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11 Best Motion Sensor Trash Cans: Your Easy Buying Guide

Touchless trash cans can make any space more sanitary. Instead of using your hands to open the lid, you can simply wave your hand near the sensor or even use voice commands to complete the task.

If you’re looking for similar sanitary solutions, consider a filtered water bottle. Some of these handy bottles can filter out bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other potentially harmful pathogens, while others keep your water tasting fresh.

Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Extra-wide opening
  • Removable ring liner
  • Compact oval shape
Price: $77.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Pet-proof
  • Quiet lid operation
  • Stainless steel exterior
Price: $99.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Clorox odor protection
  • Large 20-gallon capacity
  • Comes in two sizes
Price: $89.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Automatically seals bag for removal
  • Engineering-grade plastic construction
  • Minimalist design
Price: $119.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Extra-wide opening
  • Stainless steel exterior
  • LED indicator lights
Price: $99.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Affordable
  • Compact size
  • Comes in several sizes
Price: $40.79 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Large capacity
  • Elegant stainless steel finish
  • Quiet lid operation
Price: $460.06 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Two-piece set
  • Smudge-resistant exterior
  • Removable ring liner
Price: $74.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Convenient set for larger and smaller rooms
  • Stylish stainless steel exterior
  • Value set
Price: $131.38 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Doesn't require batteries
  • Holds a week's worth of trash
  • Extra-wide opening
Price: $72.78 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Versatile
  • Stylish
  • Comes in several colors
Price: $19.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. Ninestars Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can

    Pros:
    • Automatic energy-saving mode
    • Stylish stainless steel trim
    • Uses standard fit trash bags
    Cons:
    • Some wish the lid opened faster
    • On/off switch is underneath the lid
    • Goes through batteries quickly

    Trash cans can take up a lot of space. This touchless trashcan has a distinctive oval shape that allows it to fit into smaller spaces, from your kitchen to the bathroom and other rooms.

    The sensor won’t open until you’re near the front of the sensor area, which reduces the risk of the lid opening and closing unnecessarily. Once it’s open, the lid stays up long enough for you to scrape off your dishes or put the trash inside. A non-skid base holds this motion sensor trash can firmly in place.

    This particular trash can holds up to 21 gallons, but a smaller 13-gallon can is also available. An extra-large opening adds an extra element of convenience. Other highlights include an attractive brushed stainless steel finish and an elegant chrome trim.

  2. 2. iTouchless Pet-Proof Sensor Trash Can

    Pros:
    • Natural carbon filter reduces odors
    • Extra-wide 12-inch lid opening to accommodate bulky items
    • Powered by batteries or optional AC adapter
    Cons:
    • Sensor doesn't always respond immediately to open the lid
    • AC adapter is sold separately
    • Filter needs to be replaced every six months or so

    The name says it all if you’re looking for a pet-proof touchless trash can. Instead of simply hoping that your pet won’t activate the sensor, there’s actually an easy on/off lid lock to keep your furry friends from getting into the trash. Of course, it’s much easier for humans to activate the sensor, as you simply need to move your hand close to the sensor to open the lid.

    Whether it’s opening or closing, the lid is designed to operate as quietly as possible. An included natural carbon filter neutralizes odors to help keep your living space smelling as fresh and clean as possible.

    In addition to its attractive and modern appearance, the stainless steel exterior is also fingerprint-proof. This 13-gallon trash can has an extra-wide lid with a 12-inch opening for larger items.

     

  3. 3. GLAD Stainless Steel Sensor Trash Can

    Pros:
    • Lid has LED countdown lights
    • Built-in bag storage in the rear
    • Bigger capacity is ideal for families
    Cons:
    • Can be noisy when lid is opening
    • Goes through batteries fairly quickly
    • Some users have trouble finding 20-gallon bags

    Clorox odor protection specifically guards against bacterial buildup on the lid and lid frame. There’s also an open/close button if you need to dispose of larger amounts of trash. Its 20-gallon capacity makes this sensor trash can a bit larger than most of its competitors, but a 13-gallon model is also available if you’re looking for a more standard size.

    To open the lid, simply wave your hand close to the sensor. You’ll have five seconds until the lid closes automatically, complete with LED lights that provide a countdown. Instead of hunting around for a suitable place to store the bags, you can simply use the built-in bag storage in the back of the can.

