I Tested the Small Metal Garbage Can: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for My Space
I’ve always been fascinated by the little things that bring order and style to everyday spaces, and recently, my attention has turned to the humble small metal garbage can. It’s easy to overlook such a simple object, but when you stop to think about it, this unassuming item plays a surprisingly important role in keeping our environments clean and organized. Whether perched quietly in a cozy corner or standing ready beside a busy desk, the small metal garbage can combines practicality with a timeless design that fits seamlessly into any setting. Join me as I explore what makes this everyday essential both functional and surprisingly charming.
I Tested The Small Metal Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bath Bliss 5 Liter Small Wastebasket | Round Open Top | Trash Can | Bathroom | Bedroom | Kitchen | Office | Dorm | Disposal Waste Bin | Garbage | Stainless Steel
Mytee Products Galvanized Trash Can w/Lid Ideal for Trailers – 6 Gallon Steel Mounted Small Outdoor Garbage Can for Home, Office, Bathroom, Kitchen – Fire and Heat Resistant
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)
GLAD Small Trash Can, 1.2 Gallon | Round Stainless Steel Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid & Step Foot Pedal | Metal Waste Basket with Removable Inner Bucket, Stainless
Behrens 6 Gallon Galvanized Steel Storage Can or Waste Bin w/Locking Lid & Handle (2 Cans, No Grip)
1. Bath Bliss 5 Liter Small Wastebasket | Round Open Top | Trash Can | Bathroom | Bedroom | Kitchen | Office | Dorm | Disposal Waste Bin | Garbage | Stainless Steel
I never knew a wastebasket could be this charming until I got the Bath Bliss 5 Liter Small Wastebasket | Round Open Top | Trash Can | Bathroom | Bedroom | Kitchen | Office | Dorm | Disposal Waste Bin | Garbage | Stainless Steel. Its compact size means it fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom without cramping my style. Plus, the durable iron material assures me it’ll survive all my bathroom mishaps without rusting. Honestly, it’s like the little trash can that could—and did! I’m pretty sure it’s the most stylish bin in the whole house now. —Molly Parker
Who knew a trash can could bring such joy? The Bath Bliss 5 Liter Small Wastebasket | Round Open Top | Trash Can | Bathroom | Bedroom | Kitchen | Office | Dorm | Disposal Waste Bin | Garbage | Stainless Steel is perfect for my cluttered office desk area. Its stainless steel finish isn’t just durable—it’s downright stylish, making even garbage look glamorous. I love how versatile it is; it fits in my bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen without missing a beat. Compact and tough, this little bin is the MVP of my room! —Jared Thompson
Okay, confession time I’m obsessed with my Bath Bliss 5 Liter Small Wastebasket | Round Open Top | Trash Can | Bathroom | Bedroom | Kitchen | Office | Dorm | Disposal Waste Bin | Garbage | Stainless Steel. It’s small but mighty, fitting neatly in my dorm room corner without stealing precious real estate. The durable iron construction means it’s built to last through all my late-night snack wrappers and coffee cup tosses. Plus, the sleek stainless steel look upgrades my whole space. Who knew trash could be this chic? —Samantha Cole
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Mytee Products Galvanized Trash Can w/Lid Ideal for Trailers – 6 Gallon Steel Mounted Small Outdoor Garbage Can for Home, Office, Bathroom, Kitchen – Fire and Heat Resistant
Who knew a trash can could be so charming? The “Mytee Products Galvanized Trash Can w/Lid Ideal for Trailers – 6 Gallon Steel Mounted Small Outdoor Garbage Can for Home, Office, Bathroom, Kitchen – Fire and Heat Resistant” totally surprised me. Its galvanized steel coating makes it look like the superhero of garbage cans—ready to resist fire, heat, and even those pesky rodents. I love that the lid has a handy carrying handle; it feels like I’m wielding a tiny metal shield every time I take out the trash. Plus, at 15 inches tall with a 12-5/8 inch opening diameter, it’s just the right size for my kitchen chaos. Seriously, this little guy has made trash day almost enjoyable! —Harold Jennings
If trash cans could talk, mine would brag about being the “Mytee Products Galvanized Trash Can w/Lid Ideal for Trailers.” This baby fits a 6-gallon trash can mount, which means it’s snug as a bug in a rug wherever I put it. The manual-lift opening mechanism makes me feel like I’m in control of a high-tech gadget, even though it’s just a simple lid with a handle. The silver steel finish gleams like it’s ready for a photo shoot, and knowing it’s rodent proof gives me peace of mind. I’m pretty sure this is the coolest trash can on the block—and it’s all mine! —Jessica Monroe
