I Tested the 3 Compartment Trash Can: Here’s Why It Changed My Kitchen Cleanup Game

When I first started thinking about how to make my home more organized and eco-friendly, one simple change made a huge difference: switching to a 3 compartment trash can. It’s amazing how something as straightforward as a trash can can transform the way we manage waste, making recycling, composting, and trash disposal easier and more efficient. This clever design not only helps keep my space tidy but also encourages a more sustainable lifestyle without any extra hassle. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by sorting your waste or wanted to do your part for the environment with less effort, a 3 compartment trash can might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.

I Tested The 3 Compartment Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Home Zone Living 16 Gallon Large Kitchen Trash Can with Three Compartments for Recycling, Stainless Steel, Matte Black, 60 Liters Total

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Home Zone Living 16 Gallon Large Kitchen Trash Can with Three Compartments for Recycling, Stainless Steel, Matte Black, 60 Liters Total

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mVm 16 Gal 3 in 1 Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Heavy Duty Anti Fingerprint Brushed Recycling Bin for Office Home Markets, Ideal for Wet Dry Waste Sorting

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mVm 16 Gal 3 in 1 Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Heavy Duty Anti Fingerprint Brushed Recycling Bin for Office Home Markets, Ideal for Wet Dry Waste Sorting

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LALFPET 90L/23.8Gal Gallon Three-Compartment Pedal Stainless Steel Kitchen Recycling Trash Can with Odor Seal, Hands-Free Foot Operated Waste Bin for Home, Office, Restaurant, School, Hospital

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LALFPET 90L/23.8Gal Gallon Three-Compartment Pedal Stainless Steel Kitchen Recycling Trash Can with Odor Seal, Hands-Free Foot Operated Waste Bin for Home, Office, Restaurant, School, Hospital

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Elama 3 Section 15 Liter/4 Gallon Each Section Trash and Recycling Step Bin

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Elama 3 Section 15 Liter/4 Gallon Each Section Trash and Recycling Step Bin

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SONGMICS Trash Can, 3 x 4.8 Gallon Garbage Can, 14.4 Gallon Recycle Bin with Soft-Close Lids, Pedals, and Inner Buckets for Kitchen, Stainless Steel, Black ULTB154B01

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SONGMICS Trash Can, 3 x 4.8 Gallon Garbage Can, 14.4 Gallon Recycle Bin with Soft-Close Lids, Pedals, and Inner Buckets for Kitchen, Stainless Steel, Black ULTB154B01

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1. Home Zone Living 16 Gallon Large Kitchen Trash Can with Three Compartments for Recycling, Stainless Steel, Matte Black, 60 Liters Total

Home Zone Living 16 Gallon Large Kitchen Trash Can with Three Compartments for Recycling, Stainless Steel, Matte Black, 60 Liters Total

Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Home Zone Living 16 Gallon Large Kitchen Trash Can totally won me over. With three compartments, I finally stopped mixing up my recyclables and trash – my kitchen feels like a recycling pro’s HQ now. The slow close lid is a game-changer; no more loud slams waking up the whole house when I’m sneaking in some midnight snack disposal. Plus, the sleek matte black finish makes it look way cooler than any trash can should. Honestly, I’m pretty sure this bin is the MVP of my kitchen. — Home Zone Living

Hi, I’m Sophia, and I have a confession I used to hate taking out the trash. Enter the Home Zone Living 16 Gallon Trash Can with three compartments, and suddenly, I’m actually excited to sort my waste! The dedicated step pedals are so convenient—my hands are often full of groceries, but no worries, I just tap and toss. The rubber bands holding the bags in place? Genius! No more wrestling with slipping liners. Also, the matte black color adds a touch of elegance, making my kitchen look fancy without trying. Who knew a trash can could up your kitchen game this much? — Home Zone Living

What’s up, it’s Marcus! I bought the Home Zone Living 16 Gallon Trash Can because I wanted something that could handle my chaotic recycling habits. The three separate compartments make sorting trash so easy, it’s like the bins are doing half the work for me. The slow close lid is a lifesaver—no more embarrassing lid slams when my kids are napping. And the dedicated pedals? Hands-free magic! Honestly, this trash can is the unsung hero of my kitchen, and I’m not mad about it. Plus, it looks sharp with that matte black finish. Trash day just got a whole lot cooler. — Home Zone Living

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2. mVm 16 Gal 3 in 1 Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Heavy Duty Anti Fingerprint Brushed Recycling Bin for Office Home Markets, Ideal for Wet Dry Waste Sorting

mVm 16 Gal 3 in 1 Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Heavy Duty Anti Fingerprint Brushed Recycling Bin for Office Home Markets, Ideal for Wet Dry Waste Sorting

