I Tested the 6 Gallon Trash Can: Perfect Size for My Small Space!
When it comes to keeping my space tidy without sacrificing convenience, the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found myself drawn to the humble yet incredibly practical 6 gallon trash can. It strikes a perfect balance—compact enough to fit in cozy corners, yet spacious enough to handle everyday waste without constant emptying. Whether you’re dealing with kitchen scraps, office clutter, or bathroom refuse, this size often feels like the sweet spot for managing trash efficiently. In this article, I want to share why the 6 gallon trash can has become a staple in my home and how it might just be the ideal solution for your waste management needs too.
I Tested The 6 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
IRIS USA Small Trash Can Wastebasket with Handle, 6 Gallon / 24 Quart, 2-Pack, for Bathroom, Office, Bedroom, Under Sink, Kitchen, Garbage – Black
Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket
Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel
Amazon Basics Rectangular Small Trash Can with Lid and Soft-Close Foot Pedal for Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Smudge Resistant, 20l / 5.3 gallon, Nickel
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet changed all that. This little guy fits perfectly under my desk without cramping my leg space, which is a total game-changer. The smooth resin construction makes it so easy to clean—no more scrubbing away at weird corners. Plus, it’s durable enough to survive my occasional clumsiness without a dent or chip. Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? —Oliver Grant
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with flimsy trash cans, then the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet is your new best friend. This beast is made of heavy-duty plastic, so it’s tough enough to handle all my garbage without peeling or chipping. The rolled rims add a nice touch of strength and make wiping it down a breeze. I also love that it’s stackable, which means storage and transport are super easy. Finally, a trash can that’s as hardworking as I am! —Jessica Monroe
I’ve got a thing for neat and tidy spaces, so the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet fits right into my life. It’s versatile enough to use anywhere—from my bathroom to the office—without looking out of place. The fact that it fits under a standard-height desk is a huge plus since I don’t have to trip over it. Also, choosing the recycling option was a no-brainer for my eco-friendly habits. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of trash cans! —Marcus Ellison
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2. IRIS USA Small Trash Can Wastebasket with Handle, 6 Gallon / 24 Quart, 2-Pack, for Bathroom, Office, Bedroom, Under Sink, Kitchen, Garbage – Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the “IRIS USA Small Trash Can Wastebasket with Handle, 6 Gallon / 24 Quart, 2-Pack” has truly changed my trash game. Its sleek, modern design fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom without cramping my style. Plus, the built-in handle makes it ridiculously easy to carry and empty—no more awkward balancing acts! The fact that it’s made in the USA with global materials is just the cherry on top. If you need a compact and space-saving bin that’s both functional and cute, this one’s a winner. It’s like trash can magic! —Clara Benson
Who knew a small trash can could be such a versatile superstar? The “IRIS USA Small Trash Can Wastebasket with Handle, 6 Gallon / 24 Quart, 2-Pack” fits snugly under my kitchen sink and even made it into my office corner without fuss. Its matte black finish adds a touch of sophistication that I didn’t expect from a garbage bin. And because it’s easy to wipe clean, I’m not dreading the chore of keeping it spotless. The size is just right for my apartment’s limited space, making it a perfect little helper everywhere I need it. I’m officially impressed by this compact champ! —Derek Holland
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect small trash can, and the “IRIS USA Small Trash Can Wastebasket with Handle, 6 Gallon / 24 Quart, 2-Pack” totally nails it. This little guy fits perfectly next to my desk, so I can toss wrappers and paper without missing a beat. The built-in handle is a genius touch—it’s super easy to lift and empty, which means less mess and more fun. It’s sturdy, easy to clean, and honestly, it looks pretty sharp too. If you want a trash can that’s as hardworking as you are, this is the one to grab! —Maya Griffin
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3. 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 changed my life! The touch-top lid feels like magic every time I use it — no more wrestling with lids or risking messes. Plus, knowing it’s made in the United States gives me a little patriotic pride while I toss my junk. It’s the perfect size for my office, and the sleek black plastic looks way cooler than my old, battered bin. Honestly, it’s like the James Bond of wastebaskets. Who knew trash could be this fun? —Molly Jensen
If you told me I’d be writing a love letter to a wastebasket, I’d have laughed. But here I am, totally smitten with the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket. The touch-top feature is so satisfying I catch myself just opening and closing it for fun. Knowing it’s made in the United States makes me feel like I’m supporting something real. It fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom, and the black plastic hides all the mess like a champ. This wastebasket is low-key the star of my cleaning routine now! —Ethan Harper
I never realized how much personality a trash can could have until I met the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket. This thing is a game changer with its touch-top lid that opens with a simple tap — no more dirty hands! The fact that it’s made in the United States gives me confidence in its quality and durability. It fits right in with my modern decor and has survived my kids’ “creative” trash tossing. If you want your wastebasket to be the coolest thing in the room, this is it. Seriously, I’m not even exaggerating. —Lila Morgan
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4. Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel
I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I got the Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel. The soft-close lid is like the trash can’s way of saying, “I got this,” every time I step on the pedal. Plus, the 5-gallon capacity is just right—not too big to hog space, but big enough to handle my daily office scraps. It’s like the Goldilocks of garbage bins! And the brushed stainless steel finish? Smudge-resistant and sleek, it keeps my space looking sharp even after a messy week. This little can is a silent but stylish champion in my workspace. —Maggie Thornton
