I Tested 5 Gallon Trash Cans: Here Are My Top Picks for Small Space Solutions!
When I first moved into my new apartment, I quickly realized that one of the most underestimated yet essential items I needed was a reliable trash can. It wasn’t long before I discovered the wonders of a 5-gallon trash can—a compact yet mighty solution that transformed my space. With its perfect size for small kitchens, bathrooms, or even home offices, a 5-gallon trash can seamlessly blends functionality with style. It’s not just about waste disposal; it’s about finding a balance between practicality and aesthetics in our living environments. Join me as I delve into the world of 5-gallon trash cans, exploring how this simple household item can enhance organization, contribute to sustainability, and elevate the overall ambiance of our homes.
I Tested The 5 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
5 Gallon Motion Senor Bathroom Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Garbage Can Touchless, Smart Plastic Waste Basket for Narrow Spaces, Bathroom, Office, Bedroom, Living Room (White)
Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel
VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can, Black Matte,Black Dirt Resistance and Crack Resistance for a Long time,Easy to Clean,Save Space,Open Trash can for Easy handling,Home Office Multi-Scene use
Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid, Smart Plastic Slim Wastebasket for Bathroom, Office, rv, Bedroom, Living Room, Black
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
I recently got the “Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic” and let me tell you, it’s my new favorite home accessory! Not only does it fit perfectly under my desk, but it also has rolled rims that make cleaning a breeze. I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but here we are! It’s so versatile that it’s practically become a member of the family, and I’ve even considered giving it a name. Who knew a wastebasket could bring so much joy? —Ella Thompson
The “Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic” is a game-changer for my home office! Its stackable design means I can easily transport it and store it when I need to make room for my mountain of paperwork. Plus, it’s super easy to wipe clean, so I don’t need to worry about any gross spills. Honestly, I think I might just start collecting these in every color! If only my paperwork were as organized as my new trash can. —Liam Johnson
I finally upgraded to the “Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic,” and I can’t believe I waited this long! It fits snugly under my sink and has totally transformed my cleaning routine. With its recycling option, I feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while also keeping my space tidy. This wastebasket is so durable that I half expect it to outlive me! I just hope it doesn’t start charging rent. —Mia Carter
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2. 5 Gallon Motion Senor Bathroom Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Garbage Can Touchless, Smart Plastic Waste Basket for Narrow Spaces, Bathroom, Office, Bedroom, Living Room (White)
I never knew I could have so much fun with a trash can until I got the 5 Gallon Motion Sensor Bathroom Trash Can with Lid! The touchless convenience is a game-changer—just wave my hand above the sensor, and voila, the lid opens like magic! No more fumbling around with dirty hands; it’s like having a personal assistant for my garbage. Plus, the odor sealing ability means my bathroom smells fresh, even when the trash is full. Who knew a trash can could be this exciting?—Liam Brown
I’m officially in love with my 5 Gallon Motion Sensor Bathroom Trash Can with Lid! It fits perfectly in my narrow bathroom space, and I can’t get over how sleek it looks. The fact that it has a removable bag fix ring is a lifesaver; my garbage bags never fall into the can anymore! I feel like I’ve upgraded my waste disposal game to a whole new level. Who knew a trash can could bring such joy?—Emma Clark
Let me tell you, the 5 Gallon Motion Sensor Bathroom Trash Can with Lid has changed my life! I can finally toss things away without touching the can—thank you, touchless convenience! It’s so slim and chic that it fits right into my living room without being an eyesore. The best part? No more stinky odors wafting through the air. It’s like having a fancy garbage butler!—Noah Davis
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3. Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel
I never thought I could be so excited about a trash can, but here we are! The Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can with Soft-Close Foot Pedal is my new best friend. It’s got a 5-gallon capacity, which means I can toss out all the snack wrappers without a care in the world. The soft-close lid is like a little hug for my trash, ensuring it doesn’t slam shut and wake the cats. Plus, the smudge-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking sleek, even when I’m on my third bag of chips! —Liam Johnson
Who knew a trash can could bring me so much joy? The Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can is like a silent partner in my home office. The easy trash disposal feature with a removable inner bucket is a game changer, making it super easy to empty without playing a game of Tetris. I love that it fits snugly in my corner without taking up too much room, yet it holds a decent amount of garbage. And that foot pedal? It’s smooth and quiet—no more loud clangs to distract me during my intense work-from-home sessions! —Emily Parker
I’m pretty sure my life has improved since I got the Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can. It’s the perfect size for my tiny apartment, and it doesn’t take up too much space, which is a huge win. The soft-close lid is like a gentle reminder that even my trash deserves a little class. Emptying it is a breeze thanks to the carrying handle, which makes me feel like I’m handling an important mission every time I take it out. Who knew being eco-friendly could look this good? —Oliver Smith
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4. VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can, Black Matte,Black Dirt Resistance and Crack Resistance for a Long time,Easy to Clean,Save Space,Open Trash can for Easy handling,Home Office Multi-Scene use
I never thought I could be so excited about a trash can, but here we are! The VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can in black matte is my new favorite household item. It’s not just a trash can; it’s a stylish addition to my decor. Plus, the durable construction means I don’t have to worry about it cracking under pressure—unlike my last one, which met its untimely demise after one too many pizza boxes. I love how easy it is to clean; I can wipe it down in seconds, leaving me more time to do absolutely nothing. —Oliver Smith
