11 Costco Trash Cans, Ranked Worst To Best According To Reviews

Trash cans are an underrated home product, and they might all seem the same. After all, you just need to stick it in your kitchen and forget about it. But you understand a trash can's true utility when you want to separate your recyclables from your trash in a single receptacle. Or, when you don't want to take out the trash every day, or when you wish that your garbage bin didn't absorb bad smells so readily. You might even understand the importance of sturdy cans after seeing your pets turn over a flimsy one on a daily basis.

Given these reasons, it's necessary to consider the pros and cons carefully before choosing a trash can. And, if you have your heart set on buying one from Costco or ordering one online from the site, you can check out the customer reviews of the store's 11 available bins to make an informed decision. 

While all of these Costco trash cans are decent options, with the lowest averaging 4 stars, some are still rated better than others. So, do your homework before buying. In case this seems like too much work, here's our list ranking the bins from worst to best, based on customer reviews. 

One of the biggest draws of Eko's Neocube 50 Liter Dual Compartment Trash Bin is that it comes with separate compartments for trash and recyclables. However, reviews suggest that the bins are too small for a family, with both sides filling up quickly. Finding appropriately-sized bags for both of the compartments is difficult, too. Moreover, some customers mentioned that the lid's integrated damper mechanism broke after a few months. This causes the lid to slam shut instead of closing softly. Some people asked for replacements (one user replaced this trash can twice), but they didn't last long, either. Many customers also received a dented model.

Although this trash bin has an average star rating of 4.0 after garnering over 1,450 reviews, you might want to steer clear of this model since around 10% of customers have given it a 1-star rating. This is also why it earned the last spot on our list. Explaining why they were unsatisfied with the product, a user said, "We had this for almost a year but somehow one day, the opening and closing assist mechanism stopped working and now it opens and closes with a loud bang ... In addition, the recycling compartment is too small for any family size. We are a family of four and the container doesn't last a day from bottles, plastic, etc ... Not practical at all." Some people also complained about the can's coating peeling off after a while.

While a basic option, customer reviews suggest that Eko's Neocube 50 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can offers decent value for the price (costs about $100 at the time of writing). Reviewers appreciate the bin's wide vertical shape, which allows it to hold a good amount of waste without taking up a lot of room. Its fingerprint-proof stainless steel exterior, dependable foot pedal, and dedicated deodorizer compartment are a few other positives. Plus, many buyers like that the bin can easily fit in 13-gallon garbage bags from Costco — a highly rated Kirkland essential. That being said, some users faced difficulties while slipping the bag over the polypropylene trash liner. However, they noted that the built-in fixer prevents the bag from slipping off once it's in position.

Coming in second last, the bin has been reviewed over 1,600 times and has an average star rating of 4.4 and around 70% 5-star reviews. Satisfied with their purchase, one reviewer shared, "Works exactly as advertised. Very easy to empty. Definitely a good value for the price." Highlighting their favorite feature, another wrote: "Great trash can for good price. Love the sturdy plastic liner." However, one customer complained that the can's lid stopped working after a while. But when they reached out to the brand's customer service, Costco sent a replacement lid without much friction.

Kohler's 82 Liter Dual Bin Step Trash Can has a large capacity and can fit 13-gallon garbage bags (from any brand) in both compartments. This makes it a good fit for families that don't like taking out the trash every day. Moreover, its trademarked Quiet-Close bifold lids are a big draw. Users mention that this makes it easier to change bags, and they don't have to worry about food residue or other debris falling onto the lid. Plus, the lids create a complete seal around the cans, so odors rarely leak out. Maintenance is simple, too, with the manufacturer advising a wipe down of the stainless steel exterior with a microfiber cloth. This trash can also comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

Grabbing the third last spot on our list, Kohler's dual-step trash can has been reviewed around 700 times and has around 72% 5-star reviews. As such, it has an average star rating of 4.4. Happy with their purchase, a reviewer mentioned, "We found the lids easy to open/close with the foot pedal and changing the bags a simple process." Nevertheless, some people had trouble removing full bags and placing a new one in. But one person pointed out that the process can be seamless if you remove the inner bin first.

