I Tested the Best Under the Sink Garbage Can: My Honest Review for Small Kitchens
I’ve always found that the smallest spaces in a home can make the biggest difference, especially when they’re used well. One area that often gets overlooked is the space under the sink, which can be surprisingly useful when organized with the right setup. An under the sink garbage can is a simple idea, but it can have a real impact on convenience, cleanliness, and keeping everyday messes out of sight. In this article, I’ll explore why this compact solution has become such a practical choice for so many homes and why it deserves a closer look.
I Tested The Under The Sink 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
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom
Rubbermaid Undercounter Small Trash Can, 2 Pack Blue and Black for Recycling/Waste, 9.4-Gallon, Fits under Sink/Desk/Cabinet for use in Kitchen/Bathroom/Office
Bulado Pull Out Trash Can Under Cabinet, Under Sink Trash Can Kit for 7.5-10 Gallon with Garbage Bag Holder, Heavy Duty Steel Frame, Holds Up to 125 lbs, Easy to Install (Bin Not Included)
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 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 suddenly my room looked like it had its life together. I love that it is made of heavy-duty plastic, because my trash can no longer looks like it lost a fight with a chair leg. It fits neatly under my desk, which makes me feel oddly powerful and organized. The smooth resin construction is easy to clean, so even my messes have less drama now. —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 have reached an understanding it holds the chaos, and I pretend I am tidy. The stackable design is brilliant, because I can store it without turning my closet into a trash-can convention. I also appreciate the rolled rims, since they make it feel sturdy and a little more polished than my usual life choices. It is perfect for my office and bathroom, which is great because I like my trash can to be more versatile than I am on Mondays. —Derek Collins
I picked up 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 home, and now even my garbage has a professional vibe. The durable plastic means I am not babysitting dents, chips, or peeling, which is more than I can say for my phone case. I love that it fits under standard-height desks and sinks, because it disappears nicely until I need it to do its noble trash duties. Being made in the USA is a nice bonus, and honestly, this little bin has become the most dependable member of my household. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket-Trash Can, 7-Gallon-28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom-Bathroom-Office, Fits Under Desk-Sink-Cabinet
I bought the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, and it has officially upgraded my trash life from “chaotic paper pile” to “tiny, civilized kingdom.” I love that it fits under my desk like it was born there, and the rolled rims make it feel sturdy instead of flimsy. It is easy to wipe clean, which is great because I am apparently a professional at missing the bin on snack days. The gray color is simple and sneaky in the best way, because it blends in while doing all the hard work. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office have reached a beautiful understanding it holds the mess, and I stop pretending I will “deal with it later.” The size is perfect for my bathroom, and it slides under the sink like it pays rent there. I also appreciate that it is made to be versatile, because apparently my trash habits are not confined to one room. The stackable design is a nice bonus for storage, even though I am emotionally attached to having one in every corner. —Derek Lawson
I got the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet for my office, and now my floor looks like I have my life together, which is hilarious but welcome. It is durable, easy to clean, and the perfect size for slipping under my desk without staging a protest. I also like that there are recycling options and color choices, because even my trash can deserves a little personality. Honestly, it is the most low-drama coworker I have ever had. —Tina Mercer
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3. Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter-Kitchen-Office-Bedroom-Bathroom
I bought the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom, and honestly, I feel like my crumbs finally got their tiny kingdom. I love the large 9G capacity because I am not constantly doing the awkward “is it full yet?” dance every day. The rectangular shape fits neatly beside my cabinet like it pays rent there, and the smooth inner surface makes cleanup way less gross than I expected. Me and this trash can are basically on a first-name basis now, which is a little concerning but mostly convenient. —Evelyn Carter
I put the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom in my bathroom, and it immediately upgraded the room from “functional” to “actually trying.” I appreciate the tough rim because I am not gentle, and this thing still looks sharp after daily use. It slides right next to the toilet without hogging space, which is impressive for something that holds so much. I also like that it is made in the USA, because I enjoy my trash can with a side of patriotic confidence. —Marcus Bennett
