7 Best 13 Gallon Trash Cans to Buy in 2026

This stainless steel powerhouse redefines what a 13 gallon trash can can be—combining elegant design, practical engineering, and daily usability in one seamless package. The swing-top lid is a game-changer, allowing for touch-free disposal with just a nudge of your wrist, making it ideal for messy kitchen cleanups or germ-conscious households. Paired with its removable metal inner bucket, this bin turns what’s usually a chore into a swift, sanitary process—just lift, empty, rinse, and reinsert.

In real-world testing, the 50-liter capacity proved more than sufficient for a family of four, easily handling several days of kitchen waste without overflow. Its round footprint (13.78” diameter) saves corner space compared to bulkier rectangular models, while the 22.64” height keeps it under most countertops. The brushed stainless steel resists fingerprints better than expected, though heavy smudging from oily hands does require occasional wiping. On hard floors, it stays stable—even when the lid is aggressively swung. However, the lack of a foot pedal means it’s not truly hands-free, which could be a drawback for users seeking full hygiene control.

When stacked against the Amazon Basics and KdbK models, this can holds its own with superior build quality and a distinctive swing-top mechanism rarely seen at this capacity. It’s not as quiet as soft-close pedal bins, but the trade-off is faster access and fewer moving parts to fail. Perfect for users who value low-maintenance durability and sophisticated aesthetics, this bin excels in kitchens and offices where style and function intersect. It delivers premium performance and long-term reliability that outshines plastic counterparts like the Sterilite swingtop, despite a higher price point.

Step into hassle-free waste management with the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can, a no-nonsense workhorse engineered for practical everyday use. Its standout feature? The Clorox-infused lid, which actively suppresses odors—making it a breeze to keep kitchens smelling fresh, even after days of food waste. Backed by a responsive foot pedal, this bin delivers true hands-free operation, a must-have for multitasking cooks or parents juggling messy diapers and dishes. The rectangular shape (18” x 14.7”) maximizes interior volume while fitting snugly in standard kitchen nooks.

During extended use, the plastic construction proved surprisingly durable, resisting cracks and stains from common kitchen spills. The bag retention rings inside the rim are a small but brilliant touch, ensuring trash bags stay taut and visible—no more fumbling to pull sagging liners back up. At 25” tall, it’s tall enough to accommodate full grocery bags, yet low enough to avoid head bumps under cabinets. However, the matte black finish shows scuff marks over time, and the pedal mechanism, while reliable, produces a faint plastic click that’s audible in quiet rooms. On carpet, the base can shift slightly with forceful pedal use.

Compared to the simplehuman P-series or KdbK, the Glad lacks premium soft-close tech or stainless steel appeal—but it nails the essentials at a fraction of the cost. It’s the ultimate budget-savvy pick for renters, dorm rooms, or secondary bathrooms where odor control and ease of use matter most. While it doesn’t offer the quiet luxury of a soft-close lid, it outperforms basic plastic bins like the Sterilite in both function and longevity.

Meet the hygiene hero of trash cans—the 13 Gallon Automatic Garbage Can that opens with a wave, not a touch. Equipped with a motion-sensing lid, it delivers true touchless convenience, making it perfect for germ-prone zones like kitchens, bathrooms, or daycare areas. The ultra-responsive sensor triggers a smooth lid lift in under half a second, and the silent closing ensures no disruptive clatter—ideal for nighttime use. With a 13-gallon capacity built from waterproof, scratch-resistant PP plastic, it’s sturdy enough for daily family use without breaking the bank.

In real-life testing, the motion sensor performed impressively, detecting hand movements from multiple angles—even with wet or greasy hands. Running on 4 AA batteries, it’s energy efficient, entering sleep mode between uses to extend battery life for months. The cylindrical design fits well in tight corners, and its neutral brushed look blends into modern decor. However, the sensor can occasionally misfire if exposed to direct sunlight or rapid temperature changes, causing false opens. Also, while the interior is smooth, it lacks bag retention features, so standard liners may slip down without tucking.

Against the KdbK or simplehuman, this model wins on hygiene and automation, but loses points on mechanical refinement. It’s not as quiet or durable as stainless steel bins, but for users prioritizing touch-free sanitation, it’s unmatched in value. Best suited for bathrooms, nurseries, or secondary kitchens where minimizing contact is key. It offers smart, modern functionality that outpaces manual pedal cans like the Glad, even if it doesn’t match their odor-blocking tech.

The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can is a masterclass in quiet precision, engineered for those who hate the jarring slam of a closing lid. Its bi-force damper system ensures a velvety soft-close every time—whether the lid shuts automatically or you press it down manually. This isn’t just quiet; it’s library-level silence, making it perfect for open-concept homes or households with light sleepers. The brushed stainless steel body is fingerprint-proof, resisting smudges and cleaning up with a quick wipe, while the anti-slip base keeps it anchored on tile or hardwood.

