#My Perfect Kitchen Trash Can and Perfectly Cheap Bags, Too!

I know “hate” is a strong word, but that’s how I feel about trash. Can’t stand it. But my loathing for trash is nothing compared to Lauren Singer. who has been trash-free for two years. It’s hard to imagine such a thing, but after hearing her story. she’s got my attention.

The entire amount of trash Lauren has produced in 24 months fits into a pint-size Mason jar.

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photo credit: TrashIsForTossers

I can’t say I’m anywhere close to Lauren when it comes to trash. I’m in that stage where I need a proper trash receptacle strategically located by my desk and in every other room of the house and garage as well. The most important receptacle is in the kitchen. It needs to be substantial in size, handy by location, as attractive as possible, impeccably clean and covered.

I have tested, tried and or reviewed every kind of trash receptacle in my search for the most perfect product out there. I have come to the well-educated opinion that stainless steel trash cans by Simple Human are the very best. I have the 30-litre/8 gallon round step can model in my kitchen.

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This beauty fits in a corner, against a wall—just about anywhere. It has a removable rigid liner for easy cleaning. The steel pedal is sturdy and the lid gives a smooth, silent close every time. It does not show fingerprints—also a big deal for me.

As much as I love this can, it comes with a problem: expensive trash bag refills. The folks at Simple Human insist that I need to use the bags designed especially for this can. And boy, are they expensive—at least $.25 per bag.

You know me—I’m always looking for a cheaper alternative and that’s what I did for my lovely stainless steel trash can. I decided to use Kirkland Drawstring Kitchen Bags instead of the Simple Human brand, at about $.10 per bag. I get these at Costco, but Kirkland brand products are also available online without a Costco membership.

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This is a cheaper alternative for sure but as I learned quickly, not so attractive.

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Suddenly, I realized why Simple Human had to make special bags for this receptacle and why the rigid liner in a Simple Human trash can has a hole at the top at the back of the liner. Bingo! That’s is the secret.

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Let me explain how to use that hole to make an alternative bag work perfectly:

1. Notice that a Kirkland bag has seams on two sides with the drawstrings in the middle front and back.

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2. Grab the top of one of the seams and tie a knot.

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3. Place the bag in the rigid liner then feed the tail of the knot from the outside through that hole and pull it inside the can, including the knot itself.

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4. Stretch the top of the bag around the liner, which will now fit snuggly, and push the bulk of the bag into the liner.

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5. Place the liner back into the can.

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Voila! A perfect fit that completely hides the trash bag with the lid closed and leaves the drawstrings intact for easy removal and tying closed when the can is full.

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I’m a bit jealous knowing that Lauren Singer does not spend money on trash cans. She doesn’t waste money on trash bags either.

Lauren’s example has given me a renewed desire to cut down on trash in every way possible.

In the meantime, I couldn’t be happier with my Simple Human can and super cheap trash bags.