13 IKEA Trash Cans, Ranked Worst To Best According To Reviews

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

IKEA is known for its affordable-yet-elevated basics, even in product categories as unglamorous as trash cans. However, not all bins are created equal, even from this reputable brand. Anyone who's had to deal with a flimsy lid or stubborn pedal knows the value of buying a quality garbage bin from the outset. To help you pick the right one, we've researched IKEA's most popular trash cans — from compact bathroom bins to full-size kitchen workhorses — and ranked them from worst to best, according to reviews. 

To choose these products, we combed through customer feedback to evaluate IKEA's most highly rated trash cans. There are currently fewer than 30 options in stock on IKEA's website, and even fewer with enough reviews to fairly judge the product. In this case, we chose products with at least 25 reviews (many had hundreds) to offer a snapshot of how shoppers feel about the item's real-world performance. We've included more information on our methodology at the end of this article. 

Most of the trash cans on this list are decent options since the majority of IKEA's in-stock garbage bins have good reviews. This list starts with the mediocre models that aren't worth buying, goes on to show some satisfactory options that might suit your needs, and concludes with the brand's top-rated waste bins.

With a 3-star overall rating based on 25 reviews, Ikea's HÄCKSAX step trash can is the worst option on our list. It's a plastic bin with a pedal-operated opening mechanism, available in a 2-gallon or 3-gallon size. It looks basic enough, so what could go wrong? This trash can simply misses the mark on both quality and usability.

Some reviewers complain about receiving bins with faulty pedal mechanisms or other broken components. Several say that even when the opening mechanism works, the extremely lightweight construction makes it hard to depress the pedal without the bin sliding around. Although it is fairly affordable at $14.99 (or $12.99 for the 2-gallon version), the fact that many couldn't use it as a pedal bin — instead having to manually lift the lid each time they wanted to use it — means it's not worth its price. 

The KNÖCKLA step trash can is fairly well-rated, with a 4.1-star rating based on more than 700 reviews. However, IKEA offers plenty of bins that have more positive feedback, so you're likely to find a stronger option on this list. This product is a large plastic step trash can, available in a 7-gallon or 13-gallon size. The 7-gallon option contains two inner bins, making it easier to separate waste, but this feature is lacking from the 13-gallon can.

The negative reviews are typically aimed at the larger bin, with many customers commenting that it is too large to fit most standard 13-gallon trash bags, despite being advertised as a 13-gallon can. Several say the bag breaks when they try to fit it around the wide opening, and some comments suggest switching to a larger bag. A few reviewers complain that the pedal or lid latch broke, rendering it useless as a foot-operated trash can. 

It costs $44.99 (or $37.99 for the smaller option), so it's notably more expensive than the HÄCKSAX step trash can above, and it's really not worth the price if you can't operate it as intended. Considering you can get a similar but better-rated 13-gallon trash can elsewhere for less money — like the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can – the KNÖCKLA is one to avoid.

The HÖLASS bin with lid is a decently rated product, with 4.3 stars from over 650 reviews. It's a cheap, 2-gallon plastic bin, and the miniature size makes it ideal for bathrooms or bedrooms. Costing only $3.99, it's hard to beat the price if you're after a small and simple lidded garbage bin.

Happy reviewers agree that while it's not the best quality bin, it can still be a worthwhile purchase if you're on a budget. They say that it's basic, but it gets the job done for a nearly unbeatable price. Negative reviews tend to mention issues with the lid, saying that it comes off too easily and doesn't keep their garbage bags in place. Despite those complaints, its size and price make it a suitable pick for many shoppers.

Now, let's take a look at products with stronger review scores with total star ratings of 4.4 or higher. The LÖVKVAST bin with lid has a 4.4-star rating from more than 150 reviews, and it comes at a decent price, at $24.99 for a 13-gallon bin. It's made of plastic and doesn't have a foot pedal, so you have to open it by hand, but it's cheap and a suitable size for many kitchens.

Reviewers are generally happy with the value this trash can provides, saying that it's sturdy and offers the ideal capacity for their needs. Like the HÖLASS trash can, which has a very similar design, this is another bin that's garnered negative reviews from customers claiming it has a loose lid. These reviews complain that the lid falls off easily, which is not ideal for a kitchen garbage bin. With this in mind, we think this is another product that's just "okay." The capacity and reasonable price mean it might be a good pick for some people, but there are superior products ahead.

