We’re reviewing the Joseph Joseph Totem Trash Can Review (they call it an Intelligent Waste system). Our review includes both PROs and CONs of the product.

Joseph Joseph Totem Trash System Review

Twin brothers, Antony and Richard Joseph built a company to create beautiful, functional, problem-solving products for the home. Thirteen years later, their products can be found world-wide in over 100 countries!

Their latest product is the Joseph Joseph Totem, a waste and recycling system that solves these problems:

• Ability to handle different configurations of recycling (does your paper have to be separate from glass?)
• An odor-free way to handle compostable waste
• A system that is compact and looks good in modern kitchens

See for yourself:

Design

Its streamlined design can look good in most kitchens. There are different color configurations, even brushed, matte stainless steel. The Totem comes in 2 different sizes – 13 gallon trash can vs 16 gallon trash can. Both are powder coated stainless steel that resists fingerprints. The larger, 16 gallon trash can comes with a compost bucket.

PRO: It’s sleek! The white blends seamlessly in a lighter colored kitchen. The granite color (which is like a dark grey) is neutral enough to match most decor.

CON: It’s a very modern, minimalistic design, so it might not fit in well with a traditionally styled kitchen.

Recycle or Storage?

The bottom bin is very flexible- insert the divider so that you can recycle 2 different categories (glass vs. paper), insert your compost bin, or just use it as one big bin.

Using the Totem

We brought the Joseph Joseph Totem to my brother’s house. He’s got major trash issues.

This is a trash can that “supposedly” opens when it detects your hand waving across the sensor. But it’s NEVER worked well. Sometimes, you’ll stand there with hands full of trash and it takes 30 seconds for the lid to open.

We solved this problem by just leaving the lid open, all the time. It smells.

Recycle is thrown in a Trader Joe’s paper bag. It’s messy, stinky and the dogs’ tails are constantly knocking over the recycle.

We replaced his trash can with the Joseph Joseph Totem. Pretty and clean! *Forgot to remove the sticker prior to picture taking.

PRO: The drawers open easily, lid pops up quickly. The Totem is tall, about 6 inches taller than most kitchen trash cans. Less bending down. With recycle at the bottom, everything is nice and neat.

CON: There’s no foot pedal! I have to use my hands to open the lid :-( Trash portion is smaller – about 9.5 gallons (vs. 12 gallons that I’m used to), which means more trips to the big garbage bin to empty. However, if you make the bin too tall, it won’t fit under the counter, and also have trouble opening. If you make the recycle portion shorter, wine bottles won’t fit. We recycle a lot of wine bottles.

More things I like

PRO:  We love this feature. Replaceable charcoal cartridges minimizes trash smells. Each bin is removable – so you can hose down and clean! The entire system is customizable – if you don’t use the compost, just leave it out. The dividers are convenient.

PRO:  Very thoughtful design elements. The compost lid latches onto the bin, so you don’t have to place a dirty lid on your counter.

The Totem has small wheels on bottom, and a non-skid base.

Price

Its streamlined design can look good in most kitchens. There are different color configurations, even brushed, matte stainless steel. The Totem comes in 2 different sizes – 13 gallon trash can vs 16 gallon trash can. Both are powder coated stainless steel that resists fingerprints. The larger, 16 gallon trash can comes with a compost bucket.

CON: $$$ about $250 (on Amazon)

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Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Totem Giveaway