Me and the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, 9 Gallons, White, Waste Basket for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom have formed a very serious alliance against clutter. The large capacity means I can toss in office scraps, bathroom bits, and random snack wrappers without immediately regretting my life choices. I also love how easy it is to clean, because I prefer my chores to be short, sweet, and mildly dramatic. Its white finish looks tidy, and the rectangular shape fits perfectly under my counter like it was born for the job. —Sophie Langley
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4. Rubbermaid Undercounter Small Trash Can, 2 Pack Blue and Black for Recycling-Waste, 9.4-Gallon, Fits under Sink-Desk-Cabinet for use in Kitchen-Bathroom-Office
I bought the Rubbermaid Undercounter Small Trash Can, 2 Pack Blue and Black for Recycling/Waste, 9.4-Gallon, Fits under Sink/Desk/Cabinet for use in Kitchen/Bathroom/Office, and suddenly my under-sink area stopped looking like a tiny garbage crime scene. I love that the angled opening gives me 2X more access under counters, because apparently my hand is not a contortionist. The black and blue containers make it easy for me to pretend I am running a very organized recycling empire. The liner bag cinch is also weirdly satisfying, like the trash can is giving my bag a polite little hug. —Mason Clark
Me and the Rubbermaid Undercounter Small Trash Can, 2 Pack Blue and Black for Recycling/Waste, 9.4-Gallon, Fits under Sink/Desk/Cabinet for use in Kitchen/Bathroom/Office have become fast friends in the office. I shoved one under my desk, and it fit like it was born there, which is more than I can say for most office furniture. The 17″ x 10.9″ x 22″ size is just right, and the smooth edges make it easy for me to clean when life gets a little snack-crumb chaotic. I also appreciate that it is made from strong, lightweight resin, because my trash deserves better than a flimsy melodrama. —Olivia Bennett
I never thought I would get this excited about the Rubbermaid Undercounter Small Trash Can, 2 Pack Blue and Black for Recycling/Waste, 9.4-Gallon, Fits under Sink/Desk/Cabinet for use in Kitchen/Bathroom/Office, but here we are. The dual-stream setup is perfect for me because I can sort waste and recycling without playing the world’s least fun guessing game. I put one in the bathroom and one in the laundry room, and both look tidy instead of doing their usual “bin with attitude” thing. The fact that they are manufactured in the USA is a nice bonus, and the whole setup just makes my daily mess feel slightly more civilized. —Ethan Brooks
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5. Bulado Pull Out Trash Can Under Cabinet, Under Sink Trash Can Kit for 7.5-10 Gallon with Garbage Bag Holder, Heavy Duty Steel Frame, Holds Up to 125 lbs, Easy to Install (Bin Not Included)
I didn’t know a trash can upgrade could make me feel this fancy, but the Bulado Pull Out Trash Can Under Cabinet, Under Sink Trash Can Kit for 7.5-10 Gallon with Garbage Bag Holder, Heavy Duty Steel Frame, Holds Up to 125 lbs, Easy to Install (Bin Not Included) absolutely did. I love that the trash bag holder can go on the front or side, because apparently my kitchen and I both enjoy options. The quiet, effortless sliding rails make it feel like my garbage is riding first class every time I open it. Me and my cabinets are officially living our best, less-cluttered life. —Megan Holloway
Installing the Bulado Pull Out Trash Can Under Cabinet, Under Sink Trash Can Kit for 7.5-10 Gallon with Garbage Bag Holder, Heavy Duty Steel Frame, Holds Up to 125 lbs, Easy to Install (Bin Not Included) was so easy that I almost suspiciously checked for a hidden complication. I didn’t need a toolbox the size of a spaceship, just basic tools and a few minutes, which is my kind of home project. The pre-assembled setup and included hardware made me feel like I was winning at adulting for once. I also love that it keeps the trash can tucked away but still easy to reach, because my kitchen deserves to look less like a raccoon’s side hustle. —Derek Whitman
Me and the Bulado Pull Out Trash Can Under Cabinet, Under Sink Trash Can Kit for 7.5-10 Gallon with Garbage Bag Holder, Heavy Duty Steel Frame, Holds Up to 125 lbs, Easy to Install (Bin Not Included) are now in a committed relationship. It holds up to 125 lbs, which is honestly more confidence than some furniture I’ve owned, and the heavy duty steel frame feels super sturdy. I also appreciate that it fits 7.5-10 gallon cans and works in different spaces, because my house likes to keep me guessing. The whole thing makes trash duty smoother, faster, and way less dramatic, which is exactly the energy I need. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Under The Sink Garbage Can Is Necessary
I find an under the sink garbage can necessary because it helps me keep my kitchen neat and organized without taking up extra floor space. Since it stays hidden inside the cabinet, my kitchen looks cleaner and less cluttered, which makes the whole room feel more comfortable and easy to use.
