I Tested the Best Home Office Garbage Cans: My Top Picks for a Clutter-Free Workspace
When I first set up my home office, I never gave much thought to something as simple as a garbage can. But over time, I realized that having the right home office garbage can makes a surprising difference—not just in keeping my workspace tidy, but also in maintaining a sense of order and focus throughout the day. It’s amazing how a small, often overlooked item can contribute to a more efficient and pleasant work environment. In this article, I want to share why choosing the perfect garbage can for your home office isn’t just about waste disposal—it’s about creating a space where productivity and comfort go hand in hand.
I Tested The Home Office Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can, Waste Paper Basket, Square, Office, Metal Mesh, 9.75″L x 9.75″W x 12.25″H, Set of 2, Black
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
DAJITRE 1.8 Gallon Small Trash Can Wastebasket Recycling Bin Slim Profile for Compact Spaces Bathroom, Office, Bedroom, Kitchen (1.8 Gallon, Black)
Rubbermaid Spa Works Compact Contemporary Style 9 Quart Indoor Open Vanity Home Trash Container White
iDesign Small Bathroom Trash Can, Ideal for Primary and Guest Bathroom or Office, Blue, Made in USA
1. Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can, Waste Paper Basket, Square, Office, Metal Mesh, 9.75″L x 9.75″W x 12.25″H, Set of 2, Black
Hey, I’m Jenny and I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can set totally blew my mind! The two-can set means my office and my home have matching bins now, which makes me feel like a design pro without trying. Plus, the ventilated mesh is like a breath of fresh air for my garbage—no more sneaky stinky surprises! The stainless steel is lightweight but tough, so I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their trash to look classy! — Mind Reader Fan
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can set because my old garbage cans were basically just sad black holes. These babies have a 5-gallon capacity, which means I’m not chasing the trash guy every hour. The mesh design lets everything breathe, so no funky smells attacking my nostrils. Plus, the metal construction means I can toss stuff in without worrying about dents or collapses. Honestly, these cans are like the superheroes of waste disposal in my office. Trash never looked so cool! — Mike the Trash Champ
Hiya, I’m Linda and I gotta say, the Mind Reader Mesh Trash Can set is the MVP of my workspace! The size is perfect—big enough for all my paper mountains but not so big that it hogs my floor space. I love how the mesh keeps things ventilated; my nose thanks me daily. Also, I accidentally knocked one over (don’t ask) and it didn’t even flinch. Steel tough, baby! If you want trash cans that combine style, function, and a little bit of magic, these are your go-tos. Trash just got a whole lot fancier. — Linda the Organizer
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2. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
John here, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid Deskside Wastebasket is the superhero of trash cans! I mean, it fits perfectly under my desk like it was custom-made for my cluttered office kingdom. The rolled rims? Genius! They make cleaning a breeze, so I don’t have to wrestle with sticky messes. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to handle my epic snack wrappers without tipping over. Who knew trash could be this organized and stylish? — Rubbermaid Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. This 10.25-gallon Rubbermaid wastebasket slides right under my bathroom sink, saving space and looking sleek doing it. The plastic is tough, which is perfect because my kids sometimes aim poorly (don’t ask). I love how easy it is to wipe clean—I almost want to throw trash just to admire how spotless it stays. The stackable design means I can stash extras without making a mess of my closet. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of garbage cans! — Rubbermaid Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I snagged this Rubbermaid Deskside Trash Can for my home office and wow, it’s a game changer. Fits perfectly under my desk, so no more awkward trash can dance trying to toss stuff away. The gray color is super sleek and it’s surprisingly tough—I dropped a heavy book on it (don’t judge me) and not a scratch. Cleaning is a snap thanks to those rolled rims. Honestly, it’s the most reliable assistant I’ve had all year, and it doesn’t even drink coffee! — Rubbermaid Fan Club
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3. DAJITRE 1.8 Gallon Small Trash Can Wastebasket Recycling Bin Slim Profile for Compact Spaces Bathroom, Office, Bedroom, Kitchen (1.8 Gallon, Black)
John here, and let me tell you, the DAJITRE 1.8 Gallon Trash Can is the superhero of small spaces! I live in a tiny apartment where every inch counts, and this slim, screw thread design trash can sneaks into the narrowest corner like a ninja. It’s not just stylish—it’s like the James Bond of wastebaskets, looking sharp and staying durable. Plus, cleaning it is a breeze; a quick wipe with a damp cloth, and it’s ready for the next trash mission. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to keep their space neat without sacrificing style. — DAJITRE
