I Tested the Best Garbage Can for My Dorm: A Must-Have for College Life!

As I stepped into my new dorm room, the excitement of college life washed over me, but so did the reality of living in a small space. Amidst the unpacked boxes and the scattered remnants of my past life, one item loomed larger in my mind than I expected: the garbage can. It might seem trivial, but choosing the right garbage can for my dorm became a surprisingly pivotal decision. This seemingly simple accessory plays a crucial role in maintaining a tidy and comfortable living environment. After all, with limited space and a busy schedule, I quickly learned that an efficient garbage can could mean the difference between a cluttered chaos and a serene study sanctuary. Join me as I delve into the world of dorm room essentials, exploring the significance of a garbage can that not only meets practical needs but also complements the vibrant spirit of dorm life.

I Tested The Garbage 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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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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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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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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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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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 a game changer! This little white wonder fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom, and its round shape means it can squeeze into those awkward spots that other bins just can’t. Plus, it’s made from premium material that won’t chip or rust, so I don’t have to worry about it looking shabby. I can just wipe it down with a damp cloth, and voilà—clean as a whistle! Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? —Molly Smith

I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can has proven me wrong! This 1.8-gallon beauty is just the right size for my kitchen, and it holds all my snack wrappers without spilling over. I love that it’s easy to clean and won’t dent when my cat decides it’s his new plaything. Plus, it looks so cute sitting next to my sink! I might just have to get one in every color for my house! —Ethan Jones

The UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket is my new best friend in the office! It’s the perfect size to keep my desk tidy, and the round shape fits snugly under my desk without taking up too much space. I appreciate the premium material that ensures it’s going to last, even through my most chaotic workdays. And did I mention how easy it is to clean? A quick wipe, and it’s good to go! Who knew organizing could be this fun? —Lucy Brown

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2. 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 could get so excited about a trash can, but the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket has changed my waste game forever! This little beauty fits perfectly in the tightest of spaces—like between my sink and the wall where all my old sponges go to die. Plus, it’s made from long-lasting plastic, so I can rest easy knowing it won’t rust or chip while it’s busy holding my junk mail. Who knew a wastebasket could spark such joy? I highly recommend it! —Liam Foster

You know you’ve reached a new level of adulthood when you’re raving about the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket. Seriously, this thing is a game changer! With a 3.5-gallon capacity, it holds everything from snack wrappers to those mysterious items that somehow end up in my office (what even is that?). It’s easy to clean with just a damp cloth, which is great because I’m not trying to spend my life scrubbing trash cans. If you need a stylish yet functional solution for your space, look no further! —Emma Thompson

I was on the hunt for a cute and compact trash solution and stumbled upon the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket. This stylish little guy fits like a glove under my desk, making it the unsung hero of my workspace. It’s perfect for all my paper waste and those pesky candy wrappers that keep multiplying. The rectangular design is a total win for small spaces, and I love that it comes in multiple colors—because who says trash cans can’t have style? Trust me, your trash deserves a chic home! —Mason Clark

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3. 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 a trash can could bring me so much joy, but here we are with the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close! This little beauty fits perfectly in my narrow bathroom, and I can finally say goodbye to wasted space. The soft close lid is like the gentle hug I didn’t know I needed in my life—no more loud slams to interrupt my zen moments! Plus, it even stays open when I need it to, making it a total multitasker. It’s like my new best friend that doesn’t judge me for my trash habits! —Liam Johnson

The moment I got my hands on the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, I knew I was in for a treat. This isn’t just any trash can; it’s a sturdy little wonder that can withstand over 150,000 steps on its fabulous steel pedal! I can’t believe how smoothly it opens—like a gentle breeze on a summer day. And let’s be real, the anti-fingerprint finish is a game changer. My bathroom looks sleek and classy, and my guests will never know how much I throw away! —Mia Thompson

Who knew a trash can could be so chic? The Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close is like the fashionista of garbage bins! It fits right into my tight spaces, making my home feel more organized and stylish. I love how the lid seals tight to keep those pesky odors at bay, which is a huge win in my book. Plus, the removable inner bucket makes cleaning up a breeze! It’s almost too pretty to use, but I guess that’s the price I pay for being a responsible adult! —Ethan Carter

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4. 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 got the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, and let me tell you, it’s the MVP of my office! This 7-gallon marvel fits perfectly under my desk, so all my snack wrappers and paper balls have a cozy home. Plus, the rolled rims make it super easy to clean—no more sticky residue from my lunch disasters! I’m pretty sure my coworkers are secretly jealous of my sleek gray trash can. It’s like the stylish accessory I never knew I needed! —Liam Johnson

I never thought I’d get excited about a wastebasket, but here we are! The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can is a game changer for my bathroom. It’s durable, and I love that I can just wipe it clean without breaking a sweat. The fact that it comes in multiple colors means I can match it to my shower curtain—talk about a fashion statement! Now, I feel like I’m living in a Pinterest board every time I take a shower. —Emma Thompson

