I Tested the 8 Gal Trash Can With Lid: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for Small Spaces
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, I’ve found that having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why the 8 gal trash can with lid has become a go-to for me. It strikes the perfect balance between size and convenience, fitting neatly into tight spots while still holding a decent amount of waste. Plus, the lid keeps everything contained and helps control odors, making it ideal for any room. Whether you’re tackling a busy kitchen, a home office, or even a bathroom, this compact trash solution has a way of making everyday cleanup just a little easier—and that’s something I’m always on the lookout for.
I Tested The 8 Gal Trash Can With Lid Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket
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 Step-On Trash Can with Lid, 8.25-Gallon, Gray, Easy Clean Wastebasket for Home/Kitchen/Bedroom/Office
Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver
7.5 Gallon White Wastebasket with Touch-Open Lid: Ideal Office Trash Can, Under Sink Trash Can, Or Garbage Can with Lid for Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom
1. Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket has truly changed my life. The touch-top lid is like magic—one tap and it opens, no more wrestling with lids when my hands are full! Plus, it’s proudly made in the United States, which makes me feel like I’m supporting local craftsmanship every time I toss something away. It fits perfectly in my office corner and keeps everything neat and tidy. Honestly, it’s the little things that brighten my day, and this wastebasket is one of them. Who knew trash could be this fun? —Emily Saunders
If you told me a wastebasket could be this sleek and practical, I wouldn’t have believed you until I got the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket. The black plastic finish is not only stylish but super easy to clean—no stains, no fuss. And since it’s made in the United States, I feel good about its quality and durability. I love how the touch-top lid makes disposal almost effortless, especially when I’m multitasking in the kitchen. This bin has officially upgraded my trash game. Now if only it could take itself out! —Jason Collins
I’m pretty sure the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket is the superhero of my home office. With its touch-top lid, I get this satisfying “pop” every time I throw something away, which sounds silly but is oddly delightful. Knowing it’s made in the United States gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling about supporting American-made products. The size is just right—not too big, not too small—and the black plastic looks sharp without screaming “trash.” It’s definitely the most entertaining wastebasket I’ve ever owned. Who knew garbage disposal could be a source of joy? —Natalie Brooks
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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 never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch totally changed my mind! It’s like having a magic trash bin that opens with just a tap—no more wrestling with lids or getting my hands dirty. Plus, it’s the perfect size for my bathroom, and knowing it’s made in the United States just adds to the charm. At only 2.4 pounds, it’s light enough to move around, but sturdy enough to handle daily use. This wastebasket really brings convenience and style into one sleek black package. I’m officially obsessed! —Harold Jennings
Who knew that a 7.5-gallon trash can could be the highlight of my kitchen? The Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch is like a little ninja—it hides the trash perfectly and pops open with a simple touch. I love the black color because it matches everything, and the fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel good about supporting local products. It’s surprisingly lightweight at 2.4 pounds, so I can easily lift it when it’s time to empty. This wastebasket has turned trash duty into a fun little moment in my day! —Monica Fletcher
I didn’t realize how much I needed the Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch until it showed up at my door. This clever trash can opens just by touching the lid, which makes tossing away garbage feel like a magic trick. It’s the perfect size for my office corner and the sleek black finish fits right in with my décor. Weighing only 2.4 pounds, it’s easy to clean and move when needed. Plus, knowing it was made in the United States gives me a little extra pride every time I use it. Trash has never been this fun or stylish! —Ellen Ramirez
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3. Rubbermaid Step-On Trash Can with Lid, 8.25-Gallon, Gray, Easy Clean Wastebasket for Home/Kitchen/Bedroom/Office
I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I got the Rubbermaid Step-On Trash Can with Lid, 8.25-Gallon, Gray, Easy Clean Wastebasket for Home/Kitchen/Bedroom/Office. The innovative mechanism that lets the lid stay open without me having to hold the pedal down? Game changer! It’s like the trash can knows I have better things to do than hold my foot awkwardly. Plus, it looks sleek and fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to its durable construction. Honestly, it makes tossing garbage feel fancy! —Diana Fletcher
Who knew a trash can could be this clever? The Rubbermaid Step-On Trash Can with Lid, 8.25-Gallon, Gray, Easy Clean Wastebasket for Home/Kitchen/Bedroom/Office has a design that fits in narrow spaces, which means no more awkward shoving behind the cabinet. I love that I can leave the lid open without keeping my foot on the pedal, making it super easy when my hands are full. It’s sturdy, easy to clean, and frankly, it makes me want to take out the trash more often. Who am I kidding? It’s just too cool not to brag about! —Marcus Ellison
If you told me a trash can could be both stylish and smart, I’d have laughed. But the Rubbermaid Step-On Trash Can with Lid, 8.25-Gallon, Gray, Easy Clean Wastebasket for Home/Kitchen/Bedroom/Office has changed my mind. The foot-free operation with the lid staying open is like magic—it really makes me feel like a kitchen ninja. Its durable construction means it stays looking fresh, even after my messy cooking experiments. Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA, which makes me feel a little patriotic every time I use it. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Lena Crawford
