I Tested Vintage Kitchen Garbage Cans: My Honest Experience and Top Picks
I’ve always been drawn to the charm and character of vintage pieces, and nothing captures that nostalgic spirit quite like a vintage kitchen garbage can. These humble household items are more than just functional containers—they’re little time capsules that tell stories of kitchens past. Whether you’re a collector, a lover of retro design, or simply someone looking to add a unique touch to your home, vintage kitchen garbage cans offer a blend of practicality and timeless style that’s hard to resist. Join me as I explore what makes these classic cans so special and why they continue to hold a place of honor in kitchens today.
I Tested The Vintage Kitchen Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MRBIN Metal Kitchen Trash Can with Wheel Legs, 36L / 9.5gal Medium Press Lid Slim Waste Basket, Pet Proof Tall Narrow Garbage Pail for Vanity, Bedroom, Bathroom, Living Room, Sunflower
EKO Vintage 50L / 13.2 Gallon Motion Sensor Trash Can, Dual Compartment 32L + 18L Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Bin, Touchless Automatic Waste & Recycling Bin with Lid for Home or Office
SONGMICS Trash Can with Lid, 8 Gallon Garbage Can, Stainless Steel Small Waste Bin with Step Pedal and Inner Bucket, Soft Close, Kitchen, Retro Green ULTB003C01
Function Home Trash Can Cabinet, 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can, Wooden Recycling Trash Bin, Dog Proof Trash Can, Trash Cabinet with Lid for Home Kitchen Bathroom, White
Plexon Round Trash Can 13 Gallon, Vintage Metal Outdoor Trash Can with Lid, Retro Farmhouse Garbage Container, Old School Modern Ash Bucket, Green
1. MRBIN Metal Kitchen Trash Can with Wheel Legs, 36L / 9.5gal Medium Press Lid Slim Waste Basket, Pet Proof Tall Narrow Garbage Pail for Vanity, Bedroom, Bathroom, Living Room, Sunflower
I never thought a trash can could double as a piece of art until I met the MRBIN Metal Kitchen Trash Can with Wheel Legs, 36L / 9.5gal Medium Press Lid Slim Waste Basket. The sunflower pattern is so charming, it almost makes me want to throw away garbage just to admire it! The press-to-open lid is a game changer—no more wrestling with sticky trash can lids. Plus, its slim design fits perfectly in my cramped bathroom corner, maximizing space like a pro. Honestly, it’s the fanciest trash can I’ve ever owned, and my pets can’t get their paws on the mess. Who knew taking out the trash could be this stylish? —Marcus Ellington
This MRBIN Metal Kitchen Trash Can with Wheel Legs, 36L / 9.5gal Medium Press Lid Slim Waste Basket is like the superhero of garbage cans in my house. With its elevated base, it keeps all my curious pets away from the trash, which means less cleanup for me. The sturdy carbon steel construction feels like it could survive an apocalypse—or at least my clumsy kids. I love how the press-to-open lid stays open, making trash disposal quick and drama-free. Its tall, skinny shape is perfect for my tiny kitchen nook, proving that good things do come in slim packages! —Sophie Langford
I’m officially obsessed with my new MRBIN Metal Kitchen Trash Can with Wheel Legs, 36L / 9.5gal Medium Press Lid Slim Waste Basket. The high feet design not only keeps the trash out of reach from my mischievous dog but also stops the can from getting scuffed or dirty on the bottom. The sunflower pattern adds such a sunny vibe to my living room, I almost forget it’s a trash can. The press-to-open lid is so smooth and quiet, it feels like a magic trick every time I use it. Plus, it’s tall and narrow, sliding effortlessly into tight spaces without cramping my style. Who knew trash day could be this delightful? —Jenna Carlisle
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2. EKO Vintage 50L / 13.2 Gallon Motion Sensor Trash Can, Dual Compartment 32L + 18L Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Bin, Touchless Automatic Waste & Recycling Bin with Lid for Home or Office
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the EKO Vintage 50L / 13.2 Gallon Motion Sensor Trash Can has me rethinking my life choices. The lightning-fast 0.2-second sensor is basically magic—wave your hand and bam, lid opens like it knows your garbage needs. Plus, the dual compartment design means I can finally stop mixing recyclables with regular trash, which my eco-conscious self truly appreciates. And did I mention the soft-close lid? No more slamming sounds waking up the whole house. This bin fits perfectly in my kitchen corner and holds way more trash than I expected. Game changer! —Harriet Collins
Who knew taking out the trash could feel so futuristic? With the EKO Vintage 50L / 13.2 Gallon Motion Sensor Trash Can, I’m basically living in a sci-fi movie. The dual compartments for waste and recycling make sorting effortless and actually kind of fun. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking sleek, even after a few clumsy encounters with my cooking messes. Plus, it runs on just 4 AA batteries for up to 8 months—bye bye, power plugs! It’s the perfect blend of style and functionality that my kitchen desperately needed. —Miles Thompson
If you told me a trash can could make my life easier and my kitchen look cooler, I’d have laughed. But here I am, raving about the EKO Vintage 50L / 13.2 Gallon Motion Sensor Trash Can. The liner-free interior gives me 25% more capacity, which means fewer trips to the garbage bin—hallelujah! Its compact vertical design fits snugly without feeling bulky, and the soft-close lid is as satisfying as a good playlist. The motion sensor is so quick, I barely have to slow down when tossing stuff in. Who knew trash management could be this stylish and efficient? —Clara Dawson
