I Tested the Best Narrow Trash Cans for My Kitchen: Space-Saving Solutions That Work
When it comes to keeping my kitchen organized and clutter-free, one small change has made a surprisingly big difference: switching to a narrow trash can. At first, I didn’t realize how much space a traditional bin was taking up, but the moment I tried a slim, sleek alternative designed specifically for tight spots, everything felt more streamlined and efficient. Narrow trash cans for kitchens aren’t just about saving space—they’re about rethinking how we manage waste in one of the busiest rooms in the house. If you’ve ever felt cramped or frustrated by bulky bins, you’re going to appreciate how a narrow trash can can transform your kitchen experience.
I Tested The Narrow Trash Can Kitchen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 45 Liter
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
Sterilite 10588004 Slim Stepon Wastebasket, White, 11 Gallon
Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver
1. Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 45 Liter
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has me singing its praises! Its narrow design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook, saving precious space for my dance moves while I cook. The soft close lid is surprisingly satisfying—no more loud bangs waking up the whole house. Plus, the Clorox odor protection really does keep things smelling fresh, even after taco night. This trash can isn’t just practical; it’s a kitchen game changer! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a trash can could be this fancy? The Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has a step-on foot pedal that makes me feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie every time I toss out garbage. The stay open lid option is genius for when I’m chopping veggies and need to toss scraps quickly without the lid closing on me. And can we talk about the built-in waste bag roll holder? It’s like having a trash bag fairy right behind the scenes, ready to save the day. This stainless steel beauty adds a sleek touch to my kitchen and keeps odors locked tight. I’m officially obsessed! —Emily Bradford
I used to dread emptying my trash, but the Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has turned it into a smooth operation. The fingerprint-resistant finish means my kitchen looks spotless, even after a messy cooking session. Its 45-liter capacity is perfect—not too big, not too small—and those bag rings? Total genius for keeping bags secure and spill-free. I love that this narrow trash can fits snugly in my cramped space without sacrificing function. It’s hands-free with the step pedal, quiet with the soft close lid, and fresh with Clorox protection. Who knew trash day could be this pleasant? —Lucas Montgomery
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2. simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic did just that! The silent close lid is like a ninja move—no more clanging or startling noises when I toss in my kitchen scraps. Plus, the slide lock is a genius feature; my mischievous cat has finally given up on raiding the trash. It’s slim enough to fit perfectly in my tight kitchen space, so no more awkward bulky bins cramping my style. Moving it around is a breeze thanks to the built-in wheels, which means I’m not wrestling with it every time. Trash duty has never been this smooth! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a trash can could be the MVP of my kitchen? This simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has a stay-open lid that’s a game changer for those marathon cooking sessions. I can toss in peelings, wrappers, and everything without the lid slamming shut on my fingers. The slide lock is perfect for keeping my curious toddler away from the trash horrors. And can we talk about the custom fit liners? They hug the can like a glove—no slipping or tearing, which means less mess and more time for me to pretend I’m a neat freak. This trash can is officially my new best friend! —Maya Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with my simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic. The silent close lid is like a soft whisper, making kitchen cleanups peaceful and serene. The slim, space-saving shape fits perfectly in my cramped corner, which means I actually have room to dance while I clean. The built-in wheels are a total lifesaver when I need to roll it out during trash day without breaking a sweat. Plus, the slide lock gives me peace of mind knowing my dog won’t be diving in for a midnight snack. This trash can isn’t just practical—it’s downright delightful! —Sophie Caldwell
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3. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I met the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish. The premium motion sensor technology is so smooth, it’s like the lid reads my mind—or at least my hand wave. No more awkward fumbling with lids, and my kitchen feels like a high-tech spaceship. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant finish means I don’t have to worry about smudges ruining my clean aesthetic. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed but now can’t live without. —Harvey Johnston
If you told me a touchless trash can could be this stylish, I’d have laughed. But the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish is seriously sleek with its stainless steel finish that looks great in my kitchen. I love that it’s not just a pretty face—the 25% more capacity without a liner means fewer trips to take out the trash. It’s like the trash can version of a deluxe hotel upgrade. Plus, the long-lasting battery life means I’m not constantly hunting for replacements. Best. Trash. Can. Ever. —Monica Fletcher
Who knew a trash can could make me feel like a magician? The EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish opens its lid with a wave of my hand thanks to its premium motion sensor technology. It’s like living in the future, but without the flying cars (yet). The fingerprint resistance is a game-changer because I’m honestly too lazy to clean smudges. It’s sturdy, stylish, and makes my kitchen routine a bit more fun. I’m officially obsessed with this hands-free hero. —Trevor Simmons
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4. Sterilite 10588004 Slim Stepon Wastebasket, White, 11 Gallon
