When it comes to keeping your kitchen clean and your home odor-free, choosing the right trash or garbage can is of the utmost importance. Not all trash bins are created equal; different models come with different features, sizes, colors, and materials. However, the one thing they all have in common is that they provide a convenient and sanitary way for us to dispose of food waste and other trash, and maintain a healthy living environment. So how do you choose the best one for your kitchen? Read on to find out.
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Select the Appropriate Size
Most of the waste in your home will be discarded in the kitchen garbage can. Since you’ll be using it quite often, your kitchen trash receptacle should be the largest one in the house. Now, the number of people living in the house is a key factor that determines the amount of trash you produce. A household with 5 or more people will naturally produce more than a family of 3.
The average household produces between 2 and 5 bags of trash each week, and the capacity of most kitchen garbage bins ranges from 10 to 20 gallons. While 13-gallon trash cans are pretty much the standard size, they are big enough to eliminate the need to take out the trash more than once a day, but not too big that they look weird in the typical kitchen. However, if you live alone or you don’t produce that much trash, opting for a smaller receptacle with an 8-gallon capacity should do.
The size of your kitchen also plays a role in determining the size of your garbage can. You don’t want a bin that takes up too much floor space and gets in your way. If your kitchen is on a smaller size, an under sink trash can will help free up floor space, but it also limits the amount of trash you can dispose of. So, keep the size of your kitchen and the amount of trash you produce daily in mind before making a purchase.
Consider the Materials
Kitchen garbage cans are commonly made of synthetic plastic polymer (mostly PVC), heavy plastic, or metals like stainless steel. PVC and plastic receptacles are typically the cheapest options, but stainless steel bins can look more elegant in a kitchen. Also, metal garbage bins tend to be more durable and environmentally friendly than their plastic counterparts.
Check for Odor Control
Some kitchen garbage bins come with activated charcoal filters embedded in the lid to help absorb bad odors. If you cook often, or if you don’t take out the trash daily, then buying a bin with odor-absorbing filters might be a wise decision. To effectively keep the stinky odors at bay, you should replace these filters every 2-4 months, depending on your usage. For an enhanced effect, sprinkle a little baking soda at the bottom of the trash can.
Opt for a Lidded Can
Even if you have enough room under the sink for a lidless garbage can, you should still go for a model with a lid. Not only will a secure lid help hold the trash in place, but it will also reduce bad odors and deter pesky insects and pests that are attracted to your disposed food. Many inexpensive models have dome-shaped lids with swinging doors. You’ll only have to remove the lid if you’re discarding something too large to fit through the flap, other than that, all you need to do is simply push the door and toss the trash.
Other models come with touch-free lids that you easily open by pressing the pedal at the bottom of the bin with your foot. These might be a better option if you tend to cook often, as you wouldn’t want to touch the garbage can with your hands while preparing food. Some sophisticated garbage receptacles even come with sensor-activated lids that open with a hand motion.
Look for Other Features
For easy handling, look for a trash can with handles on the sides. This is especially important if you opt for a large receptacle. Wheels are also a useful feature to have. As for the lid, it’s best to go for a removable one for easy cleaning.
As you can see, the right trash can for your kitchen will mostly depend on your needs, the size of your kitchen, and the number of people in your household. So, keep these factors in mind before you start shopping around. If you choose a receptacle that’s too small, it will regularly overflow. At the end of the day, a garbage can should be a long term investment, so pick a sturdy one that provides efficient waste management for your home.
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