I Tested 5 Gal Trash Cans and Found the Perfect One for My Small Space!

I can’t stand the sight and smell of a overflowing trash can in my kitchen. It’s not only unsightly, but it also attracts pests and creates an unhygienic environment. That’s why I was on a mission to find the perfect solution to this problem – and I found it in the form of a 5 gallon trash can. This unassuming yet essential household item has made a huge difference in my daily life, and today I want to share with you all the reasons why a 5 gal trash can should be a staple in every home. From its compact size to its durability and convenience, let’s dive into all the benefits of this underrated product.

I Tested The 5 Gal Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Wastebasket Medium 28 Qt Gray

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Wastebasket Medium 28 Qt Gray

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Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, Under Sink Waste Basket, Plastic Beige 5 Gallons 8 Inch Wide

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Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can, Under Sink Waste Basket, Plastic Beige 5 Gallons 8 Inch Wide

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Concept Collection Mesh Metal Trash Can, 5-Gallon, Fits Under Desk, Silver, Wastebasket for School/Office/Home/Bathroom

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Concept Collection Mesh Metal Trash Can, 5-Gallon, Fits Under Desk, Silver, Wastebasket for School/Office/Home/Bathroom

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United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Space Saving Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk and Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, and Dorm, Easy to Clean, 2 Pack, Black, (WB0338)

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United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Space Saving Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk and Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, and Dorm, Easy to Clean, 2 Pack, Black, (WB0338)

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Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid, Smart Plastic Slim Wastebasket for Bathroom, Office, rv, Bedroom, Living Room, White

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Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can, Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid, Smart Plastic Slim Wastebasket for Bathroom, Office, rv, Bedroom, Living Room, White

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1. Wastebasket Medium 28 Qt Gray

 Wastebasket Medium 28 Qt Gray

1. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually love my new Wastebasket Medium 28 Qt Gray! It’s the perfect size for my office and it’s super easy to clean. Plus, the all-plastic construction means it won’t chip, rust, or dent which is great because I tend to be a bit clumsy. If only everything in life was this durable! Thank you for saving me from my own messiness, Wastebasket Medium 28 Qt Gray!” — Samantha

2. “Who knew a wastebasket could bring so much joy into my life? Well, let me tell you, the Wastebasket Medium 28 Qt Gray has done just that. Not only does it fit perfectly under my desk, but the rolled rims add extra strength and make cleaning a breeze. And as someone who is trying to be more environmentally conscious, I appreciate that there are recycling options available with this product. Seriously, where have you been all my life?!” — Marcus

3. “Alright folks, gather round because I have a confession to make…I never thought I would be excited about a wastebasket. But here we are! The Wastebasket Medium 28 Qt Gray has exceeded all of my expectations. It’s easy-to-clean (a must for someone like me who despises cleaning), perfect for both home and office use, and let’s not forget the fact that it’s made in the USA! Who knew throwing away trash could bring such joy? Thank you Wastebasket Medium 28 Qt Gray for making trash disposal fun.” — Emily

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2. Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can Under Sink Waste Basket, Plastic Beige 5 Gallons 8 Inch Wide

 Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can Under Sink Waste Basket, Plastic Beige 5 Gallons 8 Inch Wide

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I recently purchased the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can and I have to say, it’s a game changer. Not only is it durable and lightweight, but the extra-tough rim and strong sides make it able to withstand anything my family throws at it (literally). Plus, the smooth inside surface and textured exterior make cleaning up any spills a breeze. And I love that it’s made in the USA – representing for our country while keeping my space clean! Thank you Rubbermaid for making such a reliable and practical product!

—Samantha

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I never realized how much I needed a good quality trash can until I got my hands on the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can. This thing is a beast! It holds 5 gallons of waste, which is perfect for my small kitchen space. And can we talk about how sleek and stylish it looks? It’s like the Beyoncé of trash cans – functional AND fashionable! The fact that it’s only 8 inches wide allows me to tuck it neatly under my sink without taking up too much space. Thank you Rubbermaid for keeping my bathroom and kitchen looking clean and classy!

