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Automatic Trash Can Picks to Avoid Germs and Bacteria
Modified: December 6, 2023
Replace your traditional garbage container with an automatic trash can. It is much easier and more sanitary to use thanks to its smart design!
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An automatic trash can is easily one of the most advanced and sanitary products available. Unlike traditional trash containers, this one has a motion sensor that signals the lid to open and close automatically. With that, there is no longer any need to touch or lift dirty lids where disease-causing germs and bacteria thrive. Sounds interesting? Read on to discover the best one for you today!
11 Amazing Automatic Trash Cans to Buy for Your Home
Automatic trash cans are available in a variety of designs and technologies, making them sanitary, convenient, and efficient to use. Here are 11 examples that will help keep your home clean and spotless anytime.
If you want a touchless bin that is both user-friendly and won’t take too much space at home, this one from ELPHECO is a great option. It is compact, lightweight, and waterproof thanks to its plastic construction. In addition to that, it is equipped with a smart motion sensor. All you need to do is wave your hand near the sensor so that the lid opens automatically! This trash has an appealing modern look too, so it can match any of your living room, kitchen, and bathroom furniture. Place it on your covered patio to make cleaning easier during parties as well.
Key Features
- Rectangular shape and plastic construction
- Infrared motion sensor and automatic lid
- Trash bag holders
Specifications
- Item weight: 2.27 pounds
- Item dimensions: 9.9 inches × 7.7 inches × 13.2 inches
- Batteries: 2 AA batteries (not included)
Pros
- Quiet and flawless motion detection
- Attractive look
- Pet-proof
- Low energy consumption
Cons
- Smaller than expected
- Batteries are not included in the package
Tired of picking up the dirty lid of your old, manual trash bin? Switch to this semi-round steel trash can from simplehuman. With a capacity of 12 gallons, this automatic trash can is fuss-free to use. Its motion sensor and automatic lid work in a flash, making dumping trash in it quick and completely touchless! Moreover, it has a liner pocket that makes it easy to dispense trash bags. There’s also a grip guard inside the bin so there’s no need to worry about leaks!
Key Features
- Semi-round shape and stainless construction
- Infrared sensor and automatic lid
- Liner rim and liner pocket
- Drip guard and batteries
Specifications
- Item weight: 10.3 pounds
- Item dimensions: 12.8 inches x 15.4 inches x 25.2 inches
- Batteries: 4 AA alkaline batteries (included)
Pros
- Works quietly
- Easy to use and clean
- Neat look
Cons
- Expensive
You will never worry about manually opening trash cans again with this round automatic trash can from iTouchless. With an efficient motion sensor, the lid of this trash opens and closes hands-free. It is also round and tall, which makes it ideal for spacious rooms. Disposing of bulky items is also easy with its wide opening.
But what makes this model more valuable is that it is powered by a replaceable, activated carbon odor filter. With that, there’s no need to worry about foul odor permeating your kitchen and dining area! This trash can will operate on both batteries and electricity too, so just power it on any way you want!
Key Features
- Fingerprint-proof steel construction
- Infrared motion sensor and automatic lid
- AbsorbX activated carbon odor filter
- Trash bag retainer
Specifications
- Item weight: 8.3 pounds
- Item dimensions: 12.6 inches x 11.6 inches x 31.3 inches
- Battery: 4 AA batteries (not included)
Pros
- Great size and quality
- Attractive modern look
Cons
- Bin is deeper than expected
- Batteries and AC adapter are not included in the package
This trash can from NINESTARS is yet another innovative and hygienic piece of furniture for your home. Its automatic plastic lid lets you dispose of trash in a touch-free way, lessening your exposure to harmful germs and bacteria. This feature also effectively seals the pungent smell coming from your trash. No need to worry about small children and even pets accidentally opening it because it has a delayed sensing technology!
Key Features
- Steel and plastic construction
- Removable ring liner and automatic lid
- Delayed sensing technology
- Non-skid design
Specifications
- Item weight: 10.7 pounds
- Item dimensions: 11.5 inches x 16.5 inches x 26.5 inches
- Batteries: 3 C batteries (not included)
Pros
- Great for the price
- Pet-proof
- Sturdy
Cons
- Bin is smaller than expected
- Batteries are not included in the package
Looking for a convenient trash pail to dispose of diapers? This iTouchless trash can is geared for the job! Like its round counterpart, this rectangular 13-gallon bin has a reliable motion sensor technology, automatic lid, and odor filter. As such, it’ll make cleaning easier as well as effectively contain any bad smell emanating from the trash.
In terms of appearance, this trash can also has lots to offer. Its lid, for example, has a status display signaling what function mode the trash is on. This product has slim built and contoured lines that make it both space-saving and stylish too!
