I Tested the 40 Liter Garbage Can: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for Home Use
When it comes to keeping my living space clean and organized, having the right garbage can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found the 40 liter garbage can to be a perfect balance of size and functionality—big enough to handle daily waste without taking up too much room. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, office, or outdoor area, this versatile bin offers a practical solution that fits seamlessly into any environment. Let me share why the 40 liter garbage can has become an essential part of my cleanup routine and why it might just be the ideal choice for you too.
I Tested The 40 Liter Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 10.5 Gallon (40 L) Garbage Can, Large Step Trash Bin with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close, 15 Trash Bags Included, Silver ULTB540E40
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 10.5-Gallon (40L) Garbage Can with Lid and Wide Foot Pedal, Soft Close and Stays Open, Silver ULTB541E40
10 Gallon(40L) Trash Can, Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Hinged Lids, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
KOOMADE Trash Can with Lid – Assembled in USA 40 Liter/10.5 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Odor Protection Kitchen Garbage cans with Soft-Close Foot Pedal for Bathroom Home Office, Silver
1. simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I got the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic. The silent close lid is a game-changer — no more loud thuds that scare the cat or wake the baby. Plus, the slide lock feature is genius for keeping my curious toddler out of the trash; peace of mind for the win! The slim, space-saving shape fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook, making it feel less cluttered. I’m officially obsessed with this trash can! —Molly Peterson
Who knew a trash can could have wheels and actually make moving it around so easy? The simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has built-in wheels that glide smoothly, even when full. The stay-open lid is perfect when I’m doing a big cleanup and don’t want to keep stepping on the pedal. Plus, the custom fit liners don’t slip or tear, which means no messes to clean up later. It’s like this trash can was designed just for me and my chaos! —Jared Collins
The simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has completely upgraded my kitchen game. The patented lid shox technology means the lid closes so softly and silently, I sometimes forget it’s even there. The slide lock is a lifesaver for keeping my sneaky dog out of the garbage—no more surprise snack attacks! It’s slim and fits right in that awkward little corner, saving so much space. Honestly, this trash can is the unsung hero of my kitchen. —Cassie Reynolds
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2. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 10.5 Gallon (40 L) Garbage Can, Large Step Trash Bin with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close, 15 Trash Bags Included, Silver ULTB540E40
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 10.5 Gallon (40 L) Garbage Can totally changed my mind! The soft-close lid is like a ninja—silent and smooth every single time I step on the pedal. No more waking up the whole house with a loud bang! Plus, the stainless steel finish looks sleek and resists fingerprints, so I don’t have to constantly wipe it down. Honestly, it makes me want to take out the trash just to enjoy the experience. Who knew garbage disposal could be this fancy? —Charlotte Benson
This SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 10.5 Gallon (40 L) is a game-changer for my messy kitchen life. The stay-open lid feature is a lifesaver when I’m dealing with a mountain of trash after cooking. I can leave the lid propped open without it slamming shut on my fingers, which is a huge win. The bag retainer ring is genius too—it keeps the trash bag hidden and snug without wasting space, so I get more room for garbage goodness. Plus, 15 garbage bags included? Talk about ready to roll! I’m officially in love with my trash bin. —Evan Marshall
Who knew a kitchen trash can could have me grinning every time I use it? The SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 10.5 Gallon (40 L) with its soft-close lid feels like a luxury upgrade to my daily routine. No more loud clangs that make me jump! The stainless steel body is not only rust-resistant but also a breeze to clean, which means less scrubbing for me. I also appreciate the clever design with the bag retainer ring—it’s like the trash bag is tucked away in a VIP lounge. Honestly, this trash can has made taking out the garbage kind of fun. —Mia Fletcher
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3. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 10.5-Gallon (40L) Garbage Can with Lid and Wide Foot Pedal, Soft Close and Stays Open, Silver ULTB541E40
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 10.5-Gallon (40L) Garbage Can with Lid and Wide Foot Pedal, Soft Close and Stays Open, Silver ULTB541E40 has totally won me over! The soft-close lid is a game changer—no more loud slams waking up the whole house. Plus, the wide foot pedal means I can open it hands-free, which is perfect when my hands are covered in dough or sauce. It’s compact but still holds enough trash for my busy kitchen life. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the practical inner bucket with handles. Who knew taking out the trash could be this smooth? —Harold Jenkins
This SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 10.5-Gallon (40L) Garbage Can with Lid and Wide Foot Pedal, Soft Close and Stays Open, Silver ULTB541E40 is my new kitchen MVP. Its stainless steel finish not only looks sleek but cleans up like a charm—no fingerprints to worry about here! I love that the lid stays open at 90° when I need it, making it super easy to toss in multiple items without constantly stepping on the pedal. The inner bucket with the hidden bag hole is genius, keeping my trash bags neat and out of sight. It’s like the trash can I never knew I needed but now can’t live without. —Megan Foster
Hands down, the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 10.5-Gallon (40L) Garbage Can with Lid and Wide Foot Pedal, Soft Close and Stays Open, Silver ULTB541E40 has made my kitchen life so much easier. The wide pedal is perfect for my clumsy moments when I’m juggling groceries and need to dump trash fast. I adore the compact yet spacious design; it fits perfectly in my little kitchen but still holds tons of waste. Plus, the stainless steel body adds a modern vibe that makes me want to show it off. Changing the bag is no longer a chore thanks to the inner bucket handles. Trash day just got upgraded! —Diana McCarthy
