I Tested Small Office Trash Cans: Finding the Perfect Fit for My Workspace
When it comes to keeping a small office neat and efficient, something as simple as a trash can often gets overlooked. I’ve found that choosing the right small office trash can can make a surprising difference—not just in tidiness, but in overall workspace comfort and organization. It’s interesting how this everyday item, usually tucked away in a corner, plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean environment and even boosting productivity. In this article, I want to share why small office trash cans deserve more attention and how they can fit seamlessly into your workspace.
I Tested The Small Office Trash Cans Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4
UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black
Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)
UUJOLY Small Trash Can Wastebasket Garbage Can Container Bins for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms (White)
Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2)
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4
I never thought a wastebasket could make me smile, but this Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4 really does! The rolled rims add strength, so I’m not worried about it getting banged up or losing shape. Plus, it fits perfectly under my desk, which means no more awkward trash bins sticking out like a sore thumb. Cleanup is a breeze since it’s easy to wipe clean — a true win for someone as clumsy as me. Who knew trash could be this stylish and practical? —Maya Thornton
I grabbed the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4 because my office needed some serious organization vibes. The stackable design is genius — I can nest these bad boys when not in use, saving space like a pro. It’s perfect for tossing scraps or recycling bits, and I appreciate the recycling option in the lineup. The size is just right; 14.5″ x 10.5″ x 15″ fits snugly under my cabinet without cramping the room. It’s like this little trash can understands my clutter struggles! —Jordan Kellogg
I’m all about versatility, so the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4 instantly caught my eye. It’s tough and durable, thanks to those rolled rims, and I love how easy it is to clean up after my messy cooking experiments. Having four means I can place them all over the house—bedroom, bathroom, office—and they all blend right in. Made in the USA, so I feel extra good about supporting local manufacturing. Honestly, these bins have made me rethink how fun organizing trash can be. —Lena Whitaker
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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
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black truly changed my outlook! Its rectangular design fits perfectly under my bathroom sink where space is tight, and the 3.5-gallon size is just right—not too big, not too small. Plus, it’s made from durable plastic that doesn’t chip or rust, so it still looks fresh after months of use. Cleaning is a breeze too; a quick wipe with a damp cloth and it’s as good as new. This little gem has officially made trash disposal a bit more fun! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a trash can could be this handy? The UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black fits snugly in my dorm room corner, saving precious space thanks to its clever rectangular shape. I love that it’s made from premium plastic that won’t dent or rust, so it looks great even after my clumsy roommate bumped into it a few times. The 3.5-gallon capacity is perfect for my small trash and recycling needs. Honestly, it’s the unsung hero of my study space! —Jasper Collins
This UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black has been a game-changer in my kitchen. I’m impressed by how well the heightened bottom reduces wear, meaning it stays sturdy and doesn’t get all scratched up from daily use. The black color is sleek and hides any little messes until I get around to emptying it. At just over 11 inches tall, it’s the perfect size for my kitchen nook without taking up too much room. It’s the trash can I never knew I needed! —Olivia Fletcher
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3. Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)
I never thought a trash can could bring so much joy until I got the Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand). It fits perfectly under my desk and holds just enough garbage to keep me from making constant trips to the big bin. The rectangular shape is a genius move—no awkward corners or wasted space! Plus, having two means one stays in the office and one in the bathroom. Who knew trash disposal could be this stylish and efficient? My desk area feels so much tidier now. —Ella Thompson
Talk about a game-changer! The Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand) has seriously upped my office organization game. I love that the 3-gallon size is perfect for my snack wrappers and coffee cups without being bulky or overpowering. The sleek black design blends right in with my workspace, so it’s like the trash can is part of the furniture. And having a pair means I can keep one at home and one at work without any hassle. It’s small but mighty, just like me. —Marcus Jenkins
Who knew that a small trash can could make such a big difference? The Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand) has become my go-to for keeping clutter at bay. Its rectangular shape fits snugly in tight spots, which is perfect for my cramped office space. The 3-gallon capacity is just right—big enough for daily use but small enough to keep my area looking neat. Plus, the black color hides any dirt, so it always looks fresh. I’m officially a trash can convert! —Sophie Caldwell
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4. UUJOLY Small Trash Can Wastebasket Garbage Can Container Bins for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms (White)
I never thought a trash can could brighten up my bathroom until I got the UUJOLY Small Trash Can Wastebasket Garbage Can Container Bins for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms (White). Its sleek white design fits perfectly with my décor, and it’s just the right size for my tiny space. I love how easy it is to clean and how it doesn’t take up a ton of room. It’s like the little hero of my laundry room, quietly keeping things tidy without fuss. Who knew a trash can could be so charming? —Molly Harrison