The HÅLLBAR pull-out recycling solution is a recycling bin, but it can also be repurposed for garbage use. It has a decent rating of 4.4 stars from a total of 500 reviews. This product features a compact plastic bin on a pull-out frame, making it an excellent option for those with small kitchens that are tight on space. It fits well in most kitchen cabinets, and it's easy to pull the holder out and push it back in. However, the design won't be suitable for everyone, which is why it sits in the middle of our list.

It's worth noting that the 6-gallon version of this bin has a wide mouth, but the bin itself is fairly short, so it might be hard finding garbage bags that fit properly. Users may have to buy larger bags that fit over the ring, although it might not be possible to fill the bag completely, as the bin isn't deep enough. A few reviewers note they've found it difficult to source bags that work well. This seems to be less of a problem with the 5-gallon system, which consists of two smaller bins. Many agree this product is still reasonably priced (under $47.97 for the 5-gallon and $42.98 for the 6-gallon) for a clever, space-saving waste solution. Its dimensions let you take advantage of the depth of kitchen cabinets without taking up the entire height like many other pull-out kitchen garbage bins.

The KNODD bin with lid is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing bin on this list so far. It's also the first metal bin, so it's a good one to consider if you don't want a plastic model. With 4.5 stars from over 1600 reviews, it comes highly recommended from shoppers. The lidded design is simple but decorative, and it's less of an eyesore than the previous plasticky products on this list.

Happy reviewers say it looks charming while remaining functional, and while it works great for trash, it can also be used for storage. It's only 4 gallons, so the small size might not cut it if you're looking for a primary kitchen trash can, but it can work well in a home office or bathroom. Negative reviews are mainly a result of the product arriving damaged — something that's frustrating but easy to rectify with IKEA's flexible return policy. Additionally, a few reviewers say the lid doesn't fit snugly or create a proper seal, but IKEA doesn't actually claim it should, so this is more of a case of misaligned expectations rather than poor product design.

The BROGRUND touch top trash can is a sleek little bin that's perfect for minimalist spaces. Designed for bathrooms, it's very small with a 1-gallon capacity. This is another metal bin, available in a black finish or stainless steel. It's slim with notably curved edges and has a convenient touch-top lid that both looks and feels modern. The bin can also be wall-mounted, which makes it look extra stylish and can make it easier to clean underneath.

Appearance seems to go a long way here, earning this product a 4.6 rating from over 1,100 reviews. Most reviews say the bin looks good and functions well. However, a few unhappy customers say the opening mechanism is too flimsy and that the lid stopped working eventually.

The HÅLLBAR bin with lid is a standalone container that also forms part of the HÅLLBAR pull-out recycling solution listed above. This bin comes in a few sizes: 101 ounces, 3 gallons, 6 gallons, and 9 gallons. The product is highly rated by shoppers, with a 4.6-star rating overall from over 4400 reviews. Positive reviews highlight its versatility, with customers using it as a garbage can, compost bin, recycling receptacle, or a container to store pet kibble.

A notable feature that's mentioned in reviews is the hinged lid — you can open the entire thing or just the front section, depending on how big of an opening you need. One reviewer calls it the perfect trash can, writing, "The hatch door on the lid is a great idea. The trash has a secure lid and anything stinky is contained." However, a few negative reviews note that the hinges can be problematic, with customers saying the lid can be difficult to install and finicky to remove for cleaning once it's clicked into place.

The DRÖNJÖNS wastepaper basket is a great example of those sleek, basic products that IKEA does so well. It's a white metal mesh wastepaper basket, and the classic style is great for home and work offices. The felt pads underneath are also a nice little addition that can help prevent scratches on hard flooring.

With a rating of 4.7 stars from over 500 reviews, buyers appreciate the durability of this no-frills product. One 5-star review states, "I like this basket even more than I expected. It is nice and sturdy and is a good size — on the large size. It is made well." Several reviewers also note its aesthetically pleasing design, with the square shape and indented sides adding a touch of style that sets it above your standard metal mesh bin.