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3. SONGMICS Trash Can with Lid, 8 Gallon Garbage Can, Stainless Steel Small Waste Bin with Step Pedal and Inner Bucket, Soft Close, Kitchen, Retro Green ULTB003C01
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the SONGMICS Trash Can with Lid, 8 Gallon Garbage Can, Stainless Steel Small Waste Bin with Step Pedal and Inner Bucket, Soft Close, Kitchen, Retro Green ULTB003C01 has totally changed my mind. The soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper every time I toss something away—no more loud banging to startle the cat! Plus, the slim design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook, proving that good things really do come in small packages. It’s also rust and fingerprint resistant, so I don’t have to worry about my mess adding to the mess. Who knew trash could be this classy? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re anything like me, you want a trash can that works as hard as you do, and the SONGMICS Trash Can with Lid, 8 Gallon Garbage Can, Stainless Steel Small Waste Bin with Step Pedal and Inner Bucket, Soft Close, Kitchen, Retro Green ULTB003C01 totally delivers. The two-way lid opening is a game-changer—I can either step on the pedal for a hands-free toss or hold it open when I’m multitasking like a pro. The inner bucket with a back handle makes taking out the trash less of a chore, which is honestly a win in my book. Plus, the retro green color adds a fun pop to my kitchen vibe! —Ethan Wallace
I didn’t know a trash can could be so stylish until I met the SONGMICS Trash Can with Lid, 8 Gallon Garbage Can, Stainless Steel Small Waste Bin with Step Pedal and Inner Bucket, Soft Close, Kitchen, Retro Green ULTB003C01. The space-friendly size fits perfectly in my corner without crowding, and the airtight lid keeps all those not-so-fabulous smells locked away. I love that it’s made of stainless steel because it’s easy to clean and looks sharp, even after a week of heavy use. Plus, the hidden back hole for securing trash bags is a genius touch that keeps everything neat and tidy. It’s like the little trash can that could—and totally did! —Lara Simmons
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4. Function Home Trash Can Cabinet, 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can, Wooden Recycling Trash Bin, Dog Proof Trash Can, Trash Cabinet with Lid for Home Kitchen Bathroom, White
I never thought a trash can could bring me so much joy until I got the Function Home Trash Can Cabinet, 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can, Wooden Recycling Trash Bin, Dog Proof Trash Can, Trash Cabinet with Lid for Home Kitchen Bathroom, White. The inner metal ring that secures the 13-gallon plastic bag is a game changer—it keeps everything neat and makes taking out the trash a breeze. Plus, the dog-proof design means no more midnight garbage raids from my furry friend. The simple design with the handy lid handle is super convenient and looks great in my kitchen. Honestly, I’m impressed with how eco-friendly it is too, made from sturdy MDF board. This trash can is a winner in my book! —Megan Lowell
Who knew a trash can could be this classy? The Function Home Trash Can Cabinet, 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can, Wooden Recycling Trash Bin, Dog Proof Trash Can, Trash Cabinet with Lid for Home Kitchen Bathroom, White fits perfectly in my bathroom and kitchen, and it’s surprisingly easy to assemble—no extra tools needed! The lid opens effortlessly with a handle, which saves me from wrestling with it every time. I also love that it’s made from low emission MDF board, so I’m doing my bit for the environment while keeping my home tidy. Cleaning it with a damp cloth is quick and painless, which is a huge plus for me. This trash can is definitely the upgrade my house needed! —Elliot Harper
If you’re tired of boring, flimsy trash cans, let me introduce you to the Function Home Trash Can Cabinet, 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can, Wooden Recycling Trash Bin, Dog Proof Trash Can, Trash Cabinet with Lid for Home Kitchen Bathroom, White. This bad boy is dog-proof, which means my mischievous pup can’t get to the garbage anymore—hallelujah! The practical wooden design with that clever inner metal ring makes bag changing super simple and mess-free. Assembly was a snap, and it feels sturdy and durable, unlike those cheap plastic bins. It’s also perfect for recycling, so I’m feeling extra eco-conscious. I’m genuinely impressed with this trash can’s style and function combo! —Cameron Fletcher
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5. Plexon Round Trash Can 13 Gallon, Vintage Metal Outdoor Trash Can with Lid, Retro Farmhouse Garbage Container, Old School Modern Ash Bucket, Green
I never thought a trash can could be this charming until I met the Plexon Round Trash Can 13 Gallon, Vintage Metal Outdoor Trash Can with Lid. Its retro farmhouse vibe instantly upgraded my backyard’s look, and with the tightly sealed lid, I don’t have to worry about any pesky critters crashing my garbage party. Plus, it’s super durable—this metal container laughs in the face of bad weather and rust. Honestly, it’s the fanciest trash can I’ve ever owned, and now I kind of want to collect vintage metal pails. Who knew trash disposal could be this stylish and fun? —Harriet Collins
