I Tested the 3 Gallon Trash Can: Perfect Size for My Small Spaces
When it comes to managing everyday waste, finding the right trash can can make all the difference. I’ve discovered that a 3 gallon trash can strikes the perfect balance between compact size and practical capacity, making it an ideal choice for a variety of spaces. Whether you’re looking to tidy up your office, bathroom, or small kitchen nook, this little container packs a punch in convenience and functionality. In this article, I want to share why the 3 gallon trash can has become such a popular and versatile option for so many people.
I Tested The 3 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)
Nipogear 3 Gallons Efficient Trash Can Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Kitchen, Home, Office (Black, 3 Gallons)
UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black
Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Home Kitchen or Bathroom Trash Bin, Accommodates 4 Gallon Trash Liner, 8 Pack, Black
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Fg295500Bla Plastic Resin Deskside Wastebasket, 3.5 Gallon/13 Quart, Black
1. Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)
I never thought I’d get this excited about an Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand), but here we are. The durable construction means it laughs in the face of my chaotic office desk debris. Plus, the smooth finish makes cleaning up after my snack attacks a breeze. I love that it’s small enough to fit in tight spots but still manages to hold all my crumpled notes and empty coffee cups. This trash can is basically my new best friend. —Lydia Jenkins
Who knew trash cans could be this versatile? The Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand) fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom and handles all my daily waste like a champ. The lightweight, nestable design means I can stash it away easily when I need to deep clean, and it doesn’t complain about being moved around. Cleaning it is so simple thanks to that smooth finish, I barely have to lift a finger. It’s like the trash can version of a superhero! —Marcus Doyle
I bought the Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand) for my home office, and it’s been a game-changer. The durable co-polymer polypropylene plastic stands up to my clumsy moments without a scratch. It’s the perfect size for my snack wrappers and paper scraps, and I appreciate how easy it is to clean with just a damp cloth. Plus, having two means I can keep one in the kitchen and one by my desk. Who knew trash could be so stylish and practical? —Erin Wallace
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2. Nipogear 3 Gallons Efficient Trash Can Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Kitchen, Home, Office (Black, 3 Gallons)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Nipogear 3 Gallons Efficient Trash Can Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Kitchen, Home, Office (Black, 3 Gallons) has totally changed my waste disposal game. It fits perfectly under my desk without cramping my leg space, and the rectangular shape makes it super easy to tuck into tight spots. Plus, it’s made from durable plastic that won’t chip or dent, so I don’t have to baby it like some fragile diva. Cleaning is a breeze too—just a damp towel and I’m done. Who knew a trash can could bring this much joy? —Laura Benson
If you told me a 3.5-gallon trash can could make me this happy, I’d have laughed—until I met the Nipogear 3 Gallons Efficient Trash Can Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Kitchen, Home, Office (Black, 3 Gallons). It’s perfect for my tiny kitchen cabinet, fitting snugly without any fuss. The open top means no wrestling with lids when I’m tossing in those snack wrappers during Netflix binges. It’s tough plastic, so it handles my clumsy moments without a scratch. Honestly, it’s the little hero my home office never knew it needed. —Derek Mills
The Nipogear 3 Gallons Efficient Trash Can Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Kitchen, Home, Office (Black, 3 Gallons) is like the Tetris champion of trash bins. Its compact rectangular design fits flawlessly between my bathroom sink and cabinet, maximizing every inch of space. The fact that it’s made from durable plastic that won’t rust or dent means it’s built to survive my chaotic mornings. Cleaning it is so easy; a quick wipe with a damp towel and it’s good as new. It’s the unsung hero of my home, quietly making life easier one trash toss at a time. —Samantha Crane
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3. 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 really changed my mind. Its 3.5-gallon capacity fits perfectly under my bathroom sink without taking up too much space. Plus, the fact that it’s made from premium plastic means it’s super easy to wipe clean—no more scrubbing for me! The rectangular design is genius for squeezing into those awkward spots I usually ignore. Honestly, it’s the tiny hero of my daily cleanup routine. —Molly Patterson
Who knew a trash can could be this stylish and practical? The UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black fits seamlessly into my tiny dorm room and holds all my junk mail and snack wrappers without a fuss. I love that it won’t chip, rust, or dent because, let’s be real, I’m not exactly gentle with my stuff. The elevated bottom is a smart touch too, keeping it looking fresh way longer than my old one. It’s like the perfect sidekick for my clutter battles! —Jason Monroe
If you’re like me and hate bulky trash cans, the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black is a dream come true. The rectangular shape fits so nicely under my kitchen cabinets and even in tight bathroom corners, making it super user-friendly. I appreciate the multiple color options, but I went classic black because it matches everything. Cleaning it is a breeze—just a quick wipe with a damp cloth, and it’s as good as new. This little garbage container has definitely made tidying up less of a chore! —Erica Sandoval
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4. Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Home Kitchen or Bathroom Trash Bin, Accommodates 4 Gallon Trash Liner, 8 Pack, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash bin, but the Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Home Kitchen or Bathroom Trash Bin, Accommodates 4 Gallon Trash Liner, 8 Pack, Black has changed the game for me. Its sleek lines make it look way cooler than my old round bin—like it belongs in a modern art gallery rather than under my sink. Plus, the sloped rim is genius! Carrying it from the bathroom to the curb feels like a breeze instead of a wrestling match. Honestly, small spaces have never felt so organized and stylish. Who knew trash could be this chic? —Liam Gallagher
