simplehuman 58L Step Recycler Review A Dual Compartment Trash Can for Everyday Kitchen Use
Why This Product Is Worth a Look
Separating trash and recycling can require two bins and more kitchen floor space. The simplehuman Step Recycler combines both waste streams in one stainless steel unit while adding hands-free opening, concealed liners, built-in bag storage, and a slow-closing lid. It is worth considering if you want a more organized sorting station and are comfortable with its premium design, uneven compartment sizes, and custom liner system.
Product Overview
The simplehuman Step Recycler is a 58-liter, or 15.3-gallon, dual-compartment kitchen trash can. Its total capacity is divided into a 34-liter section for general trash and a smaller 24-liter section for recycling.
The trash side uses a liner rim rather than a removable inner bucket. The recycling side has a removable plastic bucket with a folding metal handle. Both compartments sit beneath one step-operated lid.
Other notable features include a steel pedal tested for more than 150,000 steps, Lid Shox controlled closing, an integrated Liner Pocket that stores up to 20 liners, a brushed stainless steel exterior, and compatibility with simplehuman Code H custom-fit bags. An Odorsorb pod is also included for up to 45 days of supplemental odor control.
This model is most relevant to households that sort recycling in the kitchen and want one coordinated container instead of separate freestanding bins.
Design, Build, and Everyday Feel
The rectangular shape has a clean, modern appearance that should coordinate well with brushed stainless steel appliances. The liner rim hides the top of the trash bag, helping the can maintain a neater appearance than designs that leave loose plastic and drawstrings visible.
The body measures approximately 22 inches wide, 14.2 inches deep, and 25.8 inches high when closed. It weighs 21.3 pounds, giving it enough mass to feel stable when the pedal is pressed. Its relatively shallow depth may also make it easier to position against a wall or at the end of an island.
Vertical clearance requires more attention. With the lid fully open, the total height reaches approximately 36 to 36.25 inches. The closed can may fit beneath a countertop or shelf while still lacking enough room for the lid to open properly. Measuring both the floor area and the overhead space is important.
The brushed steel surface includes a coating designed to resist fingerprints and water spots. It should require less polishing than untreated stainless steel, although the pedal, rim, and surrounding floor will still need regular cleaning. The coating also uses silver-ion technology intended to inhibit microbial growth on the treated surface, but it does not replace routine sanitation.
Key Features
Dual-compartment sorting
The 58-liter interior separates trash and recycling within a single footprint. This makes sorting more immediate and eliminates the need to move mixed waste to another area later. The main limitation is the asymmetric capacity. The 24-liter recycling section may fill quickly with bottles, cans, and bulky packaging.
Steel pedal and controlled lid
The wide steel pedal provides hands-free opening and is tested for more than 150,000 steps. Simplehuman describes that as the equivalent of more than 20 uses per day for 20 years. This is a useful durability specification, although it should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every component will last for that exact period. Lid Shox technology slows the lid as it closes, reducing slamming and noise.
Liner rim system
Instead of placing an inner bucket inside the trash compartment, the stainless steel rim grips the bag directly. It folds down to secure the liner and conceal its edges. Removing the inner bucket also increases usable trash space and helps prevent the vacuum resistance that can occur when pulling a full bag from a tightly fitted bucket. The trade-off is that leaks go directly into the bottom of the can.
Built-in Liner Pocket
A rear interior compartment can store and dispense a pack of 20 liners. A fresh bag remains close at hand during changes, so replacement liners do not need to occupy a separate cabinet. The pocket is optimized around simplehuman Code H liners. Generic bags may work, but they may require adjustment or small knots to remain secure.
Handled recycling bucket
The recycling side includes a removable bucket made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. Its folding metal handle allows the entire bucket to be carried to a larger recycling container. For clean, dry recyclables, this can reduce the need for disposable bags. However, its 24-liter capacity may require frequent emptying in packaging-heavy households.
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What It May Be Like to Use
Based on the available product information, everyday operation should be straightforward. Pressing the pedal raises the shared lid without requiring hand contact, which can be useful during food preparation. When released, the lid should descend gradually and quietly instead of dropping shut.
Changing the trash bag involves raising the liner rim, removing the full bag, pulling a replacement from the internal pocket, and fitting it over the compartment. Lowering the rim secures and conceals the bag. Code H liners should provide the easiest fit, while standard bags may need to be tightened manually.
The bucketless trash chamber should make it easier to pull out a full bag because there is no inner container creating suction. If a liner is punctured, however, any liquid may reach the interior floor. Cleaning such a spill would require reaching into and wiping the compartment rather than carrying a removable bucket to the sink.
For recycling, the handled bucket can be lifted out and carried directly to an outdoor collection bin. This setup is best suited to dry, accepted recyclable materials. Boxes may need to be flattened, and bottles or containers may need to be compressed when appropriate to make better use of the smaller compartment.
The lid’s close fit may help contain ordinary kitchen odors and discourage pets from accessing the contents. The included Odorsorb pod provides additional odor management for a stated period of up to 45 days, but regular emptying and cleaning will remain more important than any accessory.
