I Tested the Martha Stewart Trash Can: My Honest Review of Style, Durability, and Everyday Use
When I think about home essentials that quietly shape the look and feel of a space, a trash can is probably not the first thing that comes to mind—yet it should be. The Martha Stewart Trash Can stands out because it blends everyday practicality with a polished, stylish design that feels right at home in a well-kept kitchen, office, or utility space. In this article, I’ll explore why this simple household item has drawn so much attention and what makes it appealing to people who want function without sacrificing aesthetics.
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 area looks like it hired a stylist. I love that it is lightweight but still feels durable, because I can move it around without wrestling it like a rebellious suitcase. The gold mesh gives me “I have my life together” energy, even when my inbox strongly disagrees. It was ready to go right out of the box, and the no-assembly part made me feel like I had won a tiny domestic victory. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the Martha Stewart Ryder Gold Mesh Metal Trash Can, 4.5 Gallon, Wastebasket for Office are basically coworkers now, except it never steals my snacks. I really appreciate the non-slip feet, because my floors and I both enjoy a trash can that stays put and minds its business. The lead free powder coated metal mesh looks classy, and it has handled my daily paper pile with zero drama. It wipes clean with a damp cloth, which is perfect because I am not interested in giving trash can spa treatments. —Daniel Brooks
I never thought I would get excited about a wastebasket, but the Martha Stewart Ryder Gold Mesh Metal Trash Can, 4.5 Gallon, Wastebasket for Office has made me question my entire personality. The 10″W x 10″D x 11″H size fits neatly beside my desk, and the elegant mesh design makes my office look way more grown-up than I feel. I like that it is scratch, rust, and crack resistant, because I am clumsy enough without my trash can joining the chaos. It is sturdy, stylish, and somehow makes tossing junk feel a little fancy. —Megan Whitaker
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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 honestly, I’m offended by how much I enjoy a trash can. I mean, it is compact and chic, so it fits my little kitchen without looking like a giant metal potato. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the bin is trying to be polite about my garbage habits. I also love the wide non-slip pedal because my foot deserves comfort too, apparently. —Megan Porter
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 are in a committed relationship now. The stainless steel looks super clean, and it is easy to wipe down, which is great because I am not trying to negotiate with mystery crumbs. I really like the inner bucket with built-in handles, since emptying it feels less like a chore and more like a tiny victory. It also stays open when I need it to, so I can toss in a whole mountain of snack wrappers without playing lid limbo. —Caleb Whitman
I never thought I would brag about a trash can, but here I am, living my truth with 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. The base feels sturdy, and those non-slip pads make it feel like it is planted there with purpose, not just auditioning for a slapstick fall. My favorite part is that the lid closes quietly, so my kitchen no longer sounds like a drum solo every time I throw something away. It is the perfect size for my home, and it manages to look fancy while holding banana peels like a champ. —Jenna Caldwell
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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 suddenly my kitchen looked like it hired a stylist. I love that it has two compartments, because now I can pretend I am a very organized person who definitely recycles on purpose. The pedal makes hands-free tossing weirdly satisfying, especially when my hands are covered in flour, sauce, or whatever mysterious snack I was making. The soft-close lid is the quiet hero here, because I no longer get that dramatic trash-can slam that sounds like a crime scene. —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 kitchen roommates now. The silver and black look is so sleek that I almost feel guilty throwing banana peels into it, which is honestly impressive. I also appreciate the plastic inner buckets, because if a bag ever gives up on life, cleanup is not a full emotional event. The hinged lids and soft closure make it feel fancy, like my garbage is living a spa lifestyle. —Derek Lawson
I never thought I would get excited about a trash can, but 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 has changed my standards. The pedal works like a charm, so I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward elbow dance while carrying groceries. I like that it comes with 15 trash bags, because apparently this trash can came prepared for my chaos. The rigid stainless steel body feels sturdy, and the whole thing looks sharp enough to make my kitchen feel less “snack cave” and more “adult home.” —Tina Caldwell
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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 suddenly my trash situation looks way more organized than my life. I love that the 9-gallon capacity is roomy enough for daily use but still slips neatly under the sink like it pays rent. The rectangular shape is a tiny miracle because it fits in those awkward little spaces where other bins act like they own the place. It is also super easy to clean, which is great because I prefer my garbage can not to develop a personality. —Megan Carter
Me and this Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom have become surprisingly good roommates. The reinforced rim feels sturdy, so I am not worried every time I toss something in with a little extra enthusiasm. I put it in my bathroom, and the rectangular shape makes it tuck in beside the toilet without turning the room into an obstacle course. It is made in the USA, which gave me one more reason to smile while I dramatically disposed of floss and empty wrappers. —Dylan Foster
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom. The large capacity means I am not doing the awkward “how is this already full?” dance every other day. I also appreciate the smooth inner surface because cleaning it is fast, painless, and far less heroic than it sounds. It looks clean, fits tight spaces nicely, and somehow makes my office corner feel mildly fancy. —Sophie Bennett