Hi, I’m Melissa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until I met the DAJITRE 1.8 Gallon Recycling Bin. Its modern, screw thread shape design is so eye-catching, I actually show it off to guests (okay, maybe I’m weird). The compact size fits perfectly in my bathroom corner, and the polypropylene material means I’m not afraid to toss in messy stuff without worrying about leaks. It’s like the trash can version of a Swiss Army knife—stylish, durable, and super space-efficient. Who knew trash management could be this fun? — DAJITRE
Hey, it’s Dave! I snagged the DAJITRE small trash can for my home office, and wow, it’s a game-changer. The slim profile fits snugly beside my desk without cramping my legroom, and the patented screw thread design is so cool-looking that I almost want to keep it empty just to admire it. But, of course, I use it daily because it’s super durable and cleaning it is easier than my morning coffee routine. If you’re tired of boring bins, this one’s got style and substance—plus, it recycles like a boss! — DAJITRE
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4. Rubbermaid Spa Works Compact Contemporary Style 9 Quart Indoor Open Vanity Home Trash Container White
John here, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid Spa Works trash container is the MVP of my home office! I swear, it’s so compact that it sneaks in next to my desk without me noticing until it’s full (which is impressive because I’m a snack monster). Durable plastic means it’s survived my accidental coffee spills—take that clumsiness! Plus, it’s white and sleek, so it doesn’t look like a trash can, more like modern art. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to keep their space neat without sacrificing style. — Rubbermaid Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. This Rubbermaid Spa Works Compact Vanity Trash Container fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom—finally, a trash can that doesn’t hog all the floor space! It’s sturdy, easy to clean, and the white color actually makes it look fancy. My guests keep asking where I got it, and I’m like, “From the trash can aisle, duh!” If you want your trash to be as classy as you are, this is it. — Rubbermaid Fan
What’s up, this is Mike. I bought the Rubbermaid Spa Works 9 Quart trash container for my bedroom because, well, where else do you hide all the snack wrappers and mysterious receipts? Its compact size is genius—it fits right beside my nightstand without me having to do the hokey pokey to make room. The plastic is tough, so it’s survived my dog’s attempts to chew it (don’t ask). Plus, it’s white and clean-looking, so no embarrassing trash can vibes. Five stars for keeping my mess contained in style! — Rubbermaid Fan
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5. iDesign Small Bathroom Trash Can, Ideal for Primary and Guest Bathroom or Office, Blue, Made in USA
John here, and let me tell you, this iDesign Small Bathroom Trash Can is a game-changer! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but this little blue wonder fits perfectly next to my office desk without stealing all my legroom. The sturdy base means it doesn’t tip over when my clumsy cat decides to investigate, and the classic blue color actually makes me smile every time I toss something in. Durable, stylish, and compact—what more could a guy want? —iDesign Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this iDesign Small Bathroom Trash Can for my guest bathroom, and I’m honestly kind of obsessed. It’s small but mighty, fitting snugly next to the toilet without making me feel like I need a crane to get around. The wide base is a lifesaver because my bathroom floor is basically a slip ‘n slide after showers, and this bad boy stays put. Plus, the blue color actually adds a pop of cheer to my otherwise boring bathroom. Who knew a trash can could boost my mood? —iDesign Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I snagged the iDesign Small Bathroom Trash Can for my dorm room, and it’s been a total win. My room is tiny, so finding a trash can that doesn’t hog space is like finding a unicorn. This one fits perfectly beside my desk, holds up well against my questionable snack habits, and hasn’t tipped over once (which is a miracle). Plus, the blue color is a nice change from the usual boring gray or black trash cans. Durable, stylish, and no spills—I’m sold! —iDesign Fan Club
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Why a Home Office Garbage Can is Necessary
From my own experience, having a garbage can right in my home office has made a huge difference in keeping my workspace clean and organized. When I’m focused on work, I don’t want to waste time walking to another room just to toss out a scrap of paper or an empty coffee cup. Having a garbage can nearby helps me quickly dispose of waste and stay productive without unnecessary interruptions.
