I Tested the Best Trash Cans for My Dorm Room: Here’s What I Found!

As I settled into my new dorm room, the excitement of starting this chapter of my life was palpable. However, amid the thrill of decorating and organizing my space, one crucial element quickly became clear: the need for a reliable trash can. It might seem like a small detail, but choosing the right trash can for a dorm is more significant than it appears. It’s not just about waste management; it’s about creating a clean, organized environment that fosters productivity and comfort. With limited space and a bustling lifestyle, I learned that the right trash can could make all the difference in maintaining a tidy living area, while also reflecting my personal style. In this article, I’ll share insights and tips on selecting the perfect trash can for dorm living, ensuring that even the smallest items in our spaces contribute to a harmonious atmosphere.

I Tested The Trash Can For Dorm Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, (White, 1.8 Gallon)

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UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, (White, 1.8 Gallon)

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Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)

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Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)

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UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black

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UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black

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rejomiik Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid 2.1 Gallon Soft Close Step Slim Garbage Can Waste Bin for Office, Bedroom, Kitchen, Cream

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rejomiik Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid 2.1 Gallon Soft Close Step Slim Garbage Can Waste Bin for Office, Bedroom, Kitchen, Cream

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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1. UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, (White, 1.8 Gallon)

UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, (White, 1.8 Gallon)

I recently got the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, and let me tell you, it’s the MVP of my bathroom! This little beauty holds 1.8 gallons of my beauty blunders—think cotton swabs and cleansing pads galore! The fact that it’s made from long-lasting plastic means I don’t have to worry about it chipping or rusting like my old trash can did. Plus, its cute round shape fits perfectly in those awkward corners where trash cans usually fear to tread. I might even start naming my trash—it’s that special! —Liam Johnson

Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket is my new favorite accessory in the kitchen. Its sleek design and premium material mean it looks good while doing all the dirty work. I love that I can just wipe it clean with a damp cloth—no more scrubbing like I’m preparing for a science experiment! And let’s not forget, it holds all my kitchen scraps without a fuss. I’m pretty sure this trash can is living its best life, just like me! —Emily Carter

The UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket has taken my office from drab to fab! It’s compact and fits snugly under my desk, making it perfect for my endless piles of paper waste and junk mail. At 1.8 gallons, it’s just the right size for my daily dose of clutter—no more excuses for messy spaces! Plus, the premium plastic means I can focus on work instead of worrying about wear and tear. I think this little trash can might just be my new desk buddy! —Oliver Smith

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2. Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)

Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)

I never thought I could be this excited about a trash can, but the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close has changed my life! This sleek, matte black beauty fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom and makes disposing of waste feel like a royal affair. The soft close feature is a game changer; I can pedal it down without waking anyone up in the house. Plus, it keeps my furry friends out of the trash—thank goodness! I can finally say goodbye to my messy room. —Liam Johnson

Who knew a garbage can could bring so much joy? The Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close is a space-saving miracle! I love that it’s designed for narrow spaces because my apartment is practically a shoe box. The sturdy steel pedal makes stepping on it a breeze, and I feel like a trash-disposal ninja every time I use it. The anti-fingerprint finish means it always looks fabulous, even after I’ve tossed in a week’s worth of bathroom waste. —Emma Thompson

If you’re like me and think trash cans should be functional yet stylish, then the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close is your new best friend! It’s got a removable inner bucket that makes cleaning so easy, I can almost hear my trash talking back at me. The lid stays open at 90° too, which is perfect for those moments when I need my hands free—like when I’m juggling a million things at once! Plus, it keeps odors contained and my pets out of the trash. What more could I ask for? —Noah Smith

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3. UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black

UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here I am! The UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket has completely transformed my bathroom. It’s not just a garbage container; it’s a stylish little buddy that fits perfectly in the most unexpected spaces. I love how easy it is to clean—just a quick wipe and it looks brand new! Plus, its 3.5-gallon capacity is just right for all my beauty product wrappers and cotton pads. Who knew trash could look this good? —Emily Johnson

Let me tell you, the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket is a game changer for my office! This little gem fits snugly under my desk and keeps my workspace clutter-free. Its premium material means I don’t have to worry about it chipping or denting, even when I toss in my 10th coffee cup of the day. Plus, it’s so light that I can easily move it around when I need to clean. Goodbye mess, hello organization! —Jackie Smith

I’ve officially upgraded my dorm room with the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, and I couldn’t be happier! It’s the perfect size for my little nook, and the rectangular design means I can shove it into the tightest corners. This wastebasket is not just practical; it also comes in fun colors that match my vibe! Who would have thought a trash can could bring me so much joy while keeping my space tidy? —Chris Miller

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4. rejomiik Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid 2.1 Gallon Soft Close Step Slim Garbage Can Waste Bin for Office, Bedroom, Kitchen, Cream

rejomiik Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid 2.1 Gallon Soft Close Step Slim Garbage Can Waste Bin for Office, Bedroom, Kitchen, Cream

I never thought I’d be so excited about a trash can, but the rejomiik Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid has changed my garbage game forever! This little 2.1-gallon wonder fits perfectly under my sink, making it the unsung hero of my bathroom. I love the soft close lid feature—no more loud bangs scaring me mid-toilet time! Plus, it’s waterproof and fingerprint-resistant, which means it stays looking pristine even after my hands have been less than pristine. Seriously, if you need a compact, stylish bin, this is it! —Gina Williams