You may come across Eko's Deluxe Phantom 45 Liter Dual Wing Motion Sensor Trash Can if you're thinking of adding touch-free tools and features to your kitchen. Made of stainless steel, the no-touch bin has an extremely sensitive sensor that reacts without delay to a range of motion. Additionally, the dual-wing lid opens smoothly. Reviewers also like that the can has a decent capacity and doesn't take up too much space. You can even switch the bin to manual mode, but you'll have to press a button to open the lid each time. Either way, keep in mind that you'll have to buy six AA batteries to use the can like this.

This bin has over 1,400 reviews on Costco and has been awarded over 73% 5 stars. This brings its average star rating to 4.4, helping it snag the eighth position on our list. Relaying why they like the product, one user stated, "There is a sturdy liner basket and a removable tray at the bottom that the liner sits into. Quiet, reliable operation with a "COUNTDOWN TIMER pattern" with flashing lights decreasing in number to let you know when the lid will close ... Also, the batteries are well protected from moisture with a "rubber seal" around the insertion divot." Still, be warned that the motion sensor is extremely sensitive, with another reviewer saying it got triggered easily, so they had to switch to manual mode.

While a lot of motion sensor trash cans rely on single-use batteries, customers mention that Kohler's 48 Liter Motion Sensor Trash Can's rechargeable feature sets it apart. And, according to user reviews, the bin can last weeks on a single charge (the exact number of days will depend on your usage). Moreover, the battery or port aren't bulky; they're slim and barely visible. For the lid to open, you need to wave your hand over the sensor. In case you'd like it to remain open while you grab more trash, the unit sports a "stay-open" button that prevents the lid from closing prematurely. The opposite is possible, too. Further, Kohler provides a warranty of five years on the sensor.

Placing seventh overall, this trash can has an average star rating of 4.6 out of over 1,000 reviews, courtesy of about 82% reviewers giving it 5 stars. Liking the convenience of this rechargeable trash can, one user said, "My 7-year-old motion sensor trash can started burning through batteries every week. I wanted to replace it with a rechargeable option. No more swapping out batteries. There's an outlet right behind my can. When the low battery light comes on, I just plug it in for a few hours and keep right on going." 

Though a tad smaller than the previous models on this list, Kohler's 47 Liter Step Trash Bin might help you make your space more pet-friendly. Several reviewers have mentioned that their pets had trouble getting into this 15.5-pound can. Even large, mischievous dogs and smart cats had a hard time opening the lid on their own since it sits flush with the bottom. This design element also keeps the trash can safe from incessant tail wags and nose thumps. Plus, reviewers like that the bin's stainless steel exterior doesn't look scratched or dented after their pets have had a go at it. This manual unit also comes with a 10-year warranty from the brand.

With over 950 reviews, this Kohler unit has an average star rating of 4.6 and over 84% 5-star reviews. This is why we placed it sixth on the list. Satisfied with the trash can, a customer noted, "So far the quality has been amazing for the price and perfect for keeping my large dog out of the trash! Our old trash can, he was able to push the lid open with his nose, and this one has managed to outsmart him as the lid is flush ... Now hopefully he doesn't figure out how to use the pedal! Overall, it's a win for me so far!" But a few customers mentioned that the pedal wears out after a while, forcing you to lift the lid manually.

Kohler's 6 Liter Step Trash Can is ideal for small spaces like water closets, powder bathrooms, guest rooms, or a home office. It has a capacity of 1.6 gallons and can fit in most plastic grocery bags, so you don't have to worry about getting small trash bags. Even if some are a bit large, the removable inner liner has built-in tabs to keep the bags in place. You get two units in a pack, with each enjoying a warranty of 10 years.

Although this Kohler model has only about 300 reviews to its name, over 82% of customers awarded it 5 stars. This brings its average star rating to 4.7, allowing it to stand in fifth place. Sharing the reasons why they like this can, one user said, "These two trash cans fit neatly in our bathroom and "commode closet." They look tidy and provide a quietly closing lid. They are designed so that the lid doesn't hit the wall when you open it with the foot pedal. They are small enough to blend in unobtrusively but large enough to fulfill their purpose." According to other reviews, however, make sure you place a trash bag in before using the cans, or the inner plastic liner will start to smell.

Simplehuman's 58 Liter Dual Compartment Step Can features two distinct sides to help you sort your trash and recycling in a single receptacle. This is the primary reason we ranked it fourth and why people are going crazy for this Costco trash can. The left side comes with a recycling logo and a blue inner bucket made from post-consumer recycled plastic. The right side is for your regular trash and doesn't have any plastic liners, so you'll have to insert trash bags to keep it from getting dirty. There's an exterior pocket, too, where you can store your pack of garbage bags. That being said, remember that the whole bin isn't made of stainless steel, as the lid is plastic. Also, only Costco members can purchase this brand's cans.

