Hands-free function and a lot more. Check out these picks for the best motion sensor trash can for your home.
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5 Best Motion Sensor Trash Cans
Updated on Nov. 21, 2024
Motion sensor trash cans may seem luxurious, but they are actually quite practical. They open and close automatically, keeping germs and related schmutz off your hands. Those with mobility problems may find the automatic feature more convenient than foot-operated models. Motion sensor trash cans make using your handiest trash can tricks and hacks easier than ever before—hygienically.
Some feature enhanced odor control thanks to sealing lids that keep stinky garbage can woes at bay. Some even have filters and air-cleaning technology that eliminate garbage odor. Others operate by voice command controls. If you’re considering a motion sensor trash can for your home, here are our favorites.
Mary Henn/Family Handyman
Best Overall
Simplehuman Motion Sensor Trash Can
The Simplehuman trash can combines style and function, setting it apart from other options. It has a sleek, modern half-circle shape and it comes in two colors: Matte black and brushed stainless steel. It holds about 12 gallons of garbage.
I tested the Simplehuman trash can for myself, and while certainly stylish, it also has all the features I look for in a motion sensor can: Smooth, quiet operation, an odor eliminator and a built-in pocket that holds and dispenses your garbage bags. I love how easily activated the motion sensor is on this can, too. It makes throwing away garbage a breeze, especially after handling raw meats or fish and avoiding cross-contamination.
This sleek, hands-free option makes pull-out trash cans under kitchen sinks seem just about obsolete, and fits into any modern kitchen.
Pros
- Stylish, modern design that seems like it belongs in a five-star hotel
- Quiet operation
- Available in two colors and finishes
- Modern half-circle shape
- Built-in garbage bag dispenser
- Optional attachment for odor-eliminating pods
- Batteries included
Cons
- Expensive, though reviewers say it’s “worth the price”
On Sale
Family Handyman
Best Amazon Find
iTouchless SensorCan Kitchen Trash Can
For those who looking for an Amazon option with odor-eliminating technology, the 13-gallon iTouchless SensorCan trash can has a built-in odor filter that uses activated carbon to absorb and neutralize unpleasant scents. This one comes in several colors and shapes, and it runs on batteries.
With over 65,000 ratings, this Amazon pick stands out for its reasonable price point, odor control system and overall design. And if you hate the cost and disposal of batteries, then you can get the option that comes with an adapter.
Pros
- Activated carbon filter reduces odors
- Opens with the wave of a hand
- Runs on batteries or optional adapter
- Multiple color and shape options
- Wide opening
Cons
- Batteries not included
Family Handyman
Best Budget
Mainstays Motion Sensor Kitchen Trash Can
The Mainstays Motion Sensor Kitchen Trash Can is one of the least expensive options on the market. And you won’t have to sacrifice looks for the low price point, either. This one is similar in appearance to the two options above.
The Mainstays garbage can is a quality product with high ratings. Plus, it comes in four finishes and has a 13-gallon capacity. It uses infrared technology to open when you wave your hand over the lid. While it is battery-operated, you can switch it to manual opening if needed.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Multiple color options
- Can be operated manually
- Infrared technology helps preserve battery life
Cons
- No odor-eliminating technology
- Batteries not included
On Sale
Via Merchant
Best Large-Capacity
Glad Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection
This Glad touchless metal trash can is another Amazon option, and it has an impressive 20-gallon capacity. The lid opens automatically with the motion of the hand above the sensor and closes automatically after five seconds. Plus, LED lights count down the seconds you have left until closing!
Clorox odor protection inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria within the can, and like the Simplehuman can, it has a rear bag compartment for storing and dispensing extra trash bags. While this isn’t an inexpensive option, it has nearly 5,000 ratings with a high 4.5-star average on Amazon.
Five-star reviewer Aimee H. says, “I absolutely love these trash cans to the point I refuse to live without them… They do use a lot of batteries to run so we opted to purchase rechargeable batteries and just swap them out when needed.”
Pros
- 20-gallon capacity
- Clorox odor protection
- Rear bag compartment
- Bag rings keep trash bags neatly in place
Cons
- A little pricey
Via Merchant
Best for Bathrooms
Elpheco Motion Sensor Bathroom Trash Can
Perhaps the most overlooked, yet practical place for a motion sensor trash can is your bathroom. Keep things ultra-hygienic with this 2-1/2-gallon motion sensor trash can that fits snuggly beside the toilet.
The Elpheco trash can comes in two colors: White and grey, and it runs on just two AA batteries. The motion sensor technology on this can is waterproof, so splashes and moisture won’t damage it. We love that this one is the perfect, slender size to squeeze between a toilet and wall, under a desk or in a dorm room. This one has a manual button feature as well, should you need it.
Pros
- Slender, compact size
- Waterproof motion sensor
- Manual feature
- Intelligent, pet-proof sensing
Cons
- No black or stainless-steel option
