The kitchen is the tiniest room in my home, and fitting in a trash can, compost bin, and recycling bin is impossible.
While I have resorted to using a cabinet trash can, it only does a third of the job and takes up precious storage space. That’s why, if I were to reorganize my kitchen, I would opt for this Joseph Joseph Totem Waste & Recycling Trash Can, from Macy’s, instead.
Combining three jobs in one, and looking good while doing so, it’s the ideal solution to organizing a small kitchen stuck for space.
Why this Joseph Joseph Totem can is so handy
This kitchen trash can has built-in odor control features and a stacked design to help you separate waste easily without taking up extra space in compact homes.
Waste management is not the most glamorous part of designing a kitchen, but it is absolutely essential for a functional space that doesn’t attract pests or emanate odors. Working out where to put a trash can in a small kitchen is far from simple, however.
Enter the Joseph Joseph Totem trash can.
It's praised by verified Wayfair shoppers, including Kathleen, who says this trash can ‘is definitely one of my greatest purchases. Our space is very limited, so we needed something space-saving to dispose of recycling and trash. This fits the bill perfectly! I have it at the end of my counter and find it very convenient.’
Split into three compartments, the top half of the can is designed for general waste, fitting a heavy-duty trash bag from Walmart with ease, and contains a removable compost tote. The bottom half of the bin is a pull-out drawer, ideal for separating recyclables. Both have removable buckets for easy emptying.
Better yet, the top trash can features an odor filter to help reduce moisture and odor buildup, helping to stop trash can smells in summer.
While some shoppers comment that this product is on the more expensive side, many justify the cost based on Joseph Joseph’s commitment to quality and style.
Macy’s shopper Janet H. shares, ‘I love my new bin. It is slightly more compact than my previous one, but this still holds 60L. I had my previous bin (same make) for 10 years – they are so well made and extremely robust. They make recycling so easy. I would recommend them to everyone. My friends think I’m a bit crazy to be so excited about a bin.’
Ben G., a fellow Macy’s shopper, agrees, giving the trash can five stars and stressing, ‘Who thought a bin could change my life? Stylist, effortless, and ergonomic, there's nothing not to like about this product. We had an electronic one previously, but the mechanism was prone to breaking, or the batteries drained very quickly – so this is an analogue winner in our eyes. Plus, the storage is impressive!’
What to shop
Available in black, gray, stainless steel, and white, the Totem trash can comes in two sizes (40L and 60L), both with three separate compartments for kitchen convenience.
The Joseph Joseph IW6 Liners are designed to fit the Totem trash can perfectly for easy waste disposal.
Have a little more space in your kitchen and don't want to spend as much on a trash can? This dual-compartment one has a larger capacity for bigger households.
When cleaning a trash can, always opt for disposable paper towels that can be tossed after use to avoid cross contamination around your kitchen.
White vinegar is the perfect option for cleaning your trash can, killing mold and eliminating odors for all round freshness. Simply add to a spray bottle for easy application.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer. Sprinkling a little over your trash can help to absorb odors, especially in summer, for longer-lasting freshness between emptying and deep cleans.
Picking the right practical accessories is one of the small kitchen details that will make the biggest difference – especially in small kitchen ideas – and a trash can is the best place to start.
