Automatic Sensor bins for hygienic waste disposal
If you’re looking for a new motion sensor bin with the convenience of an automatic lifting lid, you’ll find reviews of the best bins available on this site. There is also a hygienic solution for waste disposal as you don’t need to touch any part of the bin surface. You can simply wave your hand to trigger the bin lid to open.
If you’ve had it with traditional pedal bins and want technology to be of service in your home, you’re in the right place to find out an automatic bin for you. All of the bins we review are intended for household waste only.
We’ll be featuring brands such as Tower, VonHaus, Morphy Richards, Dihl, Brabantia and Swan, taking a deep look into what each sensor bin has to offer. We’ll cater for all budgets too, from low budget right up to the premium end of the market.
Throwing away your trash is made easier and more hygienic when using a bin with an infrared automatic sensor. Simply approach and place your hand near the bin sensor and the lid will automatically open, and then close a few seconds after no activity.
The sensor bins we review have a variety of colours and material finishes suiting all tastes and needs. Some are fingerprint-resistant, which if you have young children may be something to consider. All bins require batteries and we will, where possible, indicate which battery type and the quantity required to power each bin.
So if you’re looking for a hygienic solution for waste disposal in your home or office environment, take a look at the sensor bin features below to find one that suits your needs.
What does a sensor bin do?
An automatic sensor bin is designed to make your life easier. The sensors in the bin will automatically lift the lid for you, so you can just drop your rubbish in and be on your way.
The sensors will also keep the lid closed when there’s no one around, so you don’t have to worry about pesky bugs or animals getting into your bin.
Does an automatic sensor bin need batteries?
Yes, sensor bins will need batteries to power the sensors and lid motor.
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- Features
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Our overall rating
Tower Square 58 Litre
This Tower bin is a stylish-looking addition to any kitchen or utility room, and with a 58-litre capacity, it will meet the household waste disposal needs of most families. It features infrared motion sensing, located at the front of the lid, and automatically senses movement when your hand approaches.
A Closer Look
The sensor bin lid will automatically close after 5 seconds of inactivity have passed. The brushed stainless steel bin body features a non-corrosive coating, meaning no rust will appear from any splashes during use.
Manual Mode
You can turn the bin opening to manual mode if you want to have the bin lid open for extended periods of time. This is controlled by a simple on/off button control on the lid.
As with any motion sensor bin, batteries are needed to power it, and this Tower model requires 4 x ‘AA’ batteries. We recommend Duracell batteries as these always perform well in our tests.
Guarantee
Finally, this bin comes with a generous 5-year guarantee so that you can be confident that should anything fail in those first five years; you’ll be covered. Details of how to claim in the event of a failure can be found in the box.
This bin doesn’t have an internal bucket – the bin liner attaches to a ring inside and is suspended from that.
There’s a choice of colours too – choose from Silver, Black, Almond and Charcoal.
Features
- 58-litrere capacity
- Infrared
- Choice of colours
- Lid closes after 5 seconds of inactivity
- Manual mode
- 5-yearar guarantee
- Brushed stainless steel
Specifications:
Make and Model: Tower T80901
Weight: 3.2kg
Bin Capacity: 58L
Date first sold: 22-01-2015
Dimensions: 65.8 x 43.8 x 32.8 cm
Material: Steel
Shape: Rectangular sensor bin
Common Questions
What size bin liners can I use with this bin?
You can use swing bin liners – 1200mm x 760mm, a capacity of 50 litres and fit the bin fine. Any 58L bin liner will be fine though.
When the lid is open, what is the overall height of the bin?
It’s a good question if you’re restricted on the height where your bin is stored. The height with the lid open is approximately 35 inches or 89 cm.
Final thoughts...
A good sized household waste bin from a trusted brand with the convenienve of a generous 5 year warranty to match.
- Quality & Finish
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VonHaus Sensor 50L Bin
Von Haus is renowned for its innovation and product design. This bin exemplifies those qualities with a stylish finish and function. The capacity is slightly less at 50L but still large enough for busy homes that want quick and easy household waste disposal when they need it.