With close to 900 reviews, this dual-compartment trash can has an average star rating of 4.6, thanks to 83% (approx.) of reviewers giving it 5 stars. Praising the bin, one user explained: "Exactly what I needed for trash and recycling in my kitchen. I'm single but my adult daughter comes to dinner often. I appreciate the handle on the recycle bin and the attached trash bag that are accessible from the inside. The can does not wobble when you step on the opener. Perfect for my kitchen!" However, someone mentioned that their can's hinge broke after a while, and they had to deal with customer service bots that kept rejecting their claims.

Coming in third, Simplehuman's 55 Liter Rectangular Step Can is different from the other bins on this list because it doesn't come with an inner bucket. This opens up the space inside the receptacle and boosts its capacity by about 25% (according to the manufacturer). To ensure your trash bags stay in place, this model has a liner rim around the top of the can. The brand also claims that your bags will remain out of sight, given the overhanging plastic lid. But, if you invest in this unit, be prepared to purchase large bags since the standard 13-gallon ones will be too small for this can.

More than 300 users have reviewed this can, out of which over 84% have given it 5 stars. Due to this, it has an average star rating of 4.7. Happy with the bin's spaciousness, one customer wrote, "Nice and big. Well made. Very solid, and we like the onboard air freshener too. For a large family, this Simple Human trash can is great. You're not emptying the trash all the time. Only downside is the bag size "Q" is not standard and easily available at the grocery or big box store." Other reviewers suggest that you get 18-gallon heavy-duty bags to avoid confusion. However, they cost more than the standard 13-gallon ones and will impact your household budget. So, consider this before purchasing the bin.

Simplehuman's 45 Liter Semi Round Sensor Can snagged the second spot on our list because of its highly responsive motion sensor. Reviewers state that you can either stand in front of it or wave your hand over the adaptive sensor for the lid to open. But this isn't their favorite part. They like that the lid stays open as long as they remain standing before the bin. And after they walk away, it shuts down slowly once a few seconds have passed. The unit also uses batteries, but they last a good while before needing to be replaced. Further, buyers appreciate the convenience of liner storage within the bin.

Having received over 150 reviews, the can has an average star rating of 4.7, with about 87% users giving it 5 stars. Lauding the motion sensor bin, a reviewer explained, "The best garbage can we have ever had, worth every penny. It has a wide opening that stays open as long as you are in front of it, [and] doesn't close at the wrong time like the other one." However, other users warn you shouldn't rely on Simplehuman bags since they tend to rip easily if they get caught on the holder, leading to a messy situation. So, always line the can with heavy-duty bags.

Simplehuman is one of the best kitchen trash can brands you can buy from. And its 10 Liter Butterfly Step Bin has earned the top spot on our list due to its unique design. The slim, stainless steel unit has a split lid that opens up like a butterfly's wings when you press on the foot pedal. Plus, the brand's patented lid shox technology means that the lids don't slam shut unceremoniously. The manufacturer even offers a 10-year warranty and notes that the pedal is tested to endure more than 150,000 steps over its lifetime. However, it has a small capacity, so it's best for either a small family or for use in spaces that don't generate a lot of trash (think guest rooms, home offices, and bathrooms). Otherwise, you'll have to empty it almost daily.

With close to 70 reviews, this Simplehuman model has an average star rating of 4.9 since about 92% of reviewers have given it 5 stars. Detailing their reasons for liking this bin, one customer gushed, "This garbage can has an innovative design with the quiet closing clamshell lid design. The quiet closing feature is nice when you do not want to startle your partner in the middle of the night! The overall quality appears to be quite good. The design is nice, at least for a garbage can." Despite the unique design, a few users relay that it takes a while to get used to. Another said that since the lid closes in slow motion, flies found their way into the can.

Costco only retails 11 trash cans from three brands, including Kohler, Simplehuman, and Eko. As such, we didn't have to shortlist the bins featured on this list. But to ensure we ranked them per their usefulness, we went through the customer reviews of each and paid attention to their average star rating as well as the percentage of 5-star reviews.