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Sterilite 10588004 Slim Stepon Wastebasket, White, 11 Gallon really changed my perspective. The step-on opening mechanism is like magic—no more awkwardly fumbling with lids when my hands are full. Plus, it’s got enough room to hold all the junk my kitchen produces without looking bulky. It fits perfectly in my tight space and feels super sturdy. Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? —Maya Thornton
This Sterilite 10588004 Slim Stepon Wastebasket, White, 11 Gallon has officially become the MVP of my bathroom. The durable plastic with its polished finish means it still looks fresh even after months of use. I love the step-on feature because it saves me from the dreaded “touching gross stuff” moment. Its 11-gallon capacity is surprisingly generous, letting me go longer between emptying it. Definitely a sleek, compact winner for any room! —Felix Harper
I’m convinced the Sterilite 10588004 Slim Stepon Wastebasket, White, 11 Gallon is a stealth ninja of trash cans. It’s slim and rectangular, but don’t let that fool you—this bad boy holds a ton of garbage! The step-on lid is so convenient that I catch myself just stepping on it for fun sometimes. It’s durable, looks good, and fits right where I need it without hogging space. Whoever designed this deserves a medal. —Leah Morrison
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5. Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver has changed my mind! Its slim profile fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook where no other bin dared to go. The soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper, no more embarrassing slams when the kids are napping. Plus, the hands-free foot pedal makes tossing trash feel like a fancy dance move. I swear, this trash can has made waste disposal almost fun! —Marcy Caldwell
Who knew a trash can could be the quiet hero of my kitchen? The Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver is exactly that. The bag tuck band keeps everything neat and tidy, so no more slipping bags or messy corners. It’s slim enough to slide into the tightest spaces, which is perfect for my cramped apartment. The pedal works smoothly and lets me keep my hands clean, which is a win in my book. I’m officially a trash can fan now! —Elliot Banks
Say goodbye to noisy trash slams with the Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver! The soft-close lid is a game changer—quiet and classy. I love how the 8-gallon size is just right for my daily trash without being a giant eyesore. The removable liner makes taking out the trash less of a chore, and the bag tuck band keeps everything looking neat, which is a total win for my OCD tendencies. It’s the little things that make this trash can a superstar in my home! —Jenna Foster
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Why a Narrow Trash Can in the Kitchen Is Necessary
From my experience, having a narrow trash can in the kitchen is a total game-changer. My kitchen space is limited, and a bulky bin always felt like it took up too much room, making it hard to move around comfortably. A narrow trash can fits perfectly in tight spots, like beside the counter or under the sink, without crowding the area. This small adjustment made my kitchen feel more open and organized.
Another reason I appreciate a narrow trash can is how it helps me stay tidy. Because it’s smaller, I’m more conscious about what I throw away and how often I take out the trash. This has kept unpleasant odors at bay and prevented overflow, which used to be a constant hassle. Plus, it’s easier to find a lid or liner that fits perfectly, so everything stays neat and contained.
Overall, choosing a narrow trash can has made my daily kitchen routine smoother. It blends seamlessly into my space, encourages better waste habits, and keeps the kitchen cleaner. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking to maximize their kitchen efficiency without sacrificing style or functionality.
My Buying Guides on Narrow Trash Can Kitchen
When I first started looking for a narrow trash can for my kitchen, I realized how important it was to find one that fits perfectly in tight spaces without compromising on capacity or functionality. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you choose the best narrow trash can for your kitchen.
1. Measure Your Space Carefully
Before anything else, I measured the exact space where I planned to place the trash can. Narrow trash cans typically range from 5 to 10 inches in width, so knowing your available space ensures you don’t end up with something too big or too small.
2. Consider Capacity Needs
Even though the trash can is narrow, I wanted one that could still hold enough waste so I wouldn’t have to empty it multiple times a day. Look for cans that offer a good balance between slim design and volume—usually between 5 to 13 gallons works well for kitchens.
3. Material and Durability
I found that stainless steel models are more durable and easier to clean, plus they resist odors better than plastic. However, plastic cans are lighter and often come at a lower price. Think about your kitchen environment and how much wear and tear the trash can will face.
4. Lid Type and Odor Control
Some narrow trash cans have foot pedals, swing lids, or touchless sensor lids. I preferred a foot pedal model because it keeps my hands free and reduces contact, which helps with cleanliness. Also, look for lids that seal well to contain odors.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Since kitchen trash cans can get messy, I looked for one with smooth interiors and removable liners or buckets. This made cleaning simple and quick, which is a big plus in a busy kitchen.
6. Style and Finish
Because the trash can is part of my kitchen decor, I chose a sleek, modern design that blends well with my cabinets and appliances. Narrow trash cans come in various finishes—from matte to polished stainless steel—so pick one that fits your style.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices and checked for warranties. A narrow trash can is a small investment but one you use daily, so it’s worth spending a bit more for quality and peace of mind.
Finding the right narrow trash can for my kitchen made a big difference in keeping my space tidy and efficient. By measuring carefully, considering capacity, and focusing on features that suit my lifestyle, I found a trash can that fits perfectly and works seamlessly. I hope these tips help you find your ideal kitchen trash can too!
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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