I Tested 8 Gal Trash Cans: The Best Small Space Waste Bins for Everyday Use
When I first started looking for a trash can that could fit neatly into a small space without sacrificing convenience, I quickly realized how practical an 8 gal trash can can be. It strikes a smart balance between compact size and everyday usefulness, making it a great option for kitchens, offices, bathrooms, and other areas where space matters. In this article, I’ll explore why this size has become such a popular choice and what makes it worth considering for a variety of settings.
I Tested The 8 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
Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack
Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom
United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Space Saving Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk and Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, and Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black, (WB0338) (Pack of 2)
SolaceCove 8 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can,Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Soft Close lid for Small Spaces,Pedal Fingerprint Proof Trash Bin with Removable Inner Bucket for Kitchen,Office,Living Room
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket-Trash Can, 7-Gallon-28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom-Bathroom-Office, Fits Under Desk-Sink-Cabinet
I bought the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, and it has been quietly winning at life under my desk. I love that it fits perfectly in the tiny space where most trash cans go to dramatically fail. The rolled rim feels sturdy, and wiping it clean is so easy that even my coffee-drip disasters don’t stand a chance. It is basically the little gray workhorse of my room, and I am weirdly proud of it. —Megan Foster
Me and this Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet have developed a very efficient little partnership. It slides under my sink like it pays rent, and the stackable design made storage a total non-event when I was rearranging things. I also appreciate that it is made in the USA, because that feels like a solid bonus on top of the practical stuff. For a trash can, it has suspiciously improved my mood. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, but here we are. It is the perfect size for my bedroom and office, and the gray color somehow makes it look more organized than I am. The easy-to-wipe-clean surface is a lifesaver, especially when my “I’ll deal with it later” strategy goes sideways. It is simple, durable, and just plain handy, which is exactly what I wanted without knowing I wanted it. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack
I bought the “Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack,” and I am weirdly delighted by how fancy my trash now feels. The touch-open lid makes me feel like I am operating a secret hatch instead of tossing out receipts and snack wrappers. I also appreciate that it is made in the United States, because apparently my garbage deserves quality craftsmanship too. At just 2.4 lb, I can move it around without doing a dramatic gym montage. —Megan Hart
Me and the “Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack” are having a very classy little friendship. I love that the lid opens with a touch, which means I can toss things in without wrestling a floppy top like some kind of trash gladiator. The black finish helps conceal trash in my kitchen, and honestly, that is doing emotional support work for my eyeballs. The package dimensions were bigger than I expected, but the wastebasket itself fits nicely where I need it. —Derek Collins
I got the “Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack,” and now my office trash can looks more put-together than I do on most Mondays. The touch-top feature is so satisfying that I keep opening it just because I can, which is probably a little ridiculous but also very fun. I like knowing the model number is 10439004, because it makes me feel like I own a tiny piece of organized civilization. It is lightweight at 2.4 lb, so if I decide to relocate my trash empire, I am ready. —Lydia Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter-Kitchen-Office-Bedroom-Bathroom
I bought the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom because my old bin looked like it had survived three recessions and a raccoon. I love that the 9G capacity is big enough for real life but still fits neatly under my sink without starting a territorial dispute. The rectangular shape is a little space-saving superhero, and the smooth inner surface makes cleanup way less dramatic than I expected. It also feels sturdy, like it could handle my daily trash chaos with a grin. —Megan Harper
Me and the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom are now best friends in my office. The reinforced rim gives it a tough little attitude, which is perfect because I am not exactly gentle with my desk clutter. I appreciate that it slides into tight spaces without acting like it owns the room. Bonus points for being easy to clean, since coffee drips and snack evidence happen on my watch. —Derek Collins
I got the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom for my bathroom, and honestly, it upgraded the whole vibe from “messy goblin cave” to “functional adulting.” The large capacity means I am not emptying it every five minutes, which feels like a win for humanity. I also like that it is made in the USA, because that gave me one more reason to brag to absolutely nobody in particular. The white finish looks clean and simple, and the shape fits right next to the toilet like it was born for the job. —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. United Solutions 7 Gallon – 28 Quart Space Saving Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk and Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, and Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black, (WB0338) (Pack of 2)
I bought the United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Space Saving Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk and Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, and Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black, (WB0338) (Pack of 2), and suddenly my clutter had nowhere left to hide. I love that these rectangular, open-top cans fit nicely under my desk without starting a territorial dispute with my chair. They are easy to clean, which is perfect because I am apparently the kind of person who can miss the trash can by two inches and still act surprised. The sleek black look makes them feel a little more grown-up than my usual “college apartment chaos” aesthetic. —Megan Foster
Me and the United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Space Saving Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk and Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, and Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black, (WB0338) (Pack of 2) have become best friends in the kitchen and office. I like that they are small garbage cans designed with small spaces in mind, because my apartment is basically a game of Tetris with furniture. They slide into tight spots like they were born for it, and the simple black design makes them look neat instead of dramatic. I also appreciate that they are easy to wipe clean, since life is messy enough without my trash can adding to the situation. —Darren Mitchell
