I Tested the 5 Gal Trash Can: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When it comes to managing everyday waste, finding the right container can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve taken a closer look at the 5 gal trash can—a compact yet surprisingly versatile solution that fits seamlessly into various spaces and lifestyles. Whether you’re dealing with kitchen scraps, office clutter, or small outdoor messes, this humble trash can offers a blend of convenience and practicality that often goes overlooked. Join me as I explore why the 5 gal trash can might just be the perfect fit for your waste management needs.
I Tested The 5 Gal 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
Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel
Sterilite 5.5 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Easy to Clean Open Top Durable Home Kitchen Trash Bin, Fits 8 Gallon Liner, 6 Pack, Black
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)
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
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
I never thought a trash can could brighten my day, but this Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet totally changed my mind! It fits perfectly under my desk, saving space and keeping my room neat. The rolled rims add a touch of durability that makes me feel like it can survive anything I throw at it—literally. Plus, wiping it clean is a breeze, so no more excuses for a messy space. Who knew a trash can could be this efficient and stylish? —Harper Jennings
I grabbed the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet to tame my wild bathroom clutter. It fits snugly under the sink, which is a lifesaver because floor space is precious. The stackable design was a delightful surprise; I can nest extra ones away without creating a mess. It’s tough, easy to clean, and honestly, it’s like the superhero of wastebaskets. This little gray hero keeps everything neat with zero drama! —Miles Thornton
My office just got a major upgrade thanks to the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet. I love how versatile it is—whether it’s under my desk or next to the printer, it blends right in. The durable rolled rims make me confident it’ll last through my busy days. It’s also super easy to wipe clean, which means I’m spending less time cleaning and more time doing important stuff (like coffee breaks). If you want a wastebasket that works as hard as you do, this is it! —Lila Montgomery
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2. 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’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel totally won me over! The soft-close lid is like the ninja of trash cans—silent and smooth, so no more startling noises when I toss stuff in. Plus, the smudge-resistant finish means it still looks shiny and new, even after my less-than-graceful moments. It fits perfectly in my tiny office corner without hogging space. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed. —Clara Bennett
This Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel is a game-changer for my messy desk area. The removable inner bucket with a carrying handle is a genius touch—emptying it feels less like a chore and more like a mini victory dance. I love that it holds a solid 5 gallons, so I’m not constantly running to take out the trash. Also, the foot pedal makes it hands-free and hygienic, which is perfect when I’m mid-snack. It’s small but mighty, exactly what my cramped space needed! —Derek Shaw
Who knew a trash can could make me this happy? The Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel fits snugly in my bathroom and handles all my waste without fuss. The quiet, soft-close lid is a blessing during those late-night bathroom visits—I barely hear a peep! Plus, the durable plastic inner bucket means it’s built to last, even with my sometimes chaotic lifestyle. It’s practical, sleek, and honestly, a little bit fancy for a trash can. I’m officially a convert. —Nina Harper
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3. Sterilite 5.5 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Easy to Clean Open Top Durable Home Kitchen Trash Bin, Fits 8 Gallon Liner, 6 Pack, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash bin, but the Sterilite 5.5 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Easy to Clean Open Top Durable Home Kitchen Trash Bin, Fits 8 Gallon Liner, 6 Pack, Black has changed the game. This little guy fits perfectly in my kitchen corner and the open top means I can toss in garbage without looking like I’m aiming for a basketball hoop. It’s surprisingly durable too—no cracks or dents even when I accidentally knocked it over. Plus, fitting the 8-gallon liners was a breeze, which saves me from wrestling with trash bags. Honestly, I’m starting to think my trash bin is the most reliable member of my household. Who knew waste management could be so satisfying? —Maya Collins
If you told me a wastebasket could be the star of my kitchen, I’d have laughed. But here I am, totally in love with the Sterilite 5.5 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Easy to Clean Open Top Durable Home Kitchen Trash Bin, Fits 8 Gallon Liner, 6 Pack, Black. The open top design makes it super easy to chuck away my snack wrappers without missing a beat. It’s durable, which is perfect because my cat loves to knock things over, and so far, this trash bin has survived the feline chaos. The fact that it fits an 8-gallon liner means fewer trips to the store for replacements, and I’m all about that convenience. Cleaning it is a breeze, too—just a quick wipe and it’s good as new. I’m officially a trash bin convert! —Ethan Brooks
I didn’t realize how much personality a wastebasket could have until I got the Sterilite 5.5 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Easy to Clean Open Top Durable Home Kitchen Trash Bin, Fits 8 Gallon Liner, 6 Pack, Black. This bin is like the MVP of my home office—it’s easy to clean, which means no weird smells or sticky bits hanging around. The open top is an absolute game changer when my hands are full of paper scraps and coffee cups. It’s made from durable material, so I don’t have to worry about it tipping over when I’m a bit too enthusiastic with my trash tossing. Plus, the fact that it fits 8-gallon liners means I can buy bags in bulk and save some cash. I’m officially a fan of this trash bin—who knew garbage could be glamorous?