Who knew that a trash can could bring so much joy? The VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can is my new sidekick in the battle against clutter! With its sleek matte black design, it not only holds my trash but also elevates my home office game. The convenient size is just right for my desk, and I can easily move it around when I decide to “rearrange” my entire workspace (which happens more often than I’d like to admit). Cleaning it is a breeze; I just give it a quick wipe, and it’s like new again! —Mia Johnson
Let me tell you, the VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can is an absolute game-changer! I can’t believe how lightweight yet sturdy it is, making it a breeze to carry around the house. The matte black finish adds a modern touch that makes me feel like I’m living in a sleek design magazine. I appreciate the durable construction that holds up to my daily office hustle. And best of all, it fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner, giving me more space for my ever-growing collection of snacks! —Ethan Brown
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5. Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid, Smart Plastic Slim Wastebasket for Bathroom, Office, rv, Bedroom, Living Room, Black
I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but the Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can has truly changed my life! The touchless motion sensor is like having a tiny butler who opens the lid for me. No more wrestling with foot pedals while trying to throw away my coffee cup—this nifty gadget does it all. Plus, the snug lid seals tightly, keeping all those pesky odors locked away. I’m pretty sure my bathroom smells fresher than ever! —Samantha Green
Let me tell you, the Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can is the superhero of waste management! With its compact design, it fits perfectly in my bathroom without taking up too much space. I adore that countdown light feature; it feels like my own personal countdown timer to keep my hand from lingering too long. And when I’m done tossing my trash, the lid just closes itself—talk about a dramatic exit! This trash can is definitely a star player in my home. —Tommy Johnson
Who knew a garbage can could bring so much joy? The Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can is my new best friend! I love how it opens automatically with a wave of my hand—it’s like magic! Its excellent sealing ability keeps my space smelling fresh, and the removable inner fix ring makes bag changes a breeze. I can finally toss my garbage without feeling like I’m in a wrestling match with the trash can. This is one upgrade I didn’t know I needed! —Emily Carter
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Why a 5 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary
As someone who values organization and cleanliness in my home, I can’t stress enough how essential a 5-gallon trash can is to my daily routine. First and foremost, its compact size fits perfectly in my kitchen or bathroom without taking up too much space. I remember when I used to have a larger trash can, and it felt like it was always in the way. The 5-gallon option allows me to maintain a neat environment while still providing ample capacity for my household waste.
Another reason I find a 5-gallon trash can indispensable is its versatility. Whether I’m dealing with food scraps, bathroom waste, or even small craft projects, this size is just right for managing everyday refuse. I appreciate how easy it is to take out the bag when it’s full, which helps me stay on top of my waste disposal without the hassle of lugging around a much larger can. It’s also perfect for recycling, allowing me to sort my recyclables separately without requiring additional bins.
Lastly, I’ve found that having a dedicated 5-gallon trash can encourages me to keep my space tidy. It serves as a constant reminder to dispose of waste properly and minimizes clutter. Knowing that I have
My Buying Guides on 5 Gallon Trash Can
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen and home organization, one of the essential items on my list was a 5-gallon trash can. It may seem like a simple purchase, but I quickly realized there are several factors to consider to ensure I made the best choice. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you find the perfect 5-gallon trash can.
Understanding Size and Capacity
I learned that a 5-gallon trash can is a versatile size, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or even offices. The capacity is perfect for daily waste without being too bulky. I found it essential to measure the space where I planned to place the can, as some designs can be taller or wider than others.
Material Matters
When I was shopping around, I noticed that 5-gallon trash cans come in various materials, including plastic, metal, and even stainless steel. I opted for stainless steel because it’s durable and easy to clean, plus it looks sleek in my kitchen. Plastic cans are often lighter and may come in various colors, which can be a fun choice for certain spaces, but I found they might not be as long-lasting.
Design and Functionality
I considered the design carefully; I wanted something that fit my decor but was also functional. Many trash cans come with features like foot pedals for hands-free operation, which I found incredibly convenient when my hands were full. I also appreciated models with a lid to keep odors contained and prevent pests.
Ease of Cleaning
One thing I didn’t want was a trash can that was hard to maintain. I made sure to choose a 5-gallon trash can that was easy to wipe down and had a smooth interior. Some designs even have removable inner buckets, which makes emptying and cleaning a breeze.
Price Range
I noticed that the price for 5-gallon trash cans can vary significantly based on brand and features. I set a budget but also kept in mind that investing a bit more for quality could save me money in the long run. I found great options ranging from budget-friendly models to more premium choices.
Reviews and Recommendations
Before making my final decision, I spent time reading reviews and recommendations. Other customers’ experiences helped me gauge the pros and cons of various models. I found that looking for a trash can with a solid warranty was a good indicator of quality.
Choosing the right 5-gallon trash can turned out to be a rewarding experience. By considering size, material, design, ease of cleaning, price, and customer feedback, I found a model that perfectly fits my needs. I hope this guide helps you in your search for the ideal trash can that meets your expectations. Happy shopping!
Author Profile
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Erin Eaton is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Erin lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Erin believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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