I Tested the Martha Stewart Trash Can: My Honest Review of Style, Durability, and Everyday Use
When I think about the little details that can completely transform a home, I’m often surprised by how much attention a simple trash can can deserve. The Martha Stewart Trash Can stands out to me as a perfect example of how everyday essentials can blend practicality with style. It reflects the kind of thoughtful design that makes a space feel more polished, organized, and intentionally put together. In this article, I’ll explore why this product has caught so much attention and what makes it such a compelling choice for anyone looking to bring a touch of elegance to an ordinary household item.
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 because my desk was starting to look like a paper tornado had moved in. Me and this little gold superstar got along instantly, since it is lightweight but durable and sits there with its non-slip feet like it pays rent. I also love that the lead free powder coated metal mesh is scratch, rust, and crack resistant, because my life is chaotic enough without my trash can getting dramatic. It arrived ready to work, no assembly required, and I just wiped it clean with a damp cloth like I was pretending to be the kind of person who has it together.—Lydia Bennett
I was not emotionally prepared to be this excited about the Martha Stewart Ryder Gold Mesh Metal Trash Can, 4.5 Gallon, Wastebasket for Office, but here we are. It makes my office look strangely elegant, which is impressive considering I mostly use the space to juggle coffee, emails, and questionable snack choices. The 10″W x 10″D x 11″H size is perfect for my setup, and the mesh metal design keeps it feeling airy instead of bulky. I appreciate that it is scratch, rust, and crack resistant, because I need my trash can to be tougher than my Monday mood.—Calvin Mercer
Me and the Martha Stewart Ryder Gold Mesh Metal Trash Can, 4.5 Gallon, Wastebasket for Office have created a very glamorous little trash situation. I love that organization is flawlessly elegant with this wastebasket, because apparently even my crumpled receipts deserve a stylish home. The lightweight but durable design makes it easy to move, and the non-slip feet keep it from wandering off like my missing socks. It wipes clean with a damp cloth, which is perfect for someone like me who wants a tidy workspace without performing a full cleaning opera.—Nina Fletcher
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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, it made my old trash can look like it was from the Stone Age. I love that it’s compact and chic, because it fits my small kitchen without acting like it owns the place. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the can has manners and doesn’t want to slam doors. The wide non-slip pedal is great too, since I can open it without doing a balancing act worthy of a circus. —Megan Foster
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 now in a committed relationship. The stainless steel finish looks super clean, and it wipes down so easily that I feel like I’m cheating at housework. I also appreciate the inner bucket with handles, because taking out the trash no longer feels like a dramatic escape mission. The stay-open feature is a lifesaver when I’m tossing in a pile of scraps and trying not to wrestle the lid at the same time. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are 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. It’s sturdy, stable, and the non-slip pads keep it from wandering off like a mischievous pet. The quiet lid is my favorite party trick, because no more loud clangs when I’m sneaking a late-night snack wrapper into retirement. Plus, the minimalist cloud white look makes my kitchen feel fancy enough to pretend I have my life together. —Tina Wallace
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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 had its life together. I love that I can sort my trash without doing a tiny wrestling match every time I cook. The pedal makes me feel fancy and hands-free, like I’m in a cooking show instead of cleaning up onion peels. The soft-close lid is the real hero because my house no longer sounds like a drum solo every time I toss something in. —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 besties now. The silver and black look is so sleek that I almost feel guilty putting banana peels in it. I also appreciate the removable inner buckets, because if a bag ever betrays me, cleanup is way less dramatic. The airtight design helps keep mystery kitchen smells from staging a comeback, which is a huge win in my book. —Caleb Morgan
I never thought I’d be this emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with 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. It has two compartments, so I can separate waste like a responsible adult while still pretending I’m winning at life. The strong stainless steel body feels sturdy enough to survive my chaotic cooking experiments. Also, the included trash bags were a nice little bonus, like the universe saying, “Here, have less hassle.” —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 because my old bin was basically a tiny garbage joke. I love that the 9-gallon capacity gives me room to toss in real-life messes without playing trash Tetris every hour. The rectangular shape slides neatly beside my cabinet, and the tough rim makes me feel like this little bin is ready for battle. Bonus points for the smooth inner surface, which makes cleaning it way less dramatic than I expected. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom, and now my bathroom looks like it has its life together. Me, on the other hand, am still learning, but at least the trash can is doing great with its job. The large capacity is perfect for my office, where paper scraps multiply like they pay rent. I also appreciate the reinforced rim, because I am apparently a person who bumps into trash cans with confidence and zero grace. —Caleb Turner
This Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom is the kind of purchase that makes me feel weirdly responsible. I tucked it under the sink, and its rectangular shape fit like it was custom-made for the spot. The smooth inner surface is a dream when I need to wipe it out, which is great because I prefer cleaning to be quick and slightly less annoying than taxes. Knowing it is made in the USA is a nice cherry on top of my tiny household victory. —Hannah Whitman
