Best Combo Trash and Recycling Bins for Organized Kitchens
The best combo trash and recycling bin depends on how much waste your household produces and whether you want equal or separate-sized compartments. The Lovewind 2×13-gallon model suits households needing maximum balanced capacity; its 13+6-gallon sibling is better for homes that produce more trash than recycling. Smaller kitchens may prefer the DUMOS or Amazon Basics models, while the EKO offers a step pedal and color-coded bins.
| Bin | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lovewind 2×13-Gallon | 26 gallons | High-volume, evenly split sorting |
| Lovewind 13+6-Gallon | 19 gallons | More trash than recycling |
| DUMOS Dual Bin | 2×8 gallons | Smaller households and hands-free opening |
| Amazon Basics Dual Bin | 15.9 gallons | Compact, straightforward sorting |
| EKO EcoCasa II | 15.8 gallons | Step-pedal use and color-coded bins |
Lovewind 2×13-Gallon Dual Bin
Best for: Large households that want equal space for garbage and recycling. Two 13-gallon compartments provide 26 gallons of total capacity, and the product is designed for standard 13-gallon bags.
The brushed stainless-steel exterior has a smudge-resistant finish, while removable PP inner buckets have built-in handles for lifting and emptying. A soft-close hydraulic lid is intended to close quietly, and two magnetic stickers help identify the compartments. This is the highest-capacity balanced option in this selection.
Consider: The two compartments are the same size, so this layout may be less suitable if your household produces substantially more trash than recycling.
Lovewind 13+6-Gallon Combo Bin
Best for: Families that need a full-size trash compartment but a smaller recycling section. The bin divides 19 gallons into a 13-gallon garbage side and a 6-gallon recycling side.
Lovewind lists room for large pizza boxes and family-sized food containers in the main compartment. The smaller side is intended for paper, plastic, or glass. Two removable PP buckets have built-in handles, and the brushed stainless-steel body is described as rust-resistant and smudge-proof. Its soft-close lid and included magnetic labels make the two sections easier to use and identify.
Consider: The 6-gallon recycling compartment may need more frequent emptying in homes that collect a lot of bottles, cans, or packaging.
DUMOS 2×8-Gallon Step Bin
Best for: Buyers who want foot-pedal opening and two equal compartments without choosing a larger-capacity bin. The two 8-gallon buckets provide separate spaces for waste and recyclables.
The DUMOS has a fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel exterior, two removable inner buckets, and a soft-close lid. Its pedals allow hands-free opening, which can be useful when handling food or other waste. The product description also notes plastic inner buckets and pedals made with stainless-steel and plastic components.
Consider: At 16 gallons total, its capacity is lower than the 19- and 26-gallon Lovewind options, so it may require more frequent emptying for a busy household.
Amazon Basics 60-Liter Dual Bin
Best for: Buyers seeking a simple rectangular combo bin with removable liners. It has two 7.9-gallon interior plastic bins and 15.9 gallons of combined capacity.
Handles on the removable liners help with taking waste out and emptying the compartments. The product also lists a soft-close lid and fingerprint-resistant finish. Its equal-sized sections offer a straightforward arrangement for separating trash and recycling.
Consider: Each compartment is smaller than a 13-gallon section, so check whether the individual liner capacity suits your usual bag size and waste volume.
EKO EcoCasa II Dual Bin
Best for: Buyers who prefer a step pedal and color-coded inner bins for sorting. The EcoCasa II has 36-liter and 24-liter compartments, for 60 liters total, or approximately 15.8 gallons.
Its fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel exterior is designed to wipe clean, and the two inner bins are color-coded. EKO lists a stainless-steel pedal designed for more than 200,000 step cycles. The listed dimensions are 20.74 inches wide, 12.68 inches deep, and 25.94 inches high; the height is 37 inches with the lid open.
Consider: This model has less total capacity than the 19- and 26-gallon options. Check the open-lid height and width against your available space before choosing it.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Combo Trash And Recycling Bin
How much capacity do you need?
Start with household size and how often you want to empty the bin. The 26-gallon Lovewind gives both waste streams 13 gallons. The 19-gallon Lovewind assigns more room to trash than recycling. Smaller options, such as the DUMOS and Amazon Basics, may suit tighter spaces or households with less daily waste.
Should the compartments be equal-sized?
Choose equal compartments if you generate similar amounts of trash and recycling. A split design is better when one stream fills faster. Consider the actual capacity of each side, rather than only the combined gallon figure, to avoid routinely overflowing the smaller compartment.
Which opening and liner features matter?
A foot pedal can open a lid without using your hands; the DUMOS and EKO models list this feature. Removable inner buckets make carrying waste out easier, while built-in handles can help with lifting. Check the product’s stated bag fit and compartment size before buying replacement liners.
How should you compare materials and placement?
Stainless-steel exteriors appear across these picks, but listed finishes and features vary. Fingerprint-resistant or smudge-proof surfaces may reduce visible marks. Measure the floor area and lid clearance, especially if placing a bin beneath counters or shelves. Confirm the opening height where relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a combo trash and recycling bin?
It is one container with separate compartments for household garbage and recyclables. The divided design keeps the waste streams together while allowing them to be sorted separately.
Is a 13-gallon compartment large enough for a kitchen?
A 13-gallon compartment is the size listed for standard kitchen bags in some products here. Whether it is sufficient depends on household waste volume and how often you empty it.
Are equal-sized compartments always better?
No. Equal sections suit households producing similar amounts of trash and recycling. A split-capacity bin can be a better fit when one category fills faster.
What should I measure before buying?
Measure the spot’s width and depth, then check the bin’s listed dimensions and the clearance needed to open its lid. Also compare the capacity of each compartment with your routine waste volume.