Key Features
- Fingerprint-proof steel construction
- Infrared motion sensor and trash bag retainer
- AbsorbX activated carbon odor filter
- Rectangular shape
Specifications
- Item weight: 8 pounds
- Item dimensions: 12.75 inches x 10.75 inches x 27.88 inches
- Battery: 4 D batteries (not included)
Pros
- Great capacity
- Low battery consumption
- Attractive look
- Affordable
Cons
- Batteries and AC adapter are not included in the package
Not all electric automatic trash can models include an adapter in their product package, but this one from SensorCan does! Having a capacity of 13 gallons, this product can hold a week’s amount of litter. Of course, it also has a plastic automatic lid, a motion sensor, and a bag retainer ring so it’s easy to dump trash into it and replace garbage bags when it’s time. A natural carbon odor filter kit is also available (but needs to be bought separately) to help you further ensure that your home is free from smelly trash.
Key Features
- Steel and plastic construction
- Infrared motion sensor and automatic lid
- Extra-wide opening and rectangular shape
- Dual-power option
Specifications
- Item weight: 10.58 pounds
- Item dimensions: 11.5 inches x 16 inches x 25 inches
- Battery: 4 D batteries (not included)
Pros
- Convenient trash ring
- Lid opens fast
- Easy to assemble and clean
Cons
- Shorter than expected
- Batteries are not included in the package
Keeping your home safe for the whole family means you’ll need a piece of sanitary equipment like this one from BestOffice. Crafted from high-quality plastic, it has a fast-acting infrared sensor that works even when you’re within 15 meters from the lid. It is tight-sealing as well so the air in your kitchen, bedroom, and office stays fresh.
Aside from being hygienic, what makes this garbage bin unique and remarkable is its vibrant look. It has a turquoise blue color that makes it so charming you wouldn’t want to hide it! Plus, it has an easy-to-spot switch button so just turn off it when not in use to reduce the battery consumption.
Key Features
- Rectangular shape and plastic construction
- Infrared motion sensor and automatic lid
- Switch button
- Blue color
Specifications
- Item weight: 6.28 pounds
- Item dimensions: 15.35 inches x 9.84 inches x 23.62 inches
- Battery: 4 AA batteries (not included)
Pros
- Compact
- Shiny and colorful
- Sturdy and easy to use
Cons
- Smaller than expected
- Gets dirty easily
- Batteries are not included in the package
Why settle for a taxing, unhygienic manual trash container when you can use this automatic container from Glad? Designed with a 20-gallon storage capacity, a motion sensor, and bag rings, this trash can makes home cleaning a piece of cake! Its large bin, rear bag compartments, and hinged frame are all perfect if you have lots of compostable and recyclables to dispense. What’s more, this Glad trash can has a Clorox odor protection that not only inhibits bad smell but also lessens the spread of disease-causing bacteria.
Key Features
- Rectangular shape and stainless construction
- Clorox odor protection
- Motion sensor and hinged plastic lid
- Bag rings and rear bag compartments
Specifications
- Item weight: 15.51 pounds
- Item dimensions: 14.5 inches x 16.2 inches x 27.8 inches
- Battery: 6 AA batteries (not included)
Pros
- Works conveniently
- Durable and has a sleek look
- Easy to use and clean
- Just the right size
Cons
- High battery consumption
- Batteries are not included in the package
You can now get rid of all your mess in a stylish way with the help of this touchless trash can from Home Zone Living. With an 18-gallon storage capacity and a wide opening, this bin is ideal for storing and disposing garbage of any size. Not only does it have an adjustable sensor, but it also has a butterfly lid. This feature consumes less space than bulky lids and helps ensure that trash goes directly in the opening. Its slim build also makes this automatic trash container perfect for tight corners in your room!
Key Features
- Rectangular shape and stainless construction
- Infrared motion sensor and butterfly lid
- Retainer ring
- On and off switch button
Specifications
- Item weight: 13.77 pounds
- Item dimensions: 16.34 inches x 10.43 inches x 29.13 inches
- Battery: 4 C batteries (not included)
Pros
- Convenient design
- Sleek look
- Dog-proof
Cons
- Overpriced
- Batteries are not included in the package
If you’re looking for a piece of kitchen furniture that will help keep your kitchen sanitary, then this trash can from hOmeLabs is the right one for you. It is equipped with a 90-degree swivelling motion sensor that makes it faster to dump fruit and vegetable peels into it.
Furthermore, it features a steel butterfly lid. As a result, this product has a uniform and sleek look that is perfect for your industrial-inspired home. Take note that this trash container is tall and has a countertop level height, so no more leaning or bending down to put away the trash!
Key Features
- Rectangular shape and stainless construction
- Swivelling motion sensor and butterfly lid
- Bag retainer
- AC power adapter
Specifications
- Item weight: 12.34 pounds
- Item dimensions: 16.2 inches x 10.3 inches x 33.5 inches
- Battery: 4 C batteries (not included)
- Adapter power rating: 5.9 Volts
Pros
- Spacious bin
- Sturdy and easy to clean
- Has a neat modern look
- Low-battery consumption
Cons
- Heavy
- Batteries are not included in the package
Another viable option to make your home clutter-free is this innovative trash can from Townew. Self-sealing in design, this trash can will keep your room spotless! It has an open-top design as well, excellent for easy disposal of litter. Though it is on the small side, it is portable and suitable for tight spaces when you’re on the go. Its minimalist look can also complement any interior design you have at home!
