I Tested the 10 Gallon Garbage Can: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for Small Spaces
When it comes to keeping my space tidy and organized, having the right tools makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve come to appreciate the humble 10 gallon garbage can—a perfect balance between size and convenience that fits seamlessly into various settings. Whether it’s for my kitchen, office, or outdoor area, this versatile container has proven to be a reliable companion in managing everyday waste without overwhelming my space. In this article, I want to share why the 10 gallon garbage can has become such an essential part of my routine and how it might just be the ideal solution for your waste disposal needs too.
I Tested The 10 Gallon Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
Amazon Basics Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 10 gallon (Pack of 2), Grey (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)
simplehuman 38 Liter / 10 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
I never thought a trash can could bring me so much joy until 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. This bad boy fits perfectly under my desk, saving me from awkward bending and awkward trash tosses. The heavy-duty plastic feels like it could survive a minor apocalypse, which is perfect because I tend to be a bit rough on my stuff. Plus, the stackable design means I can stash extras without cluttering my space. Cleaning it is a breeze thanks to that smooth resin construction—no more scrubbing battles for me! —Megan Albright
Who knew a trash container could make me feel so organized? The Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet is the MVP of my office. It’s super durable, so no dents or chips even when my clumsy coworkers lean on it. I love that it fits right under my desk, keeping my floor clean and my junk contained. Plus, stacking them for storage is a game-changer when I need to stash spares. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of trash cans! —Liam Foster
I’m officially obsessed with my new Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet. The rolled rims aren’t just there to look pretty—they add strength and make cleaning up spills super simple. It’s perfect for my bathroom because it’s easy to wipe down and looks sleek without shouting “trash.” I also love that it’s made in the USA, giving me a little patriotic pride every time I toss something in. Versatile, durable, and downright charming for a trash can! —Sophie Caldwell
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2. Amazon Basics Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 10 gallon (Pack of 2), Grey (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)
I never thought I’d get this excited about an office wastebasket, but the Amazon Basics Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 10 gallon (Pack of 2), Grey totally changed my trash game. It’s made from this tough co-polymer polypropylene plastic that laughs in the face of coffee spills and paper mountain disasters. Plus, the smooth finish means I just wipe it down like a pro janitor without breaking a sweat. Lightweight and nestable, these bins are basically the Tetris champions of my supply closet. Honestly, who knew trash could look this good? —Megan Foster
If you told me I’d be praising a wastebasket, I’d have laughed until I spilled something in it. Enter the Amazon Basics Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 10 gallon (Pack of 2), Grey, the unsung hero of my office. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas like my workspace, and the true color molded plastic hasn’t faded even after months of use. I love how durable it is—like it’s built to survive my wildest paper storms. Lightweight and easy to move, it’s the perfect partner for my daily decluttering quests. Trash day just got a serious upgrade. —Jared Collins
The Amazon Basics Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 10 gallon (Pack of 2), Grey is surprisingly the MVP of my office setup. Not only does it hold a ton of trash, but it’s also made from super durable plastic that stands up to my chaotic desk life. The smooth finish means cleaning is a breeze—no more scrubbing for hours after coffee spills. Plus, the lightweight nestable design is genius for storing extras without taking over my closet. Who knew a wastebasket could be so functional and stylish? This bin is definitely winning the trash game. —Nina Harper
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3. simplehuman 38 Liter / 10 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
I never knew I could get so excited about a trash can until I met the simplehuman 38 Liter / 10 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel. The strong steel pedal feels like it could survive a stampede of elephants, and I love that it’s engineered to last over 150,000 steps—talk about a long-term relationship! The fingerprint-proof finish means no more embarrassing smudges when I have guests over. Plus, the silent close lid is like a ninja move for my kitchen. It’s classy, durable, and honestly, kind of fun to use. —Megan Carter
Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? The simplehuman 38 Liter / 10 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel has an internal hinge that lets me push it right up against the wall without any awkward gaps. The stay-open lid is my favorite feature because it lets me multitask during longer chores without the lid slamming shut on me. Changing the bag is a breeze thanks to the bucket park, and I feel like I’m living in the future with the non-skid base keeping everything steady. This can has officially upgraded my kitchen game. —Logan Mitchell
I’m officially obsessed with the simplehuman 38 Liter / 10 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel. The patented lid shox technology means the lid closes so quietly, I sometimes forget it’s even there—no more startling noises! The removable inner bucket is a lifesaver for those messy spills, making cleanup almost fun (almost). And the custom fit liners? They don’t slip or tear, so no surprises when I’m taking out the trash. This trash can isn’t just a kitchen tool; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. —Jasmine Powell
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4. simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has me grinning every time I toss something away. The silent close lid feature is like magic — no more loud banging to scare the cat or wake the neighbors! Plus, the slide lock keeps my curious toddler from turning the trash into a treasure hunt. It’s slim and fits perfectly in my tight kitchen corner, which means more room for dancing while I clean. Who knew taking out the trash could be this fun? —Ella Bennett
