We all spend at least a little bit of time in the bathroom every day, and we're sure you'll agree that there's nothing more inconvenient than having to disturb your morning routine by popping downstairs to dispose of rubbish. A bathroom bin with a swing lid or a pedal allows you to dispose of waste quickly right then and there, so you can get on with your day.
Considering it's such a simple contraption, there's quite a lot to bear in mind when shopping for a bathroom bin. So, we've created a buying guide to guide you through everything you need to know in order to make the best purchase. We'll talk about factors such as the capacity and materials before introducing our selection of the top 10 products currently available to order from online stores such as Amazon, John Lewis and Argos.
Quick List - Top Bathroom Bins
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
The best place to start is by observing how much litter you throw away from your bathroom each day. Once you've got a rough idea of that, you can move onto which design and features will benefit you the most.
The first thing to check when it comes to buying a new bathroom bin is its size. While you don't want a bin so small that you'll need to empty it every single day, you certainly don't want one that takes up too much room either if your bathroom is on the smaller side! Your best bet is to strike a balance with a bin that's large enough to hold a decent amount of waste, but that works with your existing space.
Start by considering how many people will be using the bin, then have a think about how much waste you each produce on a daily basis - is it just some soap packaging that needs binning every now and then, or does your household use dental floss and disposable cotton pads regularly too?
Most bathroom waste can last for a fairly long period of time without needing to be removed from the house, so we recommend finding a bin that'll hold about 7 days' worth of rubbish before it requires emptying. For smaller households, a 3-litre bin should suffice, while larger families will want to opt for something bigger.
While your bathroom bin isn't likely to get knocked about, you'll still need it to be made from something that's durable and long-lasting. The material affects the appearance and price, so it's vital that you pick something suitable for both your style and budget.
Many bathroom bins are made from metal such as steel. Steel options tend to be a little more expensive but they're easy to wipe clean, have a sleek appearance, and are incredibly durable.
On the other hand, plastic bins are generally pretty affordable and sturdy, although they're not as stain-resistant or resilient as their steel counterparts.
A great bathroom bin is one that integrates seamlessly into your day-to-day life, with an opening mechanism that's convenient to use. In this section, we'll walk you through three of the most popular options.
Push and swing lids are instantly recognisable, as these are probably the most common opening mechanisms for bins. As the name suggests, a push lid requires a simple touch or "push" before it gently lifts of its own accord. Similarly, a swing lid needs a gentle nudge which will make it move on its hinges to reveal the bin's inner compartment.
Both of these options are simple to operate, but they do require hand contact - this means potential exposure to germs. Bathroom bins are also often small in size, so you may need to bend over in order to reach the lid. For this reason alone, some shoppers may prefer a pedal or sensor bin instead.
Many of us take it for granted, but the pedal bin is pretty revolutionary when you think about it! Simply press down the pedal with your foot and, as if by magic, the bin lid will lift up to allow you to throw in your litter.
The benefits are numerous: no need for hand contact makes the bin easier to use if you're carrying a particularly large amount of litter, plus it reduces your exposure to germs - which can only ever be a good thing!
Unlike pedal and swing bins, this also means there's no need to bend over to use this type of bin. Hence, pedal bins are kinder to your back and make it simple to dispose of rubbish quickly.
Amazingly, bins with automatic sensors don't require any contact at all to open - you need only to wave your hand across their surface to open the lid and dispose of your rubbish. They're incredibly convenient and mean you can totally avoid exposure to germs!
Naturally, this advanced technology comes at an increased price, particularly when you consider that you'll need to pay for batteries to fuel your fancy bin. Also, unless you're purchasing a particularly large bin, some bending over will still be required!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | John Lewis & Partners Sensor Bathroom Bin | ![]() | Go Hands-Free With This Tech-Tastic Sensor Bin | |
2 | simplehuman Profile Pedal Bin | ![]() | Slim, Non-Slip, and Holds Up to 10 Litres of Trash | |
3 | Joseph Joseph Split™ Recycler Bin | ![]() | Dual Compartments Will Keep Your Waste Organised | |
4 | Umbra Woodrow Natural Bin | ![]() | An Affordable, Eco-Friendly Buy | |
5 | Kazai Bamboo Lid Soft Close Bathroom Bin | ![]() | Sustainably Made and Naturally Antibacterial | |
6 | John Lewis & Partners Drift Bathroom Bin | ![]() | A Stylish Choice That Proves Bins Can Be Beautiful Too | |
7 | Brabantia Daisy Yellow Pedal Bin | ![]() | Add Some Sunshine To Your Home With This Cheery Bin | |
8 | Homemaxs Swing Top Bin With Bags | ![]() | An Ultra-Modern Option That Provides A Futuristic Feel | |
9 | Argos Home Stainless Steel Pedal Bin | ![]() | Keep Your Wallet Happy With This Classic Pedal Bin | |
10 | GEMITTO Narrow Bathroom Bin With Inbuilt Toilet Brush Holder | ![]() | A 2-in-1 Bin That's Perfect For Smaller Spaces |
Introducing the bin of the future! No longer is any hard work required - you can open and close the lid with just a quick wave of your hand. That means you'll never have to directly touch your bin and come into contact with any nasty germs that might be lurking on its surface.
