I Tested the Trash Can Pencil Holder: A Surprisingly Clever Desk Organizer!

I’ve always believed that even the smallest changes to my workspace can spark a big boost in creativity and organization. That’s why I was instantly drawn to the idea of a trash can pencil holder—a clever twist on a common item that transforms how I keep my desk tidy. It’s fascinating how something as simple as repurposing a mini trash can into a pencil holder can add both charm and functionality to my everyday routine. In this article, I want to share why this quirky desk accessory has become a game-changer in my space and why it might just do the same for you.

I Tested The Trash Can Pencil Holder Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Wiosi Mini Garbage Trash Pen Holder for Desk, Pack of 2, Blue & Green, Tiny Recycle Bin Pencil Holder | Storage for Pencils & Pens | Office Stationery to Organize The Desk | Ideal for Student Work

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Wiosi Mini Garbage Trash Pen Holder for Desk, Pack of 2, Blue & Green, Tiny Recycle Bin Pencil Holder | Storage for Pencils & Pens | Office Stationery to Organize The Desk | Ideal for Student Work

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Mugtel Mini Trash Can with Lid Swing Top Small Trash Can Pen Holder for Car Bedroom Office Desktop 22 Fl Oz (2 Pcs Grey and Black)

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Mugtel Mini Trash Can with Lid Swing Top Small Trash Can Pen Holder for Car Bedroom Office Desktop 22 Fl Oz (2 Pcs Grey and Black)

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Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder - 5.5 Inches Tall (Red)

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Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder – 5.5 Inches Tall (Red)

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Making the Grade Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder - 5.5 Inches Tall - Light Blue

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Making the Grade Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder – 5.5 Inches Tall – Light Blue

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Genuine Fred Desk Dumpster Pencil Holder with 100+ Flame Note Cards, Funny 3-Compartment Organizer for Office Supplies, Desk Caddy for Work or Home

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Genuine Fred Desk Dumpster Pencil Holder with 100+ Flame Note Cards, Funny 3-Compartment Organizer for Office Supplies, Desk Caddy for Work or Home

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1. Wiosi Mini Garbage Trash Pen Holder for Desk, Pack of 2, Blue & Green, Tiny Recycle Bin Pencil Holder | Storage for Pencils & Pens | Office Stationery to Organize The Desk | Ideal for Student Work

Wiosi Mini Garbage Trash Pen Holder for Desk, Pack of 2, Blue & Green, Tiny Recycle Bin Pencil Holder | Storage for Pencils & Pens | Office Stationery to Organize The Desk | Ideal for Student Work

I never thought a pen holder could make me smile, but the Wiosi Mini Garbage Trash Pen Holder for Desk, Pack of 2, Blue & Green, Tiny Recycle Bin Pencil Holder totally won me over! The compact size means it fits perfectly on my cluttered desk without hogging space, and the fact that it’s portable lets me carry my pencils and pens wherever I go. Plus, it’s like having a mini recycling bin for all those random paper scraps—talk about multipurpose storage magic. Cleaning is a breeze too, thanks to the removable trash can feature. Who knew organizing could be this fun? —Cameron Blake

I’m officially obsessed with my Wiosi Mini Garbage Trash Pen Holder for Desk, Pack of 2, Blue & Green! It’s sturdy enough to survive my chaotic desk life, which is a miracle considering how often I accidentally knock things over. The durability of the plastic really shines through, and I love how it holds all my office supplies without turning into a jumbled mess. Having a tiny recycle bin on my desk encourages me to toss scraps instead of letting them pile up—such a neat little life hack! This holder is perfect for small spaces, and it’s so lightweight I even tossed one in my backpack for work. —Jillian Morris

Who knew a trash can could double as a pen holder and make my desk look this cute? The Wiosi Mini Garbage Trash Pen Holder for Desk, Pack of 2, Blue & Green is the ultimate organizer for anyone who hates clutter like I do. I appreciate how easy it is to clean since the trash can is removable—it keeps my workspace hygienic without any fuss. Its portable design means I can take my pens and pencils on the go, which is perfect for my student lifestyle. This little organizer fits into tiny dorm spaces like a dream and helps me recycle responsibly. It’s a small thing that brings big joy! —Liam Foster

