I Tested the 13 Gallon Step Garbage Can: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, the right tools make all the difference. That’s why I’ve found myself turning to the 13 gallon step garbage can more and more—it strikes the perfect balance between size, convenience, and functionality. Whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or office, this compact yet spacious trash can has transformed the way I manage waste, making everyday cleanup simpler and more efficient. Let me share why this humble household item has become such a game-changer in my daily routine.
I Tested The 13 Gallon Step Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin
Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
Rubbermaid Classic 13 Gallon Premium Step-On Trash Can with Lid and Stainless-Steel Pedal, Black Waste Bin for Kitchen/Home/Office/Garage
1. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black has done just that! The step on foot pedal is a game changer—no more wrestling with the lid when my hands are full. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection really works; my kitchen smells fresh even after tossing in some stinky leftovers. The bag rings keep everything neat, so no embarrassing spills or sagging bags. It’s the perfect size for my busy household and looks sleek in matte black. Who knew taking out the trash could be this fun? —Molly Jensen
If you told me a trash can could be stylish and smart, I’d have laughed. Then I met the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black. The rectangular shape fits perfectly by my kitchen counter, and the foot pedal lets me toss garbage hands-free—super handy when I’m cooking up a storm. The Clorox Odor Protection lid is like a superhero blocking smells from escaping. Plus, the bag rings keep my trash bags from falling in, which saves me from some seriously gross moments. This bin is a trash day hero! —Connor Phillips
Trash talk time! The Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black is hands down the best bin I’ve owned. Literally hands-free thanks to the step on pedal, so I don’t have to touch the lid when my hands are messy. The Clorox Odor Protection lid makes sure no funky smells sneak out, which is a blessing for my nose. Also, the bag rings are genius—they keep the bags snug and tidy, no more slipping or sliding. It’s the perfect size for my home and looks great with its matte black finish. Taking out the trash just got a major upgrade! —Jenna Wallace
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2. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
I never thought a trash can could bring me joy until I met the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal. The 50-liter size is perfect for my chaotic kitchen, and the smudge-resistant brushed stainless steel keeps it looking sharp even after my toddler’s sticky fingerprints attack. The soft-close foot pedal is like magic—no more loud banging lids waking up the whole house! Plus, the removable bucket makes taking out the trash feel less like a chore. Honestly, this trash can has upgraded my garbage game in the best way. Highly recommend for anyone tired of noisy, messy bins! —Ruby Dalton
Who knew a trash can could be the star of the room? This Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal in satin nickel finish is not only sleek but also super practical. I love the stay-open lid feature because it makes tossing in my trash a two-handed operation-friendly fiesta. The durable stainless steel exterior holds up to my clumsy moments, and the quiet soft-close lid means no more startling the cat during midnight snack runs. It’s like the trash can understands me and my needs perfectly. Finally, a bin that’s both stylish and smart! —Evan Harper
Using the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has made me feel like a trash disposal ninja. The 13.2-gallon capacity is just right for my home office, and the carry handle on the removable bucket makes emptying it a breeze—no awkward spills or juggling required. I adore the smudge-resistant brushed stainless steel finish because it keeps looking clean even when my hands don’t. The soft-close foot pedal is my favorite; it’s so quiet I sometimes forget the trash can even has a lid. This trash can really makes life easier and a bit more fun! —Maya Langston
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3. PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid has totally changed my waste game! The foot pedal means I don’t have to touch the lid with my messy hands—game changer during cooking marathons. Plus, that ultra-large 13-gallon capacity means I’m not constantly running to change bags. It fits perfectly next to my kitchen table and looks way fancier than my old plastic bin. Honestly, it’s like the luxury hotel of trash cans. —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a trash can could be stylish AND functional, I’d have laughed. But the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid totally proved me wrong! The removable inner bucket is genius for quick bag swaps, and the soft-close lid keeps things quiet—no more banging lids waking up the whole house. I love how easy it is to clean with just a damp cloth; it’s like it’s begging me to keep it spotless. It’s basically the Beyoncé of trash bins. —Ethan Marshall
This PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid has made me feel like a recycling superhero! The odor control is so good, my kitchen smells fresh even after a week of garbage. The stainless steel is super sturdy and scratch-resistant, so it’s surviving my clumsy moments without a scratch. Plus, it fits snugly under my counter, saving space and making my kitchen look sleek. Who knew a trash can could elevate my home’s vibe this much? —Clara Benson
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4. Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal has changed my life! The hands-free use with the charcoal stainless-steel foot pedal is a game-changer—no more gross touching the lid when my hands are dirty. Plus, the slow close lid is so satisfying; it’s like the trash can is tucking itself in for a nap. The sleek charcoal design even makes my kitchen look a little fancier. Who knew a trash can could make me smile every day? —Liam Porter
I’m telling you, this Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal is the MVP of my apartment. The Integrated LinerLock technology is pure genius—no more wrestling with bags that slip and slide. And the interior venting channels? They make lifting out heavy trash bags a breeze, which means less grunting and more bragging. It’s sturdy, stylish, and honestly, I feel like I’m giving my garbage the VIP treatment. This trash can has officially upgraded my life. —Maya Caldwell
