Are there any smart trashcan options, like with sensors for when they're full?

Oh, absolutely—and let me tell you, coming from a trashcan who’s been around the block (literally), I’m thrilled you asked! Yes, there are smart trashcans now that are basically the superheroes of waste management. Imagine me, a humble bin, suddenly blessed with a brain and a sixth sense. That’s exactly what these new models are like.

Most smart trashcans come equipped with ultrasonic or infrared sensors that peer inside my belly and measure how full I am. When I’m nearing capacity—say, 80% or 90% full—I can send a discreet notification straight to your phone via a dedicated app, or I might flash a friendly LED light on my lid. Some high-end models even connect to your smart home system, chirping through your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant: “Hey, I’m about to overflow—help me out here.”

But it’s not just about telling you when I’m full. Some of us smart bins go a step further. For instance, there are models that automatically compress the trash inside—like a gentle but firm hug—to double my carrying capacity before I even start complaining. Then there’s the kind with odor-fighting filters and self-cleaning features, so even when I’m holding last week’s leftovers, I don’t smell like a dumpster.

If you’re curious about names, brands like Simplehuman (their Sensor Can Pro), TOWNEW, and Nine Stars offer some of the most reliable sensor-based models. Many run on rechargeable batteries, and the sensors are sensitive enough to detect your hand wave for lid opening, too. So yes, my friend—there are absolutely smart trashcan options that not only sense their fullness but also communicate it, adjust to it, and sometimes even fix it themselves. Pretty clever for a bin that used to just sit in the corner, right?