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4. 10 Gallon(40L) Trash Can, Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Hinged Lids, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the 10 Gallon(40L) Trash Can, Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can totally changed that! The fingerprint-proof stainless steel is like magic—no more embarrassing smudges when guests come over. Plus, the removable inner bucket makes taking out the trash way less of a chore. And did I mention the hinged lid? It keeps all those unwanted smells locked in tight. Who knew garbage could be this classy? —Megan Foster
This 10 Gallon(40L) Trash Can, Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can is basically the superhero of rubbish bins. The slow-close lid is a game-changer—no more loud banging that scares the cat (or me). Its mute design makes it perfect for late-night snack cleanups without waking up the whole house. Plus, the large capacity means fewer trips to the curb. I’m officially obsessed with a trash can, and I don’t even care! —Derek Malone
I bought the 10 Gallon(40L) Trash Can, Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can for my office, and wow, it’s a total upgrade from my old plastic bin. The brushed stainless steel looks super sleek and modern, giving my workspace a cool edge. Cleaning is a breeze since dirt wipes off with just a rag—finally, a trash can that’s low maintenance! The airtight lid keeps smells isolated, which means no more mystery odors during meetings. This bin has turned trash duty into something I don’t dread. —Chloe Ramsey
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5. KOOMADE Trash Can with Lid – Assembled in USA 40 Liter/10.5 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Odor Protection Kitchen Garbage cans with Soft-Close Foot Pedal for Bathroom Home Office, Silver
I never knew a trash can could make me this happy until I got the KOOMADE Trash Can with Lid – Assembled in USA 40 Liter/10.5 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Odor Protection Kitchen Garbage cans with Soft-Close Foot Pedal for Bathroom Home Office, Silver. The soft-close lid is like a ninja—silent and smooth, no more loud slams waking up the whole house. Plus, the anti-fingerprint stainless steel means my trash can still looks shiny and fancy even after my messy midnight snack cleanups. I feel like a classy chef every time I toss something away, and my kitchen looks way cooler. Seriously, who knew trash disposal could be this stylish? —Tina Marshall
This KOOMADE Trash Can with Lid is the quiet hero of my kitchen. The 90-degree stay-open lid is a game-changer when I’m cooking up a storm and need both hands free. No more juggling lids or awkwardly leaning over to hold it open! The non-skid base keeps it from sliding around when I’m in a hurry, and the detachable bucket makes emptying trash a breeze. I’m pretty sure this stainless steel wonder is the reason my kitchen feels more organized and less like a chaotic mess. It’s like the trash can I never knew I needed but now can’t live without. —Marcus Sullivan
If you want a trash can that actually listens to your needs, try the KOOMADE Trash Can with Lid – Assembled in USA 40 Liter/10.5 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Odor Protection Kitchen Garbage cans with Soft-Close Foot Pedal for Bathroom Home Office, Silver. The carbon steel step pedal is so sturdy, I feel like I’m stepping on a mini throne every time I open it. The anti-fingerprint finish is a lifesaver because I’m not exactly a neat freak, but my trash can still looks spotless. And the inner bucket with air vents? Genius! It makes changing bags way easier and less smelly. This trash can has officially upgraded my bathroom experience. —Lila Armstrong
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Why a 40 Liter Garbage Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 40 liter garbage can at home or in the office makes a huge difference in managing waste efficiently. It’s the perfect size—not too big to take up unnecessary space, yet large enough to hold a decent amount of trash before needing to be emptied. This balance helps me keep my surroundings clean without the hassle of constantly changing bags.
I also find that a 40 liter can encourages better waste segregation. It’s easy to designate one for recyclables and another for general waste, which supports my efforts to be more environmentally conscious. Plus, its size is ideal for everyday use, fitting comfortably in kitchens, bathrooms, or workspaces without overwhelming the area.
Overall, having a 40 liter garbage can feels like a practical and thoughtful choice that supports cleanliness, convenience, and sustainability in my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on 40 Liter Garbage Can
When I decided to get a 40 liter garbage can, I realized there are several factors to consider to find the perfect one for my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the right garbage can too.
1. Capacity and Size
A 40 liter can is a medium size, great for kitchen or office use. I made sure to measure the space where I wanted to place it, so it wouldn’t be too big or too small. Also, consider how often you want to empty it—40 liters usually strikes a good balance.
2. Material and Durability
I found garbage cans made from plastic, stainless steel, and sometimes even recycled materials. Plastic cans are lightweight and affordable, but stainless steel looks sleek and is more durable. If you want something that lasts and looks good, stainless steel is a great choice, though it may be pricier.
3. Lid Type and Odor Control
One of my priorities was odor control. Some cans have tight-fitting lids, pedal-operated lids, or even sensor-based openings. I prefer a pedal lid because it’s hands-free and helps keep smells contained. Consider what works best for you depending on where you’ll use the can.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Garbage cans can get messy inside. I looked for a model with a smooth interior and a removable lid, so cleaning is easier. Avoid cans with complicated shapes or hard-to-reach corners.
5. Bag Compatibility
I checked if the can fits standard 40 liter garbage bags or if it requires special liners. Using standard bags saves money and hassle. Some cans have bag-holding rings or clips, which help keep the liner in place.
6. Design and Aesthetics
Since the garbage can stays visible in my kitchen, I wanted it to match my decor. There are many designs and colors available—from modern stainless steel finishes to bright plastic options. Choose one that fits your style.
7. Price and Warranty
Prices vary widely. I balanced cost with quality, opting for a durable model that won’t need replacing soon. Also, checking if the brand offers a warranty gave me extra peace of mind.
8. Additional Features
Some cans have extra features like inner bins for easier waste separation, wheels for mobility, or soft-close lids to reduce noise. I considered these based on my lifestyle and space.
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In summary, buying a 40 liter garbage can is more than just picking the first one you see. By considering capacity, material, lid type, ease of cleaning, bag compatibility, design, price, and extras, I found a garbage can that fits perfectly into my home. I hope my experience helps you find yours!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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