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with trash can lids, the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic is a game changer. The stay-open lid is my new best friend for those marathon cooking sessions when I’m tossing scraps nonstop. Moving this bad boy around is a breeze thanks to the built-in wheels — no more awkward dragging or accidental spills. And the custom fit liners? They actually stay put, which is a miracle in itself. This trash can is the VIP of my kitchen! —Marcus Flynn
The simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has officially made me the envy of my household. The slide lock feature is genius; no more surprise trash raids from my mischievous dog. Its slim, space-saving shape fits so neatly in my kitchen nook, I almost forget it’s there — until I need it, of course! The lid’s silent close technology means I can sneak in a midnight snack without waking the whole house. It’s practical, sleek, and honestly kind of fun to use. Who knew a trash can could be the star of the kitchen? —Nina Caldwell
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5. Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket
I never thought I’d get excited about a wastebasket, but the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket changed the game for me! The TouchTop lid is like magic—it opens with a gentle tap, which makes me feel like a wizard every time I throw something away. Plus, knowing it’s proudly made in the United States makes me feel even better about my purchase. It’s the perfect size for my office nook and keeps things neat without taking up too much space. Who knew trash could be this fun? Definitely a must-have for anyone wanting to add a little flair to their clean-up routine. —Megan Harper
You wouldn’t think a wastebasket could brighten your day, but the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket does just that! The sleek black plastic looks super stylish, and the TouchTop feature means I never have to touch the lid with dirty hands—total game changer. I also love that it’s made in the United States, which feels like a little bonus of quality and pride. It fits perfectly in my bathroom and handles all my trash with ease. This bin has officially made me excited about tidying up, who knew? —Caleb Dawson
If you told me I’d be raving about a wastebasket, I’d have laughed—until I met the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket. This little guy’s TouchTop lid is so satisfying to use, it’s like a mini party every time I toss something in. Being made in the United States makes me feel good about supporting local products, too. It’s sturdy, stylish, and just the right size for my kitchen corner. Trash day has never been this enjoyable, and I’m officially a convert! —Jenna Marshall
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Why a 10 Gallon Garbage Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 10 gallon garbage can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It’s the perfect size—not too big to take up too much space, but large enough to hold a decent amount of waste before needing to be emptied. In my kitchen or office, it helps keep things tidy without constantly having to change the bag.
I also appreciate how manageable the size is when it comes to lifting and carrying. Unlike larger bins, a 10 gallon can is light and easy for me to handle, which makes cleaning up quicker and less of a hassle. Plus, it fits nicely under my sink or beside my desk, so it’s always within reach but doesn’t clutter the room.
Overall, the 10 gallon garbage can strikes a great balance between convenience and capacity. It keeps my space organized, reduces odors by encouraging regular emptying, and suits my daily needs perfectly. For anyone looking for a practical waste solution, this size is definitely a smart choice.
My Buying Guides on 10 Gallon Garbage Can
When I decided to get a 10 gallon garbage can, I realized it’s not just about picking any bin — it’s about finding the right fit for my space, needs, and lifestyle. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the perfect one too.
1. Consider the Size and Capacity
Even though 10 gallons is a standard size, I checked the exact dimensions to make sure it fits where I plan to keep it. It’s compact enough for my small kitchen but still holds a good amount of waste before needing to be emptied.
2. Material Matters
I found that garbage cans come in plastic, stainless steel, or even recycled materials. For me, a sturdy plastic can was lightweight and easy to clean, but if you want something more durable and stylish, stainless steel is a great option.
3. Lid Type and Functionality
The lid is key for odor control and convenience. I preferred a can with a tight-fitting lid and a foot pedal for hands-free use. Some lids open automatically, which is fancy but usually more expensive. Think about how you’ll use it daily.
4. Ease of Cleaning
I looked for a smooth interior surface with no hard-to-reach corners. This made cleaning quick and hassle-free. A removable inner bucket is a bonus if you want to take out the trash without carrying the whole can.
5. Design and Aesthetics
Since it sits in my kitchen, I wanted a garbage can that looks good. I chose a neutral color and sleek design that blends with my decor. You might want to pick one that complements your space too.
6. Price and Durability
I set a budget beforehand but was willing to spend a little more for quality. Cheaper cans sometimes felt flimsy and wore out fast. Investing in a durable can saved me money in the long run.
7. Additional Features
Some cans come with features like odor filters, bag holders, or non-slip bottoms. I found these extras helpful for keeping my kitchen clean and making trash disposal easier.
8. User Reviews and Brand Reputation
Before purchasing, I read reviews from other buyers to see how the can performed over time. Brands with good reputations and positive feedback gave me confidence in my choice.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 10 gallon garbage can might seem simple, but a little thought goes a long way. By considering size, material, lid type, ease of cleaning, and extras, I found a can that fits my lifestyle perfectly. Hopefully, my tips help you find one that works for you too!
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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