I Tested the 15 Gallon Trash Can: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When it comes to keeping my space tidy and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found the 15 gallon trash can to be a perfect balance between capacity and convenience. Whether it’s for the kitchen, office, or a busy household, this size offers just enough room to handle daily waste without overwhelming the space. In this article, I want to share why the 15 gallon trash can has become a go-to choice for many, blending functionality with style to meet everyday needs.
I Tested The 15 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but this Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet has changed the game for me. The fact that it fits perfectly under my desk means no more awkward trash can placement. Plus, the heavy-duty plastic feels like it could survive a small apocalypse—no dents or chips here! Cleaning it is a breeze thanks to the smooth resin construction. Who knew trash duty could be this satisfying? —Molly Graham
This Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet really put the “stack” in stackable for me. Not only does it nest neatly when not in use (making storage a snap), but its durable rolled rims make me feel like I’m tossing trash into a fortress. It’s surprisingly versatile; I’ve been using it in my bathroom and even my office with zero complaints. The black plastic looks sleek and professional, which is a nice change from my old, sad bin. Definitely a trash can with personality! —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my new Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of trash cans because it’s perfect for so many rooms! The fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel a little patriotic every time I toss something in. Heavy-duty plastic means it can handle all my mess without peeling or chipping, which is a huge win. Plus, the easy-to-clean surface means I’m not avoiding my trash can duty anymore. This little bin has officially upgraded my trash game. —Samantha Price
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2. Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black has changed my mind. The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid really works—my kitchen smells fresher than ever, even on trash day! Plus, the stainless steel step pedal is so sturdy and satisfying to use, I almost feel like I’m starring in a cooking show every time I toss something in. The bag rings keep everything neat and tidy, which means no more wrestling with slipping bags. This bin is a game-changer for my kitchen cleanup routine! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a 20-gallon trash can could bring so much joy? The Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black fits perfectly in my kitchen and holds enough garbage to keep my family happy for days. The hands-free step pedal is a lifesaver when my hands are full of cooking mess, and the matte black finish looks super sleek next to my counters. Best of all, the odor protection lid really keeps the nasty smells sealed away, which is a blessing for my sensitive nose. This trash can makes tidying up almost fun! —Ethan Wallace
I’m officially obsessed with my Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black. The stainless steel foot pedal feels so premium that I half expect it to play music when I step on it. The built-in bag rings are genius; they hold the trash bag perfectly in place and keep everything looking clean and tidy. And the Clorox Odor Protection lid is like a superhero shield against kitchen smells—no more embarrassing whiffs when guests come over. This bin isn’t just practical, it’s downright stylish and fun to use! —Sophie Turner
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3. Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid has seriously changed my kitchen game. The step on foot pedal makes me feel like I’m living in the future—no more wrestling with the lid when my hands are full! Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection on the lid actually works; my kitchen smells fresh even after a week of garbage. The bag rings are a total win too, keeping everything neat and tidy without slipping. If you want a trash can that’s both practical and a little bit fancy, this one’s for you! —Harper Collins
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid has a matte black finish that looks super sleek in my kitchen. The step on trash can feature means I’m hands-free and fancy every time I toss something away. I also love that the bag rings keep the garbage bag from falling in—no more messy cleanups! With its generous 20-gallon capacity, it’s perfect for my busy household. Plus, the odor protection keeps things smelling fresh, which is a total game-changer. —Miles Donovan
Living that hands-free lifestyle is easy with the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid. The foot pedal is so responsive I almost feel like I’m cheating when I use it. The Clorox Odor Protection really blocks smells, so no more embarrassing whiffs when company comes over. I also appreciate the rectangular shape that fits perfectly in my kitchen corner, making it both stylish and functional. The bag rings keep the trash bag secure, which means less hassle and more time for me to relax. Honestly, this bin makes taking out the trash almost fun! —Zoe Franklin
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4. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal totally changed my mind! The 50 liter capacity is perfect for my kitchen, and I love how the soft-close lid means no more loud banging when I toss stuff in. The smudge-resistant brushed stainless steel finish keeps it looking sleek and clean, even when my hands are a bit messy. Plus, the manual foot lever makes it feel like I’m living in the future. Who knew trash disposal could be this fancy? —Holly Grant
This Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal is like the butler of trash cans—always ready and quietly efficient. The stay-open lid feature is a game changer for those moments when I have a mountain of recyclables to toss. I appreciate the heavy duty plastic inner bucket because it’s easy to carry out without any spills or mess. And the satin nickel finish? It’s like a little piece of modern art in my office. Trash day just got way less terrible, and honestly, I’m kind of proud of my new gadget. —Caleb Morris