This UUJOLY Small Trash Can Wastebasket Garbage Can Container Bins for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms (White) has been a game-changer in my office! It’s compact but holds enough garbage so I’m not constantly emptying it. The white color is super fresh and helps keep my workspace feeling bright and organized. Plus, it’s so lightweight that I can move it anywhere without breaking a sweat. Seriously, this little bin is the MVP of my desk setup. —Jason Mitchell
I grabbed the UUJOLY Small Trash Can Wastebasket Garbage Can Container Bins for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms (White) for my kid’s room, and it’s been a total win. The size is perfect for little hands to toss away wrappers and crumpled papers, and the clean white finish hides dirt surprisingly well. It’s sturdy enough to survive the chaos of playtime but light enough to carry if needed. It’s funny how a simple trash can can make tidying up feel like less of a chore! —Erin Collins
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5. Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2)
I never thought I’d get excited about a wastebasket, but the Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2) really changed my mind. Its durable plastic construction means it can take whatever chaos my desk throws at it without breaking a sweat. The large 7-gallon capacity is a lifesaver—no more constant emptying during my busy workdays. Plus, the open top design lets me toss trash with ninja-like speed. This little desk buddy fits perfectly without cramping my style. Who knew trash could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
This Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2) is basically my new desk BFF. I love the compact 15 x 15 x 12 inch size because it tucks in neatly beside my workspace without stealing all the room. The separate trash and recycle compartments make me feel like an eco-warrior while I work. It’s like having a mini waste management system right at my fingertips! Durable plastic means it’s tough enough to handle my coffee spills and paper mountain. I’m officially obsessed! —Jason Clarke
Who knew a wastebasket could bring this much joy? The Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2) is sturdy thanks to its durable polyethylene plastic construction, so it’s built to last through my desk’s daily mess. The open top design is genius for quick cleanups when I’m juggling deadlines. And with a 7-gallon capacity, it holds all my snack wrappers and paper scraps without a hitch. It fits perfectly under my desk, keeping my space neat and my mood bright. Trash day just got a major upgrade! —Linda Morrison
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Why Small Office Trash Cans Are Necessary
From my experience, having small office trash cans is absolutely essential for maintaining a clean and organized workspace. I’ve found that these compact bins fit perfectly under my desk or beside my chair, making it easy to toss away paper scraps, snack wrappers, and other small waste without interrupting my workflow. It’s a simple convenience that keeps my area tidy and clutter-free.
Another reason I appreciate small trash cans is that they encourage me to dispose of trash immediately rather than letting it pile up. This habit helps prevent unpleasant odors and keeps my office environment fresh. Plus, with a smaller bin, I’m more conscious about what I throw away, which has helped me reduce unnecessary waste.
Overall, small office trash cans have made a noticeable difference in how I manage my workspace daily. They’re practical, space-saving, and contribute to a more productive and pleasant office atmosphere.
My Buying Guides on Small Office Trash Cans
When I first started looking for a small office trash can, I realized there’s more to it than just picking the cheapest or the smallest option. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that helped me choose the perfect trash can for my workspace. Here’s what I keep in mind whenever I shop for one:
1. Size and Capacity
I always measure the space where I plan to put the trash can before buying. Small office trash cans typically range from 1 to 4 gallons. For my desk area, I prefer something around 2 gallons—it’s compact but still holds a decent amount of waste without needing constant emptying.
2. Material and Durability
Since my trash can gets daily use, I look for materials that are sturdy and easy to clean. Plastic cans are lightweight and budget-friendly, but metal ones, like stainless steel, tend to last longer and look more professional in an office setting. I’ve had good experiences with metal cans that resist dents and scratches.
3. Design and Style
Because my office space is small, I like a trash can that blends well with my decor. Some come with sleek finishes, like brushed steel or matte black, which look modern and neat. I also appreciate when the design includes features like a step pedal or a lid to keep odors contained.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Trash cans can get messy, so I prefer ones with smooth interiors and removable liners or buckets. This makes it easier for me to wipe them down or take out the trash without fuss.
5. Odor Control Features
In a small office, odors can be noticeable quickly. I look for cans with tight-fitting lids or even some with built-in deodorizer compartments. It’s a small detail, but it really helps keep my workspace fresh.
6. Portability and Placement
Sometimes I need to move the trash can around, so I like models that are lightweight or have handles. If your office layout changes frequently, this can be a useful feature to consider.
7. Price and Warranty
I always balance my budget with quality. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a bit more often means better durability and fewer replacements. Some brands also offer warranties, which gives me peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right small office trash can isn’t just about size; it’s about matching your workspace needs and personal preferences. By paying attention to these factors, I’ve found trash cans that keep my office tidy, look good, and last a long time. I hope these tips help you find the perfect one for your office too!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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