What Works Well
Efficient sorting in one footprint. The two compartments keep trash and recycling together without requiring two unrelated cans.
Quiet operation. The controlled lid addresses the noise and vibration associated with lids that slam shut.
Clean exterior presentation. The brushed finish and concealed liner edges give the unit a streamlined look suitable for visible or open-concept kitchens.
Convenient bag changes. The liner rim and built-in storage pocket reduce the number of steps involved in finding and fitting a replacement liner.
Practical recycling removal. The handled bucket can be carried directly to a larger collection bin and does not necessarily need a disposable liner.
Stable construction. At 21.3 pounds, the can should resist sliding or tipping during normal pedal use.
Long warranty coverage. The product is backed by a 10-year limited manufacturer warranty, offering longer support than many basic kitchen bins.
Things to Consider
The recycling compartment is smaller than the trash compartment. At 24 liters, it may fill rapidly in homes that receive frequent deliveries or use many bottles, cans, and cardboard packages.
Code H liners are the intended option for the trash side. They offer a tailored fit and reinforced seams, but their ongoing cost should be considered. Generic bags may fit less securely.
The trash side has no removable bucket. This creates more usable capacity and makes bag removal easier, but it also makes leaks and punctures less convenient to clean.
The lid needs more than 36 inches of vertical space when fully open. Low counters, shelves, or island overhangs may interfere with normal operation.
Although the exterior and pedal use steel, not every moving part is metal. Some internal hinge or linkage elements may use molded plastic. Available long-term feedback indicates that hinges can occasionally develop squeaks or wear after years of use, though the warranty may help if a covered component fails.
Crumbs and residue may collect around the recessed rear hinge area. That narrow space could require occasional cleaning with a small brush or damp cloth.
Who Is This Product For?
The simplehuman Step Recycler is a strong candidate for households that want to separate trash and recycling at the point of disposal. It is especially appropriate for one- to three-person homes, modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances, and spaces where two separate bins would create unnecessary clutter.
It may also appeal to users who value hands-free opening, quiet operation, hidden liners, and an integrated supply of replacement bags. Pet owners may appreciate the weight and recessed lid design, which should be more difficult for many dogs or cats to disturb than a lightweight open bin.
It may be less suitable for large families that produce a high volume of recyclable packaging. It is also not ideal for locations with less than approximately 36.25 inches of overhead clearance, or for buyers who want removable inner buckets in both compartments. Anyone trying to minimize the recurring cost of custom liners should factor that into the decision.
Helpful Tips Before You Buy
Measure the intended location in all three dimensions. Allow approximately 22 inches of width and 14.2 inches of depth, along with at least 36.25 inches of unobstructed height for the open lid.
Consider the actual balance of your household waste. If recycling regularly exceeds general trash, the 34-liter and 24-liter split may feel restrictive.
Compare the cost and availability of Code H liners with the generic bags you normally purchase. Generic liners may be usable, but the rim system works most neatly with the intended size.
Keep liquids and sharp packaging away from the trash liner when possible. Because there is no removable bucket on that side, preventing punctures is easier than cleaning a major leak.
Use the recycling bucket for clean, dry materials and follow local recycling rules. Flattening cardboard can help make better use of its limited volume.
Clean the exterior with a soft microfiber cloth, warm water, and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive pads that could damage the brushed finish. Periodically inspect and clean the rear hinge recess.
Keep proof of purchase and review the terms of the 10-year limited warranty. Warranty coverage may be useful if the pedal, hinge, or another covered mechanical component develops a problem.
Common Questions
How is the 58-liter capacity divided?
The trash compartment holds 34 liters, while the removable recycling bucket holds 24 liters.
Does it require simplehuman liners?
Code H liners are designed for the trash compartment and should provide the most secure fit. Generic bags may work, but they may need adjustment or tying to prevent slipping.
Do both compartments have removable buckets?
No. Only the recycling side has a removable handled bucket. The trash side uses a bucketless liner rim system.
How much overhead clearance does it need?
The can is 25.8 inches high when closed and reaches approximately 36 to 36.25 inches with the lid fully open.
Is the lid quiet?
The Lid Shox mechanism controls the closing motion so the lid descends slowly rather than slamming shut.
Does the odor pod eliminate the need for regular cleaning?
No. The included Odorsorb pod is intended to provide up to 45 days of supplemental odor control. Food waste should still be removed regularly, and spills should be cleaned promptly.
Final Thoughts
The simplehuman 58L Step Recycler is a thoughtfully organized kitchen waste station with a durable steel pedal, quiet lid, concealed liner system, integrated bag storage, and a genuinely useful handled recycling bucket. Its rectangular stainless steel design also looks more refined than a typical utility bin.
Its drawbacks are practical rather than hidden. The smaller recycling compartment may fill quickly, Code H liners provide the best fit but add an ongoing expense, and the bucketless trash chamber is harder to clean after a leak. The fully open lid also requires considerably more vertical space than the closed dimensions suggest.
For a household that wants trash and recycling in one location and has sufficient overhead clearance, this model offers a convenient and well-designed solution. Buyers with heavy recycling output, limited space, or a preference for removable buckets on both sides may be better served by a different configuration.
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