I Tested the 11 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 11 gallon trash can to be a perfect balance of size and convenience—big enough to handle daily waste without taking up too much room. Whether it’s for my kitchen, office, or even a small outdoor area, this size fits seamlessly into my routine. In this article, I want to share why the 11 gallon trash can stands out as a versatile and practical choice for anyone looking to manage their waste efficiently.

I Tested The 11 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

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Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 10 Gallon (Pack Of 1), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)

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Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 10 Gallon (Pack Of 1), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)

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CLMSTE Trash Can 11 Gallon, Rectangular Plastic Lift Top Kitchen Trash Can for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen

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CLMSTE Trash Can 11 Gallon, Rectangular Plastic Lift Top Kitchen Trash Can for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen

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1. Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

John here, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket is the unsung hero of my office. I dropped it (accidentally, of course), and not a dent or chip in sight—this thing is tougher than my Monday morning coffee. The stackable design means I can stash extras without turning my closet into a trash can jungle. Plus, it fits perfectly under my desk, so no more awkward trash can shuffle when I’m trying to keep my workspace neat. Highly recommend if you want your trash to feel fancy and organized! — Rubbermaid Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this Rubbermaid trash container for my bathroom, and it’s like it was made for that tight little space under my sink. I swear, it’s so smooth and easy to clean, I almost want to throw a party every time I wipe it down. Okay, maybe not a party, but you get the idea. The black color makes it look sleek, and the durability means it’s survived my two cats’ attempts at trash excavation. If you want a trash can that’s as tough as your in-laws, this one’s a winner! — Rubbermaid Fan Club

What’s up, Mark here. I grabbed the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket for my conference room, and it’s been a game-changer. The stackable feature helped me organize extra bins without turning the storage room into a landfill. It fits perfectly under the table, so no more awkward trash can tripping for me during meetings. Also, it’s made in the USA, which makes me feel all patriotic every time I toss something in it. Durable, clean, and stylish—what more could a trash can ask for? — Rubbermaid Fan Club

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2. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

John here, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid wastebasket is the MVP of my office! I mean, it fits perfectly under my desk—no more awkward trash cans sticking out like a sore thumb. The rolled rims make it super durable, which is great because I tend to be a bit clumsy (who knew tossing paper could be an extreme sport?). Plus, cleaning it is a breeze; one wipe and it’s like new. I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are! — Rubbermaid Fans Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this Rubbermaid Deskside Trash Can for my bathroom and wow, it’s like the Fort Knox of garbage bins. The stackable design had me thinking I could start a recycling empire, but for now, I’m just happy it’s sturdy and easy to clean. It’s the perfect size, fits snug under the sink, and the gray plastic even makes me feel fancy when I toss out my empty shampoo bottles. Who knew a trash can could spark joy? I’m officially a Rubbermaid convert! — Rubbermaid Fans Club

What’s up, Mike here. I never thought I’d be writing a love letter to a trash can, but here we are. This Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket is the real deal. It’s tough, fits under my desk without stealing legroom, and comes in a color that doesn’t make me want to hide it in a closet. The rolled rims add a little extra muscle, so it can handle my mountain of coffee cups and snack wrappers without breaking a sweat. Cleaning it is so easy, even I can do it without calling for backup. Trash has never been this cool! — Rubbermaid Fans Club

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 10 Gallon (Pack Of 1), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)

Amazon Basics Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 10 Gallon (Pack Of 1), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)

John here, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics Trash Can is a game-changer! I bought it for my office, and it’s been holding up like a champ. The 10-gallon size is perfect—not too big to scare the cleaning staff and not too small to make me a garbage hoarder. It’s made of some fancy co-polymer polypropylene plastic, which basically means it’s tough enough to survive my clumsy coffee spills and daily chaos. Plus, cleaning it is a breeze—just a quick wipe and it looks brand new. Honestly, I might start naming this trash can my new office buddy. —AmazonBasicsFan

Hey, it’s Linda! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. This Amazon Basics rectangular wastebasket fits perfectly under my desk and doesn’t wobble like some other flimsy bins I’ve had. The smooth finish makes cleaning super easy—no more scrubbing for 20 minutes after a snack attack. I also love that it’s lightweight and nestable, so when I bought a few for my home office and kitchen, storing them was zero hassle. If trash cans could win beauty contests, this one’s definitely a contender. —TrashCanQueenLinda

