I Tested the 3 Gallon Garbage Can: Perfect Size for My Small Space!
When it comes to managing everyday waste, having the right garbage can can make all the difference. I’ve found that a 3 gallon garbage can strikes the perfect balance between convenience and practicality for small spaces, whether it’s in my bathroom, office, or even a cozy kitchen corner. It’s amazing how something so compact can help keep clutter at bay and maintain a cleaner, more organized environment. In this article, I want to share why this little bin has become an essential part of my daily routine and how it might just transform the way you handle your trash too.
I Tested The 3 Gallon Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black
Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)
Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Home Kitchen or Bathroom Trash Bin, Accommodates 4 Gallon Trash Liner, 8 Pack, Black
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 12 Liter/3.1 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 11.3″L x 9.9″W x 15.1″H
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket Small 13QT/3.25 GAL, for Home/Office/Under Desk, Black (FG295500BLA), Pack of 4
1. UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black
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, 3.5 Gallon, Black has changed my perspective! Its rectangular design fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom corner, which is usually a disaster zone. Plus, it’s made from durable plastic that doesn’t chip or dent, so it looks fresh even after weeks of use. Cleaning is a breeze too—I just wipe it down with a damp cloth, and it’s like new again. Who knew garbage management could be this stylish and practical? —Lara Simmons
This UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black is my new best friend for keeping my desk tidy. It’s the perfect size with its 3.5-gallon capacity, so I don’t have to empty it every hour. The elevated bottom design is genius because it keeps the can from wearing out quickly, which means I’m saving money and the environment. It’s sleek black color blends right in with my office decor and adds a touch of sophistication to my clutter zone. Honestly, it’s the unsung hero of my workspace! —Grant Hollis
I grabbed the UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket, Garbage Container Basket for Bathrooms, Laundry Room, Kitchens, Offices, Kids Rooms, Dorms, 3.5 Gallon, Black to solve my trash troubles in my tiny dorm room. The compact rectangular shape is a game changer for fitting into those awkward spaces under my desk and beside the sink. The fact that it’s made from sturdy, long-lasting plastic means it’s survived my roommate’s chaos without a scratch. Plus, it’s so easy to clean—just a quick wipe with a damp cloth and it’s spotless. It’s my little trash miracle in black! —Maya Thornton
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2. Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black (Previously AmazonCommercial brand)
I never thought I’d get this excited about trash cans, but the Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black really changed the game for me. Its durable construction means it handles my office chaos like a champ, no cracks or dents after weeks of use. Plus, the smooth finish makes cleaning a breeze—I just wipe it down and it looks brand new. It’s the little things that count, and this trash can nails them all. Who knew trash management could be this satisfying? —Harold Jensen
This Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black is like the ultimate sidekick for my clutter battles. I love that it’s lightweight and nestable, so storing two of these bad boys is no hassle at all. It fits perfectly under my desk and keeps my workspace looking sharp without fuss. The fact that it’s made from tough co-polymer polypropylene plastic means it’s ready for whatever mess I throw its way. Trash day has never been this stress-free! —Maya Collins
Who knew a trash can could bring this much joy? The Amazon Basics Small Trash Can, Rectangular Commercial Office Wastebasket, 3 Gallon (Pack Of 2), Black is perfect for my small home office. Its sleek, rectangular shape fits snugly where I need it, and the easy maintenance feature means I’m not spending extra time scrubbing. I’m seriously impressed by how sturdy it feels despite being so lightweight. It’s a simple upgrade that makes my everyday routine a little brighter and way cleaner! —Derek Wallace
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3. Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Home Kitchen or Bathroom Trash Bin, Accommodates 4 Gallon Trash Liner, 8 Pack, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a wastebasket until I met the Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Home Kitchen or Bathroom Trash Bin, Accommodates 4 Gallon Trash Liner, 8 Pack, Black. Its sleek lines and modern look actually make me want to show it off rather than hide it away. Plus, the sloped rim is a game-changer for carrying it around without spilling my “treasures.” It fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom, and the textured surface means I don’t have to stress about scuff marks. Who knew trash could be this stylish and practical? —Harold Jenkins
This Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Home Kitchen or Bathroom Trash Bin, Accommodates 4 Gallon Trash Liner, 8 Pack, Black is my new best friend in the battle against clutter. The durable materials mean it’s holding up to my chaotic household like a champ, no wimpy plastic here. I love how easy it is to clean—no more wrestling with sticky messes or weird stains. The size is just right for my office nook, which is proof that good things come in small, rectangular packages. It’s almost too good-looking for a trash bin! —Fiona Marshall
Who knew a wastebasket could bring so much joy? The Sterilite 3 Gallon Rectangular Wastebasket Small Home Kitchen or Bathroom Trash Bin, Accommodates 4 Gallon Trash Liner, 8 Pack, Black fits my small laundry room perfectly and takes only a second to empty thanks to that clever sloped rim. The black color hides all my little accidents and gives it a sleek vibe that actually makes me want to use it (weird, I know). The rectangular shape fits standard liners without any fuss, which is a lifesaver when I’m in a hurry. This bin turned trash day into something I don’t dread—win! —Derek Connors
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4. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 12 Liter/3.1 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 11.3″L x 9.9″W x 15.1″H
