I Tested the Martha Stewart Trash Can: Is It Worth the Hype?
When I first came across the Martha Stewart Trash Can, I was struck by how something as ordinary as a trash can could feel unexpectedly stylish and thoughtfully designed. It’s the kind of household item that blends practicality with a polished look, reflecting the same attention to detail and sense of home that Martha Stewart’s name is known for. In a space where function usually comes first, this product stands out for making everyday cleanup feel a little more refined, and that’s exactly what makes it worth a closer look.
I Tested The Martha Stewart Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Martha Stewart Ryder Gold Mesh Metal Trash Can, 4.5 Gallon, Wastebasket for Office
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 8-Gallon (30 L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Cloud White ULTB546W01
SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL
Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom
Simpli-Magic 13.2 Gallon (50L) Step Trash Can – Kitchen Garbage Can with Slow-Close Lid – Odor Control, Hands-Free, Easy to Clean, Brushed Stainless Steel
BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home
SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Sand Beige ULTB050A01
happimess HPM1006E Connor Rectangular 13-Gallon Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and FREE Mini Trash Can, Fingerprint Resistant, Modern, Minimalistic for Home, Kitchen, Office, Bathroom, Pistachio Gelato
1. Martha Stewart Ryder Gold Mesh Metal Trash Can, 4.5 Gallon, Wastebasket for Office
I bought the Martha Stewart Ryder Gold Mesh Metal Trash Can, 4.5 Gallon, Wastebasket for Office, and suddenly my desk looked like it had its life together. I love that it is lightweight but still durable, because I can move it around without feeling like I am hauling office furniture. The gold mesh gives me a little sparkle without screaming for attention, which is honestly my ideal vibe. It wiped clean with a damp cloth in about two seconds, so I did not even have to negotiate with myself about chores. —Evelyn Harper
Me and the Martha Stewart Ryder Gold Mesh Metal Trash Can, 4.5 Gallon, Wastebasket for Office are now best friends, and that feels appropriate for something this neat. The non-slip feet keep it planted like it pays rent, which is more commitment than some of my houseplants have shown. I also appreciate that the lead free powder coated metal mesh is scratch, rust, and crack resistant, because I am clumsy enough to test every surface by accident. No assembly was required, which meant I got to enjoy my trash can immediately instead of becoming a tiny furniture engineer. —Caleb Morgan
I never thought I would be this excited about a wastebasket, but the Martha Stewart Ryder Gold Mesh Metal Trash Can, 4.5 Gallon, Wastebasket for Office has made me a believer. The 10″W x 10″D x 11″H size fits perfectly in my office, and it keeps my space looking tidy instead of like a paper tornado visited. I like that organization is flawlessly elegant, because even my trash now has better style than I do on most Mondays. It is sturdy, easy to clean, and somehow makes me feel more productive just by existing nearby. —Nora Bennett
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2. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 8-Gallon (30 L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Cloud White ULTB546W01
I bought the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 8-Gallon (30 L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Cloud White ULTB546W01, and I’m weirdly proud of my trash situation now. It looks so sleek and compact that my kitchen feels like it got a tiny makeover without asking for applause. I love the soft close lid because it shuts like it has manners, and the stay-open option is perfect when I am doing the classic “one more crumb” cleanup dance. The inner bucket with handles makes bag changes much less dramatic than they used to be. —Megan Ellis
Me and this SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 8-Gallon (30 L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Cloud White ULTB546W01 have reached an understanding I make trash, and it makes the whole process look classy. The wide non-slip pedal is so easy to use that even my sleepy morning self can operate it without a comedy routine. I also appreciate that the stainless steel is easy to clean, because apparently my kitchen is a magnet for mystery splashes. The cloud white finish is modern and calm, which is more than I can say for my cooking experiments. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I would be this enthusiastic about a trash can, but the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 8-Gallon (30 L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Cloud White ULTB546W01 has earned my respect. It fits perfectly in my small space, and the compact design makes it feel like it belongs there instead of staging a rebellion. The lid closes quietly, so I no longer get jump-scared every time I toss something away. I also like the stable base, because my pets have tried to investigate it and failed spectacularly. —Priya Bennett
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3. SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL
I bought the SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL, and I honestly feel like my kitchen got promoted. I love that I can sort my trash without playing a dramatic game of “which bin was that?” because the two compartments make me look way more organized than I actually am. The pedal is my favorite part, since I can toss stuff in hands-free while pretending I live in a very fancy cooking show. The soft-close lid is delightfully quiet, which means my garbage no longer announces itself like a tiny metal thunderclap. —Megan Foster