     

     

  4. 4. TOWNEW Self-Sealing Automatic Bin

    Pros:
    • Entire top compartment is automatically lifted up to seal the bag if it's too full
    • Detects motion up to 14 inches away
    • Rechargeable battery lasts up to a month
    Cons:
    • Plastic exterior doesn't look as nice as stainless steel
    • Refill rings need to be replaced approximately every month
    • Current four-gallon capacity is quite small for most kitchens

    Not only does this touchless trash can raise its lid as you approach, it automatically seals the trash bag once it’s ready for removal. Not only will you have less contact with the trash bag and its contents, this innovative sealing technology also keeps odors at bay. Once you’ve taken the bag out, a new one will appear in its place.

    Don’t worry if the trash can gets too full. The can will lift up the entire top compartment to create enough space to properly seal the bag and prevent spills. Some sensor trash cans only detect movement when you’re waving your hand over the sensor, but this one can detect you coming from as far as 14 inches away.

    Instead of the stainless steel exterior that many of its competitors feature, this trash can has a durable engineering-grade plastic construction that’s resistant to chemicals and impacts. Refill rings containing 25 trash bags are included, although you’ll need to replace the ring once it’s out of bags. The can is powered by a rechargeable battery with enough juice to last up to a month.

  5. 5. Secura Automatic Trash Can

    Pros:
    • Available in two sizes
    • Activated charcoal filter helps combat odors
    • Runs on AC adapter or AA batteries
    Cons:
    • Doesn't have a lock to keep pets out
    • Sensors need to be precisely placed to work properly
    • Retainer ring isn't the highest quality

    With two adjustable sensor directions, you can opt to open the lid with a front-facing or upward-facing motion. As long as the sensor is appropriately placed, you simply have to wave your hand accordingly once you’re close enough to the trash can.

    Multiple LED indicator lights give you a head’s up before the lid actually closes. Slow-motion technology keeps the lid opening and closing as smoothly as possible.

    While its 13-gallon capacity makes this trash can a practical choice for kitchens, a smaller 2.4-gallon can is available for smaller spaces such as bathrooms and offices. In terms of operation, you can use an AC power adapter or AA batteries.

    Regardless of which size can you select, the activated charcoal filter keeps bad odors at bay. Other perks include a retainer ring for security and an extra-wide 12.6-inch opening for disposing of larger items.

  6. 6. iTouchless Touchless Sensor Trash Can

    Pros:
    • Includes fragrance cartridge
    • Has an odor filter
    • Lid status alert
    Cons:
    • Doesn’t have a removable plastic liner
    • Not the quietest lid
    • Batteries aren’t included

    Its compact size makes the iTouchless trash can a practical choice for dorms, apartments and other smaller spaces. An even smaller 1.3-gallon size is also available. You can also opt for the more spacious 13-gallon trash can.  If off-white isn’t your color of choice, you can opt for one of the stainless steel models.

    It’s no secret that trash stinks. This iTouchless trash can comes with an odor filter. You can use the included lemon-scented cartridge for extra odor control. The trash can runs on AA batteries, but can also be used with an iTouchless A/C adapter.

  7. 7. Simplehuman Rectangular Sensor Can

    Pros:
    • Dual compartments can be used for trash and recycling
    • Voice and motion activated
    • Stainless steel liner rim
    Cons:
    • Voice commands don’t always work
    • Lid may open randomly
    • Not very compact

    This Simplehuman trash can is divided into two compartments and can be used for trash on one side and recycling on the other. Or, you can use both compartments for trash. This motion sensor trash can has a 15.3-gallon capacity. Many owners appreciate this sensor trash can for its quiet operation as the lid is opening and closing.

    It’s not the cheapest motion sensor trash can on the market, but this Simplehuman trash bin offers lots of bang for your buck. For example, a combination of sensor and voice control makes it a top choice if you’re looking for one of the best motion sensor trash cans for hands-free operation. If your hands are full, or you’d rather use your voice, just say “open can” to open up the lid.

  8. 8. AmazonBasics Automatic Trash Can Set

    Pros:
    • Delayed motion sensor guards against children and pets
    • Necessary batteries are included
    • Trash cans are compatible with standard trash bags
    Cons:
    • Exterior dents fairly easily
    • Lids sometimes take a few passes to open
    • On/off buttons are in an awkward location

    This basic automatic trash can set is all about convenience. For larger areas such as your kitchen, the 50-liter trash has ample storage space. You can install the more compact 12-liter trash can in a bathroom, office or smaller living area.