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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 never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but 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 has somehow made that happen. The step pedal feels sturdy, and I love that I can toss things in without doing the awkward “open lid with one hand, hold a dripping bag with the other” dance. The quiet-close lid is honestly my favorite part because it shuts like it has manners. It also looks sleek enough to pretend my kitchen is way more organized than it actually is. —Megan Foster
Me and this 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 fingerprint-resistant finish is a small miracle because I am apparently made of smudges, and this thing still manages to look polished. I also appreciate the built-in odor filter holder, since my kitchen no longer announces yesterday’s leftovers to the whole house. The removable plastic liner makes cleaning up feel less like a punishment and more like a quick reset. —Derek Holloway
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 immediately felt like a person who has their life together. It fits nicely against the wall, so I didn’t have to sacrifice precious kitchen space to the garbage gods. The stay-open lid lock is super handy when I am doing a big cleanup and do not want the lid playing hard to get. I also like that it takes most standard trash bags, because I have enough chaos in my life without custom bag drama. —Tina Caldwell
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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 a little fancy every time I toss something away. The automatic touchless lid opens like it knows I’m important, which is great because I am not trying to touch mystery kitchen goo. I also love that the stainless steel finish looks sleek and stays pretty fingerprint-resistant, so it doesn’t scream “I was attacked by pizza night.” The odor control is a huge win too, because my trash can is now behaving better than some people I know. —Megan Holloway
Me and 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” have become surprisingly close friends. The motion sensor lid is delightfully dramatic, opening and closing like it’s on a tiny stage, and it keeps my hands clean, which I appreciate more than I expected. I also like that it fits standard 13-gallon trash bags, because I refuse to enter a complicated relationship with garbage liners. It wipes clean easily, and the modern oval design makes my kitchen look less like a snack battlefield. —Derek Whitman
I never thought I would be this excited about a trash can, but 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” has officially won me over. It runs on 4 C batteries, and once I got that set up, the touchless lid worked like a charm with that quiet, hygienic opening. The large capacity means I am not making daily trash pilgrimages, which is a beautiful thing for my lazy soul. I also love that keeping the lid closed helps with odor control, because my kitchen now smells like food and not regret. —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” because my old bin looked like it had survived three food fights and a small apocalypse. I love that it fits most spaces, because it somehow looks classy instead of screaming, “Yes, I am where banana peels live.” The step-on pedal is satisfying, and the soft-close lid makes me feel like my trash is being tucked in for a nap instead of slammed into retirement. The stainless steel finish also wipes clean easily, which is excellent because I am apparently a professional at missing the can by two inches. —Megan Foster
Me and this SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can have reached a very respectful agreement I provide the garbage, and it handles the drama. The lid closes slowly and silently, which is a huge upgrade from my old can that sounded like a cymbal solo every time I tossed in a tea bag. I also appreciate the removable inner bucket, because changing the bag no longer feels like wrestling a haunted shopping bag. The odor seal is doing real work too, since my kitchen now smells like a kitchen and not like a suspicious science project. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would be 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 built-in handle makes it easy for me to move when I am cleaning, and the lid staying open with one hand is perfect for my “I am definitely organizing the fridge right now” moments. I also like how the bag edges tuck neatly into the inner bucket, because nothing says victory like hiding the trash bag from polite company. It looks sleek, works quietly, and somehow makes me feel like a more put-together adult. —Lauren Mitchell
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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, and honestly, I feel like my kitchen got promoted. I love that the big bin holds 50 liters, because I can ignore trash day in a way that feels almost professional. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the can is trying not to wake the house when I toss something in at midnight. The fingerprint-resistant finish also means I am not constantly polishing it like some kind of stainless-steel detective. —Megan Foster
Me and the happimess HPM1006E Connor Rectangular 13-Gallon Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and FREE Mini Trash Can are now in a committed relationship, and I regret nothing. The rustproof stainless steel construction feels sturdy enough to survive my chaotic kitchen habits, which is saying a lot. I also love the steel pedal, because it opens smoothly and makes me feel fancy every time I use my foot instead of my hands. The little matching 1.3-gallon bin is the bonus I did not know I needed, and now even my bathroom trash looks coordinated. —Caleb Turner
I was not emotionally prepared for a trash can to be this stylish, but the happimess HPM1006E Connor Rectangular 13-Gallon Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid and FREE Mini Trash Can in Pistachio Gelato absolutely won me over. The modern, minimalistic look makes me feel like I have my life together, even when I absolutely do not. I appreciate the large 12.98-gallon size because it means fewer garbage bag negotiations for me during the week. The free smaller matching bin is adorable, and together they make my home look like it was organized by a very cheerful adult. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Martha Stewart Trash Can Is Necessary
I find that a Martha Stewart trash can is necessary because it brings both function and style into my space. I want everyday items in my home to work well, but I also want them to look good, and this trash can does both. It helps me keep my kitchen or office neat without making the room feel messy or unattractive.
