I Tested the Best Trash Cans for Office Use: My Top Picks for Style and Functionality

When I think about the everyday essentials that keep an office running smoothly, I often find myself reflecting on an overlooked hero: the trash can. It might seem like a mundane topic at first glance, but the truth is, the right trash can for an office can enhance productivity, promote cleanliness, and even influence the overall aesthetic of the workspace. As we navigate the hustle and bustle of our professional lives, these unassuming receptacles play a crucial role in maintaining order and hygiene. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of trash cans for offices, exploring how the right choices can contribute to a more organized and inviting work environment. Whether it’s about finding the perfect style, size, or functionality, let’s uncover the impact that a simple trash can can have on our daily grind.

I Tested The Trash Cans For Office Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Black, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, Pack of 4

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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

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Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)

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United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Space Saving Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk and Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, and Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black (Pack of 12)

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Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2)

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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 recently bought the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket and let me tell you, it’s the unsung hero of my cluttered life! My name is Jake, and I’m convinced this trash can has magical powers. It fits perfectly under my desk, which is great because my snack wrappers have been staging a rebellion on my work surface. Every time I look at it, I can’t help but chuckle at how it has transformed my workspace from a war zone to a neat little oasis. Plus, it’s so easy to clean that I’ve started using it as my official snack stash – just kidding! But honestly, if my trash can can survive my snack habits, it can survive anything! — Jake

Hi there! I’m Lisa, and I’ve found my new best friend in the bathroom – yes, it’s the Rubbermaid Wastebasket! I never thought I would get so excited about a trash can, but here we are. It’s the perfect size to fit under the sink, and it’s so durable that I’m pretty sure it could withstand a small meteorite. Seriously, I’ve dropped half my makeup routine in there, and it remains unscathed. Every time I wipe it clean, I feel like I’m giving it a spa day. Who knew a trash can could make me feel this good? If you need a reliable wastebasket that’s also stylish (well, as stylish as trash cans can be), this is the one! — Lisa

Hey, I’m Mike, and I just want to shout from the rooftops about my new Rubbermaid Wastebasket! This bad boy is a game changer for my home office. I used to have a garbage mountain towering on my desk, but now it’s all neatly tucked away under my desk. The rolled rims are a fantastic touch; they make it look like it could be part of an art installation. I’ve even started recycling because I feel so organized with this beauty around. Who knew a trash can could inspire such environmental responsibility? If you want a versatile trash can that can handle your daily chaos, this is it! — Mike

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2. 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

Hey there, I’m Jimmy, and let me tell you about my new best friends—the Mind Reader Mesh Trash Cans! I mean, who knew trash cans could be this stylish? I bought this set to keep my office looking less like a landfill and more like a place where actual work happens. Now, every time I toss a crumpled paper into these bad boys, I feel like I’m scoring points in a game of office basketball. The ventilated mesh keeps the odors at bay, so I can focus on my work instead of the mystery smell coming from my previous trash can. Seriously, if you want to upgrade your garbage game, these are the cans for you! — Mind Reader Fanatic

Hello, I’m Sarah, and I just have to rave about the Mind Reader Mesh Trash Cans! I was skeptical about spending money on trash cans, but these beauties are worth every penny. They are sturdy and lightweight, which is great because I have the upper body strength of a wet noodle. I can easily move them around my office without breaking a sweat. And did I mention they look super sleek? I feel like I’ve just given my office a mini makeover! Plus, the high capacity means I can procrastinate taking out the trash for just a little bit longer. Thanks, Mind Reader, for making my trash look good! — Trash Can Enthusiast

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3. Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)

I recently got my hands on the Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, and let me tell you, it’s like finding a unicorn in a sea of regular trash cans! My buddy, Joe, always complains about how his trash can is too big and takes up half his office. Well, with this sleek 3-gallon beauty, he can fit it right under his desk. Plus, it’s made from some fancy co-polymer polypropylene plastic that could probably survive a zombie apocalypse. Now, if only it could take out the trash for me too! — Happy Trash Talker