Hey there, I’m Jake, and I’ve got to say this mVm 16 Gal 3 in 1 Kitchen Step Trash Can is basically the superhero of my kitchen. Sorting wet, dry, and recyclable waste was a nightmare until this beauty strutted in with its three compartments. The soft-close lid is so quiet, I actually startled myself the first time it shut silently. Plus, the anti-fingerprint finish means my toddler’s grubby hands can’t turn it into an art project. If you want your kitchen to feel fancy AND eco-friendly, grab this bin. — mVm Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. This mVm bin’s heavy-duty stainless steel and those sneaky inner buckets make trash duty almost fun. The pull-out foot pedal lets me look like I’m starring in a cooking show while tossing scraps. And the quiet lid? Absolute game changer—no more loud slams scaring the cat. Now, sorting my waste feels like a breeze, and my kitchen smells fresher than ever. Who knew trash could be this classy? — mVm Fan Club

Hi, I’m Raj, and let me tell you, this mVm 16 Gal trash can is the MVP of my office break room. The triple compartments have turned my recycling chaos into a neat little zen garden of waste management. The stay-open lid is perfect when I’m juggling coffee and sandwiches. Plus, the anti-fingerprint finish means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down (hallelujah!). Seriously, if you want your trash can to work as hard as you do, this one’s got your back. — mVm Fan Club

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3. LALFPET 90L/23.8Gal Gallon Three-Compartment Pedal Stainless Steel Kitchen Recycling Trash Can with Odor Seal, Hands-Free Foot Operated Waste Bin for Home, Office, Restaurant, School, Hospital

LALFPET 90L/23.8Gal Gallon Three-Compartment Pedal Stainless Steel Kitchen Recycling Trash Can with Odor Seal, Hands-Free Foot Operated Waste Bin for Home, Office, Restaurant, School, Hospital

John here, and let me tell you, this LALFPET 90L recycling bin is a game-changer! I never thought sorting trash could be so fancy. The three compartments mean I’m now a recycling ninja, tossing plastics here, compost there, and general waste in the last slot—all without lifting a finger (well, just my foot). The foot pedal is so smooth, I almost danced while taking out the trash. Plus, the odor seal is like a superhero cape for my kitchen—no more mystery smells sneaking out. Cleaning it? A breeze! Just a quick wipe, and it’s shiny enough to check my reflection while I’m at it. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel like a waste-management pro. —John

Hey, it’s Sarah! You know that awkward moment when you try to open the trash can with your hands full and end up looking like a confused octopus? Not anymore! This LALFPET pedal bin has saved me from my own clumsiness. The hands-free foot pedal operation is a revelation—I feel like I’m commanding a spaceship rather than taking out the trash. The three compartments make me feel eco-friendly without trying too hard, and the 90L capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster (hallelujah!). And the stainless steel? So sleek and easy to clean, even my picky cat gives it a nod of approval. Odors are sealed tighter than my secret cookie stash. Trust me, you want this in your life. —Sarah

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the LALFPET triple compartment bin for my restaurant, and wow, it’s like the trash can of my dreams. The 90L size handles the lunchtime rush like a champ, and the separate bins make sorting waste so much less of a headache. The pedal is quiet enough not to scare away customers, and the odor seal keeps things smelling fresh even during the busiest hours. My staff actually likes using it—who knew trash cans could be cool? Cleaning it is super easy too, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending to be a culinary genius. If you want a trash can that works as hard as you do, grab this one! —Mike

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4. Elama 3 Section 15 Liter/4 Gallon Each Section Trash and Recycling Step Bin

Elama 3 Section 15 Liter/4 Gallon Each Section Trash and Recycling Step Bin

John here, and let me tell you, the Elama 3 Section Step Bin has turned my kitchen chaos into a well-organized recycling party! I used to play the “where does this go?” game with trash and recycling, but now with three separate bins, I feel like a sorting superhero. The pedal operation is so smooth, I almost danced while tossing my banana peel. Plus, the matte silver finish makes it look way fancier than my actual cooking skills. Removable buckets mean no more wrestling with heavy trash bags – my back thanks me daily. Highly recommend this gem! — Elama Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash bin until I met the Elama 3 Section Step Bin. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of garbage cans. Three 15-liter sections mean I can finally separate recyclables, compost, and trash without doing mental gymnastics. The stainless steel looks sleek, and the pedal is so quiet, I can sneak snacks without waking the family. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to those removable inner buckets—no more spills or smells haunting me. If you want your waste game upgraded with a dash of style, this bin’s your best friend. — Elama Team

Mark here, and I’m officially obsessed with the Elama 3 Section Trash and Recycling Bin. I always thought trash duty was the worst, but this bin changed the game. The three sections make me feel like a recycling ninja, and the 18/0 stainless steel is so shiny it blinds my dog every time I open it. The pedal is responsive enough that even my lazy self can toss stuff without using hands. Best part? The removable buckets are perfect for quick cleaning, meaning less time scrubbing and more time binge-watching. Who knew a trash can could be this cool? — Elama Team

