Ever wonder what happens to all those crumpled papers, empty coffee cups, and forgotten snack wrappers in your office? They all end up in one place: the office trash can. It might seem like a small thing, but choosing the right trash can can actually make a big difference in your workday.
Finding the perfect office trash can can be trickier than you think. Do you need a big one or a small one? Should it have a lid? What about the material? These little decisions can lead to frustration when you realize your choice isn’t quite right. A can that’s too small means frequent emptying, while one with a lid might just get in the way.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes a great office trash can. We’ll talk about different types, sizes, and features that can help you keep your workspace tidy and pleasant. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to make your office a cleaner, more efficient place.
Our Top 5 Office Trash Can Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Amazon Basics Trash Can | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Office Trash Can Detailed Reviews
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebasket/Trash Can
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of overflowing trash cans? This 4-pack of Rubbermaid Commercial Products Wastebaskets is your answer! These 7-gallon, black plastic bins are perfect for any room in your house or office. They’re designed to fit neatly under desks, sinks, or cabinets, keeping your space tidy and organized. Plus, they’re made right here in the USA!
What We Like:
- Durable: These trash cans are built to last. The rolled rims make them strong and simple to clean.
- Efficient Size: They are the perfect height to slide under a standard desk.
- Versatile: Use them in bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, or even gift shops. They work almost anywhere!
- Easy to Clean: A quick wipe is all it takes to keep them looking fresh.
- Space-Saving: The stackable design means you can nest them together for easy storage and transport when you don’t need them all.
- Options: You can even find them with recycling symbols and in different colors to match your style.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity: For very large messes, you might need a bigger bin.
- Aesthetics: While practical, the design is basic and might not fit highly decorative spaces without a liner.
These Rubbermaid wastebaskets are a solid choice for keeping any space clean. They offer great durability and practical features for everyday use.
2. Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of messy, smelly trash cans? The Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can is here to help! This set comes with two sleek, black, square trash cans made from sturdy metal mesh. They’re just the right size for your office, bedroom, or any room that needs a touch of tidiness. Keep your space clean and odor-free with these handy bins.
What We Like:
- You get two trash cans in one purchase, perfect for different rooms or separating trash from recycling.
- The open mesh design lets air flow through, which helps stop bad smells and moisture from building up.
- These bins are built to last with strong steel mesh, a solid bottom, and a smooth edge.
- Each can holds a good amount of trash, about 5 gallons, making them great for offices, dorms, or classrooms.
- They are a compact size (9.75″ x 9.75″ x 12.25″) so they fit easily under desks or in tight corners.
What Could Be Improved:
- The mesh design means small, light items like paper scraps might slip through the holes if not placed carefully.
- While generally durable, the metal mesh could potentially get bent if handled very roughly.
Overall, these Mind Reader mesh trash cans are a practical and stylish solution for keeping your spaces tidy. They offer good value and effective odor control for everyday use.
3. Amazon Basics Trash Can
Rating: 9.1/10
The Amazon Basics Trash Can, a 10-gallon rectangular wastebasket, is a solid choice for keeping your workspace tidy. Previously known as the AmazonCommercial brand, it now carries the familiar Amazon Basics label, offering the same reliable performance you expect.
What We Like:
- This trash can is super useful in many places, like offices, schools, and even hospitals. It’s great for areas where lots of people come and go.
- It’s made from strong plastic, so it can handle being used every day without breaking easily. This means it will last a long time.
- Cleaning this trash can is a breeze. Its smooth surface means you can just wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep it looking nice.
- You can stack these trash cans together easily. This makes them simple to store and move around, especially if you have more than one.
- The design is simple and effective, fitting well into most office or public space decors.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the plastic might show scratches over time with very rough use.
- For some very large or busy areas, a slightly larger capacity might be preferred.
Overall, this Amazon Basics trash can is a practical and durable solution for waste management in busy environments. It’s a dependable item that gets the job done.
4. UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of bulky trash cans taking up too much space? The UUJOLY Plastic Small Trash Can Wastebasket is a game-changer for any room. This 3.5-gallon bin is designed to fit perfectly in tight spots, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, offices, dorm rooms, and even kids’ rooms. Its sleek black design looks good anywhere, and it’s built to last.
What We Like:
- Made from strong plastic that won’t chip, rust, or dent.
- Super easy to clean – just wipe it down with a damp cloth.
- Perfect size for small spaces, measuring 10.5″ x 7.8″ x 11.1″ tall.
- Holds 3.5 gallons, great for various types of trash.
- Rectangular shape fits easily under cabinets, sinks, desks, and in narrow openings.
- The raised bottom helps it last longer by reducing wear.
- Comes in multiple colors to match your style.
What Could Be Improved:
- Color differences might occur between trash cans, so be aware of that.
This UUJOLY trash can is a practical and stylish solution for keeping your spaces tidy. It’s a simple yet effective addition to any home or office.
5. Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of bulky trash cans cramping your style? The Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can in Matt Black is here to save your space! This sleek, 6-liter (1.6-gallon) can is designed for those tight spots, making it a perfect fit for bathrooms, bedrooms, or even your office. Its slim profile means no more wasted space, and it’s built to make your life easier.
What We Like:
- Designed for Narrow Spaces: Its slim shape is perfect for small bathrooms or any tight corner, maximizing your room’s space.
- Soft Close & Stay Open Lid: The lid closes silently, so no more loud bangs! You can also prop it open at 90 degrees if you need it to stay open.
- Sturdy Steel Pedal: The upgraded pedal is made of stainless steel and plastic, making it light and comfortable to use. It’s built to last for years, even with daily use.
- Anti Rust & No Finger Print: The matte black finish looks great and resists fingerprints, so it stays looking new. Cleaning is a breeze with just water and a cloth.
- Excellent Sealing Ability: The lid fits snugly, keeping odors contained and preventing pets from rummaging through your trash.
- Removable Inner Bucket: The inner bucket lifts out easily for cleaning and emptying. It even has a special spot to hold your trash bag in place, keeping things neat and tidy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 6-liter capacity is great for small spaces, it might require more frequent emptying for larger households or if used in a kitchen.
This Cesun trash can is a smart solution for keeping your small spaces tidy and odor-free. It’s a practical and stylish addition to any room.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Office Trash Can Companion
Choosing the right office trash can might seem simple, but the perfect bin can make your workspace cleaner and more pleasant. This guide will help you find the best fit for your office needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an office trash can, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much trash does it hold? Small bins are good for individual desks, while larger ones work well in shared spaces.
- Lid Type: Does it have a lid? Lids help contain odors and keep pests away. Some lids swing open, others lift, and some are hands-free.
- Durability: Is it built to last? A sturdy trash can won’t break easily.
- Ease of Cleaning: Can you wipe it down easily? Smooth surfaces are best.
- Design: Does it look good in your office? Many styles and colors are available.
- Foot Pedal: Some bins have a foot pedal, so you don’t have to touch the lid with your hands. This is great for hygiene.
Important Materials
The material of your trash can affects its look, durability, and price.
- Plastic: This is a popular choice because it’s lightweight and often affordable. High-quality plastic can be very strong.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel bins look sleek and modern. They are very durable and resist rust.
- Metal (other than stainless steel): Some metal bins are coated or painted. They can be sturdy but might dent or scratch.
- Wicker or Rattan: These natural materials offer a softer, more decorative look. They are best for light use and in areas where they won’t get knocked over.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a trash can better or worse.
- Thicker Walls: Trash cans with thicker plastic or metal walls are usually stronger and last longer.
- Reinforced Base: A strong base prevents the can from tipping over easily.
- Smooth Edges: Sharp or rough edges can be a sign of lower quality. Good bins have smooth finishes.
- Well-Fitting Lid: A lid that closes properly keeps smells in and looks tidier.
- Cheap Plastic: Very thin or brittle plastic can crack or break quickly.
- Loose Parts: If parts like hinges or pedals feel wobbly, the quality might be lower.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your trash can matters.
- Desk Side: A small, lightweight bin is perfect for under your desk. It should be easy to reach and empty.
- Break Room or Kitchenette: Larger bins with lids are better here to handle more waste and control odors. A foot pedal is a great feature for busy areas.
- Meeting Rooms: A stylish bin that matches the room’s decor can be a good choice. Capacity should be enough for the number of people using the room.
- Recycling Stations: You might need separate bins for recycling. Look for bins that are clearly marked or come in different colors.
A good office trash can makes your workspace a more pleasant place to be. By considering these features and materials, you can pick a bin that works hard for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in an office trash can?
A: The most important feature depends on your needs, but capacity and durability are usually key for long-term use.
Q: Are plastic trash cans good for offices?
A: Yes, good quality plastic trash cans are lightweight, affordable, and can be very durable.
Q: Should I get a trash can with a lid?
A: It’s highly recommended, especially for offices. Lids help contain odors and keep your workspace looking neater.
Q: What’s the advantage of a foot pedal trash can?
A: A foot pedal allows you to open the lid without using your hands, which is more hygienic.
Q: How do I know if a trash can is good quality?
A: Look for thicker materials, smooth edges, and a well-fitting lid. Avoid bins with flimsy plastic or wobbly parts.
Q: What size trash can do I need for my desk?
A: A small to medium-sized bin, usually holding 2-4 gallons, is typically sufficient for a single desk.
Q: Are stainless steel trash cans worth the extra cost?
A: Often, yes. They are very durable, resist rust, and offer a modern look that can enhance an office environment.
Q: How often should I empty my office trash can?
A: It’s best to empty it daily, or whenever it gets about two-thirds full, to prevent odors and maintain cleanliness.
Q: Can I use a trash can with a different color lid for recycling?
A: Yes, using different colored bins or lids is a common and effective way to sort recycling in an office.
Q: What if my office has a lot of paper waste?
A: You might need a larger capacity bin or consider a separate bin specifically for paper recycling to manage the volume.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.