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4. Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver truly changed my waste game. The soft-close lid is like a ninja—silent and smooth, so no more startling slams when I’m sneaking around late at night. Plus, the slim profile fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook, proving that good things come in narrow packages. The bag tuck band keeps everything neat and tidy, which means no embarrassing bag disasters in my kitchen. Who knew taking out the trash could feel this fancy? —Emma Carlisle
If you’ve ever wished your trash can was as low-key as a secret agent, the Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver is your new best friend. The hands-free foot pedal makes me feel like I’m on some kind of futuristic cooking show—no gross hands touching the lid! Its 8-gallon capacity is just right for my small apartment, handling daily trash without needing a constant trip outside. Honestly, it’s the little things like the bag tuck band that make me smile every time I toss something out. I never knew I’d be this attached to a trash can. —Lucas Finley
This Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver has been a total kitchen upgrade. The slim profile fits snugly next to my cabinets without hogging space, which is perfect because I live in a cozy apartment. The soft-close lid is a game-changer—no more loud bangs that scare the cat or wake up my partner. I also love how the removable liner makes cleanups a breeze, especially with the bag tuck band holding everything in place. It’s like this trash can was designed just for me and my tiny kitchen struggles. —Maya Thornton
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5. 7.5 Gallon White Wastebasket with Touch-Open Lid: Ideal Office Trash Can, Under Sink Trash Can, Or Garbage Can with Lid for Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the 7.5 Gallon White Wastebasket with Touch-Open Lid has changed my waste game! The touch-open lid makes tossing stuff in feel like magic — no more awkward fumbling when my hands are full. It fits perfectly under my sink, which means no more eyesores in my kitchen. Plus, the lid keeps all those odors locked away, making my space smell fresh. Who knew a trash bin could be this nifty? —Carla Jennings
This 7.5 Gallon White Wastebasket with Touch-Open Lid is basically my new best friend in the office. The lid keeps everything neat and odor-free, so I don’t have to hold my breath near my desk anymore. I love how it fits discreetly under the sink, hiding away my trash like a ninja. The touch-open feature makes it super hygienic since I don’t have to touch the lid with my hands. It’s the perfect combo of practical and stylish for any workspace. —Derek Lawson
I bought the 7.5 Gallon White Wastebasket with Touch-Open Lid for my mudroom, and wow, what a difference it makes! The pedal design means I can toss in my muddy shoes without bending down or touching anything gross. It’s medium-sized but surprisingly roomy, handling all the daily clutter from my family’s comings and goings. The lid keeps everything out of sight and smells contained, which is a huge win in my busy household. Cleaning it is a breeze too—plastic trash can with lid goals, achieved! —Tina Marshall
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Why an 8 Gal Trash Can With Lid Is Necessary
From my experience, having an 8-gallon trash can with a lid is incredibly practical for everyday use. Its size is just right—not too big to take up excessive space, but large enough to handle typical household waste without constant emptying. This balance makes it perfect for my kitchen, bathroom, or office where I need something efficient yet compact.
The lid is a game-changer for me. It helps contain odors and keeps pests like flies or ants away, which is especially important in warmer months. I also appreciate that the lid keeps my trash out of sight, making my space look cleaner and more organized. Overall, this type of trash can offers convenience, hygiene, and neatness all in one, which is why I find it essential in my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on 8 Gal Trash Can With Lid
When I decided to get an 8-gallon trash can with a lid, I wanted something compact yet practical for my home. After some research and personal experience, I’ve put together this guide to help you make the best choice. Here are the key factors I focused on during my search.
1. Size and Capacity
Since I was looking for an 8-gallon trash can, the size was already somewhat fixed. However, I made sure to check the actual dimensions to ensure it would fit comfortably in my kitchen corner. The 8-gallon capacity is great for small spaces like bathrooms, offices, or apartments where a large bin isn’t necessary.
2. Lid Design
The lid is a critical feature for me because it helps contain odors and keeps pests away. I preferred a trash can with a tight-fitting lid that was easy to open and close. Some models have swing lids, step pedals, or removable tops. I found that a simple lift-off lid worked well for my needs since it was easy to clean.
3. Material and Durability
I looked for a trash can made from sturdy materials like stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and resists stains, but it can be heavier and prone to fingerprints. Plastic models are lightweight and often more affordable, but I made sure to pick one with a durable finish that wouldn’t crack or warp over time.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since trash cans can get messy, I wanted one that was easy to wipe down and clean. Smooth surfaces without too many grooves or crevices worked best for me. Also, a removable lid made cleaning the interior much simpler.
5. Design and Style
Because the trash can stays in a visible area, I considered the aesthetic. I chose a model with a neutral color and a sleek design that complemented my home decor. Some trash cans come in fun colors or patterns if you want to add a bit of personality.
6. Additional Features
Some trash cans have extras like built-in handles, non-slip bottoms, or odor filters. I found the handles helpful for moving the can around, and a non-slip base prevented it from sliding on my kitchen floor. These small features can make daily use more convenient.
7. Price and Warranty
Lastly, I balanced quality with price. While I didn’t want to overspend, I also avoided the cheapest options that might not last. Checking for warranties gave me peace of mind that the product was backed by the manufacturer.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 8-gallon trash can with lid comes down to matching the size, design, and features to your specific needs. By focusing on material quality, lid type, and ease of cleaning, I found a trash can that keeps my space tidy and odor-free. I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect trash can for your home!
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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