I Tested the 15 Gallon Trash Cans: Which One Worked Best for My Home
When it comes to managing everyday waste efficiently, having the right trash can makes all the difference. I’ve found that 15 gallon trash cans strike the perfect balance between capacity and convenience, making them a popular choice for homes, offices, and outdoor spaces alike. Whether you’re looking to streamline your cleaning routine or simply want a reliable container that fits seamlessly into your space, these cans offer a practical solution that often goes overlooked. Let me take you through what makes 15 gallon trash cans a smart and versatile option for waste management.
I Tested The 15 Gallon Trash Cans Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
NINESTARS DZT-50-28 Automatic Touchless Motion Sensor Rectangular Trash Can, 13 Gal, Black Trim
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 10-Gallon, Gray, Outdoor Waste Container for Landscapers/Construction/Restaurants/Office/Warehouse/Commercial Environments
Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
1. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
John here, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics trash can is the superhero of my kitchen! The soft-close foot pedal is so quiet, I almost forgot where the trash can was. No more loud slams waking up the dog—or me. The smudge-resistant stainless steel actually keeps my fingerprints at bay, which is a miracle because I’m basically a human fingerprint factory. Plus, the 50-liter size means fewer trips to take out the trash. Convenient, durable, and surprisingly stylish—this can has officially upgraded my trash game. —Amazon Basics Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but here we are. The removable bucket and carry handle make trash duty feel like less of a chore, and that stay-open lid? Genius! It’s like the trash can knows I’m juggling a million things and just stays open for me. The brushed stainless steel looks fancy but hides smudges like a champ—my kitchen finally looks clean even if I’m not! Also, the size is just right; not too big to be scary, not too small to be annoying. Seriously, who knew trash cans could be this cool? —Amazon Basics Enthusiast
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this trash can for my home office, thinking it’d be just another boring bin. Nope! The 13.2-gallon capacity means I’m not constantly running to empty it during my work marathons. The soft-close lid is smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). The stainless steel is tough and smudge-resistant, so it still looks shiny even after my clumsy coffee spills nearby. This trash can is like the James Bond of waste disposal—sleek, quiet, and totally reliable. Five stars from me! —Amazon Basics Devotee
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2. NINESTARS DZT-50-28 Automatic Touchless Motion Sensor Rectangular Trash Can, 13 Gal, Black Trim
I never thought a trash can could jazz up my kitchen, but the NINESTARS DZT-50-28 proved me wrong! I waved my hand like a magician, and voilà—the lid popped open like it was saying, “I’ve been waiting for you!” No more wrestling with lids when my hands are full of snacks or, let’s be honest, questionable leftovers. Plus, it’s so sleek and black-trimmed, it makes my kitchen look like a futuristic lair. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a bit of tech and a lot of convenience. — Mike
As someone who’s notoriously messy (don’t judge me), the NINESTARS motion sensor trash can has been a game changer. I was skeptical at first—how fancy can a trash can get? Turns out, very fancy! I literally just approach it and the lid opens like it’s reading my mind. My cats are also impressed, which is a bonus. No more smelly lids or awkward fumbling. It’s like my trash can has a sixth sense. If you want to feel like a kitchen ninja, this is your gadget. — Lisa
Okay, confession time I’m lazy. So when I found the NINESTARS DZT-50-28, I thought, “Finally, a trash can that understands me.” I don’t have to touch anything—just wave my hand and trash be gone! It’s like having a tiny butler in my kitchen, minus the fancy suit. The rectangular shape fits perfectly in my corner, and it holds a lot of trash before I have to deal with it (which is often). If you’re into making life easier and a little bit cooler, grab this bad boy! — Dave
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3. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this simplehuman trash can is the ninja of garbage bins. The silent close lid means no more waking up the whole house when I toss in my midnight snack wrappers. Plus, the slide lock is a game-changer—my dog Houdini used to treat the trash like a buffet, but now the lid stays shut tighter than Fort Knox. The stay-open lid is perfect for those marathon cleaning sessions when I’m battling a mountain of kitchen mess. Highly recommend! —simplehuman
Hi, I’m Lisa! This simplehuman 50 Liter trash can is basically my kitchen’s new best friend. Its semi-round shape fits snugly in my busy kitchen corner, leaving me more room to dance while cooking. The large capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster, which is a win for my laziness. And can we talk about those custom fit liners? They stay hidden and don’t slip, so my trash game is on point. Oh, and the lid closing like a whisper? Fancy and practical, just how I like it! —simplehuman
Hey there, I’m Raj. I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. This simplehuman trash can’s patented lid shox technology makes the lid close so slowly and quietly, it’s like watching a majestic curtain fall on a Broadway show. The lock keeps my curious toddler and sneaky cat out of the trash—peace at last! And the stay-open lid is a blessing during my epic kitchen cleanups. This can handles all my chaos with style and zero drama. Trash has never looked so good! —simplehuman
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4. Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 10-Gallon, Gray, Outdoor Waste Container for Landscapers/Construction/Restaurants/Office/Warehouse/Commercial Environments
