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7 Bathroom Trash Cans That Won’t Look Like—Well, Trash—in Your Small Space

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If there’s any room in the house that needs a trash can, it’s your bathroom. Between removing your makeup with cotton balls and non-flushable wipes and cleaning your teeth with the dental floss you want to keep away from the cat, these handy receptacles are an ideal way to prevent mishaps, ensure you’re not clogging your plumbing and keep your space nice and tidy. Lucky for you, we dug into the deepest burrows of the internet to find the best bathroom trash cans on the market, taking into account their convenience, size, user-friendly features and design.

What you Should Look for in a Bathroom Trash Can

  • Material: Bathroom trash cans come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Plastic is a solid go-to option for how light, affordable and easy to clean it tends to be. Because a light trash can may lead to a disaster, however—aka easily tip over and spill out onto the floor—a heavier frame, like stainless steel would do you and your bathroom a favor (bonus points if it’s smudge proof). Other light-yet-sturdy options include rattan, wicker and straw, all of which also tend to be sustainably produced. Stay away from perforated designs that might allow small pieces of debris to seep out from the bottom.
  • Size: Chances are, you’re going to want to slip your bathroom trash can somewhere discreet, like between the toilet and the sink or the shower. Be sure to measure the space you'll be placing it in before committing to a can, leaving a couple inches of clearance room so it’s not squeezed up against the wall and potentially scratching it.
  • Lids: Not only is garbage unsightly, it can easily overflow if it’s not bound by a lid. A top, be it standard or swing, is a great way to conceal the potentially private contents of your trash can when guests are over.
  • Step: The last thing you need is to catch a cold (or worse) by inadvertently touching someone else’s used Kleenex. Get rid of your trash hands-free with a trash can step to do your small-yet-meaningful part in making the world—or at least your bathroom—a little less germy.

Ready to find your perfect bathroom trash can? These stellar options are a great bet.

The Best Bathroom Trash Cans at a Glance

Psst You’re Using Trash Bags All Wrong


Best Overall

1. Simplehuman Bathroom Trash Can

SimpleHuman

This bathroom trash can is designed for small spaces and fits well in bathrooms (or anywhere else space is limited) and boasts a fingerprint-proof finish that resists smudges and stays shiny.

What We Like: The sturdy steel pedal of this pick makes it easy to toss your trash without having to worry about getting your hands dirty. In addition, it’s so sturdy that the brand claims it lasts 150,000 steps—that’s more than 20 steps a day for 20 years! The lid is designed to close slowly and quietly, so as not to awake or disturb other housemates, and it contains an inner bucket for easy trash disposal.

Best Uncovered Bathroom Trash Can

2. Idesign Franklin Collection Bathroom Trash Can

iDesign

This trash can might be made of plastic, but at 9 inches tall and 7 inches in diameter, its wide, sturdy base makes it unlikely to tip over.

What We Like: There’s a time and place for a lid-free trash can—like if you live alone and don’t mind seeing your refuse out in the open, or if you prefer to toss your trash in the can from afar, à la Michael Jordan. This simple, lid-free design is convenient and fuss-free. Its painted teal coating will also add a splash of color to any bathroom décor.

Best Plastic Bathroom Trash Can

3. mDesign Bathroom Trash Can

mDesign

Made of durable BPA and chlorine-free shatter-resistant plastic with integrated handles, this bathroom trash can is plenty functional.

What We Like: This compact bathroom trash can features an easy-to-use design that has four handles, so you can easily move it from room to room, or get a better grip emptying the trash. It also works well for storage for the likes of small items and toys. It comes in two sizes—10 inches and 12 inches high—and is available in plenty of stunning colors, from Terracotta to Merlot, to suit every taste.

Best Bathroom Trash Can With Lid

4. iTouchless Bathroom Trash Can

iTouchless

This can contains a separate inner bin for easy garbage removal.

What We Like: One of the downsides of keeping trash in small enclosed spaces, like a bathroom, is the smell it might emit. This best-selling find features built-in odor control filter that’s reportedly active for up to three months. Its step function lasts up to an impressive 200,000 steps, and its lid stays open with a quick push. It comes in several different configurations (think round, semi-round and rectangular), and bottom pads prevent any scuffs to the floor.

Best Wicker Bathroom Trash Can

5. Household Essentials Bathroom Trash Can

Household Essentials

Made of eco-friendly, renewable wicker, this handwoven trash can is a great way to bring the outdoors indoors while reducing your carbon footprint.

What We Like: Because there’s a removable liner, it won’t easily allow any trash to seep through. As an added bonus, you can buy an extra one for a matching dual-use planter.

Most Durable

6. Umbra Mini Waste Can

Umbra

The swinging lid on this trash can makes it easy to toss your garbage without having to manually lift the lid. Plus, it’s tightly secured, so it won’t slide off, and easily removable once it’s time to take out the trash. The marble print is classy enough to turn your bathroom into a place you’ll actually look forward to keeping clean (though tons of other colors are available if that doesn't fit your vibe) and it's made of recycled polypropylene, too.

Best Hidden Bathroom Trash Can

7. SimpleHuman Cabinet Bathroom Trash Can

SimpleHuman

If you’re seriously tight on room, this best-selling trash can is an absolute space-saver.

What We Like: Because this trash can is mounted to the inside of your cabinet door, you can easily remove the inside bucket when taking out the trash or inserting a new garbage bag. It comes with all the hardware you need to easily mount it and has a durable, steel frame that can withstand a few bangs. The flip-up lid works to ensure your trash stays put, too—because the last thing you need is to have it overflow. The best part? It’s especially sized to use plastic grocery bags, so you can finally make use of that endless supply you’ve mysteriously racked up over the years.

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Marissa Headshot

Freelance Writer

Marissa Miller is a freelancer with more than 10 years of experience editing and reporting on all things health, beauty, fitness, style and home for publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Teen Vogue, GQ, CNN Style, Women's Health, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, USA TODAY and many more. Her first novel, PRETTY WEIRD: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Other Oddly Empowering Lessons, was published by Skyhorse Publishing and distributed by Simon & Schuster in May 2021. She's on Twitter at @Marissa__Miller and on Instagram at @marissamiller__ talking about journalism, Lululemon leggings and her two cats Freddie and Hendrix.