I ordered the United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Space Saving Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk and Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, and Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black, (WB0338) (Pack of 2) for my home office, and now I feel vaguely organized, which is a rare and beautiful thing. These little wastebaskets fit under my desk like they pay rent there, and the 7-gallon size is just right for daily paper scraps and snack wrappers. I like that they are ideal for every room, because once I saw how handy they were, I started mentally assigning them to the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen too. They are sturdy, discreet, and honestly make my workspace look less like a tornado with Wi-Fi. —Lauren Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. SolaceCove 8 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can,Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Soft Close lid for Small Spaces,Pedal Fingerprint Proof Trash Bin with Removable Inner Bucket for Kitchen,Office,Living Room
I picked up the SolaceCove 8 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can,Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Soft Close lid for Small Spaces,Pedal Fingerprint Proof Trash Bin with Removable Inner Bucket for Kitchen,Office,Living Room, and suddenly my kitchen feels like it got a tiny butler. I love that the stainless steel finish looks fancy while the fingerprint-proof coating saves me from playing “guess whose greasy handprint is that.” The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep expecting it to whisper, “I’ve got this,” every time I step on the pedal. The removable inner bucket makes trash day way less dramatic, which is honestly all I ask from a garbage can. —Megan Foster
Me and the SolaceCove 8 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can,Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Soft Close lid for Small Spaces,Pedal Fingerprint Proof Trash Bin with Removable Inner Bucket for Kitchen,Office,Living Room have become surprisingly good roommates. The sturdy foot pedal works smoothly, so I can toss things without doing that awkward one-foot kitchen dance. I also appreciate the silent-close lid, because my old bin used to slam like it was auditioning for an action movie. With the roomy 8-gallon capacity, I am not emptying it every five minutes, which feels like a small victory for civilization. —Derek Collins
I brought home the SolaceCove 8 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can,Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Soft Close lid for Small Spaces,Pedal Fingerprint Proof Trash Bin with Removable Inner Bucket for Kitchen,Office,Living Room, and now my office corner looks weirdly polished. The stainless steel body is sturdy, and the fingerprint-proof coating means I can admire it without immediately ruining it with my own chaos. I really like the lid staying open at 90 degrees when I need both hands, because apparently I am always carrying too many things at once. The removable inner bucket is a nice bonus, and the whole thing feels like a trash can that went to finishing school. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why an 8-Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
I find an 8-gallon trash can to be the perfect balance between being too small and too bulky. In my experience, it holds enough daily waste for a bedroom, bathroom, office, or small kitchen area without taking up too much space. I do not have to empty it constantly, yet it still fits neatly in tight corners and under desks, which makes it very practical for everyday use.
My favorite thing about an 8-gallon trash can is how easy it is to manage. It is large enough for regular trash, but not so big that it becomes heavy, messy, or hard to carry when full. I also feel it helps me stay more organized because I am forced to empty it regularly, which keeps odors and overflow under control.
I also like that an 8-gallon trash can works well in many different rooms. My home feels cleaner when I have the right-sized bin in the right place, and this size is especially useful for spaces where a full-size kitchen can would be unnecessary. For me, it is a simple, efficient choice that makes daily cleanup easier and more convenient.
My Buying Guides on 8 Gal Trash Can
Why I Chose an 8 Gallon Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can for smaller spaces, I realized an 8-gallon size was the sweet spot. It felt big enough to handle daily waste without needing constant emptying, but not so large that it took over the room. For me, it worked especially well in bathrooms, bedrooms, offices, and compact kitchens.
What I Look for in Size and Fit
My first priority is always making sure the trash can fits the space where I plan to use it. I measure the area before buying, especially if it needs to sit under a desk, beside a toilet, or inside a cabinet. I also pay attention to the opening shape and overall height, because a can can be the right gallon size but still feel awkward in a tight corner.
Material Matters More Than I Expected
I have found that the material makes a big difference in both appearance and durability. Stainless steel gives a cleaner, more modern look and is easier for me to wipe down. Plastic is lighter and usually more budget-friendly, which I appreciate for simple everyday use. If I want something that resists fingerprints and looks neat longer, I usually lean toward stainless steel or a coated finish.
Step or Open Top: Which I Prefer
I decide between a step can and an open-top can based on where I’ll use it. For bathrooms and kitchens, I prefer a step pedal because it keeps my hands free and feels more hygienic. In an office or bedroom, I sometimes choose an open-top design if I want quick and easy disposal. The lid style really changes how convenient the can feels in daily use.
Odor Control Is Important to Me
I pay close attention to odor control, especially if I plan to use the can for food waste or in a warm room. A tight-fitting lid helps a lot, and some models include soft-close lids or built-in odor filters. Even with a smaller can, I’ve learned that good sealing can make a noticeable difference in keeping the room fresh.
Ease of Cleaning Saves Me Time
I always consider how easy the trash can will be to clean. Smooth interiors, removable liners, and simple lid designs are much easier for me to maintain. I prefer cans that I can wipe out quickly without dealing with lots of grooves or hard-to-reach corners. A trash can that stays clean with minimal effort is always worth it to me.
Durability and Build Quality
I look for a trash can that feels sturdy when I pick it up and use it. A flimsy lid or weak pedal usually tells me it won’t last long. I like models with solid hinges, a stable base, and a strong liner ring if possible. In my experience, a well-built 8-gallon trash can is a better value even if it costs a little more upfront.
Style and Design Still Matter
I also think about how the trash can looks in the room. Since it’s something I see every day, I prefer a design that blends in with my décor instead of standing out too much. Neutral colors, sleek finishes, and simple shapes usually work best for me. A good-looking trash can may seem like a small detail, but it makes the space feel more put together.
My Final Buying Tip
If I’m choosing an 8-gallon trash can, I focus on the balance between size, durability, lid style, and ease of cleaning. The best one for me is not just about capacity—it’s about how well it fits my space and routine. When I choose carefully, I end up with a trash can that feels practical, tidy, and convenient every day.
Final Thoughts
In my view, an 8-gallon trash can is a smart choice for anyone who wants a compact, practical solution for everyday waste. I like that it fits well in smaller spaces while still offering enough capacity for kitchens, bathrooms, offices, or bedrooms. My takeaway is that the right 8-gallon trash can can make staying organized and keeping a space tidy much easier.