has its advantages, but it’s best to know the ins and outs before making your purchase.

If you’re after a foot pedal touchless trash can, the simplehuman 46 Liter, simplehuman 45 Liter or AmazonBasics 13 Gallon are excellent options to consider. The benefit of picking a foot pedal version is you won’t rely on batteries for operation. If you’re particularly keen on not using any power at all, the only energy required is the tap of your foot. As mentioned above, a foot pedal may weaken over time from extended and continual use.

Alternatively, should a sensor touchless trash can tickle your fancy, take your pick from the Ninestars DZT-80-35, hOmeLabs 13 Gallon or iTouchless 13 Gallon products. What’s smart about a sensor version is that it’s 100% automatic and simply opens by the wave of your hand.

This may sound like a more appealing hands free solution, and many of these products can also close again automatically. With the choice of either battery or AC adaptor operation, it does require power but also comes with corresponding energy saving features.

Power

Are you going to need to replace batteries every so often? This could become inconvenient and annoying, but you may still opt for the overall benefit of the sensor touchless trash can compared to the foot pedal one.

Of the ones in our automatic touchless trash can review options, the iTouchless 13 Gallon and hOmeLabs 13 Gallon function on either batteries or an AC adapter. While neither of these are included with the product, the four alkaline D size batteries last up to a year—or more—with the iTouchless 13 Gallon, and the hOmeLabs 13 Gallon requires four equally long lasting C cell alkaline batteries.

If you prefer using an AC adapter for battery free power, you won’t need to replace any batteries at all. Only remember the hOmeLabs 13 Gallon operates with their official AC adapter with an output of 5.9V/500mA. For battery only operation, the Ninestars DZT-80-35’s the best option for you.

Capacity

Trash can capacity is linked to your space requirements or restrictions.

Consider what it is you’ll be using this touchless trash can for. If it’s simply for disposing of regular waste, either pick a small or large size depending on what you’ll be throwing away and how often you’ll be emptying it out.

 

Some smaller options include the simplehuman 45 Liter—11.88 gal—touchless trash can or the simplehuman 46 Liter—12.2 gal—touchless trash can. These could work well in bedrooms, bathrooms, dorm rooms or laundry rooms.

If you need to hold larger volumes of trash, consider the iTouchless 13 Gallon, hOmeLabs 13 Gallon and AmazonBasics 13.2 Gallon touchless trash cans. They’ll work ideally in larger spaces such as offices, kitchens or general home use.

The largest option to pick is the Ninestars DZT-80-35. If you have high volumes of trash, this is the best purchase.

Compartments

6 Best Touchless Trash Cans - You'll Never Have Dirty Hands Again!

What’s useful about various compartments is sorting through your trash as you dispose of it. If you’re using your touchless trash can for only one type of waste, a simple single compartment product such as the simplehuman 45 Liter, iTouchless 13 Gallon, hOmeLabs 13 Gallon, AmazonBasics and Ninestars DZT-80-35 will suffice.

If you’d like to separate trash from recycling, then the dual compartment simplehuman 46 Liter touchless trash can’s the perfect solution.

Dimensions

Consider the space available in your area to know whether you require a big or small trash can. What’ll work best?

Think about your garbage emptying habits too. While you may consider opting for a smaller trash can, it could become tiresome emptying it out regularly throughout the week or even day. You may want a larger trash can, but first measure out the designated available before you go trash can shopping.

 

Of the touchless trash can review options, consider their size and shape. If you prefer an oval, shape, go for the Ninestars DZT-80-35.

The other products we’ve reviewed are fantastic rectangular options. For something that’s ultra slim, go for the tall and narrow iTouchless 13 Gallon. If you’re looking for a touchless trash can that can neatly tuck away with greater clearance under your low countertop, go for the hOmeLabs 13 Gallon.

Smaller trash can options include the simplehuman 46 Liter, simplehuman 45 Liter and AmazonBasics.

Material

The materials a touchless trash can is made from ultimately influence its durability and how easy it is to clean. All options we’ve reviewed are touchless stainless steel trash can products. The advantage? It’s both fingerprint proof and smudge resistant.

When it comes to materials, you’re looking for something tough and easy to clean. Stainless steel is a solid solution. Also consider your trash can might be stored in a visible place, so it can’t be unsightly. Stainless steel’s attractive, sleek and modern, making it a brilliant material to pick.

Warranty

No one wants a broken trash can or to have to send it back for repairs or replacement parts, but this is a very useful feature to have. Always be sure to check what each product offers in terms of warrantees, which could range from two, five and 10 years. Some companies such as the iTouchless 13 Gallon offer a full-service manufacturer’s promise for two years.

Of the touchless stainless steel trash can products we’ve reviewed, the simplehuman 46 Liter has the longest 10-year warranty.

Extra features

6 Best Touchless Trash Cans - You'll Never Have Dirty Hands Again!

Always look out for the additional features to see what else is included with your product. These can sometimes attract you when you’re faced with so many options and are still undecided on which touchless trash can to pick.

If you’d like a stay open lid function, go for the simplehuman 46 Liter or AmazonBasics. Maybe you’d prefer a foot pedal trash can, so the simplehuman 45 Liter offers a steel pedal and lid Shox technology. If fingerprint proof or smudge resistant coating’s what you’re after, pick the simplehuman 45 or 46 Liter or AmazonBasics. For a removable inner bucket, the simplehuman 46 Liter’s the best option.

By contrast, the iTouchless 13 Gallon includes one natural carbon odor filter and boasts extra long battery life. If you have a low clearance countertop, the hOmeLabs 13 Gallon’s butterfly lid will work perfectly, plus it offers a manual open-close option and is easy to clean. The Ninestars DZT-80-35 offers an ultra-quite motor, plus a new battery compartment design and automatic energy saving mode.

FAQ

Are touchless trash cans dog-safe?

The infrared motion technology detects whenever you are near the bin. This is what makes the lid lift so you can dispose of your trash.

It’s possible your dogs will figure out how to use this same mechanism and open your touchless trash can. Some touchless trash cans will come with a unique pet lock feature to prevent this from happening.

Can the lid be replaced?

First check your trash can lid isn’t being slowed down by dirt, dust, stain or other possible debris. This could be the reason for the mechanism slowing down, leaving your trash can lid open or continuously closing. Try wiping the inside and outside of your trash can lid clean. If the motion sensor still doesn’t respond, it may need to be replaced. In this case, contact the manufacturer to find out if a replacement lid’s possible.

Our verdict

We hope our best touchless trash can reviews have guided you to now know which one to purchase. If you’re still sitting on the fence, we suggest you give our Editor’s Choice, simplehuman 46 Liter a go. It’s quiet, has a stay open function and a removable inner bucket with a foot pedal function. By picking the simplehuman 45 Liter you’re certainly getting our Best Value option with its liner storage and dispenser pocket & secure liner rim. If your bank account doesn’t allow you to splurge on an ultra-smart touchless trash can right now, we recommend the iTouchless 13 Gallon. As our Budget Pick, it’s affordable and includes one carbon filter as well as three operation modes.
We hope with our selection of the best touchless trash can products you’ll find the perfect one that suits your needs. Use it daily without getting your hands dirty for a long time to come. Enjoy the luxury!

9,8
Total Score
simplehuman 46 Liter - Editor’s Choice
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