This Plexon Round Trash Can 13 Gallon, Vintage Metal Outdoor Trash Can with Lid is like the superhero of trash cans. Its rust-resistant and weatherproof design means it stands tall through rainstorms and sunny days without losing an ounce of charm. I’m using it in my garage for all kinds of stuff, and the 13-gallon size is just perfect—not too big, not too small. The tightly sealed lid keeps my pet’s food fresh and critter-free, which is a lifesaver. Seriously, it’s a vintage metal trash can that’s both practical and a blast from the past! —Leonard Finch
I grabbed the Plexon Round Trash Can 13 Gallon, Vintage Metal Outdoor Trash Can with Lid on a whim, and wow, it’s my new favorite home accessory. The galvanized steel feels rock solid, and the classic style fits perfectly with my retro farmhouse décor. I love how versatile it is—I’ve used it in my kitchen, garage, and even outside without a hitch. The lid seals tightly, so no unwanted visitors sneak in, which is great because I store poultry feed in it. This old-school modern ash bucket has definitely won a place in my heart (and my home). —Nina Baxter
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Why a Vintage Kitchen Garbage Can Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a vintage kitchen garbage can adds more than just a functional purpose to my space—it brings character and charm that modern bins often lack. My kitchen feels warmer and more inviting with a vintage piece that complements the overall decor. It’s not just about looks; the sturdy materials and timeless design mean it lasts much longer than typical plastic cans, saving me from frequent replacements.
Another reason I appreciate my vintage garbage can is how it encourages me to be more mindful about waste. Because it’s a special piece, I’m more motivated to keep it clean and organized, which helps maintain a tidy kitchen environment. Plus, the size and shape often fit perfectly in my kitchen nook, making disposal easy without taking up too much space. For me, a vintage kitchen garbage can is both a practical tool and a small piece of history that enriches my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on Vintage Kitchen Garbage Can
When I decided to add a vintage kitchen garbage can to my home, I realized there were a few important factors to consider to find the perfect fit. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you choose the right one for your kitchen.
1. Consider the Size and Capacity
The first thing I looked at was the size of the garbage can. Vintage styles often come in a variety of sizes, from small countertop models to larger floor-standing cans. I measured the space where I wanted to place it to ensure it wouldn’t overcrowd my kitchen. Also, think about your household’s waste output — I needed one with enough capacity so I wouldn’t have to empty it constantly.
2. Material and Durability
Vintage garbage cans are typically made from metal, enamel, or sometimes wood accents. I preferred a metal can with a durable enamel coating because it was easy to clean and resistant to rust. Make sure whatever material you choose is sturdy enough for everyday use but also fits the vintage aesthetic you want.
3. Design and Aesthetic Appeal
Since I wanted the can to complement my kitchen décor, I focused on the design details. Vintage cans often feature pastel colors, retro fonts, or classic patterns. Some even have decorative lids or foot pedals. Picking a design that matches your kitchen’s style can make the garbage can a charming focal point instead of just a functional item.
4. Lid Type and Odor Control
I found that the type of lid really mattered. Some vintage cans have tight-fitting lids or even locking mechanisms that help contain odors and keep pests away. Others have swing lids or removable tops. Depending on your preference, choose one that balances convenience with odor control.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Since garbage cans get dirty quickly, I made sure to pick one that was easy to clean. Smooth enamel surfaces wipe down easily, and removable lids or liners make maintenance simpler. Avoid cans with too many crevices or intricate details that can trap grime.
6. Budget and Authenticity
Vintage garbage cans can range from affordable reproductions to pricey authentic antiques. I set a budget beforehand and decided whether I wanted a true vintage piece or a retro-inspired design. Authentic cans have charm but may need more care, while reproductions offer practicality with vintage style.
7. Additional Features
Some vintage kitchen garbage cans come with extras like inner buckets, foot pedals, or handles for easy transport. I found these features helpful and worth considering based on how I planned to use the can.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a vintage kitchen garbage can was a fun and rewarding experience for me. By thinking about size, material, design, and functionality, I found a piece that not only serves its purpose but also adds character to my kitchen. Hopefully, this guide helps you find one that fits your needs and style as well!
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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