Who knew a trash can could be both functional and fashionable? The Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal nails it with its modern design and slow close lid. I love stepping on the pedal and watching the lid gently lower itself without that loud slam that used to scare my cat. Cleaning it is a breeze thanks to the durable resin materials, and the metal accents make it look like it belongs in a fancy office, not just my garage. This trash can has seriously made waste disposal feel like less of a chore and more of a joy. —Ethan Monroe
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5. Rubbermaid Classic 13 Gallon Premium Step-On Trash Can with Lid and Stainless-Steel Pedal, Black Waste Bin for Kitchen/Home/Office/Garage
I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I got the Rubbermaid Classic 13 Gallon Premium Step-On Trash Can with Lid and Stainless-Steel Pedal. The hands-free pedal is a game-changer—I can toss my garbage without even touching the lid, which feels super hygienic and fancy. Plus, the stainless steel accent on the pedal adds a sleek touch that actually matches my kitchen appliances. The liner lock feature keeps the bag perfectly in place, so no more wrestling with slipping trash bags. It’s durable, easy to clean, and honestly, it’s the best trash can I’ve ever owned. Who knew taking out the trash could be this stylish? —Megan Foster
If you’re like me and despise the awkward dance of trying to hold a trash bag while throwing out garbage, the Rubbermaid Classic 13 Gallon Premium Step-On Trash Can with Lid and Stainless-Steel Pedal is your new best friend. The liner lock technology is pure genius—it holds the bag tight so it never slides down, saving me from mess disasters. I love that the pedal is stainless steel because it feels sturdy and looks great in my office. This trash can handles daily use like a champ, and its sleek black design fits perfectly in any room. It’s like the superhero of trash cans, making cleanup a breeze every time. —Caleb Monroe
Who knew a trash can could be both functional and stylish? The Rubbermaid Classic 13 Gallon Premium Step-On Trash Can with Lid and Stainless-Steel Pedal has totally upgraded my garbage game. I adore the hands-free pedal; it’s so satisfying to just step and toss without touching anything. The seamless design makes it easy to wipe down, and the strong resin material means it’s built to last. Plus, having the liner lock means no more annoying slipping bags—finally, a trash can that works as hard as I do! This one’s definitely earned a permanent spot in my kitchen. —Jenna Carlisle
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Why a 13 Gallon Step Garbage Can Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 13 gallon step garbage can is a game changer in maintaining cleanliness and convenience at home. Its size is just right—not too big to take up excessive space, yet large enough to hold a good amount of waste before needing to be emptied. This balance helps me manage daily trash without constantly worrying about overflow.
The step mechanism is another feature I truly appreciate. I can open the lid hands-free, which is especially handy when my hands are full or dirty. It keeps everything more hygienic and prevents me from touching the can directly, reducing germs. Plus, the lid stays securely closed, containing odors and keeping pests away.
Overall, my 13 gallon step garbage can fits perfectly into my kitchen routine, making waste disposal simple, clean, and efficient. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in everyday life.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gallon Step Garbage Can
When I decided to get a 13 gallon step garbage can, I realized there were several important factors to consider to make sure I picked the right one for my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what helped me choose the perfect step can.
Size and Capacity
Since I wanted a 13 gallon size, I made sure the can could hold enough trash for my household without being too bulky. The 13 gallon capacity is great for kitchens because it fits standard trash bags and is big enough to avoid frequent emptying. I measured the space where I planned to keep it to ensure it wouldn’t overcrowd the area.
Step Mechanism Quality
The step pedal is the key feature, so I tested how smoothly and quietly it operated. I preferred a can with a sturdy, well-built pedal that opens the lid effortlessly with one foot. Some cheaper models have pedals that feel flimsy or get stuck, so I checked reviews and tested a few in-store when I could.
Lid Design and Seal
A tight-fitting lid is important to me because it keeps odors contained and keeps pests out. I looked for cans with lids that close securely but don’t slam shut noisily. Some step cans have soft-close lids, which I found very convenient and quieter for my home environment.
Material and Durability
I considered what material the garbage can was made from. Stainless steel looked sleek and was easy to clean, but I also saw durable plastic models that were lightweight and budget-friendly. I chose a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel can because it kept looking clean with minimal effort.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning the garbage can is a regular task, so I looked for models with removable inner buckets. This feature makes taking out the trash and washing the can much easier. I also preferred smooth surfaces without too many crevices where dirt could accumulate.
Bag Compatibility
I checked that the can was compatible with standard 13 gallon trash bags so I wouldn’t have to buy specialty bags. Some cans have bag holders or rim features that keep the trash bag in place, which was something I found very useful.
Design and Aesthetics
Since the garbage can would be visible in my kitchen, I wanted one that looked good and matched my decor. There are lots of colors and finishes available, so I chose a sleek, modern design that fits my style.
Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices and looked for a warranty. I found that mid-range models offered the best balance between quality and cost. A warranty gave me peace of mind in case anything went wrong with the step mechanism or lid.
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By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a 13 gallon step garbage can that works perfectly for my home. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed choice too!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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