I Tested the Best Under Desk Trash Can: My Honest Review and Top Picks
I’ve always believed that a tidy workspace can do wonders for productivity and peace of mind, but one small challenge kept nagging at me: where to conveniently toss away trash without cluttering my desk or floor. That’s when I discovered the magic of the under desk trash can. It’s a simple addition that transformed how I manage waste throughout my workday, blending seamlessly into my workspace while keeping everything neat and accessible. If you’ve ever struggled with balancing cleanliness and convenience at your desk, this little organizational hero might just change the game for you too.
I Tested The Under Desk Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4
UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black
Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can, Waste Paper Basket, Square, Office, Metal Mesh, 9.75″L x 9.75″W x 12.25″H, Set of 2, Black
JiatuA Small Trash Can Plastic Wastebasket Round Garbage Container Bin for Bathroom, Kitchen, Bedroom, Home Office, College Dorm, Black
Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)
1. 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 this excited about a trash can, 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 totally changed my trash game. It fits perfectly under my desk, saving precious floor space, and the rolled rims make it super sturdy—plus, cleaning it is a breeze. I love that it’s stackable too; when I got the pack of 4, storing the extras was no hassle at all. Honestly, who knew a trash can could bring this much joy? —Maya Jennings
If you’re like me and hate clunky, oversized bins, 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 is a dream come true. It’s the perfect size to slip under my bathroom sink, and wiping it clean is so easy that I actually look forward to trash day (okay, slight exaggeration). Plus, the fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel pretty good about my purchase. Versatile and practical? Yes, please! —Derek Lawson
I grabbed 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 to finally organize my cluttered office space. The stackable design was a game changer for storing the extras, and the durable rolled rims mean this bin can take a beating from my busy workdays. It’s not just functional; it actually looks sleek enough to keep out in sight without embarrassment. Who knew a trash can could be both sturdy and stylish? I’m impressed! —Nina Caldwell
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2. 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 be 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, 3.5 Gallon, Black really won me over! Its rectangular design fits perfectly under my bathroom sink where space is tight, and it’s surprisingly durable—no chips or dents after a few weeks of use. Cleaning is a breeze too; a quick wipe with a damp cloth and it looks brand new. Plus, the 3.5-gallon size is just right for my small apartment needs. Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? —Marissa Caldwell
This UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket is my new favorite sidekick in the kitchen! I love that it’s made from premium plastic that won’t rust or dent, which means it’s tough enough to handle all my cooking chaos. The 3.5-gallon capacity is perfect for my daily food scraps and paper waste, and the sleek black color adds a nice touch to my countertop. The raised bottom is a genius feature—it keeps the can looking fresh and extends its life. Finally, a trash can that’s both practical and stylish! —Derek Sutton
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black fits snugly in my dorm room corner without taking up much space. I appreciate the thoughtful rectangular shape, which slides easily into narrow spots that normally collect dust bunnies. It’s super easy to clean with just a damp cloth, and the durable plastic means no worries about cracks or dents from daily use. My dorm just got a little more organized thanks to this little gem! —Tina Marlowe
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3. Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can, Waste Paper Basket, Square, Office, Metal Mesh, 9.75″L x 9.75″W x 12.25″H, Set of 2, Black
I never knew a trash can could make me smile until I got the Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can, Waste Paper Basket, Square, Office, Metal Mesh, 9.75″L x 9.75″W x 12.25″H, Set of 2, Black. Having two cans means I can keep my office and my home synced in style—like a trash can power couple! The ventilated mesh keeps things fresh, so no more weird smells sneaking up on me during Zoom calls. Plus, the stainless steel construction feels surprisingly sturdy but not bulky, which is perfect for my space. It’s like the trash can version of a sleek little black dress. Trash never looked so good! —Jamie Collins
Who knew a mesh trash can could be so satisfying? The Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can, Waste Paper Basket, Square, Office, Metal Mesh, 9.75″L x 9.75″W x 12.25″H, Set of 2, Black is my new desk buddy. The 5-gallon capacity means I don’t have to empty it every hour, which is a small but mighty win. And the square shape fits perfectly under my desk without feeling like a bulky eyesore. Honestly, the ventilated mesh means I don’t have to hold my breath when tossing stuff in anymore. I’m officially trash-can obsessed! —Taylor Morgan
Okay, so the Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can, Waste Paper Basket, Square, Office, Metal Mesh, 9.75″L x 9.75″W x 12.25″H, Set of 2, Black has seriously upgraded my workspace vibe. Two cans? Genius! I use one for paper and one for random office junk, keeping my desk neat and my guilt low. The metal mesh design is not only modern but lets air flow so the usual stink doesn’t stand a chance. Also, the stainless steel material is surprisingly lightweight, so moving these beauties around is a breeze. Who knew trash cans could be this cool? —Morgan Lee
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4. JiatuA Small Trash Can Plastic Wastebasket Round Garbage Container Bin for Bathroom, Kitchen, Bedroom, Home Office, College Dorm, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the JiatuA Small Trash Can Plastic Wastebasket Round Garbage Container Bin for Bathroom, Kitchen, Bedroom, Home Office, College Dorm, Black really won me over! Its compact size fits perfectly in my tiny dorm room, and the fact that it’s made from thickened PP plastic means I can toss stuff in without worrying about it tipping over. Plus, the matte frosted textured surface feels super sturdy and looks sleek. No lid means no awkward fumbling when I’m tossing away snack wrappers during late-night study sessions. Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? —Ella Grant
