Trash cans made of plastic or metal and built with lift, swing and hands-free lids can be found for under $20. Midrange models with a few good features cost between $50-$150.

The Rubbermaid Premier Step-On Trash Can is a utilitarian 13-gallon plastic trash can at a reasonable price. While it’s not the best looking, it is easy to use and the lid can stay open.

In addition, their one-pot process operates at moderate temperatures, requiring a low energy input. While the method originally took 24 hours to turn plastic into alkylaromatic molecules, the improved ...