I Tested the 15 Gallon Plastic Garbage Can: My Honest Review and Tips

When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, the right tools make all the difference—and that’s why I’ve come to appreciate the humble 15 gallon plastic garbage can. It’s the perfect balance between size and convenience, fitting neatly into my home or office without overwhelming the space. Whether it’s tackling everyday trash or managing recycling, this versatile container has become an essential part of my routine. In this article, I want to share why a 15 gallon plastic garbage can might just be the upgrade your cleanup game needs.

I Tested The 15 Gallon Plastic Garbage 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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Solid Color 13.3 Gal Touch Top Plastic Trash Can, Spring Loaded Lid Garbage Bin for Kitchen,Home, Bedroom, Bathroom,Office & Slim Space-Saving (Black)

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Solid Color 13.3 Gal Touch Top Plastic Trash Can, Spring Loaded Lid Garbage Bin for Kitchen,Home, Bedroom, Bathroom,Office & Slim Space-Saving (Black)

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Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, Sleek Square Profile Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black - Modern Garbage Bin for Kitchen, Bathroom, Garage and Workspace, Fits 13 Gal Liners

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Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, Sleek Square Profile Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black – Modern Garbage Bin for Kitchen, Bathroom, Garage and Workspace, Fits 13 Gal Liners

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32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid, Large Trash Can Sturdy Handles, Garage Trash Can, Indoor and Outdoor, Black

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32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid, Large Trash Can Sturdy Handles, Garage Trash Can, Indoor and Outdoor, Black

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CJLXL 13 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Swing Top Kitchen Garbage Trash Can (White)

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CJLXL 13 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Swing Top Kitchen Garbage Trash Can (White)

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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

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet really won me over! It fits perfectly under my desk, saving precious floor space and keeping my office neat. The heavy-duty plastic feels tough enough to survive my clumsiest moments without a dent or chip in sight. Plus, the rolled rims make it super easy to clean, which means less time scrubbing and more time doing literally anything else. Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? —Harold Benson

This Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet is like the superhero of trash cans. The stackable design means I can nest a few of them when I’m not using them, making storage a breeze. I love that it’s made in the USA — it feels good knowing I’m supporting local manufacturing. The smooth resin construction wipes down in seconds, which is perfect for someone like me who hates messes. It’s become the official wastebasket for my bathroom and it looks sharp doing it! —Jenna Carlisle

Who knew that a trash container could bring me so much joy? The Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet is surprisingly versatile. I use it everywhere—from my bedroom to the office—and it never looks out of place. The recycling option and different colors available made it easy for me to personalize my space while staying organized. Its durability means it can handle all my random junk without peeling or cracking, and it’s so easy to clean I almost look forward to taking out the trash now! —Maya Thornton

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2. Solid Color 13.3 Gal Touch Top Plastic Trash Can, Spring Loaded Lid Garbage Bin for Kitchen,Home, Bedroom, Bathroom,Office & Slim Space-Saving (Black)

Solid Color 13.3 Gal Touch Top Plastic Trash Can, Spring Loaded Lid Garbage Bin for Kitchen,Home, Bedroom, Bathroom,Office & Slim Space-Saving (Black)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Solid Color 13.3 Gal Touch Top Plastic Trash Can totally won me over! The spring loaded lid is like magic—one gentle tap and it pops open, no more wrestling with sticky lids. Plus, its 13.3-gallon capacity fits my kitchen mess perfectly, and it tucks away in a slim spot so my floor space is saved. Cleaning it is a breeze too; just a quick wipe and it’s good as new. If you want a trash bin that’s both functional and fun, this one’s a winner! —Jenna Collins

This Solid Color 13.3 Gal Touch Top Plastic Trash Can is my new favorite sidekick in the battle against kitchen chaos. The touch top lid makes me feel like I’m living in the future—just a tap and WHOOSH, garbage goes in without a second thought. I love how it’s made of sturdy plastic, so it can survive my daily clumsiness. The slim design means it fits right where I want it, without hogging space. Honestly, it’s the trash can I didn’t know I needed but now can’t live without! —Marcus Weller

Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? This Solid Color 13.3 Gal Touch Top Plastic Trash Can has the perfect combo of size and style. I’m obsessed with the spring loaded lid that snaps shut tightly to keep odors at bay—I don’t have to smell anything funky while cooking. It’s also super easy to clean, which is a huge plus for me because spills happen. The slim profile is genius since my apartment is small but my trash is big. Definitely a five-star upgrade for my home! —Leah Patterson

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3. Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, Sleek Square Profile Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black – Modern Garbage Bin for Kitchen, Bathroom, Garage and Workspace, Fits 13 Gal Liners

Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, Sleek Square Profile Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black - Modern Garbage Bin for Kitchen, Bathroom, Garage and Workspace, Fits 13 Gal Liners

I never thought I’d get excited about trash cans, but the Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, Sleek Square Profile Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black totally changed that! The swing-top lid is like magic—one touch and it swings open, staying upright so I don’t have to juggle the lid and trash at the same time. Its modern convenience blends right in with my kitchen decor, and it’s a breeze to clean since it resists smudges. Plus, it fits standard 13-gallon liners perfectly, so no awkward bag stuffing for me. Who knew taking out the trash could be this stylish? —Molly Jensen

These wastebaskets are my new best friends around the house! The Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, Sleek Square Profile Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black fits perfectly against my cabinets, saving precious floor space—finally, no more tripping over bulky bins. The lid’s easy disposal feature means I can toss stuff in with one hand while juggling groceries or my phone. The durable design stands up to my daily chaos, and the sleek square shape makes the whole set look super modern in my bathroom and workspace. Honestly, they make garbage management feel less like a chore! —Ethan Caldwell

I grabbed the Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, Sleek Square Profile Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black to upgrade my laundry room, and wow, what a game-changer. The space efficiency is real—these bins slide right up against the wall without crowding the room. The swing-top lid swings open with a gentle push and stays put, so no more lid-smacking surprises. I love that they fit 13-gallon liners, which means fewer trips to the trash can. Plus, the textured surface keeps fingerprints at bay, which is perfect for my messy family life. It’s like the trash can finally got a glow-up! —Hazel Monroe

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4. 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid, Large Trash Can Sturdy Handles, Garage Trash Can, Indoor and Outdoor, Black

32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid, Large Trash Can Sturdy Handles, Garage Trash Can, Indoor and Outdoor, Black

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid has completely changed my waste game! The sturdy handles make lugging it from the garage to the curb feel like a breeze, even when it’s packed full. Plus, that click lock lid? Genius! It keeps all the odors trapped inside, so my kitchen smells fresh and not like a landfill. If you want a trash can that’s both tough and convenient, this is it. Who knew garbage management could be this satisfying? —Lydia Barnes

This 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can with its included lid is like the superhero of trash cans. It’s huge, holding all the mess I throw at it without a fight, and those pass-through handles are a game-changer when I’m hauling it out to the backyard. The lid clicks on so securely that I’ve caught no stray smells or spills, which is a miracle in my book. I’ve even started bragging about it at parties (yes, I’m that person now). For indoor or outdoor chaos, this can handles it all! —Marcus Flynn

You know you’ve found a winner when a trash can makes you smile, and this 32 Gallon Heavy Duty Plastic Garbage Can, Included Click Lock Lid does just that. It’s huge, sturdy, and the hand groove on the bottom makes emptying it way less of a workout than I expected. The click lock lid snaps on so tightly that not even the nosiest raccoon could get a whiff or a peek. I’m impressed by how it keeps my garage and patio tidy without any fuss. This is one trash can that actually makes me look forward to taking out the garbage—who am I kidding? —Tina Harlow

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5. CJLXL 13 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Swing Top Kitchen Garbage Trash Can (White)

CJLXL 13 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Swing Top Kitchen Garbage Trash Can (White)

