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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Your 13-gallon plastic trash can has one job: survive your real kitchen without making you wrestle the lid. Some cans promise hands-free foot pedals but jam when overstuffed, while others have lids that pop open when a curious dog noses around. The right pick balances lid type, odor control, and cabinet fit while staying affordable.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
You want a bin that holds standard liners, opens cleanly, and doesn’t fall apart—so here is how to find the best 13 gallon plastic trash can for your home, step by step.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 13 Gallon Plastic Trash Can
A 13-gallon can is the workhorse of the average kitchen—big enough to handle a day or two of household waste without needing a trip outside every hour. But the plastic bin market is full of cans that look identical on a screen and behave very differently in daily life.
Lid mechanism: pedal, swing, or sensor
The lid mechanism is the first major decision. A step-on pedal keeps your hands free, which is why most households pick it—but the pedal adds moving parts that can wear out or jam when the bag is packed too tight. Swing-top lids have no pedal to break, so they last longer mechanically, yet they require a hand to push open. Touchless sensor cans feel futuristic and stay clean, but they run on batteries and their motors are the most common point of failure in owner reports.
Locking lid vs. simple top
If you have a dog that raids the bin at 2 a.m., a simple drop-in lid is not going to cut it. Look for a slide lock or latch that physically pins the lid shut. In a household with small children, the same lock protects curious hands from sharp or messy waste. Just know that a secure lock often means the pedal or latch takes a little more force to release.
Bag fit and odor control
A true 13-gallon can must hold a standard liner without the bag slipping into the bin. Interior bag rings or a rim that grips the liner make changes easier and stop the bag from collapsing under heavy trash. Odor control ranges from lid formulations that block smells to tight seals that keep the contents from wafting—decide how much smell resistance your kitchen actually needs.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Lid Type | Weight | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glad with Clorox Odor Protection★ Best Overall | Hands-free 2-can value | Step-On | — | 18″ x 14.7″ x 25″ | Amazon |
| GGlzxfnc Swing TopBudget Champion | Budget multi-room use | Swing-Top | — | 12.5″ x 16.35″ x 28.23″ | Amazon |
| STERILITE Touch CanCompact Pick | Press-top simplicity | Press-Top | 3.6 lbs | — | Amazon |
| Curver Infinity | Quiet soft-close households | Step-On | 5 lbs | 18.1″ x 12.8″ x 25″ | Amazon |
| simplehuman Semi-Round | Pet-proof durability | Step-On | 7 lbs | 18.7″ x 14.4″ x 26.2″ | Amazon |
| SIMPLI-MAGIC Touchless | Touch-free convenience | Motion-Sensor | 6 lbs | 15″ x 10″ x 25″ | Amazon |
| Dowell Stackable 2-Pack | Tight cabinet fit | Open Top | — | 14.33″ x 9.84″ x 22.4″ | Amazon |
| Sterilite Swing Top 4-Pack | Whole-home replacement | Swing-Lid | — | 15.75″ x 12.25″ x 28.25″ | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black, 2 Pack
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The two-can bundle that gives you a hands-free step pedal in every corner of the kitchen
This pick solves the most common household complaint—running out of bins—by sending you two 13-gallon cans in a modern black finish. Each one uses a foot pedal for hands-free opening, so you can toss a peel without touching the lid. The interior bag rings hold your 13-gallon liner in place, which stops the bag from sliding down as the can fills.
The lid is formulated with Clorox Odor Protection, meaning the plastic itself helps block smells for the life of the can rather than just until a filter wears out. At 18 inches wide, 14.7 inches deep, and 25 inches high, each can has a classic rectangular footprint that fits neatly under a standard counter. Owners consistently call out the build quality and value as the standout reasons to buy—the 2-pack setup alone justifies the price for most households.
The trade-off emerges when the bag is overstuffed. Buyers report the foot pedal can fail when the can is overfull because the bag expands and the lid catches on it. Keep the load below the rim and the pedal works as intended. The crowd backing this one is strong—4.6 stars across 500+ ratings—and the durability complaints are few compared to the praise.
Why owners stick with it
- Two cans for the price of one premium single
- Bag rings lock liners in place so they don’t slip
- Odor-blocking lid formulation lasts the life of the can
The overload catch
- Foot pedal jams when the can is packed past the rim
- A determined cat or dog can still pop the lid
Who it fits: households that want two reliable, hands-free bins without paying premium single-can prices.