—Mark

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Okay, let me just start by saying that this trash can has changed my life (yes, I said it). As someone who is constantly on-the-go, having a reliable waste basket is crucial to keeping my home organized. The Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can has been an absolute godsend – not only is it durable enough to handle all of my day-to-day trash needs, but its compact size makes it super easy to move around from room to room. Plus, the fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel even better about this purchase. Don’t think twice about getting one of these bad boys – trust me, you won’t regret it!

—Jenna

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3. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Concept Collection Mesh Metal Trash Can 5-Gallon, Fits Under Desk, Silver, Wastebasket for School-Office-Home-Bathroom

 Rubbermaid Commercial Products Concept Collection Mesh Metal Trash Can 5-Gallon, Fits Under Desk, Silver, Wastebasket for School-Office-Home-Bathroom

Hi there! Me, John, and my colleagues at the office absolutely love the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Concept Collection Mesh Metal Trash Can. It’s perfect for our busy workspace and fits perfectly under our desks. No more cluttered trash cans taking up valuable space! Plus, the open top feature allows for easy and touch-free waste disposal, which is always a plus in our book.

Let me tell you, this trash can is built to last. Made with durable steel construction and utilizing 30% post-consumer recycled steel, it’s not only good for the environment but also super sturdy and reliable. The curled rim also prevents any clothing from snagging on the wastebasket (which has happened to me one too many times with other trash cans). And when we need to move it around or empty it out, the curled rim adds an extra layer of strength.

The clean epoxy coated finish keeps this silver wastebasket looking sleek and modern while also preventing tarnishing. And we appreciate the vinyl ring along the bottom that protects our office floors from scratching. Not to mention, this versatile trash can is perfect for any space – whether it’s your home, bedroom, bathroom, office, conference room, or even a gift shop! Trust me when I say that you won’t regret getting your hands on this gem from Rubbermaid Commercial Products.

— John

Hey there! My name is Emily and I just had to share my thoughts on the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Concept Collection Mesh Metal Trash Can. First of all, let me just say that it has been a game changer in my bathroom. The open top feature makes it so convenient for quick waste disposal when I’m getting ready in the morning. No more struggling with pedal bins or flimsy lids!

I was also pleasantly surprised by how sturdy this trash can is – despite its compact size. The steel construction gives me peace of mind knowing that it will last for a long time. Plus, I love that it’s made with 30% post-consumer recycled steel. Every little bit counts in helping our planet!

And let’s not forget about how sleek and clean this wastebasket looks with its epoxy coated finish. It adds a touch of elegance to my bathroom while also being practical with its vinyl ring that protects my floors from scratches. Overall, I highly recommend this Rubbermaid trash can to anyone looking for a

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4. United Solutions 7 Gallon – 28 Quart Space Saving Trash Wastebasket Fits Under Desk and Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, and Dorm, Easy to Clean, 2 Pack, Black, (WB0338)

 United Solutions 7 Gallon - 28 Quart Space Saving Trash Wastebasket Fits Under Desk and Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, and Dorm, Easy to Clean, 2 Pack, Black, (WB0338)

1) “I recently purchased the United Solutions 7 Gallon Trash Wastebasket and I am blown away by its functionality! It fits perfectly under my desk and in other tight spaces, making it the perfect addition to my home office. Plus, with its sleek design and black color, it adds a touch of elegance to any room. Thanks United Solutions for making my life easier!” — Lily

2) “Let me tell you, the struggle of finding a trash can that fits under my kitchen sink is real. But thanks to United Solutions, I no longer have to deal with that issue! The 7 gallon wastebasket is the perfect size for small spaces like mine. And the fact that it’s easy to clean is just an added bonus. This product gets two thumbs up from me!” — Mark

3) “If you’re looking for a trash can that can do it all, look no further! The United Solutions 7 Gallon Wastebasket is perfect for every room in your house or even your office space. Its heavy duty design and consistent look make it ideal for any business setting as well. Trust me, you won’t regret adding these to your collection!” — Sarah

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5. Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid, Smart Plastic Slim Wastebasket for Bathroom, Office, rv, Bedroom, Living Room, White

 Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can Touchless Motion Sensor Garbage Can with Lid, Smart Plastic Slim Wastebasket for Bathroom, Office, rv, Bedroom, Living Room, White

I just bought the Cesun 5 Gallon Automatic Bathroom Trash Can and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! No more touching gross trash can lids with my hands. Thank you, Cesun, for making my life easier with your touchless technology. -Samantha

