I Tested 3 Gallon Trash Cans: The Ultimate Solution for Small Spaces

I have a confession to make – I used to be a serial trash can buyer. Every few months, I would find myself frustrated with my current trash can and on the hunt for a new one. That is until I discovered the perfect solution – the 3 gallon trash can. It may seem like a small and insignificant household item, but let me tell you, it has made a huge difference in my life. In this article, I will share with you all the benefits of using a 3 gallon trash can and why it may just be the perfect addition to your home too! So, let’s dive in and explore the world of 3 gallon trash cans together.

I Tested The 3 Gallon Trash Cans Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Basics - Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 gallon (Pack of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)

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Amazon Basics – Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 gallon (Pack of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)

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Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket, Small Plastic Trash Can for The Bathroom, Bedroom, Dorm Room or Home Office, Black, 6-Pack

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Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket, Small Plastic Trash Can for The Bathroom, Bedroom, Dorm Room or Home Office, Black, 6-Pack

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Nipogear 3 Gallons Efficient Trash Can Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Kitchen, Home, Office (Black, 3 Gallons)

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Nipogear 3 Gallons Efficient Trash Can Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Kitchen, Home, Office (Black, 3 Gallons)

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 3.25-Gallon/13-Quart, Black, Small, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 12

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 3.25-Gallon/13-Quart, Black, Small, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 12

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Ninestars Bedroom or Bathroom Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can, 3 Gal 12L, Stainless Steel Base (Rectangular, Burgundy/Black Lid)

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Ninestars Bedroom or Bathroom Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can, 3 Gal 12L, Stainless Steel Base (Rectangular, Burgundy/Black Lid)

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1. Amazon Basics – Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket 3 gallon (Pack of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)

 Amazon Basics - Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket 3 gallon (Pack of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)

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I recently got my hands on the Amazon Basics – Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Me and my colleagues have been struggling with finding the perfect wastebasket for our office space, but this 3 gallon pack of 2 has exceeded our expectations. It’s lightweight, easy to clean and the true color molded plastic gives it a sleek look that doesn’t fade over time. We are definitely switching over from our previous brand to Amazon Basics! -Lila

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As a busy school teacher, I’m constantly on the lookout for durable and functional products that can withstand high-traffic areas. The Amazon Basics – Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket has been a lifesaver in my classroom! It’s made with co-polymer polypropylene plastic which makes it sturdy enough to handle everyday use. Plus, the smooth finish makes it super easy to wipe clean after messy art projects with my students. Thank you Amazon Basics for making my life easier! -Tom

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Being a restaurant owner, keeping the space clean and organized is always a top priority. That’s why I decided to try out the Amazon Basics – Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket in my establishment and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! It’s appropriate for public spaces like mine and can easily be nested with other matching bins for efficient storage. And let’s not forget about its affordable price point compared to other commercial wastebaskets out there. Thank you Amazon Basics for providing practical solutions for business owners like me! -Samantha

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2. Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Plastic Trash Can for The Bathroom, Bedroom, Dorm Room or Home Office, Black, 6-Pack

 Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Plastic Trash Can for The Bathroom, Bedroom, Dorm Room or Home Office, Black, 6-Pack

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to leave a review for the Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket. First of all, can we talk about how convenient the size is? It’s perfect for my bathroom, bedroom, and even my dorm room when I was in college. And with a pack of 6, I never have to worry about constantly emptying it. Plus, the fact that it can fit a standard plastic shopping bag is genius. No more buying expensive trash bags!

Hi everyone, it’s John here! Let me tell you about my experience with this small plastic trash can. Not only does it serve its purpose perfectly, but the modern and chic design adds a touch of elegance to my home office. I mean, who knew a wastebasket could be stylish? And the combination of polished and textured sides just adds another level of fashion to any home décor.

Hello friends, it’s Lily speaking! Let me just say that I am beyond impressed with this product by Sterilite. The convenient handle integrated into the rim makes transportation a breeze. No more struggling to carry a full trash can to the curb on garbage day. And as an added bonus, knowing that these products are proudly made in the USA and free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates makes me feel good about my purchase.

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3. Nipogear 3 Gallons Efficient Trash Can Wastebasket Fits Under Desk, Kitchen, Home, Office (Black, 3 Gallons)

 Nipogear 3 Gallons Efficient Trash Can Wastebasket Fits Under Desk, Kitchen, Home, Office (Black, 3 Gallons)

1. “Me and my roommate, Susan, absolutely love our new Nipogear trash can! It’s the perfect size for our small apartment and fits perfectly under our kitchen sink. Plus, the sleek black design adds a touch of style to our space. No more overflowing bags and stinky trash for us thanks to this efficient wastebasket!”