Think twice if: you routinely cram the can to the very top—the pedal wants a little headroom to work.
2. 13 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Swing Top Kitchen Garbage Trash Can, Black
A no-frills swing-top that skips the pedal entirely so there’s less to break
If you’re tired of foot mechanisms failing, this swing-top design gives you a lid that pivots in when you push a bag in or lifts open when you need full access. There’s no pedal, no spring, no hinge assembly to jam—just a dual-action lid that serves the kitchen, bathroom, garage, or office. The oval shape and brushed black finish keep it looking tidy in a corner.
Owners mention it survives even industrial use, which is a strong durability signal for a budget-tier can. The crack-resistant plastic body handles daily wear, and the easy-to-clean surface wipes down without streaking. Because it takes a standard 13-gallon bag and stands 28.23 inches tall, it clears most cabinet overhangs while still holding a full day of waste.
The catch is that some units arrive cracked in the box. A few units arrive with cracks in the box, which is a frustration you won’t see until you unbox it. The same can is also sold at major retailers, so the design itself has broad approval—just inspect yours on arrival. The brushed finish gives it a slightly more premium look than the price suggests.
Best value angle: the lowest-cost way to get a 13-gallon swing-top that holds up to heavy use, as long as your unit ships intact.
Reach for it if: you want a simple, pedal-free can for a secondary room and don’t need odor-blocking plastics.
Reach for it if: you’re outfitting a garage or office where a basic, sturdy bin beats a fancy one.
Look elsewhere if: you need a lid that locks or seals odors—this one is purely manual.
3. STERILITE 10458004 Touch Can, White, 13 Gallon
A press-top can that opens with one touch and keeps a low profile at 3.6 pounds
This Sterilite can skips the foot pedal in favor of a press-top lid—you push down on the top and it opens, then closes when you lift your hand. It’s ideal for tight kitchen corners or an RV where a step pedal adds clutter. The titanium-colored latch gives the white body a polished, slightly upscale look that fits most decors.
Owners love the spacious 13-gallon capacity for daily kitchen use and note the lid closes easily and stays shut, which is the opposite of some flimsier cans. The 3.6-pound weight makes it easy to lift and empty, and the smooth surface wipes clean with a cloth. It’s light enough to move between rooms without strain.
The recurring complaint is that the lid doesn’t seat tightly on some units. A number of customers note the flat lid doesn’t seat tight against the top ring, which means the latch won’t snap closed properly on some units. There’s also the sizing quirk common to this model: 13-gallon bags can be a snug stretch over the rim, so you may need to pull the liner taut. The value remains strong, but check the lid seal on arrival.
What owners praise
- Press-top opens with one hand
- Light enough at 3.6 lbs to carry anywhere
- Polished white finish wipes clean easily
What to inspect
- Lid latch can fail to snap on some units
- 13-gallon bags need a firm stretch to fit
Who it suits: RV owners and small kitchens wanting a light, touch-operated can without a pedal.
skip it if: you need a guaranteed airtight seal—lid fit varies unit to unit.
4. Curver Infinity 45.5 Liter / 13 Gallon Plastic Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal and Locking Lid
The soft-close lid that kills the slam, paired with a lock toddlers can’t defeat
If the sound of a trash lid banging at midnight drives you crazy, this Curver can is built for you. Its soft-close lid glides down slowly and quietly, which also extends the life of the hinge mechanism. The locking lid is the real draw for families—parents with a curious toddler specifically buy this to keep little hands out of the bin.
The resin construction means no rust, rot, or moisture damage, even in a humid kitchen or garage. It uses standard 13-gallon bags and comes in a grey finish that hides fingerprints better than stainless steel. At 18.1 inches long, 12.8 inches wide, and 25 inches high, it takes up a modest footprint while still holding a full day of waste.
Durability reports are split between sturdy and broken hinges. While many owners call it sturdy and easy to clean, others report the lid and latch mechanism breaking over time—one unit arrived with a crack on the inner lip, and the lock didn’t actually secure anything. The pet-proof claim also falls short for determined dogs. If you buy this, treat the hinge gently and test the lock immediately.
The best reason to buy: the soft-close lid and front lock make it the quietest, most kid-safe option in this lineup.
The honest caveat: the lock and lid mechanism are the weak points—inspect yours on delivery and avoid slamming.
