Do you mean for kitchen scraps which you are taking out to compost or something? A tight sealing lid would help for those scraps, but it ought to be emptied about every two days to keep smell down. I use an old ice cream container with a tight lid and take it out about every two days.

I bought my daughter in Tampa an inside garbage can, that stands at the end of her counter. They have that eating bar down there so the top comes over it a bit. The best thing is that this garbage can has an "electri eye" so a swish of the hand causes it to open and then closes on its own. Takes 4 D batteries. Wondered if once the novelty wore off how everyone would take to it. That was last September and still in full use. I personally love it when visiting and there is ease when cooking and hands are full, good for little ones hands-absolutely, never thought of that at the time. Previously they had the round cans with the foot pedal that everyone was getting (cost around $100) and what a pain in the Butt to get that white plastic bag out of them. Had to hold container between your knees and grunt and groan. None of this now plus these additional pluses. I think I may have bought it at an internet address,but sure they must be available everywhere.

jleek, I had wanted one of those garbage cans with the "electric eye". What makes it easier to get the kitchen-sized garbage bags out of it?

Marie I am not sure. Perhaps the circumference is more? Now, when I visit I just tie up opposite sides of the bag and it lifts right out!

It was kind of cute. Last September was my first grandaughter's first year of school, hence I sent her a gift to celebrate the day; while I was at it, thought her mom deserved something also--12 more years of lunch making--therefore, when I spotted the garbage can I did not hesitate. The day after receiving, I don't know which "gift" they enjoyed more==the girls LOVED waving their hands over the Trash Can LOL!