This bin also features a sleek, stainless steel exterior, and its 6-litre capacity is certainly nothing to scoff at. It doesn't come cheap, but we think the price is well worth it for this amazing all-rounder that tech-heads and design enthusiasts alike will love!
The smart rectangular design of this pedal bin makes it perfect for any bathroom where space feels limited. Its durable steel body will ensure that it won't be dented easily and the reliable non-skid base will prevent it from sliding around the room too.
Although it's tall and can hold up to 10 litres of trash, this is still a very slimline option that shouldn't take up much room at all. You can't go wrong with the 5-year manufacturer's guarantee either!
This elegant choice from popular homeware brand Joseph Joseph has a minimalist colour palette and a sleek, curved design that will please pretty much everyone, from first-time homeowners to experienced interior designers.
Undoubtedly its best feature is the two slots: one for disposable waste and the other for recyclable materials. Without the need to sort through your litter, you'll save tons of time - anything that makes saving the planet that little bit easier is alright by us!
This medium-sized bathroom bin is made entirely from real wood, making it an eco-friendly buy. The warm tone of the wood not only looks brilliant but gives it a feeling of softness in comparison to the imposing metal appearance of most bathroom bins.
Although this open-topped bin will need emptying regularly, the process is simple thanks to the in-built handles. A superb waste solution for any room of the house - and it's under £20!
Made from bamboo and 100% recycled plastic, this bin is a great choice for the environmentally-conscious consumer. The sustainable materials used provide unique benefits too - for example, the bamboo lid offers natural protection from mould and closes more quietly than metal ones.
The bin itself features a matte-powder coating, meaning it won't gather fingerprints and will remain clean for longer. Plus, let's be honest - the bamboo lid is a lot nicer-looking than traditional steel ones!
This bin, with its matte, stone-like appearance, couldn't look more different from other options on the market. Its minimalist grey design has a natural, earthy feel that creates a contrast with the sterile, manufactured setting of most bathrooms.
The beautiful appearance of this product comes at quite a high price though and it doesn't have a lid, meaning your litter will remain on show until you have time to dispose of it. For those seeking a stylish bin, however, this is a fantastic choice.
You don't need us to tell you what sets this bin apart from the others, as we're sure you can see it straight away! For many people, bright yellow is a cheerful colour that invigorates them - something a bathroom bin doesn't do, usually.
Underneath its sunny exterior, this is also a high-quality bin made by a top manufacturer. As well as a trusty floor pedal and a sturdy metal shell, you'll get a 10-year guarantee for your peace of mind. It's a reliable way of introducing some sunshine into your daily routine.
The first thing that strikes you about this bathroom bin is its sleek, futuristic appearance. It's hard to believe that a bin could be visually appealing, but we'd argue that this one is pretty lovely to look at.
Its swing mechanism provides you with a means of opening the lid, depositing your litter, and closing it again without ever needing to touch the bin itself. This product even comes with several bin bags included, so you can put it to use straight away.
Based on looks alone, this bin is nothing to shout about - it's round, of medium height, and made from stainless steel. Plus, of course, it features a simple pedal for lifting the lid.
What makes this product stand out is the wonderfully low price. A bin is simply a place to throw your rubbish after all, so most people want something that'll do the job effectively while remaining as affordable as possible. This one is sure to fit the bill without breaking the bank!
Some bins look prettier than others, but they all exist to serve a specific purpose. So, one that serves two purposes is really something to shout about - this narrow bathroom bin, which is also a toilet brush holder, is part of that exclusive club!
The bin and brush themselves aren't half bad either, with a convenient push lid and a handy S-shaped head. While this may be a basic option in terms of the opening mechanism, it's an excellent choice for those who wish to save on space.
No. 1: John Lewis & Partners|Sensor Bathroom Bin
No. 2: simplehuman|Profile Pedal Bin
No. 3: Joseph Joseph|Split™ Recycler Bin
No. 4: Umbra|Woodrow Natural Bin
No. 5: Kazai|Bamboo Lid Soft Close Bathroom Bin
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games