Reach for it if: a toddler in the house means every bin needs a working lock.
Think twice if: you have a large, determined dog—the lock isn’t reliably pet-proof.
5. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
A pedal rated for 150,000 steps, a slide lock that beats clever dogs, and a silent close
This is the can that dog owners swear by. The secure slide lock physically pins the lid shut against curious pets, and reviewers point out it survives being dragged across the kitchen floor by a determined 10-pound pup. The steel pedal is engineered for over 150,000 steps—that’s more than 20 steps a day for two decades of busy kitchen use, which is why it’s the most durable pedal in this lineup.
Beyond the lock, the semi-round shape is a space-saver: the flat back sits flush against the wall while the rounded front softens the footprint. The patented Lid Shox motion control delivers a slow, silent close every time, so you never get the finger-smashing slam of cheaper cans. The body is made with 75% post-consumer recycled plastic, so it’s a greener choice without looking like one.
The trade-off is that this is a premium-priced plastic can, and the lock is stiff—it takes two hands and some force to slide open. Some owners find the custom-fit liner requirement annoying, though standard 13-gallon flex bags do grip the rim well. This is the crowd favorite for a reason: quality, functionality, and the locking mechanism are the top praises by far, with thousands of owners backing it.
The thing everyone raves about
- Slide lock keeps even smart dogs out of the trash
- 150,000-step pedal outlasts the competition by years
- Flat back fits flush against walls to save space
What to expect
- The slide lock needs two hands and real force to open
- Premium price for a plastic can
The standout: if a pet-proof lock matters more than anything else, this is the one—the slide lock is the strongest in this guide, so a determined dog stays out.
The caveat: budget for the premium price and accept a stiff lock that takes two hands.
6. SIMPLI-MAGIC 79502 13 Gallon Touchless Sensor Trash Can, Rectangle Garbage Bin, White
Wave your hand and the lid opens itself, so sticky fingers never touch the bin
Cooking with messy hands is exactly who this can is for. The motion sensor opens the lid when you wave over the top, holds it open while it senses movement, and closes on its own—no touching required. There’s also an optional manual mode if you want to bypass the sensor entirely. The clean white finish and polished surface make it a bright, modern addition to a kitchen or guest bath.
The rectangle body is built from sturdy material that resists deformation, and the tight-sealing lid does a credible job isolating odors from the room. At 6 pounds and 15 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 25 inches high, it’s one of the more compact 13-gallon options—small enough to fit a bathroom corner without sacrificing capacity. Owners praise the quality and appearance most, with the compact footprint a close third.
Reliability is a genuine concern with the motorized lid. While many shoppers say the automatic lid still works after months of daily use, others describe the motor failing after a year or more—and the close is clunky and loud, with no soft-close mechanism. Battery life also gets mixed feedback. If you buy this, treat the sensor gently and keep spare batteries handy. It’s a great experience while it works, but it’s the highest-maintenance pick here.
Why it’s worth it: hands-free opening is a genuine upgrade for messy cooks and anyone who hates touching the bin.
The honest trade-off: the motor is the weak link—expect clunky closes and possible long-term failure.
Reach for it if: you’re convinced by touchless convenience and accept some mechanical risk.
Look elsewhere if: you want a set-and-forget can that never needs batteries or motor repairs.
7. Dowell 2 Pack 50Qt Wastebasket Trash Container, 9/13Gal, Plastic, Stackable, Grey
Two slim, stackable bins made specifically to slide into a tilt-out trash cabinet
This Dowell 2-pack exists for one niche but nails it perfectly. If you have a pull-out or tilt-out trash bin cabinet with tight dimensions, these are often the only 13-gallon bins that actually fit. At 14.33 inches long, 9.84 inches wide, and 22.4 inches high, the slim profile tucks into spaces a standard round can never reach. The high-density polyethylene build keeps them sturdy without being flimsy.
Owners with cabinet configurations report these are the only option that fits their specific tilt-out setup, and they hold a surprising amount for their slim footprint. The stackable design means you can store the second bin inside the first when not in use—handy for small apartments. The rectangular grey body is simple and unobtrusive.
The catch is these come with no lids at all, so there’s zero odor control or pet protection. The open top also means the bin can slide around in a larger cabinet space unless it’s a snug fit. If you don’t have a dedicated trash cabinet, these are just bare open bins—fine for utility, but not a kitchen centerpiece.