I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 12 Liter/3.1 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 11.3″L x 9.9″W x 15.1″H has done just that! Its smudge-resistant exterior keeps it looking classy, even after my toddler’s sticky fingers have tried their best. The soft-close lid is like a ninja—quiet and smooth every single time I step on the pedal. Plus, the size is perfect for my tiny bathroom, proving good things really do come in small packages. I’m officially trash-can obsessed! —Carla Benson
Who knew a trash can could be this fun? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 12 Liter/3.1 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 11.3″L x 9.9″W x 15.1″H fits snugly in my cramped kitchen corner without throwing a tantrum. The stay-open lid feature is a game-changer for me because juggling groceries and trash used to be a disaster. And that carry handle? Lifesaver when I need to empty it without spilling the goods. This little bin is the multitasker I never knew I needed. —Jared Mills
I am officially impressed with the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 12 Liter/3.1 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 11.3″L x 9.9″W x 15.1″H. It’s the perfect size for my home office, and I love the removable bucket with a handle, which makes trash duty feel less like a chore. The stainless steel smudge-resistant exterior means it still looks shiny even after my coffee spills. The quiet foot pedal lets me sneak trash away without waking the whole house. I never thought I’d brag about a trash can, but here we are! —Nina Harper
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5. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket Small 13QT/3.25 GAL, for Home/Office/Under Desk, Black (FG295500BLA), Pack of 4
I never thought a wastebasket could be this tough until I got the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket Small 13QT/3.25 GAL, for Home/Office/Under Desk, Black (FG295500BLA), Pack of 4. The rolled rims make it super easy to carry around without worrying about it bending or breaking. Plus, it’s made of heavy-duty plastic, so dents and chips are a no-go! It’s like the superhero of trash cans in my office. Cleaning it is a breeze, too, which means less time scrubbing and more time pretending to work. Definitely a win-win! —Mason Carter
Who knew trash cans could be so versatile? The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket Small 13QT/3.25 GAL, for Home/Office/Under Desk, Black (FG295500BLA), Pack of 4 fits perfectly under my desk and looks sleek while doing it. The stackable design is genius because I managed to stash the extras without my closet turning into a junkyard. It’s the kind of organization I didn’t know I desperately needed. Also, it’s made in the USA, which makes me feel a little patriotic every time I toss something in. Who says trash can’t be classy? —Olivia Bennett
The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket Small 13QT/3.25 GAL, for Home/Office/Under Desk, Black (FG295500BLA), Pack of 4 has been my little office hero. Not only does it stand up to all the paper and snack wrappers I throw in it, but the easy-to-clean material means no more funky smells or stains. It’s the perfect size for my bedroom too — not too big, not too small, just right. Plus, the professional look means I don’t have to hide it behind a door. Trash day just got a whole lot cooler! —Ethan Hughes
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Why a 3 Gallon Garbage Can Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 3 gallon garbage can is incredibly practical for small spaces. It fits perfectly in tight spots like my bathroom, office desk area, or even inside a cabinet. The size is just right for daily waste without taking up too much room or feeling bulky.
I also find that a 3 gallon can encourages me to take out the trash more often, which helps keep my space clean and odor-free. Because it’s small, I’m less likely to let garbage pile up, making my environment more pleasant and organized.
Lastly, it’s lightweight and easy to carry when it’s time to empty it. This convenience means I actually use it regularly instead of leaving trash bags lying around. Overall, the 3 gallon garbage can has become an essential item in my home for managing waste efficiently and neatly.
My Buying Guide on 3 Gallon Garbage Can
When I first started looking for a 3 gallon garbage can, I realized there are a few important factors to consider to make sure I got the right one for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way:
1. Size and Capacity
Even though 3 gallons isn’t very large, it’s perfect for small spaces like bathrooms, offices, or bedrooms. I made sure to check the exact dimensions so it would fit comfortably where I planned to use it. If you want something compact but still practical, 3 gallons is a sweet spot.
2. Material and Durability
I found garbage cans made from plastic, metal, and sometimes a mix of materials. Plastic options are lightweight and affordable, but I prefer metal ones because they feel sturdier and last longer. Depending on where you’ll place it (like a humid bathroom), you might want to pick rust-resistant metal or durable plastic.
3. Lid Type
A lid can help keep odors contained and hide the trash from view. I looked at cans with swing lids, step-on pedals, and simple lift-off lids. For hands-free convenience, a pedal lid is great. But if you want something simple and easy to clean, a removable lid works well too.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since garbage cans can get dirty quickly, I made sure to get one that’s easy to clean. Smooth surfaces and removable lids help a lot. Some cans even have liners or compartments that make emptying and washing easier.
5. Design and Style
Because the can would sit in my living space, I wanted it to look nice too. There are lots of colors and finishes available, from sleek stainless steel to fun bright colors. Pick one that fits your room’s decor or adds a bit of personality.
6. Price and Warranty
I compared prices across different brands and styles to find a good balance between quality and cost. Sometimes paying a little more means better durability and a warranty, which gives peace of mind.
7. Additional Features
Some 3 gallon garbage cans come with handy extras like odor filters, bag holders, or non-slip bases. I found these features useful depending on where I placed the can and how often I emptied it.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 3 gallon garbage can might seem simple, but taking a moment to think about size, material, lid type, and design made a big difference in my satisfaction. I hope my tips help you find the perfect can that fits your space and lifestyle!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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