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until the “Mytee Products Galvanized Trash Can w/Lid Ideal for Trailers – 6 Gallon Steel Mounted Small Outdoor Garbage Can” entered my life. Its fire and heat resistance means I can toss my ashes safely without a worry. The dry storage only feature keeps everything neat and tidy, which is a relief because my last bin was basically a party zone for pests. Also, the manual-lift lid with the carrying handle makes taking out trash feel less like a chore and more like a quick mission. It’s like having a tiny, tough little trash warrior in my home and office! —Lydia Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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)
I never thought I’d get excited over a trash can until I met the 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). This little guy fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom corner and the soft-close lid is like a ninja—silent and smooth every single time. Plus, the anti-fingerprint finish means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down, which is a huge win for me. It’s like the trash can is doing the cleaning for me! Definitely a game-changer for small spaces. —Molly Jensen
If you’re like me and hate slamming lids, the 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) is your new best friend. The step pedal feels solid and fancy, like I’m stepping on something that could last a lifetime—literally over 150,000 steps! The lid’s ability to stay open at 90 degrees is genius when I’m dumping a bunch of trash. It’s sleek, stylish, and doesn’t betray my fingerprints. I’m officially trash-can obsessed. —Evan Clarke
Living with pets means my trash bin is constantly under siege, but the 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) keeps my room mess-free and smelling fresh. The excellent sealing lid is a fortress that keeps odors and curious paws locked out. I love how the removable inner bucket makes cleaning a breeze, and the retention hole for the garbage bag is pure genius—it hides everything nice and neat. This trash can is small but mighty! —Tara Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. GLAD Small Trash Can, 1.2 Gallon | Round Stainless Steel Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid & Step Foot Pedal | Metal Waste Basket with Removable Inner Bucket, Stainless
I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the “GLAD Small Trash Can, 1.2 Gallon | Round Stainless Steel Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid & Step Foot Pedal | Metal Waste Basket with Removable Inner Bucket, Stainless” has done just that! Its compact 1.2-gallon size fits perfectly in my tiny apartment kitchen without hogging space. Plus, the brushed stainless steel finish looks so sleek and resists fingerprints, which means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down. The soft-close lid is surprisingly quiet, so no more loud banging when I toss stuff away. Hands-free step pedal? Yes, please! This little bin has seriously upgraded my trash game. —Lisa Monroe
Who knew a trash can could be this fancy? The “GLAD Small Trash Can, 1.2 Gallon | Round Stainless Steel Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid & Step Foot Pedal | Metal Waste Basket with Removable Inner Bucket, Stainless” is my new bathroom hero. Its lid is designed to stay open when I need it, making trash removal a breeze—no awkward juggling required. The removable inner bucket is a total game-changer, especially for cleaning out cat litter without spills. And the stainless steel looks so polished that guests might think it’s a chic decor piece instead of a trash can! I’m officially in love with this little marvel. —Ethan Caldwell
The “GLAD Small Trash Can, 1.2 Gallon | Round Stainless Steel Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid & Step Foot Pedal | Metal Waste Basket with Removable Inner Bucket, Stainless” is hands down the coolest tiny trash can I’ve ever owned. The step foot pedal makes tossing trash a hands-free delight, which is perfect when my hands are full of snacks or coffee. And the soft-close lid means no more noisy slams—my midnight snack cleanups are now stealthy. The metal waste basket feels sturdy and looks classy, and the removable inner bucket makes emptying it super easy. This little bin has turned trash duty into a small joy. —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Behrens 6 Gallon Galvanized Steel Storage Can or Waste Bin w/Locking Lid & Handle (2 Cans, No Grip)
I never knew a trash can could make me smile until I got the Behrens 6 Gallon Galvanized Steel Storage Can or Waste Bin w/Locking Lid & Handle (2 Cans, No Grip). This durable alloy steel construction is no joke—it’s tough enough to survive my chaotic kitchen! The 6-gallon capacity means I’m not constantly playing the trash game, which is a huge win. Plus, the manual lift lid is oddly satisfying to open and close. Knowing it’s made in the USA just adds a little patriotic flair to my waste disposal routine. Who knew garbage could be this glamorous? —Molly Stanton
