Top 6 Touchless Trash Cans For A Modern Home

Credit: Unsplash
Credit: Unsplash

Most of the time, trash cans are nothing fancy and they do their job just fine! However, an upgrade that will allow you to throw away the trash without touching it at all is definitely a desirable one.

By purchasing a touchless trash can you can avoid getting your hands in contact with dangerous bacteria and all kinds of germs.

This means that this option is convenient, since you won’t need to bend down or crouch, protecting your back and knees, while also helping with throwing out the thrash faster and in a more hygienic way since the lid can open by itself.

Of course, there are still a lot of things to take into consideration before buying a touchless trash can, from the material, to the size to other extra features.

Keep in mind that this type of trash can is very useful because it saves on space due to the way they are designed to fit in a lot of different spaces as opposed to traditional trash cans which are generally rather bulky.

But in spite of their compact shapes and sizes, their openings are usually wider making it easier for you to throw away large items, making it a win-win situation.

And finally, another big advantage of touchless bins is that it makes it much harder for pets to get into the garbage ans make a mess everywhere.

There are many such options on the market, all with their own pros and cons depending on your situation, which is why picking the perfect one for you can be difficult without the proper information.

As a result, this list of some of the best, highest rated touchless trash cans on the market will help you make the best decision.

iTouchless 13 Gallon SensorCan Touchless Trash Can


The first option is definitely a customer favorite thanks to its perfected design and technology.

It is oval, fingerprint-resistant and made from brushed stainless steel.

It manages to hold no less than 13 gallons of trash and its dimensions are 25.5 inches tall, 16 wide, and 11.75 deep.

And that is not all! With this order, you also get an AbsorbX Natural Activated Carbon Odor Filter, which is made to get rid of any unpleasant smells.

Of course, the motion sensor is the most attractive feature, being able to detect objects within 6 inches, remaining open for as long as it still senses something within that range so you don’t get annoyed by the lid continuously closing and opening as you throw away more things one by one.

But if you’re still not too sure how the automatic lid opening will function in your home, don’t worry because there is also a button that allows you to open it manually.

The trash can needs 4 D batteries or an AC adapter and do not come with the product so you’ll have to buy them separately.

Rest assured, however, that you only need to replace them once every 18 months or so.

Rubbermaid Step-On Wastebasket


The second option is made out of plastic but is still quite heavy-duty and durable, being perfect for those who do not want anything too flashy that will still do the trick.

The material also makes it less heavy, therefore easier to move around than a stainless steel option.

Furthermore, while it’s not really pet-proof, the lid will at least keep the bad odors contained so you can be sure that your home will not smell of the trash inside the can.

Since the design is so simple, the product is also easy to clean.

It features a stainless steel pedal which you are meant to step on lightly for the lid to open.

As for the dimensions, you can use 13-gallon garbage bags – not hard to find at all!

Simplehuman Under-Counter Pull-Out Bin


The Simplehuman Under-Counter Pull-Out Bin, as its name suggests, is meant to be installed under the counter.

This is not only easy to do but it comes with many benefits as well, namely the fact that the trash is kept away from access of young kids and pets, avoiding any mess.

This is one of the most practical setups for a trash can in your home that you can ever have since it will stay out of your way and in a designated area away from everyone’s eyes.

Just keep in mind that you will have to spare one cabinet in the kitchen for this trash can to be installed in there.

But it is generally worth it since it saves on floor space and makes it impossible to tip over by mistake.

NINESTARS Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor


The NINESTARS Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor is actually a double trash can which is very useful, especially if you are someone who likes to recycle.

It is made from durable stainless steel that is fingerprint resistant.

The lid opens up when the sensor detects an object close by and does so quietly and softly, never making any loud noises that could potentially disturb the rest of the family or startle a pet.

Furthermore, the sensor is water resistant and the lid closes tightly preventing bad odors from escaping.

It also features a removable ring meant to hold the trash bag in place and ensuring that the trash can remains clean.

As for its dimensions, it holds 18 gallons of garbage and measures 26.2 inches tall, 21.3 wide, and 13 deep.

Finally, it works on 4 D batteries, which you will need to purchase yourself separately.

EKO 92775-1 Phantom Motion Sensor Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can – 50 Liter


Another great hands-free trash can is the EKO 92775-1 Phantom Motion Sensor Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can.

It is made from stainless steel and features an automatic sensor.

This is one of the bigger options (13 gallons) so if you produce a lot of waste or don’t want to make too many trips to the dumpster outside then this is the right fit for you.

The lid closes softly, making little to no noise and requires 6 AA batteries, which are not included.

The interface is really simple as well, featuring an on/off switch along with touch/open and auto-close lid (after 5 seconds) options.

There is also a rim that holds the trash bag in place which is removable and allows the easy replacement of the trash bags.

To make sure this product works properly, do not place it in small and cramped spaces such as under the counters. It needs to be placed in an open area for the sensors to detect things properly and for the large lid to have enough space to open.

iTouchless 2.5 Gallon Bathroom Touchless Trash Can


Last but not least, the iTouchless 2.5 Gallon Bathroom Touchless Trash Can is an alternative for those who need a tiny trash can, usually perfect for a bathroom instead of the kitchen, as it measures 11.65 inches in height, 10.3 inches in width and 6.95 inches in depth.

It holds about 2.5 gallons of waste and comes with a filter that keeps the bad smells away.

It is made from stainless steel and its design and rectangular shape ensure that this trash can will fit in with any décor.

Furthermore, there is a convenient compartment inside the can where you can store liners.

While the sensor automatically detects whenever an object approaches, opening the lid, you can also do this manually by pressing a button to open the lid and a second one to close it if that is what you prefer.

William Reid
A science writer through and through, William Reid’s first starting working on offline local newspapers. An obsessive fascination with all things science/health blossomed from a hobby into a career. Before hopping over to Optic Flux, William worked as a freelancer for many online tech publications including ScienceWorld, JoyStiq and Digg. William serves as our lead science and health reporter.