The GÅRDSBUTIK bin with lid looks nothing like a regular trash can, and that's exactly what makes it stand out. This multi-purpose IKEA product has uses that don't involve trash. However, it still works best as a garbage can that isn't an eyesore. The 6-gallon container is designed to be mounted on the wall, and the bin itself hinges open, so it looks more like one of IKEA's wall-mounted shoe storage units than a garbage receptacle. The top section also doubles up as a shelf where you can place small items — not a typical feature of trash cans.

With 4.8 stars from over 250 reviews, this bin is very highly rated. Happy customers love its high-end appearance and modern style. Reviewers praise its functionality and the fact that it hides trash well without taking up floor space. Several reviews mention that it's a stellar choice for smaller kitchens and apartments. One 5-star reviewer sums up the general sentiment surrounding this product, saying it's "Easy to hang, looks unassuming, provides space on top if needed, [and] the bin itself is extremely easy to pull out when taking the trash out ... the GÅRDSBUTIK is the harbinger of doom for small wobbly annoying trash cans that take up floor space."

The FARMARKVAST compost bin is a bit of a departure from the rest of the products on this list. It's a countertop compost bin, meaning it's the smallest we're featuring. With a 4.8-star rating based on over 350 reviews, it's well-liked by shoppers and comes highly recommended. It's easy to see why: based on appearances, it has a pleasant, minimalist look that's typical of IKEA. The container is made from plastic, has a carrying handle, and boasts a creative lid design with a handle that can hang over the edge of the bin.

One pleased review simply says, "Great little compost bin. Looks good on [the] counter and [is] easy to use and clean." An interior bag isn't needed either — between the rounded design and smooth plastic material, any grime washes right out. Several reviewers say that it does a good job of containing the smell of food waste, though one review mentions that due to the plastic material and lack of an air vent, the inside of the bin can trap odors. If that's bothersome (it can happen with any trash can), there are effective ways to clean and deodorize trash cans.

The DAMMÄNG bin with lid is another fashionable IKEA pick that looks much more elegant than a typical trash can. This is another recycling bin that can also be repurposed for garbage. It's available in three sizes: a small 2-gallon bin, a medium 7-gallon bin, and a large 13-gallon bin. Each size is a different color, and if you purchase more than one, they stack together nicely, so you can use them for waste management or storage.

Reviewers rate this product 4.8 stars overall, based on over 500 reviews. They like the useful handles, varied size options, and the general aesthetic of these bins. The 13-gallon option is rather wide and short, so it can be hard to find garbage bags that fit perfectly inside, but this is less of a concern with the smaller sizes since they have a taller design. 

Even with the irregular shape of the 13-gallon bins, some reviewers say it's a worthwhile trade-off. The slim design lets you slide the bin into narrow spaces where a typical trash can won't fit, while still offering a large capacity. As one customer explains, "I like that it is tall and oval (rather than a rounded shape) as it seems to be taking less floor space that way. The fluted design is nice, too."

The FNISS trash can is an IKEA best-seller, and it's not hard to see why. It's incredibly affordable, so it's no surprise that it's ended up in thousands of shoppers' carts. It has nearly 3,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating overall. It's essentially just a simple plastic wastebasket — available in black or white — with a 3-gallon capacity.

The greatest strength of this product is the small details that elevate it from dollar store offerings (at $1.99, the dollar store is probably the only other place you'll find wastebaskets for a similar price). It has that added touch of IKEA style and quality, with ridges along the exterior and a sturdy-feeling plastic construction. Positive reviewers call it nice-looking and functional, saying there's really no room to complain, since it costs so little. It's even durable enough to hack into a patio plant pot.

There aren't many negative reviews, but the handful that do exist say this bin is not the most stylish pick and that the narrow, lightweight design makes it easy to tip over. It's not perfect, but as one reviewer says, "We have these all over the house and can always seem to use more. They're very handy as organizational bins as well as trash. Every house needs some." It might not end up as your main bin, but at just $2, it's a cheap IKEA home essential that we can confidently recommend for any home. If you love the price but don't love the look of the trash can, you can repurpose some thrift store finds to hide it.

The products on this list are from the trash cans and waste baskets category on the IKEA website. To narrow down the products for this list, we excluded any "Last Chance" items and ones that were out of stock for delivery. We also eliminated any products with fewer than 25 reviews. Most of the bins have hundreds of reviews, which gave us a good idea of how shoppers found the cans performed in real-world kitchens and bathrooms. We included the pros and cons of each choice, based on these online reviews.