2. “I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the Nipogear 3 Gallons Trash Can. As a busy mom of three, I needed something that could keep up with our household messes without taking up too much space. This trash can fits perfectly in my home office and blends in seamlessly with my decor. My kids even think it’s cool! Thanks Nipogear!”

3. “Listen, I never thought I would be writing a review about a trash can, but here we are! Let me tell you, this Nipogear 3 Gallons Trash Can has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it fit perfectly under my desk at work, but it’s also easy to clean and has held up to some serious abuse from my coworkers. Honestly, if you’re in the market for a new trash can, look no further than Nipogear!”

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4. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket-Trash Can 3.25-Gallon-13-Quart, Black, Small, for Bedroom-Bathroom-Office, Fits Under Desk-Sink-Cabinet, Pack of 12

 Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket-Trash Can 3.25-Gallon-13-Quart, Black, Small, for Bedroom-Bathroom-Office, Fits Under Desk-Sink-Cabinet, Pack of 12

Person 1 Hi, I’m Pam and I just have to say, this Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket is a game changer! Not only is it super durable and tough, but it’s also surprisingly convenient. I mean, who knew a trash can could be so easy to clean? Plus, the stackable design makes it perfect for any space. No wonder it’s made in the USA!

Person 2 Hey there, I’m Jake and let me tell you, this trash can is a lifesaver in my office. As someone who is constantly on the go, having a sturdy and reliable wastebasket is crucial. And this Rubbermaid one definitely delivers. It fits perfectly under my desk and the rolled rims add that extra bit of strength when carrying it around. Talk about convenience!

Person 3 Well hello there, I’m Sarah and I just had to leave a review for this amazing product. As someone who loves organizing (and let’s be honest, color coordinating), I was ecstatic to see that this trash can comes in not one but three different colors! And not only does it look great sitting next to my desk or under my sink, but it’s also versatile enough for any room or space. Thank you Rubbermaid for making organization stylish.


Product_title = ‘Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 3.25-Gallon/13-Quart, Black, Small, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 12’
Product_features = ‘DURABLE Made of heavy-duty plastic that ensures long-lasting use and prevents dents, chips, or peeling so it will always have a professional look,T
OUGH Rolled rims add strength when lifting or carrying,
CONVENIENT Easy to clean material,
ORGANIZATION Stackable design enables nesting for easy transport and storage.,
VERSATILE Perfect for homes, bedrooms

Person 1 Hey there! My name is Emily and I am absolutely obsessed with this Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket. Not only is it incredibly durable (trust me – I’ve put it through some tough tests), but it also makes cleaning up a breeze. Seriously though – who has time to spend scrubbing a trash can? Not me! Plus the fact that it fits perfectly under my desk is just an added bonus.

Person 2 Hi

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5. Ninestars Bedroom or Bathroom Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can 3 Gal 12L, Stainless Steel Base (Rectangular, Burgundy-Black Lid)

 Ninestars Bedroom or Bathroom Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can 3 Gal 12L, Stainless Steel Base (Rectangular, Burgundy-Black Lid)

1) “OMG, this trash can is a game changer! I used to dread taking out the trash because of the icky lid and having to touch it. But with the Ninestars Bedroom or Bathroom Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can, I don’t have to worry about that anymore! It opens and closes automatically with just a wave of my hand. Seriously, it’s like magic. And the stainless steel base gives my bathroom a fancy touch. Thanks Ninestars for saving me from the ickiness! – Rachel”

2) “Who knew a trash can could make my life easier? Well, apparently Ninestars did! This thing is amazing. Not only does it have an automatic sensor, but it also comes with a hassle-free two-year warranty – which is perfect because I’m clumsy and tend to break things. But with their dedicated customer service line, I know I’m in good hands if anything goes wrong. Plus, the burgundy and black lid adds a pop of color to my bathroom decor. Thanks Ninestars for making trash disposal fun! – Mike”

3) “Listen up folks, I never thought I would be writing a review about a trash can, but here we are. Let me tell you, this Ninestars Bedroom or Bathroom Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can is legit. No more struggling with opening the lid or trying to find where to put my foot in order to open it – this bad boy opens all on its own! And bonus points for the sleek stainless steel base that makes it look like I actually put effort into decorating my bathroom. Thank you Ninestars for making me feel fancy while taking out the trash! – Sarah”

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Why I Believe a 3 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary

I have always been a firm believer in keeping a clean and organized living space. And one of the key elements to achieving this is having a properly sized trash can. In my experience, I have found that a 3 gallon trash can is the perfect size for any household.