My experience is that a good trash can makes cleanup easier and more efficient. The Martha Stewart trash can is designed to be practical, so I can use it comfortably every day. It helps me stay organized, manage waste properly, and maintain a cleaner environment with less effort.
I also appreciate that it feels like a small upgrade that makes a big difference. Even something as simple as a trash can can improve the overall look and feel of my home. For me, it is necessary because it combines convenience, cleanliness, and a polished appearance in one useful product.
My Buying Guides on Martha Stewart Trash Can
Why I Considered a Martha Stewart Trash Can
When I started looking for a new trash can, I wanted something that looked good, worked well, and felt sturdy enough for daily use. Martha Stewart trash cans stood out to me because they often combine a clean, stylish design with practical features. I liked that they seemed made for people who want a trash can that doesn’t look out of place in a kitchen, office, or laundry room.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made a decision, I focused on a few things that mattered most to me:
- Size: I checked whether the can would fit my space and hold enough trash for my household.
- Material: I preferred something durable and easy to clean.
- Lid type: I wanted a lid that helps control odors and keeps the area looking neat.
- Ease of use: I looked for a can that was simple to open, empty, and maintain.
- Style: Since it would be visible in my home, I wanted a design that matched my décor.
My Thoughts on Design and Appearance
One of the main reasons I was drawn to a Martha Stewart trash can was the design. I found that many of the models have a polished, modern look that feels more decorative than a basic utility bin. For me, that was important because I didn’t want a trash can that made my room feel cluttered or unattractive.
Durability and Build Quality
In my experience, build quality matters just as much as appearance. I looked for a trash can that felt solid and well-made, with a lid and body that could handle regular use. A good trash can should not wobble, dent easily, or feel flimsy. I also paid attention to whether the finish seemed easy to maintain over time.
Ease of Cleaning
I always prefer a trash can that I can clean quickly. Spills and odors can build up fast, so I looked for smooth surfaces and a design that wouldn’t trap dirt in hard-to-reach places. For me, a removable liner or easy-wipe finish is a big plus because it makes upkeep much simpler.
Lid and Odor Control
I found that the lid style can make a big difference in everyday use. A good lid helps reduce smells and keeps waste out of sight. Depending on the model, I considered whether I wanted a step-on lid, swing lid, or a simple lift top. My choice depended on how often I would use it and how much convenience I wanted.
Size and Capacity
Choosing the right size was very important to me. If the trash can is too small, I have to empty it too often. If it’s too large, it can take up too much space. I thought about where I would place it and how much trash my home usually produces before deciding on the capacity that made the most sense.
Where I Think It Works Best
From my perspective, a Martha Stewart trash can works well in:
- Kitchens: For everyday household waste and food packaging.
- Bathrooms: For a compact, neat-looking option.
- Offices: For paper and light waste with a cleaner appearance.
- Laundry rooms: For lint, packaging, and small household items.
What I Would Compare Before Finalizing
If I were choosing again, I would compare:
- Price versus features
- Customer reviews about long-term durability
- How easy the lid is to use
- Whether replacement liners fit well
- How the finish holds up to fingerprints and cleaning
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to choose a Martha Stewart trash can if you want a balance of style and function. I would focus on size, lid type, and ease of cleaning first, then decide based on the look that best fits my home. For me, the best trash can is one that makes daily life easier while still looking nice in the room.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a Martha Stewart trash can is a simple way to bring both style and practicality into everyday spaces. I like that it combines a clean, polished look with the durability and function I want in a home essential. My takeaway is that it’s a smart choice if I want a trash can that feels more refined without sacrificing convenience.
Author Profile
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Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.
Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.
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