Choice of Colours
There’s a choice of 3 different colours, silver, cream and black. We think all would look good in any kitchen or utility room, but we’ll leave it entirely up to you which colour you choose.
The body of the bin is a robust steel finish which won’t easily dent. As you approach 40cm of the bin, the infrared sensor will detect movement and raise the bin lid, ready to accept your disposal items. The lid will close again after 5 seconds of inactivity.
Manual Override
There’s an on/off switch so you can turn the unit into manual mode, allowing the bin lid to remain permanently open should you wish.
Batteries are required for the bin lid sensor and motor – you’ll need 3 x 1.5V ‘D’ batteries. These aren’t included, so remember to add them to your basket should you buy through Amazon.
As with the Tower model, there’s no inner bucket with this sensor bin, meaning it’s lightweight and makes for easy cleaning. The bin liner is simply held in place with a ring just inside the lid.
Warranty
You’re covered with a 2-year warranty, which isn’t as generous as the five years Tower gives but does give peace of mind should any faults occur during the first couple of years of ownership.
Features
- 50-litrere capacity
- LED Infrared
- Steel body
- Choice of colours
- Steel body
- 2-yearar guarantee
Specifications:
Make and Model: Von Haus 07/715
Weight: 3.3kg
Bin Capacity: 50L
Date first sold: 06/07/2016
Dimensions: 37 x 30 x 73 cm
Material: Steel
Shape: Rectangular sensor bin
Final thoughts...
A stylish & robust bin with colour choices to match any kitchen decor.
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Our overall rating
Dihl Sensor 50L Bin
This is a 50L capacity rectangular sensor bin available in stylish colours to suit your kitchen decor. There’s a choice of capacities too, 30L, 42L and 50L. We’ll focus this review on the 50L model.
Well-Constructed Sensor Bin
This is a well-made, sturdy disposal bin with a steel body and a lightweight plastic lid. It’s been a popular seller on Amazon since its introduction in 2014. The sensor bin lid opens automatically when you approach it and closes automatically afterwards.
There’s no inner bucket with this bin – the bin liner simply attaches to an inner ring and is suspended inside the body. The model we reviewed has a stylish chrome finish, but other colours are available from the Amazon product page. Inside the box, you’ll also find an instruction manual on how to operate the bin.
No Guarantee?
We couldn’t find any details about a guarantee with this bin which is a shame as that does help buyer confidence. However, this bin is one of the most affordable we’ve reviewed, so if you want to take a chance and save, it’s an option.
Features
- Choice of capacities – 30L, 40L or 50L
- Steel body and lid
- Infrared sensor
- Choice of colours
- Modern design
Specification:
Make and Model: Dihl SB-RECT50L-CHR
Weight: 3.56kg
Bin Capacity: 50L
Date first sold: 19/06/2014
Dimensions: 24.5 x 34.5 x 74 cm
Material: Steel
Shape: Rectangular sensor bin
Final thoughts...
A modern design bin in a choice of colours. Steel construction gives a robust and long lasting disposal bin.
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Our overall rating
NETTA 50L Stainless Steel
NETTA is a brand we’ve not come across before, so we were quite interested in what they had to offer with this sensor bin.
Looks
From an aesthetic point of view, the bin has a stylish black and brushed stainless steel finish which would blend into most kitchens or utility rooms. As with the other bins we’ve looked at, this model uses an infrared sensor to detect movement at around 30cm away.
The lid remains open for a few seconds of inactivity before closing automatically. The lid has been designed to form a close seal to help seal any bad odours.
There’s no inner bucket; just attach a bin bag to the ring liner, and you’re all set. If needed, the lid can remain permanently open using the button on the control panel on the front.
Durability
The steel body is particularly durable, and NETTA claims it is made from commercial-grade stainless steel. It certainly feels stronger than other bins we’ve reviewed.
The sensor bin has a non-skid base which means it won’t easily be knocked out of position if you have boisterous animals or children around. It’s ideal for household waste.