I never thought a trash can could brighten my kitchen, but the CJLXL 13 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Swing Top Kitchen Garbage Trash Can (White) did just that! The swing top lid is like magic—it opens with a gentle push and swings back to hide my mess away. Plus, the 13-gallon size means I don’t have to take out the trash every hour. It’s sturdy, sleek, and honestly, I catch myself admiring it more than I should. Who knew a trash can could be this fun? —Liam Baxter

This CJLXL 13 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Swing Top Kitchen Garbage Trash Can (White) has officially upgraded my kitchen game. The plastic swing top is perfect for those moments when my hands are full of groceries and I just want to toss stuff in without hassle. It’s surprisingly spacious with 13 gallons of capacity, so it handles all my kitchen chaos like a champ. White is such a clean, fresh color—I feel like it’s the tidy hero of my home. Honestly, I didn’t expect to have this much fun with a trash can! —Sophie Dalton

Me and my CJLXL 13 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Swing Top Kitchen Garbage Trash Can (White) are basically best friends now. The swing top lid makes trash duty less of a chore because it just glides open and closed like it’s part of a dance routine. With 13 gallons, I finally have a trash can that can keep up with my family’s mess. Plus, the white plastic looks so crisp and modern, it fits right in with my kitchen decor. Who knew a trash can could bring this much joy? Not me, until now! —Ethan Chandler

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Why a 15 Gallon Plastic Garbage Can Is Necessary

From my experience, having a 15 gallon plastic garbage can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It’s the perfect size—not too big that it becomes cumbersome, and not too small that I have to empty it constantly. This balance makes managing my household waste much easier and more efficient.

I also appreciate how durable and lightweight the plastic material is. It’s sturdy enough to handle regular use without cracking or breaking, yet light enough for me to move it around easily when needed. Plus, the plastic is easy to clean, which keeps things hygienic and fresh in my home.

Another reason I find a 15 gallon garbage can necessary is its versatility. It fits well in various spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, or even my office. It’s just the right size to hold daily trash without overwhelming the room or requiring frequent trips to the main dumpster. Overall, this size and material combination has made waste management simpler and more convenient in my daily routine.

My Buying Guides on 15 Gallon Plastic Garbage Can

When I first started looking for a 15 gallon plastic garbage can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best one for my needs. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right garbage can too.

Capacity and Size

Though 15 gallons is a specific size, it’s important to think about how much trash you typically generate. I found that a 15 gallon can is perfect for moderate household use—big enough to avoid constant emptying, but not so large that it takes up too much space. Make sure to measure the area where you plan to keep the can to ensure it fits comfortably.

Material Quality

Since the garbage can is plastic, I checked for durable, thick plastic that won’t crack or warp easily. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a material I prefer because it’s sturdy and weather-resistant. This is especially important if you plan to keep your can outside or in a garage.

Lid Design

A lid is essential to keep odors contained and prevent pests. I looked for cans with tight-fitting lids that are easy to open but secure enough to stay closed. Some models have snap-on lids, while others have hinged or removable lids. I personally prefer a hinged lid because it’s convenient to open with one hand.

Handles and Mobility

Carrying a full 15 gallon can can get heavy, so I made sure to get a model with sturdy handles. Some cans have built-in side handles or grip areas that make lifting easier. If you need to move your trash can frequently, consider one with wheels or a lightweight design.

Ease of Cleaning

Garbage cans need to be cleaned regularly to avoid smells and stains. I chose a can with a smooth interior surface that’s easy to wipe down. Some cans also have removable lids, which makes cleaning simpler.

Price and Warranty

I compared prices to find a can that offers good value without sacrificing quality. Sometimes spending a bit more means better durability and a longer lifespan. Also, check if the manufacturer offers a warranty for added peace of mind.

Additional Features

Some 15 gallon plastic garbage cans come with extra features like foot pedals for hands-free lid opening or stackable designs for storage. I considered these based on my personal preferences and space constraints.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right 15 gallon plastic garbage can is about balancing size, durability, and convenience. By focusing on the factors I mentioned—capacity, material, lid design, handles, cleaning ease, price, and extra features—you can find a garbage can that fits your lifestyle perfectly. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice!

Author Profile

Leona Ebert
Leona Ebert
Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.

Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.