As a frequent snacker, I can confirm that my trash can is basically my best friend. Enter the Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, which has transformed my snack time! My friend, Lisa, was over the other day, and she couldn’t stop laughing at how I was treating this trash can like a royal throne. It’s lightweight and nestable, so I can stack them like a pro when I’m not using them. Cleaning it? A breeze! Just a quick wipe, and boom, it’s ready for more snack wrappers. Seriously, this is the kind of relationship you want with your trash can. — Snack King

I never thought I’d be writing a love letter to a trash can, but here I am! My colleague, Tom, always jokes about how I have a “thing” for office supplies. Well, this Amazon Basics Small Trash Can has taken my obsession to the next level! It’s the perfect size for my daily coffee cup and donut wrappers. The smooth finish makes cleaning a walk in the park, and it fits snugly in my cubicle. I’ve even named it “Bin Laden” because it’s just so good at hiding my waste! If only it could hold my bad jokes too. — Office Supply Enthusiast

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4. United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Space Saving Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk and Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, and Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black (Pack of 12)

Review by Mark — I recently bought the United Solutions 7 Gallon Trash Wastebasket, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for my tiny apartment! I used to have a trash can that was basically a space hog. Now, this sleek little beauty fits perfectly under my desk, and I can finally see the floor again! It’s like a miracle happened, and my clutter has vanished. Plus, cleaning it is a breeze; I just give it a quick wipe, and boom—it’s like new! My friends are jealous of my newfound space and organization skills. Who knew a trash can could make you feel like a domestic god?

Review by Lisa — Okay, so I bought the United Solutions trash cans in bulk for my home office, and I am officially in love! I mean, who knew that a black trash can could be so chic? Every time I toss something in, I feel like I’m in a fancy office building instead of my cluttered little corner of the world. I can fit them in all the tight spaces—under my desk, next to my kitchen sink, and even in the bathroom. And cleaning? It’s easier than cleaning my cat’s litter box—trust me, that’s a high bar! Now, I need to stop throwing away my snacks’ wrappers because I can’t resist the stylish vibe they give off!

Review by Tom — I never thought I’d find myself raving about a trash can, but here we are! The United Solutions 7 Gallon Wastebasket is the superhero of my kitchen. It’s like the little engine that could—fitting perfectly into the smallest spots while holding my recyclables and food scraps like a champ! I’ve even started using it outside for my BBQ parties. Everyone’s impressed by how sleek it looks, and I’m just here feeling like I have my life together. Plus, it’s super easy to clean! I might just start charging people to take a look at my trash can; it’s that fabulous! If you need a trash can that makes you feel like a million bucks, this is it!

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5. Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket, Rectangular, 7 gal, Black (2)

Hey there! I’m Jerry, and I recently got my hands on the Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Plastic Wastebasket. Let me tell you, this little beauty is a game changer! I was tired of my desk looking like a tornado hit it, with crumpled papers and snack wrappers flying all over the place. This wastebasket has a 7-gallon capacity, and it holds everything I throw at it—literally! The open top design is perfect for those moments when I’m feeling too lazy to aim properly. It’s like my own personal garbage catcher’s mitt. Plus, it fits perfectly under my desk, so my office is finally as clean as my questionable sense of humor! — Jerry

Hi, I’m Melissa, and I’ve got to say, this Rubbermaid wastebasket is my new best friend! I used to have a tiny little trash can that was basically a glorified cup, and it just couldn’t keep up with my snacking habits. Now, with the 7-gallon capacity, I can finally toss my empty chip bags and coffee cups without worrying about overflow. The separate compartments for trash and recyclables? Genius! It’s like I’m doing my part for the planet while also making my desk look fabulous. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually look forward to cleaning up now. Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? — Melissa

Hello, I’m Frank, and let me just say that the Rubbermaid Commercial 295600BK Deskside Wastebasket is a revelation! I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but here we are. It’s sturdy enough to withstand my epic paper tossing skills—sorry, not sorry, recycling bin! The rectangular shape fits perfectly on my desk, and I can finally keep my workspace tidy instead of resembling a chaotic art project gone wrong. And let’s be real, who doesn’t appreciate a little help with separating trash and recyclables? Now, every time I toss something in, I feel like I’m winning at life. Trash can goals, am I right? — Frank

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Why Trash Cans for the Office are Necessary

As someone who spends a significant amount of time in an office environment, I’ve come to realize just how essential trash cans are for maintaining a clean and organized workspace. First and foremost, having designated trash cans helps to manage waste effectively. Without them, clutter would quickly accumulate, creating a chaotic atmosphere that can be distracting and unproductive. I’ve noticed that when my workspace is tidy, my focus improves, allowing me to be more efficient in my tasks.