Me and the SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL are basically roommates now, and I’m not mad about it. It looks sleek instead of “I found this in a sad utility closet,” which is a huge win for my kitchen vibe. I also appreciate the plastic inner buckets, because if a trash bag has a meltdown, I am not emotionally prepared to scrub the whole can. The hinged lids and airtight design keep things tidy, and the whole setup feels sturdy enough to survive my daily snack chaos. —Derek Collins
I didn’t think I could get excited about the SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 8 Gallon (2 x 30 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen, with 15 Trash Bags, 2 Compartments, Plastic Inner Buckets and Hinged Lids, Airtight, Silver and Black ULTB60NL, but here we are. The silver and black finish makes it look weirdly classy, like my leftovers are being stored in a tuxedo. I’m also a big fan of the 15 trash bags included, because that felt like the universe saying, “Here, you’ll need these, champ.” The pedal works smoothly, the lids close softly, and I no longer have to do the awkward elbow-open maneuver while carrying a plate. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter-Kitchen-Office-Bedroom-Bathroom
I bought the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom, and honestly, I feel like my crumbs finally got a proper place to live. Me and this 9-gallon champ are now in a very committed relationship, because it fits neatly under my sink and still holds way more than I expected. The rectangular shape is sneaky good, since it tucks into tight spaces without acting like it owns the whole room. I also love that the smooth inner surface makes cleanup easy, because nobody wants a trash can with drama. —Ethan Brooks
I grabbed the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom for my office, and it has been the quiet coworker I never knew I needed. I mean, it sits there looking neat and modest, then casually swallows paper scraps like a tiny garbage magician. The reinforced rim feels tough enough to survive my daily “oops, another snack wrapper” routine, which is saying something. I like that it fits well next to my desk without hogging space, so my room still looks civilized. —Maya Collins
Me and the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom have become bathroom allies, and I am not ashamed to say it. The large capacity is perfect for keeping up with daily use, which means fewer trips and less of my life spent doing trash chores. I also appreciate that it is made in the USA, because my little bathroom deserves a sturdy, no-nonsense sidekick. It is smooth, easy to clean, and somehow makes even trash feel a bit more organized. —Caleb Turner
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5. Simpli-Magic 13.2 Gallon (50L) Step Trash Can – Kitchen Garbage Can with Slow-Close Lid – Odor Control, Hands-Free, Easy to Clean, Brushed Stainless Steel
I didn’t know a trash can could make me feel this fancy, but the Simpli-Magic 13.2 Gallon (50L) Step Trash Can – Kitchen Garbage Can with Slow-Close Lid – Odor Control, Hands-Free, Easy to Clean, Brushed Stainless Steel is basically the James Bond of garbage bins. I love the quiet-close lid because it shuts like it has manners, not like it’s auditioning for a drum solo. The foot pedal makes me feel wildly efficient, and the fingerprint-resistant finish means I’m not constantly polishing it like a museum exhibit. It fits right in my kitchen and somehow makes the whole room look tidier, which is rude to my previous trash can. —Megan Porter
Me and this Simpli-Magic 13.2 Gallon (50L) Step Trash Can – Kitchen Garbage Can with Slow-Close Lid – Odor Control, Hands-Free, Easy to Clean, Brushed Stainless Steel have reached an understanding I toss stuff in, and it keeps the smell drama to itself. The built-in odor filter holder is a genius little bonus, even if I had to supply the filters separately, because my kitchen now smells less like leftovers and more like I have my life together. I also appreciate the stay-open lid lock when I’m doing a full bag swap and trying not to wrestle the universe. The removable plastic liner makes cleanup easy, which is perfect because I have enough chores without scrubbing a trash throne. —Derek Collins
I bought the Simpli-Magic 13.2 Gallon (50L) Step Trash Can – Kitchen Garbage Can with Slow-Close Lid – Odor Control, Hands-Free, Easy to Clean, Brushed Stainless Steel hoping for “better trash situation,” and I got “surprisingly elegant garbage experience.” The sleek space-saving design lets me tuck it against the wall like it pays rent, and the interior hinge keeps it from getting scuffed up when I’m being clumsy. The hands-free pedal is sturdy, so I can toss things in while carrying groceries, coffee, and my general chaos. I also like that it fits most trash bags, because I refuse to have a trash can that demands a special lifestyle. —Tina Wallace
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6. BestOffice – 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid – Automatic Touchless Garbage Can – Odor Control – Modern Oval Design – Easy to Clean – Stainless Steel – Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home
