Frequently Asked Questions | Happimess

When will my order ship?

Orders that are in-stock ship within 1-2 business days (M-F). When your order ships, you will receive an email confirmation with tracking information. Please check your spam folder if you did not receive the email.

I signed up for the welcome email but didn't receive my promo code?

The promo code should be emailed to you immediately, but sometimes your email provider can hold the email. In some cases, it can take up to an hour to receive.

I love what I ordered but I need to make a small change. How do I do that?

Once an order is placed, we cannot make any changes. Although we do not process standard exchanges, you may request a return label and re-purchase the item that you prefer.

What is your return policy?

We want you to be happy with your purchase! Eligible items can be returned within 30 days of receiving your purchase from happimess.com. We will provide a pre-paid label to return the item(s). Once the item(s) are returned to our warehouse, we will send you a refund for the amount paid for each item returned, minus $10 return shipping fee per each item. Pre-paid labels are only provided for customers from 48 contiguous United States (does not include Alaska, Hawaii, or any U.S. territories). We do not refund original shipping charges.

All items must be sent back in the original packaging. If the original packaging is unavailable, the customer is responsible for arranging equivalent packaging. If your item was sent via freight or white glove as indicated by an oversized or white glove charge, you will be responsible for the return shipping charges. If your item is marked as FINAL SALE or MADE TO ORDER, it is not eligible for return.

I just received my tracking number, but it's not working.

Please allow 2-3 business days for tracking information to update. We often send tracking when the label is created so it sometimes needs time to leave the warehouse.

What is the wait time for items on the waitlist?

Every product has its own timeline. Be sure to join the waitlist for items you are coveting, and you'll be notified as soon as the product becomes available for purchase.

Do you ship internationally? Or to Hawaii or Alaska?

Not at this time. We currently only ship to the 48 contiguous states, although we do hope to expand our delivery range overseas in the future.

Can I cancel or alter my order once I place it?

When an order is placed, it is instantly sent to our distribution warehouse for processing and shipping preparation. This means that unfortunately once an order is placed, we cannot alter or change it.

Product Questions

What size kitchen trash can is right for a 3–4 person household?

A 10–13 gallon trash can is right for most 3–4 person households cooking at home 4–7 times per week. This size accommodates typical daily waste volume and is emptied every 1–3 days. It fits the standard kitchen trash bags sold at all major US retailers — no specialty liners required. For households generating significant food packaging waste (meal kit delivery, online grocery orders), a 13-gallon model emptied every 1–2 days is the better choice.

What is the difference between a step-open and a sensor trash can?

Step-open (pedal) trash cans use a foot pedal linked to the lid — press to open, release to close. They require no batteries, have no electronic components to fail, and work in all lighting conditions. Sensor cans use infrared motion detection and close automatically after 3–5 seconds. Sensor cans are better for users with mobility limitations or households that prioritize fully hands-free operation. The tradeoff is battery cost ($10–$20/year) and occasional false triggers when people walk past. For most households, a quality step-open mechanism outperforms a sensor can on reliability and long-term cost.

How do I stop my kitchen trash can from smelling?

Odor comes from three sources: wet food waste, lid seal failure, and liner bag fit. The most effective approach: (1) Use a trash can with a full-perimeter lid seal — lids that gap at the sides leak odor continuously. (2) Empty wet food waste (fish, meat scraps, cooked food) within 24–48 hours regardless of fill level. (3) Confirm your liner bag fits correctly and is anchored at the rim. Stainless steel cans outperform plastic on long-term odor management because the non-porous surface does not absorb odors after 12–18 months of use.

Is stainless steel worth the extra cost?

For a primary kitchen can with daily use from a 2–5 person household, yes. Stainless steel's non-porous surface does not absorb or retain odors the way plastic does over 12–24 months of daily use. The additional upfront cost ($40–$100 more than comparable plastic) is recovered in a longer service life (5–10 years vs 2–5 years for plastic) and better odor management over time. For secondary rooms — bathrooms, home offices, guest rooms — a plastic can is a reasonable alternative.

What trash bags fit Happimess trash cans?

Happimess 8-gallon step-open cans (Oscar, Ashley, Elmo, Molly, Nathan, Chuck series) are designed for standard 13-gallon kitchen bags — the most widely available bag size at all US retailers. Glad ForceFlex 13-gallon, Hefty Ultra Strong 13-gallon, and Great Value 13-gallon bags all fit. The Slyd (10.6-gallon) also uses 13-gallon bags. Happimess scented drawstring liners are specifically sized and tested for the 8-gallon step-open models.