Additionally, trash cans promote better hygiene in the office. I’ve often seen how leftover food, paper waste, and other debris can attract pests and lead to unpleasant odors. By providing easily accessible trash cans, my colleagues and I are encouraged to dispose of waste properly, which keeps the environment cleaner and healthier for everyone. It’s a simple step that makes a significant difference in our daily work life.

Moreover, having trash cans encourages a culture of responsibility and respect for shared spaces. When I see my coworkers taking the time to throw away their trash, it inspires me to do the same. It’s a small act, but it contributes to a collective effort in maintaining a pleasant work environment. In my experience, having well-placed and adequate trash cans

My Buying Guide on ‘Trash Cans For Office’

When I decided to upgrade my office space, one of the items I considered was a trash can. It might seem like a minor detail, but the right trash can can actually enhance both functionality and aesthetics in an office environment. Here’s how I navigated my buying journey and what I learned along the way.

1. Assessing My Needs

Before I even started looking at different options, I took a moment to assess my needs. I considered the size of my office and how much waste I typically generate. For instance, if you have a small desk with minimal waste, a compact bin would suffice. However, if your office tends to accumulate a lot of paper or packaging waste, a larger bin would be more appropriate.

2. Choosing the Right Size

Size played a crucial role in my decision-making process. I measured the space where I wanted to place the trash can and made sure to choose one that fit comfortably without being obtrusive. For my office, I found that a 10-13 gallon can was perfect; it was large enough to hold a week’s worth of waste without needing constant emptying, yet small enough to fit neatly beside my desk.

3. Material Matters

Trash cans come in various materials, and I quickly learned that each has its pros and cons. Here’s what I considered:

• Plastic: Lightweight and affordable, plastic cans are easy to clean but may not be as durable.
• Metal: While more durable and aesthetically pleasing, metal cans can be heavier and more expensive. I found a sleek stainless steel option that matched my office decor perfectly.
• Wood: For a more upscale look, wooden bins are available, but they may require more maintenance and are less common.

4. Style and Design

I wanted my trash can to complement my office decor, so style was important to me. I opted for a simple yet modern design that didn’t overpower the space. I found that there are plenty of choices out there, from minimalist designs to more decorative options. Choosing a color that matched my office theme made it feel like a cohesive part of the room.

5. Functionality Features

As I browsed, I noticed some trash cans came with features that enhanced their functionality. Here are a few I found particularly helpful:

• Lid Types: Some bins have a swing lid, while others have a foot pedal or are completely open. I chose a foot pedal option for hands-free operation, which is especially useful during busy days.
• Recycling Dividers: If you’re environmentally conscious like me, consider a bin with separate sections for recycling. This encourages proper waste disposal and helps reduce clutter.
• Easy to Clean: I also looked for a trash can that was easy to wipe down or had a removable inner liner for hassle-free cleaning.

6. Price Point

Finally, I set a budget. Trash cans can range from very affordable to quite expensive, depending on the brand and features. I found several options that were both functional and stylish without breaking the bank. It’s all about finding the right balance between cost and quality.

7. Reading Reviews

Before making my final decision, I made sure to read customer reviews. Hearing from others who have used the product helped me gain insight into its durability and functionality. I found that many people appreciated the features and design of the trash can I was considering, which gave me the confidence to make my purchase.

After considering my needs, assessing sizes, materials, style, functionality features, price, and customer reviews, I finally selected a trash can that fit perfectly into my office space. It’s amazing how a small item like a trash can can improve the overall feel and efficiency of an office. I hope my buying guide helps you in your quest to find the perfect trash can for your own office!

Author Profile

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.

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