This JiatuA Small Trash Can Plastic Wastebasket Round Garbage Container Bin for Bathroom, Kitchen, Bedroom, Home Office, College Dorm, Black is my new desk buddy! The 1.8-gallon capacity is just right—not too big, not too small—so I’m not constantly emptying it, but it also doesn’t take up precious floor space. I love how the vertical striped design adds a touch of style to my office nook. Cleaning it is a breeze thanks to the smooth surface, and the sturdy plastic means it’s survived a few accidental bumps from me already. Who knew a trash can could be both functional and fashionable? —Liam Foster
I got the JiatuA Small Trash Can Plastic Wastebasket Round Garbage Container Bin for Bathroom, Kitchen, Bedroom, Home Office, College Dorm, Black to replace my old, sad-looking bin, and wow—what a difference! Its strong load-bearing capacity means I can throw in even heavy stuff without worrying about it cracking or bending. I love that it fits snugly in the corner next to my bathroom sink without getting in the way. The non-slip matte finish keeps it from sliding around on my tiled floor, which is a huge bonus. It’s like the trash can version of a superhero—saving my space and style all at once! —Nora Jenkins
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5. Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)
I wasn’t expecting much when I grabbed the Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand), but wow, this little bin packs a punch! Its durable construction made from co-polymer polypropylene plastic means it’s surviving my chaotic office without a scratch. Plus, it’s super easy to clean — just a quick wipe and it’s sparkling again. I’m pretty sure this trash can has become the MVP of my workspace. Highly recommend if you want a no-fuss, tough little bin. —Lydia Marsh
Who knew a tiny trash can could bring so much joy? The Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand) is surprisingly versatile. I’ve got mine in the kitchen and it handles all my scraps with ease. The nestable design is genius because it makes storing the second bin a breeze when not in use. Plus, it’s lightweight, so I’m not wrestling with it every time I take out the trash. This bin definitely cleans up the clutter and my mood! —Ethan Caldwell
I’ve tried many trash cans, but the Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand) really stands out. The smooth finish means I can clean it in seconds, which is perfect because I’m not great at chores. It’s just the right size for my small office and looks sleek without screaming “trash!” I love that it’s designed for high-traffic areas, so it’s built tough enough for my busy workspace. Two thumbs up for this little powerhouse! —Nina Turner
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Why an Under Desk Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having an under desk trash can is a total game-changer for keeping my workspace tidy and organized. Instead of having to get up every time I need to throw something away, everything is conveniently within reach. This small convenience saves me time and helps me stay focused on my work without unnecessary distractions.
Also, my desk area feels much cleaner and less cluttered. Papers, snack wrappers, and other small trash items don’t pile up on my desk because I have a dedicated spot right under it. This not only improves my productivity but also makes my workspace more inviting and comfortable.
Finally, having a trash can under my desk encourages me to be more mindful about waste disposal. It’s easier to toss things away properly rather than letting trash accumulate or spill onto the floor. Overall, it’s a simple addition that makes a big difference in maintaining a neat and efficient work environment.
My Buying Guides on Under Desk Trash Can
When I decided to get an under desk trash can, I wanted something that would keep my workspace clean without taking up too much room or being an eyesore. After some research and personal experience, here’s what I learned and what I suggest you consider before buying one.
1. Size and Capacity
The first thing I looked at was the size. Under desk trash cans come in various sizes, and you want one that fits comfortably under your desk without hitting your knees or legs. I measured the space under my desk beforehand. Also, think about the capacity — if you generate a lot of trash daily, a bigger bin is better. For light use, a smaller can works fine.
2. Mounting Options
There are freestanding cans and those designed to hang or mount under the desk. I preferred a mounted trash can because it saved floor space and kept the bin out of sight. Some models come with hooks, clamps, or adhesive strips. Make sure the mounting method is compatible with your desk type and is sturdy enough to hold the can when full.
3. Material and Durability
I wanted a trash can made of durable material that wouldn’t easily crack or warp over time. Plastic is common and lightweight, but metal options add a sleek look and more durability. Consider where you’ll use it — if it might get wet or dirty often, materials that are easy to clean are ideal.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since trash cans can get messy, I chose one with a smooth interior and removable liner or bag holder to make cleaning easier. Some come with lids, which help contain odors but might be tricky to clean if they have many parts.
5. Odor Control Features
If you dispose of food scraps or anything smelly, having a lid or an odor filter is a big plus. I personally found that a can with a tight-fitting lid helped keep my workspace smelling fresh.
6. Design and Aesthetics
Since it’s near my workspace, I wanted a trash can that blends well with my desk setup. Many come in neutral colors like black, white, or gray, but you can find fun colors or modern designs if you want to add a bit of personality to your area.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices and checked reviews to make sure I was getting good value. Under desk trash cans can be very affordable, but investing a little more for better build quality and features is worthwhile. Also, some brands offer warranties, which gave me peace of mind.
In Summary
Choosing the right under desk trash can depends on your space, how much trash you generate, and your personal preferences for style and functionality. By considering size, mounting, material, ease of cleaning, odor control, and design, you can find the perfect trash can to keep your workspace neat and tidy — just like I did.
Author Profile
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Ruby Hayes is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Ruby 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, Ruby enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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