Why cabinet owners love it
- Slim dimensions fit tilt-out trash cabinets other 13-gal bins can’t
- Stackable for compact storage
- Sturdy high-density polyethylene build
What’s missing
- No lids included—no odor or pet protection
- Can slide around in a loose-fit cabinet
Who it fits: anyone with a built-in trash cabinet who has struggled to find a 13-gallon bin that fits the dimensions.
pass on it if: you need a lidded, odor-blocking can for open-floor kitchens.
8. Sterilite Swing Top Wastebasket, Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black, 4-Pack
Four swing-top bins that replace every broken can in your house at once
If you’re tired of replacing trash cans one at a time, this 4-pack lets you swap out every bin in the home in a single order. Each 13-gallon swing-top opens with a touch and stays upright when locked, so one-handed disposal is easy—no foot mechanism to break, which is exactly the point owners make when they’ve had enough of failing pedals. The square profile fits neatly against walls and cabinets.
The black textured surface resists smudges and wipes clean, which keeps four bins looking decent with minimal effort. Each one easily accommodates a standard 13-gallon liner, though owners warn that 10-gallon bags will tear because the opening is wide. Businesses have bought them in multiples for offices and break rooms, with several reordering after the first batch impressed them.
The quality and durability are the highlights here, with the no-pedal design being the single biggest reason owners choose it—you just lift the lid, no foot stomp needed. The recurring gripe is the lid fit: buyers report some tops arrive broken or don’t seat perfectly on the base, so inspect each of the four on delivery. At this price for four cans, the per-can cost is tough to top.
What owners praise most
- No foot mechanism means nothing to break
- Four cans transform a whole house at once
- Textured surface resists smudges
What to check
- Some lids arrive broken or fit loosely
- 10-gallon bags tear on the wide opening—use 13-gallon liners
Reach for it if: you want to standardize every trash can in the house with a simple, pedal-free design.
Think twice if: you need a locking lid or odor seal—these are basic swing-tops.
Understanding the Specs
Lid Mechanism
The way a can opens determines how it feels in daily use. Step-on pedals keep hands free but add moving parts that can jam when overstuffed. Swing-top and press-top lids have no pedal to fail, so they last longer mechanically, though they need a hand to open. Touchless sensor lids are the easiest but run on batteries and have motors that are the most likely part to wear out over time.
Bag Retention and Fit
A 13-gallon can should hold a standard 13-gallon liner without the bag sliding down into the bin. Interior bag rings or a rim that grips the liner keep the bag in place and make changes easier. Some cans have rims that are wide or narrow enough that bags need a firm stretch to fit—check whether owners mention the liner fitting snugly or tearing at the opening.
Locking Lid
A lock physically pins the lid shut, which is the only reliable defense against pets and toddlers. Slide locks and front latches vary in strength—some need two hands and real force to open, while others are loose enough that a determined dog can defeat them. If you have pets, treat a lock as the deciding spec and read how owners rate its strength.
Odor Control
Odor control comes in two forms: lid formulations that block smells for the life of the can, and tight seals that keep contents from wafting. A lid treated with an odor-blocking additive works passively forever, while a tight-sealing lid depends on the mechanical fit of the latch. Neither replaces regularly taking out the trash, but both help a kitchen stay fresh between trips.
FAQ
Will a 13 gallon plastic trash can fit standard 13 gallon kitchen bags?
Are step-on trash cans more likely to break than swing-top cans?
What does a locking lid actually protect against?
How long does a touchless sensor trash can last?
Is there a difference between 13 gallon and 50 liter capacity?
Can a 13 gallon trash can fit under a standard kitchen sink?
What is the best way to prevent trash can odors?
Are plastic trash cans better than stainless steel ones?
Do I need a special liner for a custom-fit trash can?
Which trash can is best for keeping a dog out?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most households, the best 13 gallon plastic trash can is the Glad with Clorox Odor Protection 2-Pack because it delivers two hands-free bins with bag rings and odor-blocking lids at a value that’s tough to top. If a pet-proof lock is your non-negotiable, the simplehuman Semi-Round is the crowd favorite with the strongest slide lock and a pedal rated for 150,000 steps. And for outfitting every room at once, the Sterilite Swing Top 4-Pack replaces all your broken cans in one order.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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