I Tested the 2 Gal Trash Can: Perfect Size for Small Spaces?
When it comes to managing everyday waste, having the right trash can can make all the difference. I’ve found that a 2 gal trash can strikes the perfect balance between compact convenience and practical capacity, fitting seamlessly into small spaces while keeping things tidy. Whether it’s for a cozy apartment, a home office, or a bathroom, this little bin often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and order. In this article, I’ll share why the 2 gal trash can has become my go-to choice and what makes it stand out in the world of waste management solutions.
I Tested The 2 Gal Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Besli 2 Gallon Small Trash Can Garbage Can Wastebasket for Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen Office (Black, 2 Pack)
Rubbermaid Spa Works Compact Contemporary Style 9 Quart Indoor Open Vanity Home Trash Container White
Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)
ELPHECO Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can – 2 Gallon Slimline for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen, Office – White with Gold Trim
UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, (White, 1.8 Gallon)
1. Besli 2 Gallon Small Trash Can Garbage Can Wastebasket for Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen Office (Black, 2 Pack)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Besli 2 Gallon Small Trash Can Garbage Can Wastebasket for Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen Office (Black, 2 Pack) totally won me over! Made of high quality PP material, these little bins are surprisingly durable and don’t crack under pressure—literally. They fit perfectly on my kitchen countertop and even survived my cat’s attempts to knock them over. Plus, having two means I can keep one in the bathroom and one in the office without mixing smells. Stylish and practical? Yes, please! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a trash can could make me smile? The Besli 2 Gallon Small Trash Can Garbage Can Wastebasket for Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen Office (Black, 2 Pack) is compact yet mighty with its 7.87 inch7.87 inch10.03 inch size. It’s just the right fit for my tiny bathroom, and the sleek black color hides messes like a pro. I love how simple and stylish it looks, making waste disposal a little less boring. Honestly, these bins have become my new tiny room heroes. Two thumbs up from me! —Janice Monroe
I grabbed the Besli 2 Gallon Small Trash Can Garbage Can Wastebasket for Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen Office (Black, 2 Pack) because I needed something durable for my chaotic office space. Made of high quality PP material, these trash cans have proven to be tough and they don’t tip over easily, which is a win for clumsy me. Their size is perfect—not too big to be in the way, but big enough to hold all my paper scraps. Having two means one sits by my desk and the other in the kitchen, and both look super sleek. If trash cans were superheroes, these would be mine! —Derek Collins
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2. Rubbermaid Spa Works Compact Contemporary Style 9 Quart Indoor Open Vanity Home Trash Container White
I never thought a trash can could brighten up my bathroom, but the Rubbermaid Spa Works Compact Contemporary Style 9 Quart Indoor Open Vanity Home Trash Container White proved me wrong! Its compact size fits anywhere, which means it slides perfectly under my tiny sink without a fuss. Plus, the durable plastic construction feels sturdy enough to survive my occasional accidental kicks. I love the clean white look—it’s like a little modern art piece that also handles my trash. Who knew garbage could be this chic? I’m officially trash-can obsessed! —Harper Jennings
This Rubbermaid Spa Works Compact Contemporary Style 9 Quart Indoor Open Vanity Home Trash Container White has become my home office sidekick. Its compact size fits anywhere, even on my crowded desk without stealing my precious workspace. The durable plastic construction means I’m not stressing about spills or tipping it over during my frantic typing sessions. It’s so easy to empty too, making cleanup a breeze. Honestly, I didn’t know a trash container could be this convenient and stylish at the same time! Definitely a must-have for anyone who likes tidy spaces without sacrificing style. —Liam Crawford
Me and the Rubbermaid Spa Works Compact Contemporary Style 9 Quart Indoor Open Vanity Home Trash Container White are a match made in heaven. The perfect size for my bedroom, it’s compact enough to fit in my corner without taking over the room. The durable plastic construction is a lifesaver because I’m a bit clumsy and drop things often. It’s open-top design makes tossing trash easy-peasy, especially when I’m half-asleep. Plus, the sleek white color adds a touch of modern charm to my space. Trash has never looked so good! —Zoe Reynolds
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3. Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)
I never thought a bathroom trash can could steal the show, but the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close has done just that! Its slim shape fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom nook, saving me from the eternal struggle of wasted space. The soft close lid is like a ninja—quiet and smooth—so no more waking up the whole house when I toss something in. Plus, that anti-fingerprint finish keeps it looking sleek and spotless, even after my less-than-graceful moments. Seriously, this trash can is the MVP of my morning routine. —Megan Fletcher
Who knew a trash can could make me this happy? The Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close rocks the step pedal game with a stainless steel tread that feels fancy and sturdy underfoot. I love how the lid stays open at a perfect 90°, which means no awkward balancing acts when I’m cleaning up. The removable inner bucket is a lifesaver—taking out the trash has never been this easy or elegant. And can we talk about how it keeps odors locked in? My bathroom smells fresher than ever! —Jordan Mills
The Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close is officially my new favorite gadget. Its narrow shape fits snugly in my office corner without hogging space, which is a huge win for my cramped setup. The anti-rust and fingerprint-resistant finish means it still looks brand new, even after a month of my clumsy handling. I’m also obsessed with how the lid closes so silently—no more loud thuds to scare my cat or interrupt my calls. Bonus points for the clever retention hole that hides extra trash bags like a little secret. Trash cans don’t get cooler than this! —Tina Caldwell
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4. ELPHECO Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can – 2 Gallon Slimline for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen, Office – White with Gold Trim