Battery Life
NETTA also claim that this bin allows batteries to last 20% longer. On that point, you’ll need 3 x ‘C’ size batteries to power the unit (not included, but available on Amazon if you need some).
The overall height when the lid is open is 90cm.
Features
- Choice of capacities – 50L, 70L or 80L
- Brushed stainless steel body
- Infrared sensor (water resistant)
- Non-skid base
- Soft close lid
- Silver
Specification:
Make and Model: NETTA NT-50LSENSORBIN
Weight: 5.62kg
Bin Capacity: 50L
Date first sold: 15/08/2018
Dimensions: 63.4 x 45.2 x 31.8 cm
Material: Commercial grade stainless steel
Shape: Rectangular sensor bin
Final thoughts...
Strong and robust – ideal if you have a busy home, particularly with children or pets.
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Our overall rating
VonHaus Sensor 50L Bin – Black Steel Finish
This sensor bin is identical to the other VonHaus bin we reviewed above; it’s just the colour that is different. We’ll include the quick specification here, but for a fuller review, please refer to the previous review.
Specification:
Make and Model: Von Haus 07/715
Weight: 3.3kg
Bin Capacity: 50L
Date first sold: 06/07/2016
Dimensions: 37 x 30 x 73 cm
Material: Steel
Shape: Rectangular sensor bin
Final thoughts...
A stylish & robust bin with colour choices to match any kitchen decor.
- Quality & Finish
- Features
- Value for money
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Our overall rating
Swan Retro Square Sensor 45L Bin
If you’re a fan of retro, then this is the bin to have in your household. Swan has made the smart choice of making this bin available in various retro colours, including blue, cream, green and even pink! You’re therefore spoilt for choice when it comes to colour selection. Some colours are more expensive than others, so be sure to factor that into your buying decision.
Capacity
This is a 45L capacity bin, not the largest we’ve reviewed, but that size would be fine for most households, particularly if you recycle much of your waste into other council-supplied recycling boxes.
Infrared is the technology used in this sensor bin, with the sensor picking up hand movement as you approach. The lid closes automatically and can be set to remain permanently open if you need it to.
The body is made from strong metal, and the battery compartment is discreetly hidden away. This bin requires 4 x ‘AA’ batteries to power the lid sensor and opening mechanism. There’s no inner bucket – the bin liner is held in position with a fixing ring.
The Swan logo is prominently featured on the front of this bin which may deter some buyers; however, it’s only a small niggle for a very retro-looking bin.
Guarantee
Swan provides a 2-year guarantee with this sensor bin.
Features
- 58-litre capacity
- LED Infrared
- Lid closes after 5 seconds of inactivity
- On/Off button
- Non-corrosive coating
- 5-year guarantee
Specification:
Make and Model: Swan SWKA4500BN
Weight: 3.7kg
Capacity: 45L
Date first sold: 04/02/2016
Dimensions: 68 x 40 x 33 cm
Material: Steel
Shape: Rectangular sensor bin
Final thoughts...
If you like all things retro, this bin will suit your taste.
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Our overall rating
Morphy Richards Pro Recycling Sensor 75L Waste Bin with Two Compartments
This premium, high-quality bin with motion detection has twin compartments to assist with recycling. It has a large 75-litre capacity meaning you’ll be emptying it less often, and its recycling compartment will make separating recyclable items much easier.
Capacity & Recycling Bins
The general waste compartment is 50 litres capacity and includes a food waste caddy. The lower compartment is 25 litres capacity and can store your recyclable items such as plastic bottles, trays or glass. We really like this extra compartment to help with keeping recycling items separate. It’s one of the best all-in-one recycling bins we’ve reviewed.
The sensor bin has a clear digital screen which lets you know when the bin lid is closing and has a manual override button when you want to keep the lid permanently open.
Batteries
The bin requires 6 x ‘AA’ batteries to operate, so be sure to include those in your Amazon basket if you decide to buy.
Generous Guarantee
Morphy Richards has provided a generous 5-year guarantee with this sensor bin, so you have peace of mind if a fault develops. There are four different colours available, Silver, Titanium, Ivory/Rose Gold and Silver/Rose Gold.
