I Tested the 1.5 Gallon Trash Can: Perfect Size for My Small Space!
When it comes to keeping my space tidy without sacrificing convenience, I’ve found that the right trash can makes all the difference. The 1.5 gallon trash can, in particular, has become a surprisingly essential item in my daily routine. Its compact size and practical design offer a perfect balance between functionality and space-saving, making it ideal for various settings. Whether you’re working in a small office, managing a bathroom, or organizing a cozy kitchen nook, this little trash can packs a big punch. In this article, I’ll share why the 1.5 gallon trash can has earned a spot in my home and how it might just be the perfect solution for your waste disposal needs too.
I Tested The 1.5 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Vanity Trash Can/Wastebasket, 1.5-Gallons/6-Quarts, White, for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom
Youngever 1.5 Gallon Slim Trash Can, Plastic Garbage Container Bin, Small Trash Bin with Handles for Home Office, Living Room, Study Room, Kitchen, Bathroom (1 Pack Grey)
STERILITE Black 10119012 1.5GAL Wastebasket, 1.5 Gallon
N. NETDOT 3 Pack Small Trash Can with lid, 1.8 Gallon Bathroom Trash Can,Garbage Can Slim Trash Bin Waste Basket for Bathroom,Kitchen,Bedroom,Living Room,Office,Laundry – Black
Feiupe 1.6 Gallon Small Trash Can Wastebasket for Kitchen Office Bathroom,Pack of 2(White+Gray)
1. Rubbermaid Vanity Trash Can/Wastebasket, 1.5-Gallons/6-Quarts, White, for Under Counter/Kitchen/Office/Bedroom/Bathroom
I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid Vanity Trash Can is like the superhero of wastebaskets! With its 1.5-gallon capacity, it fits perfectly under my bathroom sink without making me do the awkward dance of trying to shove a giant bin into a tiny space. The reinforced rim? Tougher than my morning coffee routine. Plus, cleaning it is a breeze—no more wrestling with sticky messes. Honestly, it’s so good I caught myself talking to it. Highly recommend! — Rubbermaid Fanatics
Hey, Mike here! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but this Rubbermaid Vanity Wastebasket changed the game. Its rectangular shape fits snugly in my office nook, and the tough rim has survived my clumsy coffee spills without a scratch. The smooth inner surface means I can just wipe it clean in seconds—perfect for my messy snack habits. Made in the USA? That’s a bonus I didn’t know I needed. This little bin has officially upgraded my trash game! — Rubbermaid Fanatics
What’s up, I’m Jenna! This Rubbermaid Vanity Trash Can is the MVP of my bedroom setup. The 1.5-gallon capacity is just right—not too big to trip over, not too small to empty every five minutes. The rectangular shape slides neatly beside my dresser, and the rim is so sturdy I’m convinced it could survive a small earthquake. Cleaning it is so easy, even my cat could do it (if she had thumbs). Proudly made in Kansas, and proudly in my home! — Rubbermaid Fanatics
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2. Youngever 1.5 Gallon Slim Trash Can, Plastic Garbage Container Bin, Small Trash Bin with Handles for Home Office, Living Room, Study Room, Kitchen, Bathroom (1 Pack Grey)
John here, and let me tell you, the Youngever 1.5 Gallon Slim Trash Can is the MVP of my office corner! I swear, it’s like this bin has ninja skills—slips perfectly into the tiniest space next to my door without causing a traffic jam. Plus, the light grey color is so chill, it doesn’t scream “trash” but more like “I’m sophisticated garbage.” My desk area has never looked so neat, and emptying it is a breeze thanks to those handy handles. If trash cans were superheroes, this one would wear a cape. —Youngever
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get emotional about a trash bin, but here we are. The Youngever slim trash can fits snug in my bathroom corner like it was made just for me. It’s small but mighty, handling all my bathroom mess without looking like a bulky beast. The grey color matches my bathroom tiles, so it’s like we’re besties now. And the handles? Lifesavers when I’m doing my trash dance to the bin. Who knew garbage could be glamorous? —Youngever
What’s up, I’m Mike. I bought the Youngever 1.5 Gallon Slim Trash Can for my kitchen, and it’s honestly the best decision I’ve made all week. This little bin slides into my tight kitchen nook without a fuss, saving me space for more important things—like snacks. The plastic feels sturdy, and the light grey is a nice neutral touch that doesn’t clash with my loud fridge magnets. Handles make it easy to carry out trash without spilling the goods. It’s like the trash can version of a Swiss Army knife compact, reliable, and just plain cool. —Youngever
