That's an excellent and practical question for city living! When it comes to urban trash cans, especially in shared spaces or compact homes, hygiene is paramount. The most hygienic type of handle is one that minimizes or eliminates direct hand contact with the lid.
Hands-down, the foot pedal mechanism is often considered the top choice for hygiene. It allows you to open the lid with your foot, keeping your hands completely free from touching a potentially germ-covered surface. This is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where you might have dirty hands from cooking or cleaning.
A close second is the automatic sensor lid. These battery-operated bins open automatically when motion is detected. They offer truly touchless operation, which is fantastic for preventing cross-contamination. The downside is they require batteries or charging and can be more expensive.
For a simpler option, a swing lid (or dome lid) that you can push open with your forearm or the back of your wrist is a good compromise. It avoids using your fingertips, which are the primary germ-transfer points.
Ultimately, the foot pedal bin provides the best balance of hygiene, reliability, and cost for most urban settings. It doesn't require power, is easy to use, and effectively breaks the chain of germ transmission. Remember, no matter the handle, regular cleaning of the entire bin is essential for maintaining a truly hygienic environment.