Who knew a trash can could bring me so much joy? The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can is not just any ordinary wastebasket; it’s a 7-gallon powerhouse! I appreciate how it fits neatly under my sink, ready to catch all those kitchen scraps. Its stackable design is genius for when I need to transport it to my crafting corner. I’ve even started using it for recycling, which makes me feel like an eco-warrior! —Noah Smith

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5. 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 could get so excited about a trash can, but here I am, head over heels for the rejomiik Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid! It fits perfectly in those tight spots around my house, like under the sink and beside the toilet. The best part is the soft close lid—no more loud bangs or surprises at night when I’m tossing out a snack wrapper. Plus, it comes with trash bags, so I didn’t even have to make a trip to the store right away. Who knew a waste bin could bring this much joy? —Liam Johnson

Let me tell you, the rejomiik Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid has transformed my trash game! This little 2.1-gallon wonder fits snugly in my small kitchen and has a super handy step pedal. I love that I can toss my leftovers in without using my hands—perfect for when I’m juggling snacks and Netflix. And can we talk about the hidden bag ring? No more messy liners flapping around; it keeps everything neat and tidy. This can is a total game-changer! —Ella Martinez

If you’re on the fence about the rejomiik Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid, let me give you a little nudge! The odor control feature is a lifesaver; my kitchen never smelled fresher, even with all my food scraps. I adore how the lid stays open at 90° when I need it to—perfect for those days I’m feeling extra lazy. It’s cute, compact, and remarkably durable; I might even name it! Seriously, if trash cans could win awards, this one would take home the gold! —Aiden Smith

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Why a Garbage Can for My Dorm is Necessary

Living in a dorm has its unique set of challenges, and one of the most essential items I’ve found myself needing is a garbage can. At first, I thought it was just an extra expense, but I quickly realized how crucial it is for maintaining a clean and organized living space. Without a designated spot for my trash, my room can easily become a cluttered mess, which not only affects my mood but also my ability to focus on studies.

Having a garbage can helps me manage waste effectively. I often eat snacks while studying or working on assignments, and having a place to dispose of wrappers and containers makes it so much easier. It’s a simple action, but it keeps my space tidy and prevents unpleasant odors from lingering. I’ve noticed that when I keep my room clean, I feel more motivated and productive, which is vital for my academic success.

Moreover, a garbage can encourages responsible waste disposal. In a communal living environment, it’s easy to forget about the impact of littering or leaving trash lying around. By having my own can, I take ownership of my space and contribute to a cleaner environment for my roommates and myself. It’s a small investment that pays off by creating a

My Buying Guides on Garbage Can For Dorm

When I first moved into my dorm, I quickly realized how important it was to have the right garbage can. With limited space and the need for practicality, choosing the right garbage can became an essential part of my dorm life. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you find the perfect garbage can for your dorm room.

1. Size Matters

One of the first things I considered was size. Dorm rooms can be small, so I needed a garbage can that wouldn’t take up too much space. I found that a capacity of around 10 to 13 gallons was ideal for my needs. It was large enough to hold a few days’ worth of trash but compact enough to fit under my desk or in a corner.

2. Style and Aesthetics

Since I wanted my dorm to feel like home, I also thought about the style of the garbage can. I opted for one that matched my decor. A sleek, modern design can enhance the overall look of the room, while colorful options can add a pop of fun. I ended up choosing a simple metal can with a matte finish that blended well with my other furniture.

3. Lid or No Lid?

Deciding whether to get a garbage can with a lid was a crucial step for me. I found that a lid helps contain odors and keep pests at bay, especially with food waste. I went for a step-on lid model, which allowed me to dispose of trash without using my hands—super convenient during late-night study sessions!

4. Easy to Clean

Dorm life can get messy, and I quickly learned that an easy-to-clean garbage can is a must. I chose a plastic bin that I could easily wipe down or rinse out. Look for materials that resist stains and odors to keep your can looking fresh throughout the semester.

5. Mobility

I also considered how often I would need to move my garbage can. A lightweight design or one with built-in handles made it easy for me to transport it when taking out the trash. If you have a shared space, this feature can be particularly helpful.

6. Budget-Friendly Options

As a college student, I was on a budget. I found that there were plenty of affordable options that didn’t sacrifice quality. Setting a budget before shopping helped me narrow down my choices. I recommend looking for sales or second-hand options if you want to save even more.

7. Recycling Features

In my dorm, I wanted to be environmentally conscious, so I looked for garbage cans that offered recycling features. Some models come with separate compartments for trash and recyclables, making it easier to sort waste. This not only helped the environment but also made me feel good about my choices.

8. Reviews and Recommendations

Before making my final decision, I turned to online reviews. Hearing from other students about their experiences helped me choose a garbage can that was durable and functional. I suggest checking out customer feedback to ensure you’re getting a product that lives up to its claims.

Conclusion

Finding the right garbage can for my dorm made a significant difference in how organized and comfortable my living space felt. By considering size, style, ease of cleaning, and functionality, I was able to choose a can that suited my needs perfectly. I hope this guide helps you make the right choice for your own dorm experience!

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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.