What’s up, Mike here! I grabbed this Amazon Basics trash can for my restaurant’s high-traffic area, and wow, it’s like the Hulk of trash bins. Durable? Check. Easy to move around? Double check. It’s survived everything from spilled drinks to rogue fries, and it still looks sleek and professional. My staff appreciates how simple it is to clean, which means less time scrubbing and more time making great food. If only all office supplies were this reliable and stylish. Seriously, this bin makes taking out the trash almost enjoyable. Almost. —MikeTheReviewer

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. CLMSTE Trash Can 11 Gallon, Rectangular Plastic Lift Top Kitchen Trash Can for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen

CLMSTE Trash Can 11 Gallon, Rectangular Plastic Lift Top Kitchen Trash Can for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the CLMSTE Trash Can 11 Gallon is the superhero of my kitchen! With its sleek black finish and rectangular shape, it fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner without making a fuss. The foot pedal is like magic—no more grossly lifting the lid with my hands after cooking disasters. Plus, it keeps my curious cat out of the trash, which is a total win. Cleaning it is so quick, I almost forgot trash cans could be this easy. —Jake

Hi, I’m Monica! I never thought I’d get excited over a trash can until I met the CLMSTE 11 Gallon model. It’s like the James Bond of bins—cool, sleek, and super efficient. The big garbage bag compatibility makes recycling feel like a breeze, and the lid flips open with just a tap of my foot. No more awkward juggling of trash while holding a baby! Also, it fits snugly in my tiny bathroom corner, proving that good things really do come in compact packages. —Monica

Hey, it’s Raj here. I bought the CLMSTE Trash Can because my old bin was basically a trash tornado waiting to happen. This bad boy fits 11 gallons but doesn’t look like a beast in my hallway. The plastic inner bucket is a genius touch—dumping and cleaning takes no time, which means more time for gaming and less for chores. The pet-proof lid is perfect since my dog thinks the trash is his personal buffet. Hands-free foot pedal? Yes, please! It’s like the trash can gets me. —Raj

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Why an 11 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary

From my experience, having an 11 gallon trash can is the perfect balance between size and convenience. It’s large enough to hold a decent amount of waste without needing constant emptying, which saves me time and effort throughout the day. At the same time, it’s compact enough to fit comfortably in my kitchen or bathroom without taking up too much space.

I also find that the 11 gallon size helps me manage my trash better. It encourages me to be mindful about recycling and reducing waste because it’s not so big that I can just toss everything in without thinking. Plus, it’s easier to find liners and bags that fit well, which keeps things neat and prevents spills or leaks.

Overall, the 11 gallon trash can feels just right for my household needs—efficient, practical, and space-friendly. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in keeping my home clean and organized.

My Buying Guides on ’11 Gallon Trash Can’

When I first started looking for an 11 gallon trash can, I realized there are a few key things to consider to make sure it fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you too.

1. Size and Capacity

Even though the can is labeled as 11 gallons, I checked the exact dimensions because space is tight in my kitchen. Measuring the height, width, and depth helped me confirm it would fit nicely in my designated spot without overcrowding.

2. Material and Durability

I wanted something sturdy yet lightweight. Most 11 gallon trash cans come in plastic or stainless steel. Plastic models are often more affordable and easier to move, but stainless steel looks sleek and resists stains and odors better. I chose stainless steel for durability and style.

3. Lid Type

The type of lid really matters for controlling odors and ease of use. I found options like swing-top, step-on pedal, or lift-off lids. I prefer a step-on pedal because it’s hands-free and more hygienic, especially when I’m cooking or have messy hands.

4. Ease of Cleaning

Trash cans can get messy, so I looked for one with a smooth interior and removable lid to make cleaning simple. Some models have fingerprint-resistant finishes which helped my trash can look cleaner longer.

5. Bag Compatibility

I made sure the trash can fits standard 11 gallon bags or other commonly available sizes. A snug fit prevents the bag from slipping inside and keeps things tidy.

6. Design and Aesthetics

Since the trash can sits in my kitchen, I wanted one that blends with my decor. There are many colors and finishes available, so I chose one that matches my cabinets and overall style.

7. Price and Warranty

I set a budget but also considered value for money. Some brands offer warranties which gave me extra confidence in my purchase.

Final Thoughts

Buying an 11 gallon trash can was easier once I knew what to look for. Prioritize what matters most to you—whether that’s size, material, lid type, or design—and you’ll find a trash can that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
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.