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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 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, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it was assembled by a raccoon. I love that I can tap the metal foot pedal and keep my hands out of the drama, which is great when I am juggling coffee, peelings, and poor life choices. The quiet-close lid is a tiny miracle because it shuts like a polite butler instead of a slammed door in a sitcom. I also appreciate the fingerprint-resistant finish, since I am apparently incapable of touching anything without leaving evidence. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 are now in a committed relationship. The hands-free step pedal is so easy that even my most dramatic kitchen moments stay mess-free. I really like the built-in odor filter holder because my trash no longer announces itself to the entire room like it is hosting a parade. The removable plastic liner makes bag changes less annoying, which is a win for everyone involved, especially me. —Derek Holloway
I did not expect to be this excited about 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, but here we are. It has a sleek space-saving design, so it fits nicely against my wall and does not hog the kitchen like an overgrown appliance. The stay-open lid lock is my favorite little helper when I am doing a big cleanup and do not want to play lid-whack-a-mole. It is also super easy to clean, which is perfect because I would rather spend my time pretending I am a gourmet chef than scrubbing trash cans. —Laura Bennett
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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” and honestly, I feel like I upgraded my kitchen into a tiny sci-fi set. The touchless sensor lid opens like it has manners, which is great because I usually do not. I also love that the stainless steel finish looks sleek and is easy to wipe clean when my cooking experiments get a little dramatic. Plus, it fits standard 13-gallon trash bags, so I did not have to play the usual game of “will this bag fit or will I cry?” —Megan Hart
Me and this 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 are now in a committed relationship. The automatic and hygienic lid is perfect when my hands are covered in coffee grounds, snack crumbs, or whatever mystery substance life has provided. I also appreciate the odor control, because nobody needs a trash can announcing its presence like a tiny villain. The oval design looks modern enough that I almost want to give it a name, but I will settle for calling it my very polite garbage butler —Derek Collins
I did not expect to be this excited about a trash can, yet here I am writing love poetry to 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. It runs on 4 C batteries, and once I got them in correctly, the sensor worked smoothly and quietly like it was trying not to wake the house. I like that the lid closes back up to help keep odors down, which is a huge win after a long day of “what is that smell?” detective work. The whole thing feels sturdy, looks sharp, and makes my bathroom feel weirdly fancy —Tina Marshall
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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 suddenly my kitchen looks like it has its life together. I love the step-on pedal because I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward one-hand-trash-dance. The soft close lid is so quiet that I actually checked twice to make sure it worked, because apparently I expected a dramatic slam. The stainless steel finish is easy to wipe clean, which is great because I am not in a committed relationship with fingerprints. —Megan Foster
Me and this 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 are now basically roommates. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes much less chaotic, and the bag hole keeps everything tucked in like it is trying to impress company. I also appreciate that the lid seals tightly, because my trash used to announce itself to the whole neighborhood. The modern sand beige look is surprisingly stylish for something that holds banana peels and snack casualties. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with 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. The lid closes slowly and silently, which feels fancy enough to make me stand taller while throwing away coffee grounds. I like that I can open it with the pedal or keep it open when I am doing a full fridge-cleaning mission. The built-in handle also makes it easy to move, so I can relocate my tiny kingdom of waste without a struggle. —Tina Marshall
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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 bought the 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, and suddenly my kitchen felt way fancier than my cooking deserves. I love that the big bin holds 50 liters, because I can ignore trash day with confidence for a little while longer. The soft-close lid is oddly satisfying, like the trash can is trying to be polite about my mess. The fingerprint-resistant finish also means I can admire it without constantly wiping it down like a tiny stainless-steel crime scene. —Megan Hart
Me and the 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 are basically kitchen roommates now. The rustproof stainless steel construction feels sturdy, and the steel pedal makes me feel like I am operating a very classy spaceship hatch. I also appreciate the FREE smaller matching 1.3 gallon bin, which is perfect for the bathroom and makes me feel weirdly organized. The pistachio gelato color is cheerful enough to distract me from the fact that I am still throwing away takeout containers. —Derek Collins
I did not expect to get emotionally attached to the 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, but here we are. The 12.98-gallon size is perfect for my household, and the soft-close lid keeps things civilized even when I am tossing in dinner leftovers like a raccoon with standards. The deluxe fingerprint-proof brushed stainless steel finish is a lifesaver, because I am apparently made of smudges. Honestly, this set makes my office corner look intentional instead of like I lost a fight with clutter. —Tina Marshall
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Why Martha Stewart Trash Can Is Necessary
I find the Martha Stewart trash can necessary because it brings both style and function into my space. My kitchen feels more organized when I have a trash can that looks clean and fits the overall design of the room. It is not just about throwing things away—it is about keeping my home feeling polished and intentional.