Key Features
- Square shape and plastic construction
- Open-lid and self-sealing design
- Refill ring
- Minimalist look
Specifications
- Item weight: 8 pounds
- Item dimensions: 11.2 inches x 11.2 inches x 13.1 inches
- Battery: 1 12-volt rechargeable battery (included)
Pros
- Minimalist look and design
- Seals quickly
- Low battery energy consumption
Cons
- Smaller than expected
- Garbage bag rings are hard to buy
- Emits a chemical smell when sealing
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Automatic Trash Can
Like with any type of furniture for your home, there are several factors that you’ll need to explore when selecting the right automatic trash can.
Read more: What Is A Trash Can Cinch
Material
Steel and plastic are the two most common materials used in the manufacture of automatic trash cans. Steel is the more reliable choice due to its natural durability and low maintenance. It does not break and is also resistant to water, heat, and mold. In addition to that, steel trash cans look sleeker with their shiny and smooth surfaces. Their surfaces do not retain smudge and fingerprints as well. Simple washing or wiping with a clean cloth is all that is required to clean them.
Plastic touchless trash cans, on the other hand, are less durable than steel ones. They are prone to cracking, warping, and staining. Also, they retain odor and are not eco-friendly. However, when it comes to portability and budget, these plastic ones are the best option. They weigh less than those with steel parts and are also more affordable. Plus, they are available in a variety of colors.
It should be noted though that some automatic trash bins are composed of both steel and plastic materials. These products are a great option if you want to have the best of both worlds. Just make sure to pay extra attention to the plastic parts to prolong their lifespan.
Size and Storage Capacity
The size of the trash can that you’re buying must be able to meet your needs. Fortunately, these automatic tools have storage capacities ranging from 2.5 to 30 gallons. If you have a small space, go for small ones like the ones from Townew and Elpheco. These are also the best sizes for having one under your sink, in a cabinet, or a tight corner beside your toilet bowl and bathtub. They are also simple to install in your vehicle.
You can also use a small or medium touchless trash bin for your bedroom, living room, and office where there is less trash to dispose of. But for areas at home where lots of trash is generated, like the kitchen, medium and large ones are the best choice. Select those with a capacity of at least 18 to 21 gallons for the best result.
Shape
Automatic trash cans are available in a variety of shapes such as oval, square, and rectangular. Of these three, square and rectangular ones are excellent options if you have limited space. Their slim build makes them fit for tight spaces in your home and vehicle. Meanwhile, oval or round automatic trash cans are best for large rooms, patios, and entryways as they take up more space.
Motion Sensor
A motion sensor is undoubtedly the most vital part of a touchless trash bin, so it is important to assess how functional and convenient it is. Some of the qualities that you should look for are its range and direction.
Having a long sensor range, for instance, can enable you to throw something into the bin without reaching out your hands too near to the sensor. Units with a proximity level of 15 centimeters are an excellent example of this.
Motion sensors also usually have an upward-facing design. Such a design works only when motion is detected above the motion sensor, effectively avoiding any accidental opening when people or pets walk by. Even so, some models feature sensors that can be activated via movements in front of the lid. While this feature is useful for trash cans placed under the sink or inside a cabinet, it frequently opens unnecessarily when someone walks past it, especially in high-traffic areas.
Apart from functionality, it is essential to consider how durable and long-lasting the sensor is. Choose a trash can with a waterproof sensor to protect against inevitable liquid spills. This also makes them ideal for use outside.
Read more: When Was The Trash Can Invented
Power Source
Automatic trash cans are generally battery-operated. This is handy if you want to save electricity or use the product for outdoor parties. You just need to keep spare batteries on hand for replacement. Still, some high-end models come with a power adapter so that you can plug them into the wall outlet when the batteries’ charge runs out. Having a power adapter also lets you choose between the two types of power sources depending on your needs.
Extra Features
Remember to also keep an eye out for great extra features that come with an automatic trash can. One good example is an odor filter, which reduces and traps unpleasant odors in your trash can. This feature also reduces the likelihood of insects (drawn to the bad smell wafting from trash) flying around the room where the trash bin is located.
Choose an automatic trash can that has a soft-close technology and design as well. This ensures that the lid opens and closes gently, preventing disturbing noises and prolonging the product’s lifespan. Automatic trash cans with delay sensing technology and self-sealing technology are also well worth your money.
Don’t forget about efficient bag rings. Such a feature ensures that the trash bag inside the bin or compartment won’t slip down. Besides that, select those with a drip guard, such as the one in Elpheco, to prevent the collected trash from leaking. Of course, make sure that the automatic trash can you choose has a non-skid design, so it doesn’t fall over and leave scuffs on your floor.
Wrapping It Up
With an automatic trash can, maintaining the cleanliness of your home is now so much easier. Its touchless and smart design ensures that you’ll never have to worry about lifting the dirty lids of trash bins again. So, what are you waiting for? Settle for nothing less than the best and use an automatic trash can from now on!
Planning an outdoor party soon? Check out these amazing collapsible garbage cans for an easier cleaning experience as well!
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