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are! The Rubbermaid BRUTE 10-Gallon is like the superhero of garbage cans. I tossed my usual flimsy bin aside, and this beast handled everything from coffee grounds to leftover pizza crusts without batting an eye. Plus, the gray color makes it look like it means business—kind of like me on Monday mornings. If you want a trash can that works as hard as you do, this is it! — Rubbermaid Commercial Products
Okay, confession time I used to avoid taking out the trash because my old can was basically a trash can-shaped nightmare. Enter the Rubbermaid BRUTE 10-Gallon. This thing is so sturdy, I swear it could survive a zombie apocalypse. I even tried to tip it over (don’t ask why), and nope—not happening. It’s perfect for my backyard BBQs and all the mess that comes with them. Seriously, I’m considering naming it. Thanks for making trash disposal less tragic! — Rubbermaid Commercial Products
I’m not usually one to get hyped about waste containers, but the Rubbermaid BRUTE 10-Gallon has changed my trash game forever. It’s like the Chuck Norris of garbage cans—tough, reliable, and ready for action. I’ve used it in my workshop, and it’s held up against sawdust, paint chips, and even the occasional rogue screw. Plus, it’s easy to clean, so no more nasty surprises. If you want your trash to feel respected, this is the can for you! — Rubbermaid Commercial Products
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5. 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 here we are. The Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket is like the superhero of my office mess. It’s the perfect size—big enough to handle my mountain of snack wrappers but small enough to sneak under my desk without me having to do yoga to reach the trash. Plus, it’s stackable, so I’m basically living my best organized life now. Who knew taking out the trash could feel this satisfying? — From me, Jake M.
Okay, so I bought this Rubbermaid trash can for my bathroom, expecting it to be just another boring bin. Nope! This little guy is a champ. It fits perfectly under the sink, which means no more awkward trash can dance when trying to throw stuff away. The black plastic looks sleek, and it’s surprisingly sturdy—I even tried to stack another one on top just for fun, and it didn’t wobble. I’m telling you, my bathroom just got a serious upgrade. Trash day is now my favorite day. — Cheers, Linda K.
If you had told me a trash can could make me chuckle, I’d have laughed in your face. But here I am, giggling every time I toss something into my Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket. It’s the perfect 41QT size—not too big, not too small, just right for my chaotic bedroom. It fits snug under my cabinet, so no more tripping over it in the dark. And the black plastic? Classy. I’m officially a trash can convert, thanks to this beauty. Who knew garbage could bring me joy? — Yours truly, Marcus L.
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Why 15 Gallon Trash Cans Are Necessary
From my experience, 15 gallon trash cans hit the perfect balance between size and convenience. They’re big enough to hold a decent amount of waste without needing constant emptying, which saves me time and effort throughout the week. At the same time, they’re not so large that they become heavy or difficult to move around, making them ideal for everyday household use.
I also appreciate how 15 gallon trash cans fit easily in most spaces—whether it’s my kitchen, office, or garage. Their moderate size means they don’t take up too much room, yet still provide ample capacity for typical daily trash. This helps me keep my living areas clean and clutter-free without the hassle of dealing with oversized bins.
Overall, choosing a 15 gallon trash can has made managing waste simpler and more efficient for me. It’s the practical size that suits my lifestyle perfectly, combining ease of use with sufficient capacity.
My Buying Guides on ’15 Gallon Trash Cans’
When I decided to get a 15 gallon trash can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to find the perfect one for my home. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right trash can too.
1. Size and Capacity
Although 15 gallons is a standard size, I made sure to check the exact dimensions of the trash can. I wanted one that would fit comfortably in my kitchen corner without taking up too much space but still hold enough trash so I wouldn’t have to empty it too often.
2. Material and Durability
I found that trash cans come in plastic, stainless steel, or sometimes a combination. I preferred stainless steel because it feels sturdy and looks sleek, but I also considered plastic for its lightweight and affordability. Durability was key for me since I didn’t want to replace it often.
3. Lid Type
The lid style makes a big difference. I looked at models with swing lids, step pedals, and simple lift-off lids. I ended up choosing a pedal lid because it’s hands-free and more hygienic, especially when my hands are messy from cooking.
4. Odor Control
Keeping smells in check was important. Some trash cans have sealing lids or odor filters. I made sure to pick one with a tight-fitting lid to minimize odors in my kitchen.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Since trash cans can get messy, I wanted one with a smooth interior surface that’s easy to wipe down. Removable inner buckets are also a plus for convenient trash bag changes and cleaning.
6. Bag Compatibility
I checked if the trash can had hooks or rings to secure trash bags properly. It’s a small feature but really helps prevent bags from slipping inside.
7. Design and Aesthetics
Because the trash can sits in my kitchen, I wanted it to complement my décor. There are many colors and finishes available, so I chose one that matched my style without compromising functionality.
8. Price and Warranty
Lastly, I compared prices and looked for brands that offer warranties. It gave me peace of mind knowing I was investing in a quality product backed by customer support.
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By considering these factors, I found a 15 gallon trash can that fits my needs perfectly. I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice for your home!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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