In daily use, the foot pedal proved exceptionally durable, responding crisply even after weeks of heavy use. The 90° stay-open feature is a subtle win—letting the lid hang open during extended cleaning tasks like peeling vegetables or sweeping. The removable ABS inner bucket is rigid, impact-resistant, and includes a bag anchor hole to prevent liner slippage. At 50 liters, it handles large volumes effortlessly, and the included 20 garbage bags are a thoughtful bonus. However, the rectangular footprint takes up more floor space than round models, and the pedal requires moderate force—less ideal for users with limited mobility.

Compared to the Amazon Basics or Glad, the KdbK delivers a smoother, quieter experience with superior lid control. It’s not as automated as the touchless model, but it outshines in build quality and hush-operation. Ideal for family kitchens, home offices, or pet owners who want a durable, quiet bin without the premium price of simplehuman. It strikes a perfect balance between refined mechanics and affordable luxury, offering silent performance that rivals far costlier models.

The simplehuman 13-gallon step can is the ultimate guardian against curious paws, thanks to its patented slide-lock lid that keeps pets and toddlers out—for good. Designed with pet owners in mind, this bin combines smart safety features with everyday practicality. The semi-round shape tucks neatly into corners or beside appliances, while the lid shox technology ensures a slow, silent close—no more midnight lid slams. Its code P custom liners are a game-changer: thick, tear-resistant, and designed to stay perfectly in place without slipping or gapping.

In real-world testing, the slide lock worked flawlessly—keeping cats and dogs from tipping or digging, even when tempted by food scraps. The foot pedal is wide and responsive, requiring minimal force, and the removable bucket makes cleanup fast and mess-free. At 50 liters, it’s spacious enough for large families, and the black plastic finish hides scuffs better than lighter models. However, the plastic exterior, while durable, doesn’t offer the premium look of stainless steel and can show static dust over time. Also, replacement liners are pricier and brand-locked, which adds to long-term costs.

Pitted against the Glad or KdbK, the simplehuman stands out for pet security and liner fit, though it lacks odor protection or fingerprint resistance. It’s not the quietest or most stylish, but for households with pets, it’s unmatched in functionality and peace of mind. While the KdbK offers softer closure, this bin wins on child and pet safety. It delivers targeted innovation that justifies its mid-tier price, especially when compared to generic plastic bins with flimsy lids.

The Amazon Basics 13.2-gallon can is a refined blend of elegance and engineering, built for users who want premium looks without the luxury markup. Its smudge-resistant brushed finish is a standout, resisting fingerprints and streaks far better than standard stainless steel—making it ideal for high-touch kitchens. Every interaction feels smooth: the soft-close foot pedal opens the lid with quiet precision, and the stay-open function keeps it ajar during deep cleaning. The removable inner bucket with carry handle simplifies emptying, turning a messy task into a tidy one.

In practice, the rectangular design (16.7” x 14.7”) maximizes capacity while fitting neatly under cabinets. The 25.9” height accommodates full trash bags without bulging, and the heavy-duty plastic liner resists punctures from sharp waste. The lid closes slowly and silently—thanks to a well-tuned damper—eliminating noisy slams. However, the pedal requires moderate pressure, which may be tiring for some users, and the bucket handle, while useful, can trap grime if not cleaned regularly. Also, unlike the simplehuman, it doesn’t offer custom-fit bags, so standard liners may shift.

When compared to the KdbK or B0FN3Y9B46, this model matches them in soft-close performance and fingerprint resistance, but with a more commercial-grade presence. It’s quieter than the Glad, more refined than the Sterilite, and more accessible than simplehuman. Best for modern kitchens or office spaces where clean lines and low maintenance are priorities. It offers luxury-tier features at a mid-range cost, outperforming plastic bins in durability and design while staying competitive with metal counterparts.

The Sterilite 13 Gallon Swingtop is the definition of no-frills reliability—a budget-friendly basic that gets the job done without extras. Its swing-lid design allows for quick, easy disposal with a simple push, making it a practical pick for garages, basements, or utility rooms where simplicity trumps sophistication. Made from heavy-duty plastic, it’s lightweight yet surprisingly sturdy, resisting cracks even when moved frequently. The 13-gallon capacity is generous for its class, and the smooth interior wipes clean with minimal effort—ideal for messy or infrequent use.

In real-world use, the lid action is smooth but not cushioned, resulting in a noticeable plastic clack when it snaps shut—less than ideal for quiet bedrooms or living areas. There’s no foot pedal, so it’s not hands-free, and the lid doesn’t stay open, requiring repeated nudges during extended chores. The rectangular shape fits well in corners, but the overall build feels hollow compared to metal bins. While it handles household waste adequately, it lacks odor control, soft-close, or bag retention—features now standard even in mid-tier models.

Against the Glad or KdbK, the Sterilite falls short in features and refinement, but it excels in affordability and availability. It’s not meant to rival premium cans, but for secondary spaces, rentals, or temporary setups, it’s a solid, functional choice. Best for users who need a no-maintenance, easy-to-move bin for low-traffic areas. It provides bare-bones utility that undercuts even the Glad in price, though it can’t match the hygiene or convenience of pedal or automatic models.