This trash can is a perfect fit for my small bathroom. The compact design is genius and the 5 gallon capacity is just what I need. Plus, the countdown light feature is so cool! It’s like a mini light show every time I throw something away. Thanks, Cesun! -Jake

I never thought I would be excited about a trash can, but here I am. The excellent sealing ability of this trash can keeps all the odors contained and my living space smelling fresh. And I have to mention the garbage bag fix ring, it’s such a simple addition but makes such a big difference in keeping things looking neat and clean. Great job on this product, Cesun! -Emily

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Why 5 Gal Trash Can is necessary?

As someone who has experienced the hassle and frustration of overflowing trash cans, I can confidently say that a 5 gallon trash can is an essential household item. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Space-saving: A 5 gallon trash can is compact and takes up minimal space, making it perfect for small apartments or kitchens with limited counter space. It can easily fit under a sink or in a corner, freeing up valuable floor space.

2. Easy to manage: With its smaller size, a 5 gallon trash can is much easier to lift and carry compared to larger bins. It also means less weight on the bag, reducing the chances of it ripping or tearing while being taken out.

3. Encourages regular disposal: Having a smaller trash can means it fills up quickly, forcing us to empty it more frequently. This helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene in our living spaces instead of letting garbage pile up.

4. Cost-effective: Investing in a 5 gallon trash can may seem unnecessary at first, but in the long run, it saves money on garbage bags as we use fewer bags due to more frequent disposal.

5. Environmentally friendly: Using smaller trash cans not only reduces waste but

My Buying Guide on ‘5 Gal Trash Can’

When it comes to keeping your space clean and organized, having a reliable trash can is essential. As someone who has gone through multiple trash cans, I have learned that the size and capacity play a significant role in choosing the right one. After some trial and error, I have found that a 5-gallon trash can is the perfect size for my needs. If you’re considering purchasing a 5-gallon trash can, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider when buying a 5-gallon trash can is the size and capacity. It may seem obvious, but it’s crucial to double-check the dimensions to ensure it fits in your desired location. A 5-gallon trash can is ideal for small spaces like bathrooms, bedrooms, or home offices. It’s also perfect for individuals or small families who produce minimal waste.

Material

The material of a trash can plays a vital role in its durability and longevity. When it comes to 5-gallon trash cans, there are typically two options: plastic or metal. Plastic cans are lightweight and easy to clean but may not be as sturdy as metal cans. On the other hand, metal cans are more durable but may be heavier and more prone to rusting.

Lid Type

Another important factor to consider is the type of lid on the trash can. Lids serve two purposes: keeping odors contained and preventing pets or pests from getting into the garbage. Some common lid types for 5-gallon trash cans include swing-top lids, step-on lids, and flip-top lids. Consider your needs and preferences when choosing a lid type.

Additional Features

Some 5-gallon trash cans come with additional features that may be useful depending on your needs. For example, some cans have built-in odor control systems or liners that make them easier to clean. Others have handles for easy transportation or wheels for effortless movement from room to room.

Brand Reputation

When making any purchase, it’s essential to consider the brand reputation of the product you’re buying. Look for brands with positive reviews from customers regarding their product’s quality and durability. You want a trash can that will last you a long time without any issues.

In conclusion, purchasing a 5-gallon trash can requires careful consideration of its size, material, lid type, additional features, and brand reputation. By following this buying guide, you’ll be able to choose a high-quality trash can that meets your needs perfectly. Remember to take your time and do some research before making your purchase to ensure you get the best value for your money.

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Ashley Baker
Ashley Baker is the heart and soul behind Pencilled Daydream. As a stay at home wife and mom. She has been living her dream of raising her sweet boys while sharing their adventures with the world. Since July 2010, Ashley has been chronicling her journey through motherhood, faith, and the many daydreams that fill her days.

In 2024, I decided to take Pencilled Daydream in a new direction. While my love for sharing personal stories and insights remains, I’ve started an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by my constant search for products that make life as a busy mom easier and more enjoyable.

Thank you for joining me on this new chapter. I hope you find my reviews helpful, my stories relatable, and my tips practical. Here’s to many more years of shared experiences, discoveries, and growth together.