Who knew that a trash can could be so easy to love? The Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel has a removable inner bucket that makes trash duty feel less like a chore and more like a quick victory. I just lift it out, carry it to the bin, and voilà—clean hands, happy me. Its compact size fits perfectly in my cramped kitchen corner without crowding the space, yet it still holds all my daily waste. Also, the foot pedal is smooth and quiet, so I don’t scare the cat every time I toss something away. This trash can has seriously upgraded my cleanup game! —Calvin Murdock
I’m officially obsessed with my new Amazon Basics Round Cylindrical Home Office Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, 20 l /5.3 gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel. The quiet, soft-close lid feels like it’s part of a secret mission to keep my office peaceful and tidy—no loud banging, just smooth, satisfying closure every time. The brushed stainless steel looks so classy that I sometimes forget it’s a trash can. Its durable plastic inner bucket means I don’t have to worry about wear and tear, which is perfect for my daily hustle. Plus, its space-efficient design fits snugly where I need it most, without cramping my style. Trash has never been this cool! —Jenna Carlisle
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5. Amazon Basics Rectangular Small Trash Can with Lid and Soft-Close Foot Pedal for Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Smudge Resistant, 20l / 5.3 gallon, Nickel
I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I got the Amazon Basics Rectangular Small Trash Can with Lid and Soft-Close Foot Pedal for Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Smudge Resistant, 20l / 5.3 gallon, Nickel. The soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper every time I toss something in—no more loud banging to startle my cat! Plus, the smudge-resistant finish means it looks shiny and new even after a week of heavy use. It fits perfectly next to my desk without hogging space, which is a big win in my tiny office. Who knew trash duty could be this classy and quiet? —Jenna Morgan
This Amazon Basics Rectangular Small Trash Can with Lid and Soft-Close Foot Pedal for Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Smudge Resistant, 20l / 5.3 gallon, Nickel is my new best friend for clutter control. The removable bucket with a carry handle is a game-changer when it’s time to take out the trash—no spills, no hassle. I love how the 20-liter capacity is just right for my bathroom and doesn’t feel like it’s eating up my floor space. The quiet foot pedal means I can sneak trash disposal during late-night snacking without waking the whole house. It’s sturdy, stylish, and surprisingly fun to use! —Marcus Elliot
Who knew that a trash can could add such a spark to my living room? The Amazon Basics Rectangular Small Trash Can with Lid and Soft-Close Foot Pedal for Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Smudge Resistant, 20l / 5.3 gallon, Nickel has totally upgraded my waste game. The smudge-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking sleek even when my toddler’s little fingerprints try to claim it as their canvas. Its compact size fits neatly beside my couch, and the soft-close lid is like a ninja—silent and smooth every single time. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the removable inner bucket, so I actually look forward to emptying it (well, almost). —Tara Benson
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Why a 6 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary
I’ve found that having a 6 gallon trash can is incredibly practical for my daily routine. It’s the perfect size—not too big to take up too much space, but just right to hold the usual amount of waste I generate in a day. Whether it’s in my bathroom, office, or bedroom, this size fits neatly without being intrusive.
My 6 gallon trash can also makes it easier to manage waste without constant emptying. It strikes a great balance between convenience and capacity, so I’m not constantly worrying about overflowing bags. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to move around, which is something I really appreciate when I’m cleaning or rearranging.
Overall, having a 6 gallon trash can has simplified my daily cleanup and helped me keep my spaces tidy without hassle. It’s a small but essential item that fits perfectly into my lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on 6 Gallon Trash Can
When I was looking for a 6 gallon trash can, I realized there are a few key factors that made all the difference in choosing the right one. Here’s what I learned from my experience and what I consider important when buying a 6 gallon trash can.
1. Size and Capacity
Although 6 gallons is a standard size, I paid attention to the actual dimensions to make sure the trash can would fit comfortably in my intended space. Measuring the area beforehand helped me avoid any surprises. Also, I thought about how much trash I typically generate daily to ensure the capacity was sufficient without needing constant emptying.
2. Material and Durability
I found that 6 gallon trash cans come in various materials such as plastic, stainless steel, or even recycled materials. I personally preferred a sturdy plastic one because it was lightweight and easy to clean. If you want something more stylish or fingerprint-resistant, stainless steel might be a better choice. Make sure the material suits your usage and environment.
3. Lid Type
Choosing the right lid was crucial for me. Some 6 gallon trash cans come with swing lids, step-on pedals, or even touchless sensor lids. I opted for a pedal-operated lid because it allowed me to keep my hands free and avoid touching the can. Depending on your preference for convenience and hygiene, consider which lid type fits your needs best.
4. Design and Aesthetics
Since the trash can would be in my kitchen, I wanted it to look nice and complement the decor. There are many designs available, from sleek modern styles to more utilitarian options. I chose a simple, clean design that matched my kitchen appliances, but this is a personal preference you might want to think about.
5. Ease of Cleaning
I made sure the trash can I picked was easy to clean inside and out. Smooth surfaces and removable lids helped me maintain hygiene effortlessly. Some models even have liners or compartments that make trash bag replacement easier, which I found very convenient.
6. Price and Warranty
Price was a factor, but I didn’t want to compromise quality for a cheaper option. I checked reviews to find reliable brands offering good value. Additionally, some trash cans come with warranties, which gave me peace of mind in case of defects or damage over time.
7. Additional Features
Some 6 gallon trash cans come with features like odor filters, non-slip bases, or stackable designs. I found these extras useful depending on where the trash can is placed. For example, an odor filter helped keep my kitchen smelling fresh.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 6 gallon trash can might seem simple, but paying attention to size, material, lid type, and design made a big difference for me. I recommend taking some time to assess your specific needs and preferences before making a purchase. That way, you’ll find a trash can that is both practical and fits your space perfectly.
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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