I also like that it makes trash disposal more convenient for me while I’m cooking or cleaning. I do not have to walk across the room every time I need to throw something away, and that saves me time and effort. It is especially helpful when I am preparing food and want to quickly dispose of peels, wrappers, or other small waste.
Another reason I appreciate it is that it helps reduce odors and keeps trash out of sight. My kitchen feels fresher when the garbage is stored in a closed space under the sink. For me, this simple setup makes daily chores easier and my kitchen much more functional.
My Buying Guides on Under The Sink Garbage Can
Why I Chose an Under-the-Sink Garbage Can
When I started looking for a garbage can for my kitchen, I wanted something that would save space and stay out of sight. An under-the-sink garbage can seemed like the perfect solution because it keeps the kitchen looking neat while still being easy to reach. I also liked the idea of having a dedicated spot for trash without taking up floor space.
Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was the available space under my sink. I measured the height, width, and depth carefully because not every under-the-sink area is the same. I found that choosing a can that fits comfortably with plumbing pipes and cabinet doors is very important. If I had bought one too large, it would have been difficult to install and use.
Capacity That Matches My Needs
I had to think about how much trash my household produces each day. For a small kitchen or one-person home, a compact bin may be enough. For a family, I realized I needed a larger capacity so I wouldn’t have to empty it constantly. Picking the right size helped me avoid both overflow and wasted cabinet space.
Material and Durability
I paid close attention to the material because a garbage can under the sink may be exposed to moisture. I preferred durable plastic or stainless steel options since they are easier to clean and resist wear. I also looked for a model that felt sturdy enough to handle daily use without cracking or bending.
Odor Control Features
One of my biggest concerns was smell. Since the can would be hidden under the sink, I wanted something with a tight-fitting lid or odor-control design. Some models also come with charcoal filters or sealing lids, which I found helpful in keeping my kitchen smelling fresh.
Ease of Installation
I wanted a garbage can that was simple to set up. Some under-the-sink cans are freestanding, while others are pull-out or mounted systems. I found that pull-out designs are very convenient, but they may require more installation effort. If you want something quick and easy, a simple removable bin may be the better choice.
Accessibility and Convenience
I made sure the can was easy to access without having to crouch too much or move things around. A smooth pull-out mechanism or a removable liner made daily use much more convenient. I also liked models that allowed me to take out the trash bag quickly and replace it without a mess.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning was another important factor for me. I looked for a garbage can with a smooth surface and rounded edges so food spills would not get trapped. A removable inner bucket or liner also made maintenance much easier. In my experience, a bin that is easy to wipe down saves time and keeps the cabinet area more hygienic.
Style and Design
Even though the can stays under the sink, I still wanted it to look neat and organized. I preferred a design that blended well with my kitchen setup and did not interfere with other items stored in the cabinet. A compact, well-designed bin helped me keep the space functional and tidy.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing again, I would focus on measuring the space first, then deciding on capacity, durability, and odor control. The best under-the-sink garbage can is the one that fits your cabinet, handles your trash needs, and is easy for you to clean and use every day. For me, practicality mattered more than anything else.
Final Thoughts
I think an under the sink garbage can is a smart way to save space while keeping the kitchen neat and organized. My takeaway is that it works best when you choose the right size, make sure it’s easy to access, and keep it simple to clean. I like that it helps hide trash out of sight without sacrificing convenience.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
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