On my list of things to improve, the kitchen trash has, historically, remained untouched. But that's because I think my kitchen trash can exists outside of aesthetic purposes for the house; at worst, I consider it an obligatory viewing and, at best, a boring piece of necessary kitchen equipment. Last week, however, I saw a tomato color Brabantia trash in the wild (a friend's apartment), and was taken by how chic it looked. With its retro yellow Moccamaster and graphics Vitra Without Siloshappy trash completes a perfect bauhaus trifecta. And, for once, I don't want the kitchen trash can to feel invisible.
For a long time, kitchen trash cans have taken a pretty back seat to casual trash cans in the home, which have traditionally drawn attention to expensive ones. floral motifs, filigree materials, and other design excellence. Now, in a time when no home appliance is more beautiful, I've noticed that kitchen trash cans are finally starting to get a little attention. I'm still waiting for some truly decorative offerings (of which the Dolce and Gabbana trash?), but there are some pleasant, colorful moves in the right direction.
Below, I've rounded up a selection of my favorite unsightly kitchen bins – from a high-tech composter to a bin with Googie legs — that will brighten up your kitchen.
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| Brabantia
Brabantia New Icon Step Trash Can
Prices taken at the time of publication.
Ah, Brabantia. For me, it is Dutch brand is the undisputed master of creating cool, colorful kitchen bins. You can find variations of these trash cans in beautiful home and kitchen areas such as West Elm, Food52and Williams Sonomabut Amazon is also home to its 8-gallon step-up trash can in 20 colorways, including this bold red.
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| The Basket Lady
The Basket Lady Wicker Kitchen Basket Basket with Metal Liner
Prices taken at the time of publication.
My kitchen is essentially the same space as my living room, which is why I was so drawn to this charming wicker trash can. How nice would it be to find some cozy rattan material from my bed, instead of, say, a sad steel bin? But don't be fooled: Inside its cottagecore build, there's a 13-gallon, stainless steel bin.
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| Brabantia
Brabantia Bo Touch Top Dual Compartment Trash Can
Prices taken at the time of publication.
Why is it so satisfying to see a trash can with legs? (My theory is that this makes it look less bulky.) These two trash and recycling bins from Brabantia come in nine colors — including an electric blue, bright red, and pine green — and the option in either a 3- or 6-gallon capacity.
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| Happimess
Hapimess Connor Trash Can with Free Mini Connor
Prices taken at the time of publication.
Connor's brushed stainless steel kitchen trash can comes in a dozen bright and neutral colorways, and has a large 50-liter capacity. The large bin is now for sale, and Connor will throw in a bonus 1.3 liter bin for posterity.
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| Louvixa
Louvixa Tilt Out Trash Bin Cabinet
Prices taken at the time of publication.
Another way to get rid of an ugly kitchen trash can is to simply hide it. Renters or people who live in small spaces may be short on cabinet space, but Wayfair is full of affordable bins that look like they came from a rich, suburban Connecticut vacation farm. .
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| Mill
Mill Food Recycler
Prices taken at time of publication.
Owning a Mill Food Recycler is the closest I think I can get to what it's like to have a butler. It may not be the most colorful of our non-ugly can offerings, but it has a minimalist charm and is by far the most high-tech trash can on our list. The Mill composts your food while you sleep, and as the Mill states on its site, offers an “odorless, effortless, and fully automated” way to compost everything from bones to of avocado pits and more, and they come in different capacities, from 1.7 gallons to 3.5 liters. At about the cost of my monthly rent it's a hell of an investment, but a serious environmental (and time-saving) payoff, too.