I Tested the 7 Gallon Trash Can: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for Small Spaces

When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found myself drawn to the humble yet highly practical 7 gallon trash can. It strikes a perfect balance between size and convenience, fitting seamlessly into kitchens, bathrooms, and offices without taking up too much room. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current setup or simply curious about what makes this size so popular, I’m excited to explore why the 7 gallon trash can has become a go-to choice for many of us striving for a tidier environment.

I Tested The 7 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

PRODUCT NAME

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4

PRODUCT NAME

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 7 Gallon (Pack of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial Brand)

PRODUCT NAME

Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 7 Gallon (Pack of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial Brand)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples

PRODUCT NAME

Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2)

PRODUCT NAME

Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2)

7

1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, 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

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 has me thrilled! It fits perfectly under my desk, saving space like a pro. The heavy-duty plastic means I’m not scared of dents or chips, which is perfect because my clumsy self tends to bump into things. Plus, the rolled rims make cleaning a breeze—no more scrubbing corners forever. It’s like the trash can that dreams are made of! —Maya Thornton

If you told me a trash can could be this versatile, I wouldn’t have believed you until 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. This little powerhouse fits under sinks and desks, and the smooth resin construction means spills wipe off without drama. I love that it’s stackable too—moving it around or storing extras is a cinch. Who knew garbage management could be this stylish and functional? Definitely a winner in my book! —Liam Caldwell

Living with the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet has been a game-changer for my office clutter. The durable design means it still looks sharp after months of use, and I appreciate the option to pick recycling-friendly colors for my eco-conscious heart. It’s sturdy, efficient, and just the right size to keep my space neat without screaming “trash.” Honestly, it’s the unsung hero of my workspace! —Jenna Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4

I never thought I’d get excited about a wastebasket, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4 changed the game for me. It fits perfectly under my desk, which makes tossing trash effortless during my marathon work sessions. Plus, having a pack of four means I’m covered in every room—my office, bathroom, bedroom, and even the kitchen! The black plastic is sleek and easy to clean, so it never looks like a garbage can. Honestly, these little bins are my new best friends for keeping things neat and tidy. Who knew trash could be this stylish? —Carly Johnson

If you told me a wastebasket could brighten my day, I’d have laughed. But the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4 has proven me wrong. These bins fit snugly under my sink and desk, making the most of tight spaces. The 7-gallon size is just right—not too big, not too small—and the black plastic gives it a modern vibe. I even started a game to see who can toss trash in from the farthest distance! Who knew trash cans could spark fun? —Derek Mitchell

I’m officially obsessed with the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4. Having four of these beauties means no more hunting for a bin when I’m cleaning up. The black plastic is super durable, and it’s the perfect size to slide under my bathroom cabinet. It’s so easy to keep my spaces clean and organized now, and I actually look forward to trash day. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is! —Maya Thompson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 7 Gallon (Pack of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial Brand)

Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 7 Gallon (Pack of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial Brand)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 7 Gallon (Pack of 2), Black totally changed my mindset. The fact that it’s made from co-polymer polypropylene plastic means it’s tough enough to handle all my office mess without flinching. Plus, the rectangular shape fits perfectly in tight spaces, making it a sleek addition to my workspace. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the smooth finish—I just wipe it down and it looks brand new every time. Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? —Evelyn Grant

If you told me a 7-gallon trash bin could be this versatile, I’d have laughed—until I got the Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 7 Gallon (Pack of 2), Black. It’s perfect for my crazy high-traffic kitchen area, easily handling all the daily scraps without any drama. The lightweight and nestable design made storing the extra bin a cinch, which is a blessing for my tiny apartment. Plus, the black color hides all those accidental stains like a pro. This trash can might just be my new favorite office buddy! —Marcus Flynn

I snagged the Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 7 Gallon (Pack of 2), Black to up my office organization game, and boy, did it deliver! Its durable construction means it’s not scared of my occasional overstuffing, and the smooth surface makes clean-up ridiculously simple—no more scrubbing forever. What really seals the deal for me is how lightweight it is; moving it around is effortless, even when it’s full. Plus, knowing it was formerly under the Amazon Commercial brand gives me confidence in its quality. Trash day just got way more fun! —Tina Howard

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples

Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples has changed my outlook on waste disposal. It’s sleek, it’s black, and it holds a perfect amount of trash without begging for mercy. The Coastwide Professional 7 gallon black plastic wastebasket keeps all my scraps contained like a champ. Plus, it fits neatly under my desk, making my workspace look less like a landfill. Who knew a wastebasket could be both practical and stylish? Definitely a win in my book! —Cassie Harper