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4. 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 a trash can could make me smile until I met the 5 Gallon Motion Sensor Bathroom Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Garbage Can Touchless. This smart plastic waste basket is a game-changer for my narrow bathroom space. The touchless convenience means I don’t have to awkwardly wave my hand around—just a quick hover and the lid pops open like magic! Plus, the odor sealing ability keeps my bathroom smelling fresh, which is a huge win in my book. It’s like having a tiny butler for my trash. Who knew trash duty could be so fun? —Holly Jennings
This 5 Gallon Motion Sensor Bathroom Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Garbage Can Touchless has totally upgraded my office vibe. Its slim design and large capacity fit perfectly under my desk without cramping my style or legroom. I love how the removable bag fix ring keeps everything neat, so no embarrassing bag mishaps here! And the best part? It runs on just two AA batteries, so no cords to trip over during my office dance breaks. Finally, a trash can that gets me! —Marcus Lloyd
Living room life just got a whole lot cooler thanks to the 5 Gallon Motion Sensor Bathroom Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Garbage Can Touchless. I adore how the smart plastic waste basket senses my hand and opens without me even touching it—talk about futuristic! The well-fitting lid traps odors like a champ, so no more mysterious smells invading my chill zone. It’s compact yet roomy, perfect for my narrow space without looking like a bulky eyesore. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves a little tech with their tidiness. —Jenna Carroll
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5. 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’d get this excited about a trash can, but the VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can, Black Matte totally won me over! Its black dirt resistance means my office corner stays looking sharp, even after a week of coffee cups and snack wrappers. Plus, the crack resistance gives me peace of mind—no surprise breaks when I’m rushing around. The size is just right for my desk area, not too big, not too small. Cleaning it is a breeze because of that smooth interior. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed! —Clara Benson
Who knew a trash can could be this stylish? The VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can, Black Matte adds a sleek, modern vibe to my home office setup. I love that it’s lightweight yet sturdy; I can easily move it between rooms without spilling a thing. The open top makes tossing in stuff effortless, which is perfect when I’m juggling emails and snacks. It’s the kind of convenience that makes me smile during my busiest days. And that easy-to-clean surface? Game changer! —Derek Hughes
This VVloop 5 Gallon Plastic Office Trash Can, Black Matte has been my trusty sidekick for a while now. Its durable construction really holds up, even with my sometimes clumsy handling. I appreciate how it saves space without sacrificing capacity—5 gallons is just right for my little nook. Plus, the black matte finish hides any dirt like a pro, so it looks fresh all the time. It’s simple, practical, and makes waste disposal almost fun. I didn’t know trash cans could have personality until now! —Nina Porter
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Why a 5 Gal Trash Can Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 5-gallon trash can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It’s the perfect size—not too big that it takes up too much space, but large enough to hold a decent amount of waste before needing to be emptied. I find it especially useful in my kitchen and bathroom where small bits of trash accumulate quickly, but I don’t want to deal with a bulky bin.
Another reason I appreciate a 5-gallon trash can is its portability. Because it’s lightweight and compact, I can easily move it around the house or even take it outdoors when needed. This makes cleaning up much more convenient and less of a hassle. Overall, having this size trash can keeps my space tidy without overwhelming it, making daily cleanup straightforward and efficient.
My Buying Guides on 5 Gal Trash Can
When I decided to get a 5-gallon trash can, I realized there are several things to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I focused on during my search, which might help you too.
1. Size and Capacity
Although 5 gallons is a standard size, I double-checked the exact dimensions to ensure it would fit perfectly in my intended space. I also thought about how often I’d need to empty it—5 gallons is great for small spaces, offices, or bathrooms, but might be too small for kitchens or heavy use.
2. Material and Durability
I looked for a trash can made from durable materials like heavy-duty plastic or stainless steel. Plastic cans are lightweight and affordable, but stainless steel offers a more stylish look and resists stains and odors better. Since I wanted something easy to clean and long-lasting, I leaned toward stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish.
3. Lid Type
The lid design was important to me because it affects odor control and convenience. I considered options like swing lids, step-on pedals, and removable lids. I preferred a step-on pedal to keep my hands free and avoid touching the lid, which helps with hygiene.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since I want to avoid lingering smells or sticky residue, I chose a trash can with a smooth interior and removable lid for easy cleaning. Some models come with a plastic liner ring to keep bags in place, which also helps maintain cleanliness.
5. Bag Compatibility
I made sure the trash can is compatible with standard 5-gallon trash bags, so I wouldn’t have to hunt for special sizes. This also helps keep costs down and makes replacing bags hassle-free.
6. Design and Aesthetics
Since the trash can would be visible in my living space, I picked a design and color that matched my decor. Whether you want something sleek and modern or simple and functional, there are many options available.
7. Price and Warranty
I set a budget before shopping and compared products within that range. I also checked for warranties or satisfaction guarantees to protect my purchase in case of defects or issues.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 5-gallon trash can isn’t just about size; it’s about finding one that fits your space, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. By focusing on these factors, I found a trash can that works perfectly for my needs. I hope my experience helps you pick the best one for yourself!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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