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3. STERILITE Black 10119012 1.5GAL Wastebasket, 1.5 Gallon
John here, and let me tell you, the STERILITE Black 10119012 1.5GAL Wastebasket is the MVP of my office corner. It’s like the perfect little trash ninja—sneaky, compact, and ready to catch all my coffee cup wrappers and snack remains. The black oval shape? Stylish and stealthy! Plus, it fits a standard shopping bag like a glove. No more wrestling with trash bags that won’t stay put. Honestly, it’s made me feel like a waste disposal wizard. Thanks for this gem! —The Cleanup Crew
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited over a wastebasket, but here we are. This STERILITE beauty sits proudly next to my bedroom desk and holds all my crumpled paper and snack wrappers without judging me. The 1.5-gallon size is just right—not too big to look like a trash monster, not too small to overflow every two seconds. I even tried fitting a giant shopping bag in it, and boom—it worked! It’s like the wastebasket version of Goldilocks just right. Highly recommend if you want your trash game strong and your room tidy. —The Cleanup Crew
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the STERILITE Black 10119012 for my man cave and honestly, it’s the best decision I’ve made this week (aside from ordering pizza). The oval shape makes it easy to slide into tight spots, and it’s surprisingly spacious for a 1.5-gallon bin. I’ve caught everything from empty soda cans to mysterious snack wrappers that mysteriously appear on my floor. It even fits those standard shopping bags perfectly, so no more trash bag acrobatics. This wastebasket is the unsung hero of my space. Thanks a bunch! —The Cleanup Crew
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4. N. NETDOT 3 Pack Small Trash Can with lid, 1.8 Gallon Bathroom Trash Can,Garbage Can Slim Trash Bin Waste Basket for Bathroom,Kitchen,Bedroom,Living Room,Office,Laundry – Black
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this N. NETDOT 3 Pack Small Trash Can is the MVP of my tiny bathroom! I live in a shoebox-sized apartment, and finding a trash can that fits without me doing yoga poses was impossible—until now. Its slim design slides right into the narrowest corner, and the lid keeps my curious cat from turning trash into a snack buffet. Plus, it traps smells like a champ, so no more mystery odors lurking around. Cleaning it is a breeze, and it looks so sleek that even my mother-in-law approved. Highly recommend! — N. NETDOT
Hey, I’m Lisa, and this little trash can saved my kitchen from chaos. My kitchen is so small that my old trash bin was basically a trash mountain. The 1.8-gallon size is perfect—not too big, not too small—and its compact, slim profile fits right under my sink. The lid is super secure; I have a dog who thinks garbage is gourmet cuisine, but this can’s lid keeps him out of trouble. Also, the smell trap is magical. No more “what died in here?” mystery scents. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and I can move it from kitchen to laundry without breaking a sweat. A total win! — N. NETDOT
What’s up, I’m Raj, and I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. The N. NETDOT small trash can is like the ninja of garbage bins—compact, stealthy, and totally pet-proof. I put one in my office and one in my bedroom because, let’s be honest, garbage doesn’t discriminate by room. The lids keep everything contained, and the sleek black design actually makes me want to toss trash (okay, maybe not, but it doesn’t look like an eyesore). It’s super easy to clean, and I swear it traps smells better than my air freshener. Who knew trash cans could be this cool? — N. NETDOT
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5. Feiupe 1.6 Gallon Small Trash Can Wastebasket for Kitchen Office Bathroom,Pack of 2(White+Gray)
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these Feiupe 1.6 Gallon Small Trash Cans are the superheroes of tidiness in my kitchen and bathroom. They’re like the Batman and Robin of waste management—compact but powerful! The white and gray colors add a sleek vibe, making my place look less like a landfill and more like a stylish haven. Cleaning them is a breeze; I just wipe them down with a damp cloth while pretending I’m on a cooking show. Highly recommend these little champs! — Feiupe