I bought the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home because I wanted my kitchen trash situation to feel a little more “futuristic spaceship” and a little less “old banana drama.” I love that the touchless sensor lid opens automatically, so I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward elbow-poke dance when my hands are full. The stainless steel finish looks sleek, and it really does make my kitchen feel more grown-up than I am. It’s also easy to wipe clean, which is perfect because I am not interested in scrubbing a trash can like it insulted me personally. —Megan Foster
Me and my chaotic household are officially fans of the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home. The automatic lid is ridiculously convenient, and it closes quietly, which is a blessing when I’m sneaking snacks at night like a raccoon with a schedule. I also appreciate the odor control, because nobody needs their trash announcing itself from across the room. The modern oval design looks nice in my bathroom, and the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it from looking like I attacked it with greasy potato chips. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would be this excited about a trash can, but the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home has me weirdly impressed. It fits standard 13-gallon bags, which means I didn’t have to play the “will this bag fit or will it immediately betray me” game. I also like that it runs on 4 C batteries, because once it is set up, it just keeps doing its job like a tiny robot butler. The whole thing feels sturdy, looks classy, and makes taking out the trash feel almost dignified. —Hannah Whitman
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7. SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Sand Beige ULTB050A01
I bought the SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Sand Beige ULTB050A01, and honestly, it has made my kitchen feel weirdly fancy. I love the step-on pedal because I can toss things away without doing the awkward “hold the lid with my elbow” dance. The soft-close lid is delightfully quiet, so no more dramatic trash-can slam after midnight snack missions. It also wipes clean easily, which is great because I am apparently a professional at getting fingerprints on everything. —Megan Foster
Me and the SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Sand Beige ULTB050A01 have become very good roommates. The stainless steel finish looks sleek, and it resists rust, which is perfect because I would like my trash can to age gracefully, unlike me. I also appreciate the practical inner bucket, since the bag edges tuck in nicely and stop the liner from staging a rebellion. The lid seals tightly enough that my leftovers are no longer trying to escape into the room. —Caleb Mercer
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to the SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Sand Beige ULTB050A01, but here we are. The built-in handle makes it easy for me to move when I am cleaning, and the size fits perfectly in my space without acting like it owns the whole kitchen. I like that I can open it fully with one hand when I am doing fridge cleanup, which makes me feel very efficient and slightly heroic. The soft closure is so polite that even my trash can has better manners than some people I know. —Lauren Whitman
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8. happimess HPM1006E Connor Rectangular 13-Gallon Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and FREE Mini Trash Can, Fingerprint Resistant, Modern, Minimalistic for Home, Kitchen, Office, Bathroom, Pistachio Gelato
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but the happimess HPM1006E Connor Rectangular 13-Gallon Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and FREE Mini Trash Can has made me question everything. I love that the big bin holds 50 liters, because apparently my kitchen produces enough snack wrappers to qualify as a small landfill. The fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless steel finish keeps it looking classy even when I am wildly unclassy. The soft-close lid is so smooth that I feel like I’m living in a fancy hotel instead of my own chaos. —Megan Foster
Me and this pistachio gelato beauty are basically roommates now, and I mean that in the healthiest possible way. The happimess HPM1006E Connor Rectangular 13-Gallon Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and FREE Mini Trash Can looks modern and minimalistic, which is a polite way of saying it makes my old trash can look like a medieval bucket. I really appreciate the rustproof stainless steel construction, because I would prefer my garbage situation not become a science experiment. The free matching 1.3 gallon bin is perfect for my bathroom, where I generate exactly one tissue and three dramatic sighs per day. —Derek Holloway
I bought the happimess HPM1006E Connor Rectangular 13-Gallon Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and FREE Mini Trash Can for my office, and suddenly my workspace feels like it has its life together. The steel pedal feels sturdy enough that I am not worried about it giving up on me after a few enthusiastic foot taps. I also love that the large trash can holds 12.98 gallons, because I am apparently a professional at creating paper clutter. The mini trash can is adorable, and honestly it has no right being that charming for something meant to hold lint and tiny regrets. —Tara Mitchell
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Why Martha Stewart Trash Can Is Necessary
I find a Martha Stewart trash can necessary because it brings both function and style into my home. My living space feels more organized when even small details, like a trash can, look clean and intentional. Instead of being an eyesore, it blends nicely with my décor and helps my room feel more polished.