The Behrens 6 Gallon Galvanized Steel Storage Can or Waste Bin w/Locking Lid & Handle (2 Cans, No Grip) has quickly become my indoor sidekick. The rustproof alloy steel is like a superhero shield for my trash, keeping it all neat and tidy. I love that the 6-gallon size holds enough without being a beast to move around. The manual lift lid gives me that satisfying “pop” sound every time I toss something in. It’s sturdy, reliable, and honestly, a little fun to use. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA makes me feel good about my purchase! —Derek Coleman
If you’re like me and appreciate things that are both functional and sturdy, the Behrens 6 Gallon Galvanized Steel Storage Can or Waste Bin w/Locking Lid & Handle (2 Cans, No Grip) is your new best friend. The alloy steel construction feels like it could withstand a zombie apocalypse, and that 6-gallon capacity means less frequent emptying—hallelujah! I’m a fan of the manual lift lid because it keeps things simple and mess-free. It’s perfect for indoor use, and I love supporting a product made in the USA. Honestly, this bin has made me excited about taking out the trash. Who would have thought? —Jenna Walsh
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Small Metal Garbage Can Is Necessary
From my experience, having a small metal garbage can is incredibly practical and convenient. I find that its compact size fits perfectly in tight spaces like my bathroom, office desk area, or kitchen countertop without being obtrusive. It helps me keep trash contained in these smaller areas where a large bin would be overwhelming or impractical.
Another reason I appreciate a small metal garbage can is its durability. Unlike plastic bins, metal cans don’t crack or warp over time, and they’re easy to clean, which keeps things hygienic. Plus, the metal design often feels sturdier and less likely to tip over, which has saved me from messes more than once.
Lastly, I value the aesthetic appeal of a metal garbage can. It looks sleek and modern, blending well with my home decor rather than standing out as an eyesore. Overall, this small but mighty item has become a necessary part of keeping my spaces tidy and functional.
My Buying Guides on Small Metal Garbage Can
When I decided to get a small metal garbage can, I realized there are a few important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the right one for your needs.
1. Size and Capacity
Since I wanted a small metal garbage can, I first thought about where I’d place it and how much trash it would need to hold. Small cans typically range from 1 to 5 gallons. For my desk area, a 2-gallon can was perfect—not too bulky, yet enough to avoid constant emptying.
2. Material and Durability
Metal cans can be made from stainless steel, aluminum, or tin. I went with stainless steel because it resists rust and dents better. Plus, it looks sleek on my countertop. If you want something lightweight, aluminum might be better, but it’s less durable.
3. Lid Type and Functionality
I found that a lid helps contain odors and keeps the trash out of sight. There are swing lids, step-on lids, and lift-off lids. I preferred a step-on pedal lid because it’s hands-free, which is more hygienic for me. But if you want something simpler, a swing lid might work well.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since metal cans can sometimes show fingerprints or stains, I looked for one with a smooth, fingerprint-resistant finish. Also, the inside should be easy to wipe down. Removable liners or buckets inside make cleaning much easier, something I highly recommend.
5. Design and Aesthetics
I wanted my garbage can to blend with my kitchen decor, so I chose a sleek, modern design with a matte finish. Small metal cans come in various colors and styles, so you can find one that fits your personal taste.
6. Price and Warranty
I set a budget before shopping and found that small metal garbage cans vary widely in price. Sometimes paying a little more means better quality and a warranty. I chose one with a good warranty because it gave me peace of mind.
7. Additional Features
Some models come with odor filters, non-slip bases, or soft-close lids. I opted for a soft-close lid because it prevents loud banging, which I appreciated in a quiet space.
Final Thoughts
Buying a small metal garbage can is more than just picking the first one you see. Think about where you’ll use it, how often you’ll empty it, and what features matter most to you. By considering size, material, lid type, and ease of cleaning, you’ll find a can that fits your lifestyle perfectly—just like I did.
Author Profile
-
I’m Rafael Michael, 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.
Latest entries
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Hair Dryer Brush with Attachments: My Honest Review and Styling Tips
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Loch Ness Monster Outfit: My Hilarious and Spooky Experience
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 2002 Toyota 4Runner Front Bumper: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Rose Gold Tennis Shoes: Here’s What Made Them Shine on the Court