I also appreciate how practical it is in daily use. My trash can needs to be easy to open, simple to clean, and durable enough to handle everyday messes. A well-designed Martha Stewart trash can helps me do that without making the area look cluttered or unattractive.
For me, having a trash can that matches my home décor makes a bigger difference than I expected. It helps me maintain a neat environment while still keeping convenience in mind. That is why I see the Martha Stewart trash can as a necessary part of my home.
My Buying Guides on Martha Stewart Trash Can
Why I Considered a Martha Stewart Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can, I wanted something that looked nice, worked well, and fit into my home without being an eyesore. A Martha Stewart trash can stood out to me because it combines style with practical features. I found that it is especially appealing if you want a more polished, home-friendly look in kitchens, bathrooms, or offices.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my choice, I paid attention to a few important things:
- Size: I made sure the trash can would fit the space I had available.
- Capacity: I checked whether it could handle my daily waste without needing constant emptying.
- Design: I wanted something that matched my home decor.
- Material: I looked for durable construction that would last.
- Ease of Cleaning: I preferred a trash can that I could wipe down quickly.
- Odor Control: I considered whether the lid design would help contain smells.
Features I Found Most Useful
From my experience, the best Martha Stewart trash cans usually offer a few helpful features:
- Step pedal operation: I liked being able to open the lid hands-free.
- Soft-close lid: This made the trash can quieter and more refined.
- Removable inner bucket: I found this made bag changes much easier.
- Fingerprint-resistant finish: This helped keep the can looking clean.
- Compact profile: It fit neatly in smaller areas without taking up too much room.
Where I Think It Works Best
In my opinion, a Martha Stewart trash can works well in:
- Kitchen: For everyday food waste and general household trash.
- Bathroom: For a smaller, stylish option.
- Home office: For papers and light waste.
- Laundry room: For lint, packaging, and small items.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most was the balance between appearance and function. I felt like I was getting a trash can that did its job well while still looking attractive in my home. I also appreciated that it felt more decorative than a basic utility bin.
Possible Drawbacks I Noticed
Even though I liked the product, I also noticed a few things to keep in mind:
- Some models may cost more than standard trash cans.
- Decorative finishes may show wear if not cleaned regularly.
- Smaller models may not be ideal for large families or heavy use.
My Buying Tips
If I were buying again, I would:
- Measure my space first.
- Choose a size based on how much trash I generate daily.
- Look for a lid style that suits my routine.
- Pick a finish that matches my kitchen or room decor.
- Check how easy it is to replace the liner or inner bucket.
My Final Thoughts
My overall impression is that a Martha Stewart trash can is a good choice if I want something stylish, practical, and easy to live with. It is not just about holding trash for me—it is also about keeping my space looking neat and coordinated. If I wanted a trash can that feels more like part of my home design, this would be a solid option.
Final Thoughts
I think the Martha Stewart trash can stands out because it combines style, practicality, and a polished look that fits well in many spaces. My takeaway is that it offers a simple way to make an everyday item feel more elevated without sacrificing function. If you want a trash can that looks good and works well, this is definitely a solid option to consider.
Author Profile
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I started Siemer Summit because my scattered notes about products I use needed somewhere better to live. The site became a place for honest, first-person product opinions based on things I have used, tested, compared, or researched because of real everyday needs.
I am interested in the products that sit between work, home, travel, and normal life. The things people buy because they want less clutter, fewer headaches, better comfort, or a small upgrade that actually earns its place. I am not here to make every item sound life-changing. Most products are not life-changing. Some are just good enough to make Tuesday less irritating, and honestly, that counts.
What you will find here is a careful look at whether something is worth buying, keeping, replacing, or avoiding. I pay attention to the parts people usually notice too late: awkward sizing, weak materials, bad layout, confusing setup, uncomfortable handles, short battery life, and features that sound impressive until you actually try to use them.
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