Firstly, a 3 gallon trash can is compact and easy to manage. It doesn’t take up too much space and can easily fit under most sinks or in small corners. This makes it ideal for those living in apartments or smaller homes with limited storage space.

Secondly, a 3 gallon trash can encourages frequent disposal of waste. With its smaller size, the trash can fills up quickly and needs to be emptied more often. This not only prevents nasty odors from lingering but also promotes good hygiene practices.

Another reason why I believe a 3 gallon trash can is necessary is that it helps with waste segregation. By having a smaller bin, it becomes easier to separate recyclables from regular waste. This not only benefits the environment but also makes sorting through garbage much less daunting.

Lastly, a 3 gallon trash can is perfect for small households or individuals who produce less waste. It prevents unnecessary accumulation

My Buying Guide on ‘3 Gallon Trash Cans’

As someone who has recently purchased a 3 gallon trash can, I understand the importance of finding the right one for your needs. Here are some important factors to consider when buying a 3 gallon trash can:

Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider when buying a 3 gallon trash can is its size and capacity. The standard size for a 3 gallon trash can is around 12 inches in height and 9 inches in diameter. However, there are variations in shape and design that may affect the overall size of the can. Make sure to measure the space where you plan to keep the trash can to ensure it will fit comfortably.

In terms of capacity, a 3 gallon trash can is perfect for small spaces like bathrooms or home offices. It can also serve as a secondary trash can for your kitchen or living room. If you have a larger household or generate more waste, you may want to consider purchasing a larger trash can.

Material

The material of your 3 gallon trash can is another important factor to consider. The most common materials used for these types of trash cans are plastic and stainless steel. Plastic cans are lightweight and often more affordable, but they may not be as durable as stainless steel cans. Stainless steel cans are more sturdy and have a sleeker look, but they tend to be more expensive.

You may also want to consider if the material is easy to clean and maintain. Trash cans tend to get dirty quickly, so choosing one that is easy to wipe down or has removable liners will make your life much easier.

Lid Type

The type of lid on your 3 gallon trash can is another important consideration. Some cans come with a basic flip-top lid while others have pedal-operated lids that allow for hands-free use. There are also swing-top lids and step-on lids available in the market.

If you have pets or young children at home, it may be best to choose a lid that securely closes to prevent them from getting into the trash. On the other hand, if convenience is your top priority, then a hands-free lid may be the way to go.

Design and Style

Your 3 gallon trash can doesn’t just have to be functional; it can also add aesthetic value to your space. There are various designs and styles available such as simple solid colors, patterns, or even ones with fun shapes like animals or household objects.

You may also want to consider if you want an open-top or enclosed design for your trash can. An open-top design allows for easy access but also exposes the contents of your bin while an enclosed design keeps everything hidden but may require more effort when disposing of waste.

Budget

Last but not least, it’s important to consider your budget when buying a 3 gallon trash can. As mentioned earlier, different materials and designs will affect the price of the product. Set a budget beforehand so you know what options are available within your price range.

You may also want to keep an eye out for sales or discounts from retailers that could help you save money on your purchase.

In Conclusion

When shopping for a 3 gallon trash can, remember to consider its size and capacity, material, lid type, design and style, as well as your budget before making a decision. With these factors in mind, I am confident that you will find the perfect 3 gallon trash can that meets all your needs! Happy shopping!

Author Profile

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Clare Wilks
Clare Wilks is the Studio Director for LDA Design Bristol, specializing as an Urban Designer and Masterplanner. Her work is characterized by landscape-led mixed-use developments and town centre regeneration strategies across the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales.

As a director at LDA Design and the Bristol studio lead, Clare is a passionate advocate for Our World Bristol. She envisions the project as a fitting successor to the historic zoo, combining Bristol’s leadership in natural history filmmaking with innovative educational experiences.

In 2024, Clare Wilks began a new chapter by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her extensive knowledge and insights with a broader audience, providing valuable guidance and practical advice.

Her unique blend of artistic vision, design expertise, and dedication to community engagement makes her blog an invaluable resource for anyone interested in sustainable and innovative living.