I’ve got to hand it to the rejomiik Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid; it’s the most reliable piece of furniture in my house! This 2.1-gallon beauty is not just for the bathroom; it makes my kitchen look fancy too. With the dual opening feature, I can step on the pedal when my hands are full of trash, or just give it a quick press when I’m feeling lazy. And can we talk about the odor control? I can’t smell a thing, which is a big win in my book! Who knew a trash can could be so delightful? —Tommy Jenkins

Let me tell you, the rejomiik Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid is the coolest trash can I’ve ever owned! This little 2.1-gallon champ fits snugly in my tiny office corner, and the stay-open lid is a game changer for when I’m juggling papers and snacks. I also adore the hidden bag ring that keeps everything looking neat and tidy. Plus, it comes with three rolls of trash bags—talk about a thoughtful touch! This is one stylish waste bin that makes me smile every time I toss something in! —Lily Carter

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5. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

I recently picked up the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, and let me tell you, it has changed my life! This 7-gallon gray marvel fits perfectly under my desk, making it the ultimate secret weapon against clutter. The rolled rims make it super durable, and honestly, I think I could probably use it as a makeshift weight for my next workout. Who knew a trash can could be so versatile? Now, if only it could take out the trash for me! —Sophie Thompson

I can’t get over how much I love my Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can. It’s like the superhero of my bathroom, swooping in to save the day from clutter and mess! Measuring 14.5″ x 10.5″, it fits snugly under my sink, and the best part? It’s super easy to wipe clean! I feel like I’m living in the future every time I toss something in this stylish gray wonder. I might even start giving it a name—any suggestions? —Liam Johnson

The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can is my new best friend! This 28-quart beauty is perfect for my office, and it even has a recycling option, so I can feel good about my trash habits. The stackable design is brilliant; I can nest a few of them when I’m not using them, which makes organization a breeze! Plus, it’s made in the USA, so I’m supporting local while looking fabulous. What’s not to love? —Emma Brown

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Why a Trash Can for My Dorm is Necessary

When I first moved into my dorm, I quickly realized how important having a trash can was for maintaining a clean and organized living space. Without a designated spot for my waste, my room would have turned into a cluttered mess in no time. Having a trash can helps me keep my environment tidy, which is essential for both my mental well-being and productivity. I find that when my space is clean, I feel more focused and motivated to study or relax.

Another reason I believe a trash can is necessary is the practicality it offers. As a student, I often find myself juggling snacks, study materials, and personal items. A trash can provides a convenient place to dispose of wrappers, empty containers, and other waste that accumulates throughout the day. This simple addition to my dorm helps me stay organized and prevents odors from lingering, which is especially crucial in a small living space where any smell can become overwhelming.

Moreover, having a trash can encourages me to be more responsible about my waste. It reminds me to take out the trash regularly and be mindful of my environmental impact. By sorting recyclables and general waste, I can contribute to a cleaner campus and do my part in minimizing waste. Overall,

My Buying Guides on Trash Can For Dorm

When I first moved into my dorm, I quickly realized that having the right trash can was essential for keeping my space tidy. A good trash can not only helps manage waste but also complements the limited space we have in dorm rooms. Here’s my guide to finding the perfect trash can for your dorm.

Size Matters

When I was looking for a trash can, I had to consider the size of my dorm room. Most dorms have limited space, so I opted for a smaller can that could fit neatly under my desk. I found that a 5 to 10-gallon capacity was ideal for me. It was big enough to hold my daily waste without taking up too much room.

Material Choices

I learned that the material of the trash can can make a big difference in durability and ease of cleaning. I personally prefer plastic because it’s lightweight and easy to wipe down. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more stylish, metal cans can also be a great option. Just keep in mind that metal can be a bit heavier, especially when full.

Lid or No Lid?

This was an important decision for me. I found that a trash can with a lid helps contain odors, which is a big plus in a small living space. I opted for a simple flip-top lid, which is easy to use and helps keep my room smelling fresh. However, if you prefer a more open design for convenience, that’s perfectly fine too—just be prepared for a bit more odor management.

Style and Design

Let’s be honest, dorm rooms can be a bit bland. I wanted a trash can that would fit my personal style and add a touch of character to my space. I discovered that there are plenty of colorful and fun designs available. I chose a sleek black one that matched my decor, but you can go bold with bright colors or patterns if that suits your taste better.

Easy to Clean

I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a trash can that’s easy to clean. I found that some cans have removable inner buckets, making it super simple to empty and wash. I also looked for ones with smooth surfaces, as they tend to be easier to wipe down.

Cost-Effectiveness

As a college student, budget is always a concern for me. I found that there are plenty of affordable options out there, ranging from $10 to $30. I recommend checking out local stores and online retailers for sales or student discounts. I managed to snag a great trash can on sale, which was a win-win!

Finding the right trash can for my dorm was a small but significant step in creating a comfortable living environment. By considering size, material, lid options, style, ease of cleaning, and cost, I was able to find a trash can that not only met my needs but also fit my personality. I hope my guide helps you in your search for the perfect dorm trash can!

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Judith Dunham
Judith Dunham 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, Judith 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, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.