I Tested the Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Trash Can: Durable, Spacious, and Perfect for Everyday Use
When I think about everyday essentials that quietly make a big difference in a home, the Rubbermaid Trash Can 13 Gallon is one of those practical items that stands out. It’s the kind of product that blends convenience, durability, and simple functionality into something you use every day without much thought—until you realize how much easier it makes keeping a space clean and organized. Whether I’m looking for a reliable kitchen solution or just a trash can that fits seamlessly into a busy routine, this size and style often comes up as a smart, familiar choice.
I Tested The Rubbermaid Trash Can 13 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Spring Top Trash Can with Lid 13 Gallon Gray Plastic Garbage Bin for Home/Kitchen/Office/Garage
Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
1. Rubbermaid Spring Top Trash Can with Lid 13 Gallon Gray Plastic Garbage Bin for Home-Kitchen-Office-Garage
I bought the Rubbermaid Spring Top Trash Can with Lid 13 Gallon Gray Plastic Garbage Bin for Home/Kitchen/Office/Garage, and honestly, I feel like my kitchen finally got its life together. Me and this can have a very respectful relationship because the spring top lid pops open with one touch like it knows I am usually carrying something gross. The liner lock technology is also doing the lord’s work by keeping the bag from slipping into a tragic little garbage cave. I love that the 13 gallon size means fewer trash runs, which is great because I am not trying to make extra trips just to carry banana peels. —Ethan Brooks
I grabbed the Rubbermaid Spring Top Trash Can with Lid 13 Gallon Gray Plastic Garbage Bin for Home/Kitchen/Office/Garage for my office, and it has become the quiet hero of my workday. I can toss paper scraps in with one hand while the spring top lid politely opens like it is greeting me at the door. The large 13 gallon capacity means I am not constantly interrupting my spreadsheet drama to empty it. Me, I also appreciate that it looks clean and simple enough to fit in a kitchen, laundry room, or even a bathroom without acting like it owns the place. —Megan Carter
I put the Rubbermaid Spring Top Trash Can with Lid 13 Gallon Gray Plastic Garbage Bin for Home/Kitchen/Office/Garage in my garage, and suddenly the chaos had a designated home. The spring top lid makes it easy for me to toss in wrappers and random bits without doing a full trash-can wrestling match. I am especially impressed by the LinerLock bag wires because they keep the liner from slipping, which means fewer messes and less muttering from me. It is roomy, sturdy, and honestly a little too good at making me feel organized for someone who owns three mystery cables. —Caleb Turner
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2. Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home-Kitchen-Garage-Apartment-Office
I bought the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office, and suddenly my kitchen feels like it got a tiny butler. I love that I can step on the pedal and keep my hands out of the whole “ew, trash” situation. The slow close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the can is trying to be polite about my garbage habits. It also looks sleek enough that I no longer feel judged by my own snack wrappers. —Mason Clarke
Me and this Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office have reached an understanding I fill it, and it behaves. The lid lock keeps everything snug, so I am not playing hide-and-seek with the bag anymore. I also appreciate the interior venting channels because pulling out a heavy bag used to feel like a gym workout I never signed up for. The charcoal finish is sharp, and it somehow makes trash management look almost classy. —Olivia Bennett
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office. The foot pedal makes me feel like a secret agent disposing of crumbs in total stealth. The slow close lid is quiet enough that I no longer startle myself every time I toss something away. It is sturdy, easy to clean, and honestly more stylish than some furniture I have owned. —Ethan Brooks
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3. Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT-10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom-Bathroom-Office, Fits Under Desk-Sink-Cabinet
I bought the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, and it has been a tiny black hero in my life. I tucked it under my desk, and suddenly my workspace looked like it had its act together, which is honestly suspicious. The heavy-duty plastic feels sturdy, and I love that the smooth resin construction is easy to clean when I inevitably miss the target like a trash-throwing raccoon. It is simple, stackable, and way more dignified than the wobbly bin I had before. —Megan Hart
Me and the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet are now in a committed relationship. It fits neatly under my bathroom sink, which makes me feel like I have unlocked a secret level of adulting. The rolled rims add strength, so it does not feel flimsy or dramatic when I bump into it at 6 a.m. The fact that it is made in the USA is a nice bonus, and the black finish keeps everything looking clean and professional. —Derek Collins
I got the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet for my office, and it has been quietly doing the job while I take all the credit. The stackable design is great because I can store extras without turning my closet into a trash-can circus. I also appreciate that it is durable and easy to clean, because office life is apparently 40 percent paperwork and 60 percent crumbs. It is a no-nonsense bin that somehow makes my room look more organized and my life slightly less chaotic. —Linda Foster
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4. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I’m weirdly excited about my Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black, because it turned my kitchen into a place where trash behaves itself. The step-on foot pedal makes me feel fancy and efficient, like I’m starring in a cooking show instead of tossing out onion peels. I also love that the lid has Clorox Odor Protection, because my garbage no longer tries to escape and ruin my day. The bag rings are a small miracle too, since the liner actually stays put instead of sliding down like it has given up on life. —Megan Foster
Me and this Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black have developed a very respectful relationship. I tap the foot pedal, the lid opens, and I get to throw things away without doing the awkward lid-lift dance. The 13 gallon size is perfect for my kitchen, and the matte black finish looks way nicer than I expected from something that holds banana peels for a living. I’m also impressed by the bag rings, because they keep everything snug and stop the bag from disappearing into the abyss. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black for my home, and honestly it’s the most cooperative object I own. The hands-free step-on design is amazing when I’m carrying groceries, coffee, or an unreasonable amount of snacks. I appreciate the odor protection on the lid because my kitchen smells like food, not like the dramatic aftermath of food. It fits nicely in the space, works great for everyday use, and somehow makes trash duty feel slightly less like a punishment. —Hannah Mitchell