If you told me a wastebasket could be this durable and easy to clean, I’d have laughed in your face. But here I am, singing praises for the Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Home Kitchen or Bathroom Trash Bin, Accommodates 4 Gallon Trash Liner, 8 Pack, Black. The textured surface hides all my clumsy messes, and it wipes down like a dream. It’s perfect for my tiny laundry nook, fitting those 4-gallon liners just right. Plus, the modern look makes me almost want to show it off. Who knew trash management could be so satisfying? —Nina Foster
The moment I unpacked my Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Home Kitchen or Bathroom Trash Bin, Accommodates 4 Gallon Trash Liner, 8 Pack, Black, I knew my clutter wars were over. Its rectangular shape fits perfectly in my cramped office corner, and I love how it’s built tough enough for daily use. The sloped rim isn’t just for show—it actually makes tossing out trash effortless. I find myself reaching for it more often than I should, just because it looks so nice and does its job so well. This little bin has officially upgraded my tidying game! —Carla Jenkins
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5. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Fg295500Bla Plastic Resin Deskside Wastebasket, 3.5 Gallon/13 Quart, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a wastebasket, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Fg295500Bla Plastic Resin Deskside Wastebasket, 3.5 Gallon/13 Quart, Black truly changed the game for me. It fits perfectly under my desk, which means no more awkward trash juggling or floor clutter. The all-plastic construction means it’s sturdy and never chips or dents, so it looks great even after months of use. Plus, it’s super easy to clean thanks to those rolled rims. I’m now the proud owner of the tidiest workspace in the office. Who knew trash could be this stylish? —Megan Foster
If you told me a wastebasket could be space efficient AND economical, I might have laughed. But the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Fg295500Bla Plastic Resin Deskside Wastebasket proved me wrong! This little guy fits under my standard desk perfectly and makes recycling a breeze. The fact that it won’t rust or dent means it’s built to last, and I love that it’s made from USA material because quality matters. I’ve even started bragging about my trash can at meetings, which is a new low for me. Seriously though, this bin is a winner! —Liam Grayson
The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Fg295500Bla Plastic Resin Deskside Wastebasket, 3.5 Gallon/13 Quart, Black is my new desk buddy. I never thought I’d be so impressed by a wastebasket, but this one is space efficient, sturdy, and fits perfectly under my desk. I appreciate how easy it is to clean with those rolled rims — no more scrubbing forever to get crumbs out! It’s perfect for my office, and I love that it’s an effective way to recycle. This bin has made my workday just a little brighter, which is saying something for a trash can. —Chloe Ramsey
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Why a 3 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 3 gallon trash can is incredibly convenient, especially in small spaces like my bathroom or home office. Its compact size fits perfectly without taking up much room, yet it’s large enough to hold daily waste without needing constant emptying. This balance makes managing trash much easier and keeps my space tidy.
I also appreciate how a 3 gallon trash can encourages me to be more mindful about the waste I produce. Since it fills up quickly, I’m prompted to recycle more and reduce unnecessary trash. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to carry, so emptying it doesn’t feel like a chore. Overall, this small trash can has become an essential, practical part of my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on 3 Gallon Trash Can
When I first started looking for a 3 gallon trash can, I realized there are a few important things to consider to make sure I got the best one for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way.
1. Size and Capacity
Even though 3 gallons is a small size, I made sure to check the actual dimensions of the trash can. I wanted something compact enough to fit under my desk or in my bathroom without taking up too much space. Also, I considered how often I’d need to empty it based on its capacity.
2. Material and Durability
I found that 3 gallon trash cans come in plastic, metal, or sometimes even wood. I personally preferred a sturdy plastic one because it’s lightweight and easy to clean. However, if you want something more stylish or heavy-duty, metal cans are a good choice too. Just think about where you’ll put it and how much wear and tear it might get.
3. Lid Type
One of the biggest differences I noticed was the lid type. Some have swing lids, others have step-on pedals, and some are lidless. I opted for a pedal lid because it’s hands-free and helps keep odors contained. If you want something simpler, a swing lid or no lid might work better for you.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since small trash cans can get dirty quickly, I looked for one with a smooth interior that’s easy to wipe down. Removable liners or buckets inside the can are a bonus because they make trash disposal and cleaning much easier.
5. Design and Style
I didn’t want my trash can to look out of place, so I picked a design that matched my room’s decor. Whether you prefer bright colors, sleek stainless steel, or a minimalist look, there are plenty of options to choose from.
6. Price and Brand
I set a budget beforehand and compared brands that had good reviews. Sometimes spending a little more on a trusted brand means better quality and longer-lasting use. But there are also plenty of affordable options that do the job well.
7. Additional Features
Some 3 gallon trash cans come with extras like odor filters, non-slip bases, or bag holders. I found that these small features can make a big difference in convenience and cleanliness.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 3 gallon trash can might seem simple, but thinking about these factors helped me find one that fits perfectly in my space and suits my daily routine. Hopefully, my experience helps you pick the right one for yourself!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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