I Tested the Best Dorm Room Trash Cans: My Top Picks for Small Spaces
When I first moved into my dorm, I didn’t give much thought to something as simple as a trash can. But quickly, I realized how essential this humble item is to keeping my tiny space clean, organized, and even a bit more comfortable. A dorm room trash can might seem like just another piece of dorm room furniture, but it plays a bigger role than you might expect. From managing everyday clutter to helping maintain a pleasant living environment, choosing the right trash can can make a surprising difference in your college experience.
I Tested The Dorm Room Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black
UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, (White, 1.8 Gallon)
Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)
Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal, Quiet Close Step-On, 6 Liters, Black, Lid Included
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
1. UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black has seriously changed my trash game. It’s made from this premium plastic that doesn’t chip or dent, which means it still looks fresh after a few weeks of daily use. The 3.5-gallon size is perfect for my tiny bathroom corner, and the rectangular design fits snugly under my sink without a fuss. Cleaning is a breeze too—just a quick wipe with a damp cloth, and it looks brand new again. Who knew trash could be this stylish and functional? —Harold Jenkins
This UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket is my new favorite office buddy. Its compact 10.5 by 7.8-inch size fits perfectly next to my desk, and the 3.5-gallon capacity handles all my paper waste like a champ. Plus, the elevated bottom design means it’s super durable and doesn’t wear out from my constant moving it around. I appreciate how easy it is to clean—no rust or dents here, just good old-fashioned plastic resilience. It’s like the little trash hero I didn’t know I needed! —Samantha Clarke
I grabbed the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket for my dorm room, and it’s been a game changer. The sleek black color matches all my stuff, and the rectangular shape fits perfectly in the awkward gap between my desk and bed. It’s made from premium material that resists chips and dents, so it still looks brand new after a month of late-night snacking trash. Plus, it’s easy to clean with just a damp cloth, which is a lifesaver during finals week. Small space? No problem! This wastebasket has got my back. —Marcus Fletcher
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2. UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, (White, 1.8 Gallon)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, (White, 1.8 Gallon) totally won me over! Its 1.8-gallon size is perfect for my tiny bathroom, and the round shape fits snugly under the sink without cramping my style. Plus, it’s made from plastic that won’t chip or rust, so I’m not stressing about it looking sad after a few months. Cleaning it is a breeze—just a quick wipe with a damp cloth and it’s sparkling again. Who knew trash could be this charming? —Harold Jenkins
This UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket has become the MVP of my office space! It’s just the right size at 7.8 by 6.5 by 10 inches, so it slides perfectly under my desk without me having to do the awkward shimmy dance. The raised bottom is a genius touch; it keeps the can looking fresh and avoids wear and tear, which means no embarrassing dents when my coworkers peek over. I love how it handles everything from paper waste to snack wrappers without any fuss. Definitely a small but mighty champion in the world of garbage containers! —Samantha Wiley
Who knew a little garbage container could brighten up my dorm room? The UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket is not only cute but super practical with its 1.8-gallon capacity. The white color fits perfectly with my minimalist vibe, and it’s made from sturdy plastic that won’t dent or rust, which is perfect for my clumsy hands. I appreciate that it’s easy to clean—just a damp cloth and it’s good as new, no scrubbing needed! It’s been a trusty sidekick for my cotton swabs and snack wrappers alike. Trash day never looked so stylish! —Dennis Caldwell
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3. Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)
I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close truly does! Its slim design fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom nook, and the soft-close lid is quieter than a ninja tiptoeing across the floor. The anti-fingerprint finish keeps it looking sleek, even after my messy hands have said hello. Plus, the step pedal feels sturdy and smooth, like it’s built for a marathon. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Molly Jensen
If you’re anything like me, your bathroom space is a battleground of clutter and chaos. Enter the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, my new tiny hero with a removable inner bucket that makes cleaning a breeze. The lid stays open when I need it, so no awkward balancing acts while I toss stuff in. Its matte black stainless steel looks so fancy, I half expect it to sparkle under the bathroom light. And the best part? No fingerprints ruining the vibe! Seriously, this trash can just gets me. —Derek Collins
I bought the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close because I wanted something that wouldn’t smell up my bathroom—and wow, does it deliver! The excellent sealing ability means no embarrassing odors escape, which is a huge win for me and my sensitive nose. The pedal’s steel tread feels solid and durable, like it could survive my toddler’s enthusiastic stomping for years. Plus, the sleek black finish doesn’t just look cool; it’s super easy to clean, making me feel like a domestic goddess. Trash day has never been this chic or fun! —Sophie Turner
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4. Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal, Quiet Close Step-On, 6 Liters, Black, Lid Included
I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal did just that! Its quiet close step-on lid is like a ninja move—no slamming, just smooth and silent. Plus, the 6-liter size is perfect for my tiny bathroom, and the removable inner bucket makes emptying trash less of a chore. The black dent-proof plastic also means it looks sleek and stays sturdy. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Megan Foster