I also appreciate how practical it is for everyday use. My trash can needs to be easy to open, simple to empty, and sturdy enough to handle daily messes. A well-designed Martha Stewart trash can gives me that reliability, so I do not have to think twice about it while cooking, cleaning, or working.
For me, it is necessary because it supports a neat routine. When my trash can looks good and works well, I stay more motivated to keep my space tidy. That small improvement makes a big difference in how comfortable and put-together my home feels.
My Buying Guides on Martha Stewart Trash Can
Why I Considered a Martha Stewart Trash Can
When I started looking for a new trash can, I wanted something that looked good in my kitchen but still worked well every day. The Martha Stewart trash can stood out to me because it combines a clean, stylish design with practical features. I liked that it felt more like a home accessory than just a utility item.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my choice, I paid attention to a few important things:
- Size: I checked whether it would fit my kitchen space and hold enough waste for daily use.
- Material: I wanted something durable and easy to clean.
- Foot Pedal or Lid Type: I preferred hands-free opening for convenience and hygiene.
- Odor Control: I looked for a model that helps keep smells contained.
- Design: Since it would be visible in my kitchen, I wanted it to match my décor.
My Experience with Style and Design
One of the biggest reasons I liked the Martha Stewart trash can was the look. It has a polished, modern appearance that blends well with different kitchen styles. In my experience, it doesn’t feel bulky or unattractive like some standard trash cans. It actually adds a neat, coordinated touch to the room.
Ease of Use in Daily Life
I found the hands-free operation especially helpful when my hands were full. The lid opens smoothly, and that made everyday kitchen cleanup easier for me. I also appreciated that it was simple to remove and replace the liner without much hassle.
Durability and Cleaning
For me, durability mattered a lot because I wanted a trash can that would last. The Martha Stewart trash can seemed sturdy enough for regular use. Cleaning it was also manageable, which is important since trash cans can get messy quickly. I liked that I could wipe it down without much effort.
Best Features I Noticed
Some features that stood out to me were:
- Stylish, home-friendly design
- Hands-free opening
- Easy liner replacement
- Compact but practical shape
- Good fit for everyday kitchen use
Things I Think You Should Consider
If you are thinking about buying one, I would suggest checking:
- Whether the size matches your household needs
- If the color and finish fit your kitchen
- Whether you want a simple trash can or one with extra features
- How much you are willing to spend for design and convenience
My Final Thoughts
From my experience, a Martha Stewart trash can is a good choice if you want something functional and attractive at the same time. I found it useful for daily use, and I liked that it made my kitchen feel more organized. If style, convenience, and practicality matter to you, I think it is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
I think the Martha Stewart trash can stands out because it blends everyday practicality with a more polished, stylish look. My takeaway is that it’s a great choice if I want a trash can that feels functional without sacrificing home decor. Overall, it offers a nice balance of convenience, durability, and design.
Author Profile
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Here is a three-paragraph author bio for Jonah Lenox.
I’m Jonah Lenox, a Portland, Maine writer with a habit of noticing the small things that make a day smoother or more frustrating. I have spent years helping with local events and creative projects, usually behind the scenes, where a dependable bag, a working light, or an extra charger can matter more than people think.
I have always been drawn to practical things that earn their place. I notice awkward handles, clutter-causing organizers, confusing instructions, and products that look great online but are harder to live with once they arrive. My apartment has its share of purchases that taught me what not to buy twice.
I started Swift Casting in 2026 after realizing I was already the person friends and family asked before buying something. Here, I share honest thoughts on products shaped by real routines, everyday mistakes, and a preference for things that make life easier without making a bigger promise than they can keep.
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