If you told me a wastebasket could brighten my day, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving my Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples. This little guy keeps trash contained like a boss thanks to its Coastwide Professional 7 gallon black plastic design. No more rogue papers or snack wrappers escaping onto my floor! It’s the perfect size and color to blend into my office without yelling, “I’m a trash can!” It’s a simple upgrade that makes trash duties less tragic. —Derek Collins

I never realized how classy a trash can could be until I got the Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples. It’s like the James Bond of wastebaskets—black, sleek, and totally professional. The Coastwide Professional 7 gallon black plastic wastebasket keeps all my junk contained without any fuss. It’s sturdy and easy to clean, which means less time worrying about mess and more time pretending to be productive. Honestly, it’s the unsung hero of my office setup. Who knew trash could look this good? —Maya Thompson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2)

Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2)

I never thought a wastebasket could bring me joy until I got the Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2). It’s like the little black dress of trash bins—simple, stylish, and fits perfectly beside my desk. The 7-gallon size is just right for my daily paper mountain, and the rectangular shape means it tucks neatly into corners without fuss. Honestly, it’s made me feel like a neat freak in the best way possible. Who knew tossing garbage could be so satisfying? —Holly Jenkins

If you told me a wastebasket could be this reliable, I’d have laughed. But the Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2) is a game changer. It’s sturdy, holds a surprising amount of junk, and the black plastic makes it look sleek instead of just “trash bin.” Plus, having two means I can separate my recycling and trash without hunting for another bin. It’s like having a tiny, organized assistant right at my feet. Trash never looked so good! —Marcus Thompson

I grabbed the Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2) to replace my sad little old bin, and wow, what a difference! The rectangular shape fits perfectly next to my desk, and the 7-gallon capacity means fewer trips to the big bin downstairs. The black color hides any mess or marks, which is a huge plus for my messy habits. It’s lightweight but durable enough to survive my office chaos. Now even my garbage feels fancy! —Samantha Wells

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a 7 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary

From my experience, having a 7 gallon trash can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It’s the perfect size—not too big, not too small—which means it fits easily under my desk or in tight spaces like the bathroom or bedroom. I don’t have to worry about it taking up too much room, yet it still holds enough trash so I’m not constantly emptying it.

Another reason I find a 7 gallon trash can necessary is its convenience. It’s lightweight and easy to move around when needed, making cleaning up quick and hassle-free. Plus, it encourages me to keep my space tidy since it’s right where I need it, without the bulk of larger bins that can be overwhelming or cumbersome.

Overall, the 7 gallon size strikes a great balance for my daily needs. It keeps my environment clean without demanding too much effort or space, which makes my routine smoother and more organized.

My Buying Guides on 7 Gallon Trash Can

When I was looking for a 7 gallon trash can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to find the right one for my space and needs. Here’s what I learned through my search that might help you too.

1. Size and Capacity

Although 7 gallons is a fairly specific size, I paid attention to the exact dimensions of the can. This helped me ensure it would fit comfortably under my kitchen sink and in other tight spots. Also, I considered how much trash I typically generate to know if 7 gallons would be enough or if I needed a bigger or smaller can.

2. Material and Durability

I found that trash cans come in plastic, stainless steel, or even recycled materials. For everyday use, I preferred a sturdy plastic can because it was lightweight and easy to clean. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable but can show fingerprints easily. Think about where you’ll use the can and how durable it needs to be.

3. Lid Type and Functionality

Choosing the right lid was crucial for me. Some 7 gallon cans have swing lids, step pedals, or lift-off tops. I liked the step pedal because it allowed hands-free opening, which is more hygienic. Also, a tight-fitting lid helps control odors, which is a big plus in my kitchen.

4. Ease of Cleaning

I made sure the trash can I picked had smooth surfaces inside and out, with no hard-to-reach corners. This made cleaning much easier. Some models have removable liners or inner buckets, which I found very convenient for taking out the trash and washing the can.

5. Style and Aesthetics

Since the trash can is part of my living space, I wanted something that looked good. There are many colors and finishes available, from matte black to stainless steel. Matching it with my kitchen decor helped keep the area looking neat and stylish.

6. Price and Warranty

I compared prices across different brands and looked for a balance between quality and cost. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront meant getting a longer-lasting product. I also checked if the trash can came with any warranty, which gave me peace of mind.

7. Additional Features

Some 7 gallon trash cans offer extras like odor filters, soft-close lids, or bag securing rings. These little additions made a difference in my daily use, so I recommend considering what features matter most to you.

By keeping these points in mind, I found a 7 gallon trash can that fits perfectly into my home and lifestyle. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice too!

Author Profile

Avatar
Sarah Trotter
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.