The Costco Trash Can People Are Going Crazy For And Why

They say one person's trash is another person's treasure, but how many of us can say we actually treasure our trash can? Costco members are rejoicing at the opportunity to have a modern, sleek, space-saving dual trash/recycling bin at a price significantly lower than when sold elsewhere. The simplehuman Dual Compartment Step Can in the 58-liter size has been available recently in Costco warehouse stores and online at Costco.com. While it carries a $200 (plus $25 shipping fee) price tag on simplehuman's website, Costco has been carrying this item for $120 online, and sometimes less in-store. 

Several TikTok users have featured this item in their video posts with prices ranging from $79.99 to $139.00. As per usual, your prices may vary, so it's a good idea to call ahead and see if it's available at your closest store and at what cost. Costco warehouses tend to carry only the stainless steel version, while Costco.com offers stainless steel and white. There is also a black version available through the manufacturer and other online retailers, but not at Costco's reduced price.

People love the simplehuman Dual Compartment Step Can for a variety of features that it offers. Most notably, it consolidates trash and recycling into one receptacle, so it's all in one convenient place and you don't have to disguise an unsightly recycling bin. The left side of the can is a removable blue recycling bin and the right side is a bin-less trash compartment. The unit comes with ten disposable custom-fit liners and a hidden internal pocket that stores the liners on the trash can side for easy access and fast changes.

A foot pedal operates the soft-close lid, which simplehuman says is guaranteed to work for more than 150,000 steps (or approximately 20 years). When it's time to remove the trash, simply pivot the outer lid up and grab the bin or bag. There's no need to remove the lid, leaving both hands free. The lid also includes a replaceable air freshener pod, which is one of the best ways to combat funky smells in your trash can. In the stainless steel version of this product, the whole bin has a shiny silver-ion coating that is fingerprint- and germ-resistant, unlike conventional stainless steel, which tends to attract smudges.

Is this really the best trash can out there? Some TikTokers and Costco shoppers did have a few less-than-stellar reviews, primarily noting that the trash side is smaller than they would like and, therefore, they're using more bags and making more trips to their outside bins. Because of this smaller size, some customers feel forced into buying simplehuman's proprietary bags for a proper fit. One Costco.com reviewer noted, "[E]ach compartment isn't standard size so you have to buy their branded trash bags; which are pricey compared to other brands." If you're accustomed to purchasing your trash bags in bulk, this may be a deal breaker for you. However, another reviewer noted that they were able to get Kirkland bags to work in the bin, though still not at a perfect fit.

Other reviewers felt that this trash can came at a deep enough discount at Costco to overlook a few shortcomings. The majority of reviews on Costco.com gave it 5 stars with big raves for all of its convenient features, including the built-in recycling bin and its overall attractive appearance. Let's face it: Trash is a fact of life, so you might as well contain it with modern sophistication, while also getting your money's worth out of your annual Costco membership.