Advice on trash cans
1. Separate trash or not?
To separate trash, you need a trash can with more than 1 compartment, also known as a recycler or trash separator. Because they have 2, 3, or more different compartments, you can separate organic waste and general trash and contribute to a better environment. Do you want more space for trash? Choose a trash can without the possibility to separate trash.
2. How do you want to open the trash can?
There are several ways you can open a trash can. Hygiene in the kitchen is important, so there are different systems to open the trash can without having to use your hands.
Open with a sensor or soft-touch
Sensor
- The lid opens without touching it.
- The lid won't get dirty because you don't have to touch it.
- Pay attention to where you place the trash can to prevent unnecessary opening.
Soft-touch
- A bit of pressure on the lid is enough to open the trash can.
- The lid remains open so you can throw away more.
- Because you have to touch the lid, it gets dirty faster.
Open with a foot pedal or swing lid
Pedal
- Hygienic because you don't open the lid with your hands.
- You have both hands available to throw away the trash.
- The lid isn't detachable with some buckets.
Swing
- Only a light touch needed to open.
- The lid is removable so you can easily change the trash bag.
- Lid quickly gets dirty due to contact with trash.
3. How large is your household?
The size of the trash can you need largely depends on the size of your household. If your household consists of more than 5 people, you'll have more trash than a 2-person household. You also need to take into account whether you separate trash and, if so, how you do this. When you separate all sorts of trash, your trash can won't fill up as quickly as when you only divide compost, for example. If you don't separate any trash at all, you need a trash can with a large capacity.
4. Don't have much space in your kitchen?
Don't have much space in your kitchen, but still need a trash can with a large capacity? Choose a built-in trash can. This is also a good choice if you prefer to have your trash can out of sight. You mount a built-in trash can in your kitchen cupboard, so the trash can is out of sight when you close the door. This ensures a neat and tidy appearance. Don't feel like mounting a trash can in your kitchen cupboard or do you simply have no room in your cupboards? In that case, choose a rectangular or semicircular trash can. You can place these against the wall, so you save a lot of space compared to a round trash can.
5. What else can you keep in mind?
Have you decided on the type of trash can? There are still some other things to keep in mind. You can choose a trash can with motion control closure, which makes the lid close silently and not with a loud bang, for example. This way, the material of the trash can is protected. Did you choose a stainless steel trash can? In that case, you can also go for a fingerprint-proof coating. This coating ensures fingerprints won't be visible. This is useful if you have kids.