Features
- 75-litre capacity
- Inner stabiliser ring
- Fingerprint-proof steel body resistant
- Easily separate waste and recyclable items
- 50L general waste section with food compost caddy
- 25L recycling draw e.g. tins, glass, plastics
- Choice of several colours
- 5-year guarantee
Specification:
Make and Model: Tower T80901
Weight: 3.2kg
Capacity: 58L
Date first sold: 22-01-2015
Dimensions: 65.8 x 43.8 x 32.8 cm
Material: Steel
Shape: Rectangular sensor bin
Final thoughts...
If you’re big on recycling and want to easily separate the recyclable items, this large capacity bin will be ideal.
- Quality & Finish
- Features
- Value for money
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Our overall rating
Tower Square Sensor 58L Bin – Black and Rose Gold
This sensor bin is identical to the Tower Square bin we reviewed above; it’s just the colour that is different. We’ll include the specification below.
Specification:
Make and Model: Tower T80904RB
Weight: 3.12kg
Capacity: 58L
Date first sold: 30/10/2017
Dimensions: 28 x 39.5 x 67 cm
Material: Stainless steel
Shape: Rectangular sensor bin
Final thoughts...
A good sized kitchen bin from a trusted brand with a generous 5 year warranty to match
- Quality & Finish
- Features
- Value for money
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Our overall rating
AmazonBasics Automatic Stainless Steel Dustbin – Rectangular, 60L
Here we have Amazon’s own brand of kitchen sensor bin. If you are not particularly bothered about having a known brand of the bin for your kitchen or utility room, then this is due a worthy look.
Size Options
There are a couple of size options available, 50L and 60L, but given the price difference, we recommend you go for the 60L if space permits.
The sensor bin features a brushed stainless-steel body with an automatic opening lid. It will look good in any environment, be it a kitchen, bathroom, office, or any other area where a hands-free, hygienic bin is needed.
Lightweight & Fingerprint Proof
The bin is lightweight, durable and fingerprint-proof, handy if you have small children. The sensor built into the lid is delayed, preventing the lid from lifting unnecessarily when children or pets pass.
There is a removable inner ring that the bin liner secures onto, and with the lid closed fully, there is an effective seal to lock in odours and bacteria.
Don’t forget the batteries!
The lid mechanism is powered by 2 x D cell batteries, so remember to include these in your order if you purchase this model.
Standard dustbin liners can also be used with this bin.
Specification:
Make and Model: AmazonBasics
Weight: 4.02kg
Capacity: 60L
Date first sold: 08/01/2019
Dimensions: 42.6 x 29.4 x 68.2cm
Material: Brushed Stainless steel
Shape: Rectangular sensor bin
Final thoughts...
A no-nonsense kitchen bin from the Amazon Basics range. with a choice of capacities and shapes.
- Quality & Finish
- Features
- Value for money
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Our overall rating
Morphy Richards Chroma Square – Stainless Steel, 42 Litre
The Morphy Richards Chroma Square motion sensor bin comes in various sizes and colours to suit your requirements. There are two sizes: 42L and 50L, and a choice of 4 colours: Cream, Red, Stainless Steel and Black – choose your preferred options on the Amazon product page.
Guarantee
This model looks very similar to the NETTA model we reviewed above. However, this model comes with a Morphy Richards 5-year guarantee.
Batteries
It requires 4 x ‘AA’ batteries to operate, and the stainless-steel body has a non-corrosive coating.
There’s no inner bucket, so your sensor bin liner just attaches to the retainer ring within the body.
The lid automatically opens thanks to the infrared sensor located at the front of the lid. There’s a manual mode if you need to keep the bin lid open.
Specification:
Make and Model: Morphy Richards 971519/MO
Weight: 4.48kg
Capacity: 50L
Date first sold: 06/03/2014
Dimensions: 72.5 x 38.5 x 29.5 cm
Material: Stainless steel
Shape: Rectangular sensor bin
Final thoughts...
An impressive bin from a trusted brand, with good size and colour choices plus a generous 5 year warranty.