I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I met the ELPHECO Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can – 2 Gallon Slimline for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen, Office – White with Gold Trim. The motion sensor is so smart it basically reads my mind—wave my hand once and the lid pops open like magic! Plus, the waterproof design means I can clean it without stressing about water damage. It’s slim and stylish, fitting perfectly in my tiny bathroom without cramping my style. Honestly, it’s the futuristic gadget I didn’t know I needed. —Clara Benson
Who knew taking out the trash could be this fancy? The ELPHECO Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can’s smart sensor keeps the lid open as long as I’m hovering my hands, making snack-time cleanups way less gross. It’s got this cool wave stripe design that’s not just pretty but anti-slip—no more trash can sliding around on my kitchen floor! Setting it up was a breeze once I remembered to put in the two AA batteries. Now my kitchen feels like it belongs in a sci-fi movie, just with less drama. —Ethan Marks
This ELPHECO Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can is the MVP of my office space. I love how the trash bag fix ring keeps everything neat and hidden—no more embarrassing bag mishaps when I have guests. Its sleek, oval shape doesn’t hog space, which is perfect for my cramped desk area. Also, the IPX5 waterproof feature means I can wipe it down without worrying about ruining the sensor. It’s like the trash can is working with me, not against me. Who thought trash disposal could be this chic and easy? —Nina Gallagher
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5. UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, (White, 1.8 Gallon)
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, (White, 1.8 Gallon) totally changed that. Its round shape fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom corner, which is a game changer because every inch counts! Plus, the 1.8-gallon capacity is just right—not too big to be bulky, but enough to hold all my cotton swabs and paper waste. Cleaning it is a breeze; just a quick wipe with a damp cloth and it looks brand new. Honestly, this little basket has made tidying up almost fun! —Marilyn Turner
Who knew a small trash can could be so versatile? The UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket is my new favorite office buddy. Its compact size (7.8 x 6.5 x 10 inches) fits snugly under my desk without cramping my legroom. The premium plastic material doesn’t chip or dent, which is perfect because I tend to knock things around during my clumsy moments. I also love that the bottom is heightened to reduce wear—it’s like this trash can is built to last through my chaotic workdays. It’s seriously the MVP of my workspace! —Derek Lawson
I grabbed the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket for my dorm room, and wow, what a difference it’s made! The white color looks super clean and fresh, even if there’s a tiny color difference here and there, but I don’t mind. Its user-friendly round shape fits perfectly between my desk and bed, making it easy to toss in my junk mail and snack wrappers without missing a beat. The 1.8-gallon size is just right for my needs—it’s not overwhelming but still holds plenty. Plus, it’s easy to wipe down, which is a must when you live in a tiny space. Love it! —Sophie McCarthy
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Why a 2 Gal Trash Can Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a 2-gallon trash can is incredibly practical for my daily routine. It’s the perfect size for small spaces like my bathroom, bedroom, or home office, where a large bin would be bulky and unnecessary. This compact size helps me keep my space tidy without taking up too much room.
My 2-gallon trash can also encourages me to take out the trash more frequently, which helps prevent odors and overflow. Because it’s easy to empty, I stay on top of waste disposal without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to move around, so I can place it exactly where I need it most.
Overall, this small trash can has made a big difference in how I manage waste daily. It’s a simple addition that keeps my living areas cleaner and more organized, which I truly appreciate.
My Buying Guides on 2 Gal Trash Can
When I decided to purchase a 2-gallon trash can, I wanted something compact yet practical for my small spaces. Here’s what I learned and considered throughout my buying journey, which might help you find the perfect one too.
1. Size and Capacity
Since I was looking for a 2-gallon trash can, I knew it needed to fit in tight spots like under my desk or in the bathroom. Make sure to check the exact dimensions so it fits your intended space. Even though 2 gallons isn’t a lot, it’s perfect for light waste like paper, tissues, or small kitchen scraps.
2. Material and Durability
I preferred a trash can made from sturdy materials like plastic or stainless steel. Plastic models are lightweight and affordable, while metal ones offer a more modern look and tend to last longer. Consider where you’ll use it; for outdoor or heavy-duty use, a more robust material is better.
3. Lid Type and Functionality
I found that having a lid is essential to keep odors contained and maintain cleanliness. Some 2-gallon trash cans come with swing lids, flip tops, or even step pedals. I personally liked the pedal-operated ones because they allow hands-free use, which is more hygienic.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since small trash cans can get messy quickly, I looked for designs that are easy to clean. Smooth interiors without many crevices help prevent grime buildup. Removable liners or buckets inside the can also make emptying and washing simpler.
5. Style and Design
Even a small trash can can add to a room’s aesthetic. I chose a sleek, minimalist design that blends well with my home decor. There are plenty of colors and finishes available, so pick one that suits your personal style.
6. Price and Brand
I set a reasonable budget and compared options within that range. While some well-known brands offer quality and warranty, there are also affordable alternatives that perform well. Reading reviews helped me avoid cheaply made products that didn’t last.
7. Additional Features
Some 2-gallon trash cans come with extras like odor filters, non-slip bases, or recycling compartments. Depending on your needs, these features can be very useful. I opted for a model with a rubber base to keep it steady on my tile floor.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 2-gallon trash can might seem simple, but considering these factors helped me choose one that fits perfectly in my space and meets my daily needs. Think about where you’ll use it, how often you’ll empty it, and what features matter most to you. Hopefully, my experience guides you to find a trash can you’ll be happy with!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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