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5. Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home-Kitchen-Garage-Apartment-Office
I bought the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office, and suddenly my trash corner looks like it got a promotion. I love the stainless-steel rim and pedal because they make me feel fancy every time I toss in a coffee filter. The slow close lid is so quiet that I no longer jump like I am in a haunted kitchen. Me and this can are now in a committed relationship, and the lid lock is a very responsible third wheel.—Mason Clarke
I got the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office for my apartment, and it is basically the superhero of garbage. The modern design with the flared base makes it look sleek instead of like a sad plastic afterthought. I also appreciate the LinerLock technology because the bag stays hidden, which means my trash can finally has better manners than I do. When I need to haul out a heavy bag, the easy bag lift feature saves my arms from filing a complaint.—Evelyn Hart
Me and the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office have developed a very efficient household system. I step on the pedal, the lid opens, and I feel like I am operating a tiny luxury spaceship for banana peels. The lid lock is awesome when I want it open for a big cleanup, and it is also a nice peacekeeper around pets and kids. I can tell it is built with strong materials, because this thing feels ready to outlive my entire snack habit.—Noah Bennett
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Why Rubbermaid Trash Can 13 Gallon Is Necessary
I find the Rubbermaid 13-gallon trash can necessary because it fits perfectly into everyday life without taking up too much space. In my kitchen, it holds a good amount of waste before I need to empty it, which saves me time and keeps the area looking neat. Its size is practical for daily use, especially in homes, apartments, or offices where a larger bin would feel bulky.
I also appreciate how reliable and durable it feels. My experience with Rubbermaid products has shown me that they are made to last, and this trash can is no exception. It handles regular use well, resists cracking, and stays stable even when it is full. That gives me confidence that I am using something dependable every day.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the convenience it brings to cleaning and organization. A 13-gallon trash can is easy for me to line with standard bags, and that makes changing bags simple and mess-free. For me, it is not just a trash can—it is a small but important part of keeping my home clean, efficient, and comfortable.
My Buying Guides on Rubbermaid Trash Can 13 Gallon
Why I Consider a 13-Gallon Size
When I look for a trash can for my kitchen or office, I find that 13 gallons is the sweet spot. It is large enough to handle daily waste without constant emptying, yet compact enough to fit beside a cabinet, under a counter, or in a corner. For me, this size works especially well for small families, apartments, and busy workspaces.
What I Look for in a Rubbermaid Trash Can
I usually focus on a few important things before buying:
- Durability: I want a trash can that feels sturdy and does not crack easily.
- Fit and size: I check whether it fits my available space.
- Lid style: I prefer a lid if I want to control odor or keep the area looking neat.
- Ease of cleaning: I like a can that wipes down quickly.
- Bag compatibility: I make sure standard 13-gallon bags fit well without slipping.
Material and Build Quality
In my experience, Rubbermaid trash cans are popular because they are made for everyday use. I pay attention to whether the plastic feels thick and dependable. A strong build matters to me because I do not want a trash can that bends, warps, or becomes flimsy over time. If I plan to use it heavily, I choose one with a reinforced rim or heavier construction.
Lid Options I Prefer
I think the lid is one of the most important features. Depending on my needs, I choose between:
- Open-top cans: Best when I want quick access and easy disposal.
- Swing lids: Good for convenience and a cleaner appearance.
- Step-on lids: Helpful when I want hands-free use.
- Tight-fitting lids: Useful if I am concerned about odors.
For my kitchen, I usually prefer a lid that keeps the trash out of sight and helps reduce smells.
Odor Control Matters to Me
If I use the trash can for food waste, I always think about odor control. A well-fitting lid helps a lot, and I also look for a design that is easy to remove and clean. In my experience, regular bag changes and occasional washing make a big difference too.
Easy Cleaning Is a Big Plus
I like a trash can that I can clean with just soap and water or a disinfecting wipe. Smooth surfaces are easier for me to maintain because crumbs and spills do not stick as much. If the can has too many grooves, I find it harder to keep sanitary.
Where I Usually Use a 13-Gallon Rubbermaid Trash Can
I find this size useful in several places:
- Kitchen
- Laundry room
- Office
- Dorm room
- Garage work area
For me, the best location depends on how much trash is generated and whether I need a lid.
How I Check Bag Fit
Before buying, I always make sure the trash bags fit properly. A 13-gallon can should work well with standard kitchen bags, but I still check the shape of the rim and whether the bag stays tucked in. A bag that slips inside the can becomes annoying fast, so I avoid that problem by checking reviews or product details first.
Style and Appearance
I also care about how the trash can looks in my space. Rubbermaid usually offers simple, practical designs that blend in easily. I prefer neutral colors like black, gray, or white because they look clean and match most rooms.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing a Rubbermaid Trash Can 13 Gallon today, I would focus on durability, lid style, easy cleaning, and bag fit first. Those are the features that matter most in daily use. For me, the right trash can is not just about holding garbage—it is about making cleanup easier and keeping my space neat.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Rubbermaid Trash Can 13 Gallon is a practical, reliable choice for everyday use in kitchens, offices, or other small spaces. I like that it offers a good balance of size, durability, and convenience without taking up too much room. My takeaway is that if you want a simple trash can that gets the job done well, this is a solid option.