    Each touchless trash can features a stylish stainless steel exterior. To keep your home looking its best, the exterior is also smudge-resistant and fingerprint-proof. The motion sensor is delayed to avoid opening for children or pets.

    For your convenience, these motion sensor trash cans work with any standard trash bag and come with a removable ring liner. Both trash cans run on two D batteries, which are included.

  9. 9. Costzon Motion Sensor Trash Can Set

    Pros:
    • Automatically opens lid when hands are nearby
    • Has buttons to open and close lid
    • Anti-fingerprint exterior
    Cons:
    • Some find it too sensitive to movement
    • Batteries aren’t included
    • Removable container is only for the small can

    This handy set includes a larger trash can and a smaller touchless trash can. If you’ve never owned a motion sensor trash can, you’ll probably want to purchase another one for elsewhere in your house.

    Both sensor trash cans have motion sensors to open and close the lid. The larger sensor trash can has a 13-gallon capacity, making it a solid choice for your kitchen. The smaller 2.3-gallon trash can will fit just about anywhere, including a bathroom or office.

    Both trash cans feature a stainless steel exterior. They also run on AA batteries, which need to be purchased separately.

  10. 10. SensorCan Sensor Trash Can

    Pros:
    • Fingerprint-proof stainless steel
    • Resistant to smudges
    • Reflex technology keeps lid from closing on hand
    Cons:
    • Some wish it was heavier
    • Doesn’t come in other colors
    • Lid closes quickly
    • Only has a one-year warranty

    Many motion sensor trash cans run on batteries, but this touchless trash can runs on a power adapter for uninterrupted use. Not only do the batteries need to be purchased separately in many cases, the cost can also quickly add up.

    If your idea of the best motion sensor trash cans is cans that don’t require batteries, consider this SensorCan product. As an added bonus, the AC power adapter is included with the sensor trash can.

    This motion sensor trash can has a 13-gallon capacity, making it the right size for most kitchens. Handy technology keeps the lid from closing on your hand, as the lid will re-open if your hand is in the way. A replaceable filter absorbs odors to keep your living space smelling a little bit better.

  11. 11. BestOffice Touch-Free Waste Bin

    Pros:
    • Lid opens immediately and closes five seconds later
    • Distinctive oval shape
    • Sloping lid allows the trash can to fit virtually anywhere
    Cons:
    • Replacement parts may not be readily available
    • Only opens when objects are right next to the sensor
    • Lid sensor is easily triggered

    The hallmark feature of this sensor trash can is its versatility. While its 13-gallon capacity is plenty for most kitchens, the trash can also fits in most bathrooms, offices and other spaces thanks to its distinctive oval body shape and sloping lid. The lid opens immediately when you approach and closes just five seconds later. 

    s with many of its competitors, this touchless trash can sports a modern and stylish stainless steel exterior, so you won’t have to think twice about setting it in plain view. Don’t worry if you’re tired of stainless steel, though, as you can find this trash can in several other colors, including red. 

What Are the Advantages of a Touchless Trash Can?

Aside from the obvious convenience factor, a touchless trash can boost cleanliness around your home. According to The Clean Can Company, trash can host harmful bacteria such as E. Coli, Salmonella and Listeria.

Not only do touchless trash cans allow you to add trash and remove the bags without touching the lid each time, but some also seal the bag for you. If you're interested in a self-sealing bag, check out the TOWNEW Self-Sealing Automatic Bin.

Which Automatic Trash Can Is Best for My Home?

Unlike a traditional trash can, there are a few more factors to consider with an automatic trash can. For example, are you looking for a pet-proof can? (We suggest the iTouchless Pet-Proof Sensor Trash Can.) Or, maybe you're interested in a combo set for your household. Some trash cans have a built-in filter for odor control (such as the iTouchless Touchless Sensor Trash Can).

Which Sensor Trash Cans Best Protect Against Germs?

Even the best sensor trash cans can't fully protect against germs. To keep your kitchen as safe and germ-free as possible, the University of Rochester Medical Center suggests cleaning and disinfecting. The source suggests first thoroughly cleaning an area to remove grease, food residue and bacteria, followed by a disinfectant. It's important to note that grease buildup and food residue can block the disinfectant, so it's important to clean before using such products.

See Also:

Keep your home cleaner with a motion sensor trash can. We've found the best touchless trash cans for your kitchen, office and more.