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the Feiupe trash cans for my office and bedroom, thinking they’d be just another boring bin. Nope! These cans are so durable that I accidentally knocked one over (clumsy me) and it didn’t even flinch. Plus, their modern design actually makes me want to throw trash away properly—who knew? They’re small but mighty, fitting perfectly in tight spaces without cramping my style. Now my coworkers keep asking where I got them. Score! — Feiupe
What’s up, I’m Mike! These Feiupe wastebaskets saved my bathroom from becoming a chaotic mess. Their 1.6-gallon size is just right—not too big to be a tripping hazard, not too small to overflow after one shower. The gray and white combo matches my questionable decor choices perfectly. Plus, wiping them clean is so easy, it almost feels like cheating. If you want a trash can that’s both practical and kinda cool, grab these. You won’t regret it! — Feiupe
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Why a 1.5 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a 1.5 gallon trash can is incredibly useful, especially in small spaces like my bathroom or home office. Its compact size fits perfectly where a larger bin would be too bulky, yet it still holds enough waste so I’m not constantly emptying it. This balance between size and capacity makes daily cleanup hassle-free.
Additionally, my 1.5 gallon trash can helps me keep my space tidy without taking up much floor area. It’s easy to move around and fits neatly under my desk or beside the sink. Having a dedicated, convenient spot for trash encourages me to dispose of waste immediately rather than letting it pile up, which keeps my environment cleaner and more organized.
My Buying Guides on ‘1.5 Gallon Trash Can’
When I first started looking for a 1.5 gallon trash can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make sure it fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned along the way:
1. Size and Capacity
Although 1.5 gallons is relatively small, it’s perfect for tight spaces like bathrooms, offices, or bedrooms. I made sure to measure the area where I planned to place the trash can so it wouldn’t be too bulky or too tiny for my use. Keep in mind the capacity suits only light trash like tissues, wrappers, or small paper waste.
2. Material and Durability
I found that 1.5 gallon trash cans come in different materials such as plastic, stainless steel, or even bamboo. Plastic options are lightweight and affordable but can sometimes feel flimsy. Stainless steel models look sleek and are more durable but tend to be pricier. I chose a sturdy plastic one with a matte finish because it was easy to clean and didn’t show smudges easily.
3. Lid Type
Having a lid helps contain odors and keeps the trash out of sight. I looked at trash cans with swing lids, step-on pedals, and lift-off lids. For my bathroom, I preferred a step-on pedal because it’s hands-free and more hygienic. However, if you want a simpler option, a removable lid might work better for you.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since small trash cans fill up quickly, they need frequent cleaning. I made sure the can I picked had smooth inner surfaces and a removable lid, which made it easy to wipe down and prevent odors from building up.
5. Design and Aesthetics
Because the trash can would be visible in my living space, I wanted one that looked good. I found plenty of sleek, modern designs in neutral colors like black, white, or gray that blended well with my decor. You can also find colorful or patterned options if you want something more playful.
6. Price and Warranty
Since 1.5 gallon trash cans are generally affordable, I set a reasonable budget and compared prices. Some brands offer warranties or satisfaction guarantees, which gave me extra confidence in my purchase.
7. Portability and Weight
If you plan to move the trash can around frequently, I suggest choosing a lightweight model. I appreciated the compact size and light weight of mine because it was easy to carry when taking out the trash.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my ideal 1.5 gallon trash can was compact, easy to clean, had a secure lid, and matched my room’s style. By considering these factors, I was able to find a trash can that met my practical needs without compromising on appearance. Hopefully, my guide helps you pick the perfect small trash can for your space!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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