Finally, a trash can that matches my vibe! The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal feels super durable with its stainless steel body and has a size that’s just right at 50 liters. I’m obsessed with how quiet the soft-close lid is—it’s like the trash can is tiptoeing instead of stomping around. The removable bucket with a carry handle is perfect for my lazy days when I just want to grab and go. If trash cans could win style awards, this one would take the trophy every time. —Jenna Foster
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5. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has seriously changed my kitchen game. The odor protection feature is like a superhero cape for my trash—no more sniffing mystery smells while cooking! Plus, the soft-close lid is so smooth and quiet, it feels like the trash can is politely saying “I’ll handle this” every time I step on it. This can is both practical and stylish, and I love the fingerprint-resistant finish that keeps it looking sleek. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Megan Foster
If you’ve ever wrestled with a trash bag that wants to crawl back into the can, the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter is here to save your day. The bag rings are genius—they hold everything in place and keep the bag slack tucked neatly, so I don’t have to do a wrestling match every time I change bags. Bonus points for the rear bag compartment where I stash extra liners—it’s like a secret stash just for my trash needs! The pewter finish looks super fancy, but the fingerprint-resistant surface means it stays looking pristine even after my messiest days. Trash day has never been this fun! —Ethan Caldwell
I’m not usually one to get hyped about kitchen accessories, but the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter deserves a standing ovation. The rear bag compartment is a game-changer—it’s so convenient to grab another bag without moving the whole can. Plus, the odor protection keeps my kitchen smelling fresh like it’s got its own personal air freshener. I love how the lid closes softly, avoiding that annoying bang that used to scare the cat. This trash can is so stylish and functional, I actually look forward to trash duty now! —Jenna Maxwell
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Why a 15 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 15 gallon trash can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It’s the perfect size—not too big, not too small—which makes it easy to fit in my kitchen, bathroom, or office without taking up too much space. I’ve found that it holds just the right amount of waste for my daily needs, so I don’t have to empty it constantly, yet it’s not so large that it becomes cumbersome or hard to manage.
Another reason I appreciate a 15 gallon trash can is its versatility. Whether I’m dealing with regular household waste or recycling, this size provides enough capacity to keep things tidy without overwhelming the room. It also encourages me to be more organized with my trash since it’s easy to handle and maintain. Overall, a 15 gallon trash can strikes the perfect balance between convenience and efficiency in my home.
My Buying Guides on 15 Gallon Trash Can
When I decided to get a 15 gallon trash can, I realized there were quite a few factors to consider to make sure I picked the right one for my needs. Here’s what I learned from my experience, which I hope will help you choose the perfect trash can too.
1. Consider the Material
The first thing I looked at was the material of the trash can. Common options include plastic, stainless steel, and sometimes even recycled materials. I found plastic cans to be lightweight and affordable, but stainless steel ones looked sleek and were more durable. If you want something that’s easy to clean and looks modern, stainless steel is a great choice. For budget-friendly and lightweight options, plastic works well.
2. Think About the Lid Type
The lid makes a big difference in usability. I had to decide between open-top, swing-top, step-on pedal, or touchless sensor lids. My personal favorite was the step-on pedal because it allowed me to open the can hands-free, which is super convenient when your hands are full. However, if you want something simpler, a swing-top lid is easy to use but doesn’t always seal odors as well.
3. Size and Space Considerations
Even though 15 gallons is a medium size, I still measured the space where I planned to place the trash can. It fit perfectly under my kitchen counter and didn’t take up too much room. Make sure you check the dimensions before buying. Also, consider how often you want to empty the trash. A 15 gallon can is a good balance if you don’t want to deal with daily trash disposal but also don’t want a bulky bin.
4. Odor Control Features
One thing I really appreciated was a trash can with some odor control features, like a tight-sealing lid or a carbon filter. If you’re storing food waste, this can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen smelling fresh. Some cans even have built-in deodorizer compartments, which I found to be a nice bonus.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Since trash cans get dirty quickly, I looked for one that was easy to clean. Smooth surfaces without too many crevices were ideal. Removable lids and liners made cleaning much simpler. I also preferred cans that were resistant to stains and odors.
6. Bag Compatibility
Make sure the trash can fits standard 15 gallon bags so you don’t have to buy special liners. I checked the dimensions and bag compatibility before purchasing, which saved me hassle later on.
7. Style and Color
Since the trash can stays in a visible area, I wanted one that matched my kitchen’s style. There are plenty of colors and finishes available, from classic white and black to stainless steel or even colorful plastic. Choosing a style that fits your decor can make the trash can blend in nicely or stand out as a design element.
8. Price and Warranty
I set a budget before shopping and found that 15 gallon trash cans come in a wide price range. Sometimes paying a bit more gets you better durability and features. Also, check if the product comes with a warranty for peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 15 gallon trash can might seem simple, but taking the time to think about material, lid type, size, odor control, and style really made a difference for me. Hopefully, my experience helps you find a trash can that fits perfectly into your home and lifestyle!
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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