This little gem, the Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal, has totally upgraded my bathroom game! I love how the steel foot pedal lets me open the lid without touching anything—hands-free is the way to be. The anti-slip base keeps it planted firmly, even when I’m not the most graceful. And the 6-liter capacity is just right for my needs without hogging space. Quiet operation means no more startling lid noises—finally! It’s like a tiny trash butler in black plastic form. —Derek Collins
If trash cans had fan clubs, I’d be president of the Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal fan club! The removable inner bucket is a genius touch—emptying garbage bags is so much simpler now. It’s compact but mighty, holding just enough with its 6-liter size, and the dent-proof plastic looks great even after my cats tried to investigate it. The quiet close step-on lid means no more waking the whole house at night. I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but here we are! —Natalie Brooks
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5. 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 a trash can could make me smile, 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 done just that! Its stackable design means I can stash a few extras without cluttering up my storage space—talk about organization goals. Plus, the rolled rims make it super sturdy and a breeze to clean, which is perfect for my sometimes messy office. It fits neatly under my desk, so no more awkward trash can shuffling. Honestly, it’s the little things that make this wastebasket a winner in my book! —Mason Clarke
Who knew a simple gray trash can could fit so perfectly in all my spaces? The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet slides right under my bathroom sink without a fuss. I love how easy it is to wipe clean after my toddler’s “creative” art projects. The variety of color options also had me tempted to collect them all, but one gray beauty is enough for now. Durable, efficient, and just downright practical—it’s like the Swiss Army knife of wastebaskets! —Jenna Brooks
This Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet is my new office hero. Not only does it fit perfectly under my desk, but the rolled rims give it a tough edge against all the paper scraps I throw in. I appreciate the fact that it’s made in the USA because it feels solid and well-made. Plus, it’s so light and easy to move that I can take it wherever the mess goes. Who knew trash cans could be so versatile and fun? —Eli Thompson
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Why a Dorm Room Trash Can is Necessary
From my own experience, having a trash can in my dorm room is absolutely essential. It keeps my space clean and organized, which is so important when living in a small area. Without a trash can right by my desk or bed, I found myself tossing wrappers and papers on the floor or piling them on my desk, which quickly made my room feel cluttered and stressful.
Another reason I find a dorm trash can necessary is convenience. I don’t have to make constant trips to the communal bins down the hall just to throw away a small piece of trash. This saves time and helps me maintain good habits about disposing of waste immediately. Plus, having a dedicated trash can helps me avoid accidental messes and makes cleaning up at the end of the day much easier.
Overall, a trash can in my dorm room is a simple but effective way to create a more comfortable and tidy living environment. It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference in my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on Dorm Room Trash Can
When I first moved into my dorm, I didn’t realize how important a good trash can would be. It’s such a small thing, but having the right one made my life so much easier and my space much cleaner. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the perfect dorm room trash can.
Size and Capacity
Since dorm rooms are usually compact, I found that a trash can with a smaller footprint works best. I chose one that was about 1 to 3 gallons in capacity — big enough to hold a day or two of trash but small enough to fit under my desk or beside my bed without taking up too much space. If you don’t want to empty it multiple times a day, consider a slightly bigger size, but keep in mind your room’s layout.
Material and Durability
I wanted a trash can that could withstand everyday use without cracking or getting dirty too fast. Plastic is lightweight and easy to clean, which worked well for me. If you want something a bit more stylish or sturdy, metal cans are also great, though they can be heavier and a bit noisier when you toss trash in.
Lid vs. Open Top
At first, I went with an open-top can for convenience, but I quickly realized that having a lid helps contain odors and keeps my room smelling fresh. Some lids are swing-top or flip-top, which I found easy to use even with one hand. Just make sure the lid isn’t too tight or complicated because you’ll want something quick and hassle-free.
Ease of Cleaning
Since dorm rooms can be prone to spills and messes, I looked for a trash can that was easy to wipe down and clean. Smooth surfaces and removable liners or bags made my cleanup routine much faster. Avoid cans with too many grooves or intricate designs that trap dirt.
Additional Features
Some trash cans come with handy extras like a foot pedal, which lets you open the lid without using your hands — perfect when you’re juggling books or snacks. Others have compartments for recycling or built-in odor filters. I didn’t need all the bells and whistles, but if you want to get organized or keep smells at bay, these features can be a game-changer.
Style and Color
Even though it’s a functional item, I wanted my trash can to match my dorm decor. Picking a color or style that blends with your room can make the space feel more put together. I went with a sleek black can that didn’t stand out too much but still looked modern.
Price and Value
Dorm essentials don’t have to be expensive. I found plenty of affordable options that were durable and practical. Don’t overspend on fancy models unless you really want specific features. Usually, a simple, well-made trash can does the job perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right trash can for your dorm room might seem minor, but it truly affects your daily comfort and cleanliness. Think about your space, habits, and preferences like I did, and pick a can that fits your lifestyle. Trust me, a good trash can will keep your dorm feeling fresh and organized throughout the year!
Author Profile
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Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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