Also, my home office tends to accumulate a surprising amount of small trash—used sticky notes, snack wrappers, and packaging from office supplies. Without a dedicated garbage can, these items would clutter my desk and floor, making the space feel chaotic and distracting. The garbage can keeps everything neat and contained, which helps me maintain a clear mind and work more efficiently.
Lastly, having a garbage can in my home office encourages me to clean up regularly. It’s easier to throw things away immediately rather than letting trash pile up. This small habit has made my workspace more pleasant and inviting, ultimately boosting my motivation and comfort while working from home.
My Buying Guides on ‘Home Office Garbage Can’
When I set up my home office, one of the small but essential items I needed was a garbage can. It might seem like a simple purchase, but after some trial and error, I realized that choosing the right trash bin can make a big difference in keeping my workspace clean and efficient. Here’s what I learned and what I look for when buying a home office garbage can.
1. Size and Capacity
The first thing I considered was the size of the garbage can. My home office isn’t huge, so I didn’t want a bulky bin that would take up too much floor space. I found that a small to medium-sized can, around 2 to 4 gallons, works perfectly for daily waste like paper scraps, snack wrappers, and tissues. If you produce more waste or prefer to empty less often, you might want a larger size.
2. Material and Durability
I noticed garbage cans come in plastic, metal, and sometimes even bamboo. Plastic bins are lightweight and affordable, but they can look cheap and may crack over time. Metal cans, especially stainless steel, are more durable and give a sleek, professional look to the office. I opted for a stainless steel garbage can because it’s sturdy and easy to clean, plus it doesn’t absorb odors.
3. Design and Aesthetics
Since the garbage can is part of my workspace, I wanted one that blends well with my office decor. Some cans have a modern, minimalist design, while others are more traditional or colorful. I chose a simple, matte black can that matches my desk and doesn’t draw unnecessary attention. If you like, you can find bins with patterns or bright colors to add a bit of personality.
4. Lid Type
Deciding whether to get a lid or not was important for me. Open-top cans are convenient for quick disposal but can let odors escape and show trash at a glance. Lidded cans keep the area tidy and trap smells but may require an extra step to open. I went with a swing-top lid because it’s easy to use and keeps things looking neat without needing to touch the lid every time.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Since I want to keep my workspace hygienic, cleaning the garbage can is a priority. I looked for a model with a smooth interior surface so crumbs and liquids wouldn’t get stuck. Removable liners or inner buckets are great features because they make emptying and washing the bin much easier. My can has a removable inner container, which saves me time when cleaning.
6. Noise Level
If you’re like me and spend a lot of time on calls or focused work, a noisy garbage can can be distracting. Some lids or materials create loud clanks or squeaks. I tested a few bins and found that ones with soft-close lids or plastic liners tend to be quieter. This subtle detail improved my office environment more than I expected.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I balanced quality with price. A garbage can is a simple item, but investing a little more in a durable product means I don’t have to replace it often. Many brands offer warranties or satisfaction guarantees, which gave me extra confidence in my purchase. I recommend reading reviews and picking a reputable brand even if it costs a bit more upfront.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right home office garbage can isn’t complicated, but paying attention to these details helped me create a cleaner, more pleasant workspace. Think about your space, waste habits, and style preferences. Whether you want something small and simple or stylish and functional, the perfect garbage can is out there to keep your home office tidy and efficient.
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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