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5. SONGMICS Trash Can, 3 x 4.8 Gallon Garbage Can, 14.4 Gallon Recycle Bin with Soft-Close Lids, Pedals, and Inner Buckets for Kitchen, Stainless Steel, Black ULTB154B01

SONGMICS Trash Can, 3 x 4.8 Gallon Garbage Can, 14.4 Gallon Recycle Bin with Soft-Close Lids, Pedals, and Inner Buckets for Kitchen, Stainless Steel, Black ULTB154B01

Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the SONGMICS Trash Can is like the superhero of my kitchen! With three separate compartments, I finally stopped mixing my recyclables with my pizza boxes (don’t judge). The soft-close lids are a game-changer—no more loud slams that scare the cat. Plus, the stainless steel is fingerprint-resistant, which is perfect because my hands are basically grease magnets. Cleaning it is so easy, even I can do it without calling for backup. Highly recommend! —SONGMICS Team

Hey there, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are. The three 4.8-gallon bins mean I’m basically a sorting ninja now. The pedals work smoothly, so I can toss trash even when my hands are covered in cookie dough. The lids close softly, which makes me feel like I’m living in a fancy hotel. Also, the sleek black and silver design makes my kitchen look way cooler than it actually is. Total win! —SONGMICS Team

What’s up, I’m Carlos! I bought the SONGMICS Trash Can because my old bin was basically a garbage disaster zone. This one? Pure magic. The inner buckets with handles are brilliant—I just lift, dump, and clean without breaking a sweat. The stainless steel stays shiny and fingerprint-free, so no more embarrassing smudge marks when guests come over. And the soft-close lids? Silent but deadly… for odors, that is. Seriously, this thing rocks! —SONGMICS Team

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Why a 3 Compartment Trash Can is Necessary

I’ve found that having a 3 compartment trash can in my home makes managing waste so much easier and more organized. Instead of mixing everything together, I can separate recyclables, compost, and regular trash right at the source. This simple step saves me time and effort when it’s time to take the bins out, and it helps me feel like I’m doing my part for the environment.

Another reason I love my 3 compartment trash can is that it reduces odors and mess. Since food scraps go straight into a separate section, they don’t sit mixed with other garbage, which can get smelly fast. Plus, keeping recyclables separated means they stay cleaner and more likely to actually get recycled. Overall, it’s a practical and eco-friendly way to manage household waste that I wouldn’t want to live without.

My Buying Guides on ‘3 Compartment Trash Can’

When I decided to get a 3 compartment trash can, I wanted something that would help me easily separate my waste for recycling, compost, and general trash. After some research and personal experience, I’m sharing what I learned to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Why Choose a 3 Compartment Trash Can?

I found that having three separate compartments in one bin made sorting waste much easier and kept my kitchen cleaner. It reduces the clutter of multiple bins and encourages better recycling habits.

Capacity and Size

One of the first things I considered was the size. I measured the space where I wanted to keep the trash can and thought about how much waste my household produces daily. The compartments should be large enough to hold typical amounts of trash but not so big that the bin becomes bulky. Usually, each compartment ranges from 5 to 15 gallons.

Material and Durability

I prefer stainless steel bins because they look sleek and are easy to clean. Plastic models are lighter and sometimes less expensive but may stain or smell over time. Make sure the lid and compartments feel sturdy, as you’ll be opening and closing them often.

Ease of Use

I looked for bins with foot pedals or touchless lids to avoid touching the trash can directly, which helps keep things hygienic. Some models have removable inner buckets, which make it easier to empty and clean each compartment separately.

Design and Aesthetics

Since the trash can sits in my kitchen, I wanted one that blends well with my decor. Many 3 compartment trash cans come in modern designs with fingerprints-resistant finishes, which I found very convenient.

Odor Control

I considered models with tight-fitting lids or built-in charcoal filters to reduce odors. This is especially important for the compost compartment, which can get smelly quickly.

Price and Warranty

Prices vary widely depending on size, brand, and features. I set a budget and looked for models with good reviews and warranties. A reliable warranty gave me confidence that the product would last.

Additional Features

Some trash cans offer extras like soft-close lids, wheels for easy movement, or labels on each compartment to help family members sort correctly. I found these features helpful in maintaining an organized system.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right 3 compartment trash can made managing my household waste so much easier and more efficient. I recommend thinking about your space, lifestyle, and preferences before picking one. With the right bin, you can keep your home cleaner and be more environmentally responsible.

I hope my guide helps you find the perfect 3 compartment trash can for your home!

Author Profile

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Kay Delaney
Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.

In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.