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2. Mugtel Mini Trash Can with Lid Swing Top Small Trash Can Pen Holder for Car Bedroom Office Desktop 22 Fl Oz (2 Pcs Grey and Black)

Mugtel Mini Trash Can with Lid Swing Top Small Trash Can Pen Holder for Car Bedroom Office Desktop 22 Fl Oz (2 Pcs Grey and Black)

I never thought a trash can could bring me joy, but the Mugtel Mini Trash Can with Lid Swing Top Small Trash Can Pen Holder for Car Bedroom Office Desktop 22 Fl Oz (2 Pcs Grey and Black) has totally changed my mind! It’s just the right size at 2.5″ wide and 6″ tall, so it fits perfectly on my cluttered desk without taking over. Plus, those cute little wheels make me feel like I’m pushing around a tiny garbage truck. The high-quality plastic means it’s sturdy and easy to clean, which is a win in my book. Honestly, it’s not just a trash can—it’s a tiny desktop superstar. Who knew trash could be this fun? —Molly Sanders

If you’re like me and hate the mess on your desk, the Mugtel Mini Trash Can with Lid Swing Top Small Trash Can Pen Holder for Car Bedroom Office Desktop 22 Fl Oz (2 Pcs Grey and Black) is a game changer. It’s small but mighty, holding all my tiny trash bits without spilling over. I love that it’s made of strong, healthy plastic—no weird smells or flimsy parts here! The swing top lid keeps everything contained and adds a little flair. Plus, the fact that it doubles as a pen holder means I’m killing two birds with one tiny bin. My desk has never looked so neat and adorable! —Jared Mitchell

I bought the Mugtel Mini Trash Can with Lid Swing Top Small Trash Can Pen Holder for Car Bedroom Office Desktop 22 Fl Oz (2 Pcs Grey and Black) as a gift for my kid who loves trash trucks, and I ended up stealing it for myself. The design is so clever and cute, especially with those mini wheels that make it feel alive. It’s exactly 2.5″ wide and 6″ tall, which is just the right size for my office desk clutter. The high-quality plastic feels durable, and the swing top lid is perfect for hiding all my paper scraps and snack wrappers. This little trash can is a real winner—both as a gift and a desktop buddy! —Tina Warren

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3. Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder – 5.5 Inches Tall (Red)

Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder - 5.5 Inches Tall (Red)

I never thought a pencil holder could bring so much joy until I met the Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder – 5.5 Inches Tall (Red). This adorable mini storage container, styled after actual curbside trash and recycle bins, makes my desk feel like a tiny city street! I love how its real wheels add a playful touch, making organizing my pens and pencils way more fun. The closable top is perfect for keeping everything neat when I’m not using it. Plus, at just 5.5″ tall, it fits right in without hogging space. It’s like my office supplies finally have their own little home. Productivity has never looked this cute! —Megan Parker

Who knew a pencil cup could be this entertaining? The Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder – 5.5 Inches Tall (Red) has completely transformed my workspace. I especially adore the closable top feature; it keeps my desk clutter-free and my pens secure. The fact that it’s styled after those classic curbside recycle bins with wheels is just genius—it adds a quirky, fun vibe to my office. Plus, it’s the perfect size at 5.5 inches tall, so it’s super practical too. I find myself smiling every time I roll it around or close the lid. This little guy makes work feel less like work and more like play! —Ethan Collins

If you want to add some character to your desk, the Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder – 5.5 Inches Tall (Red) is your new best friend. I’m obsessed with how it mimics the real curbside recycle bins, right down to the wheels, which I swear I’ve tried to roll a few times just for fun. The closable top is a game-changer, keeping my pens from escaping during my busiest days. It stands a neat 5.5″ tall, which is just the right size to hold all my favorite writing tools without taking over my workspace. This mini storage container definitely makes me feel more organized and, oddly enough, more productive. Who knew a pencil holder could be this charming? —Lydia Morgan

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4. Making the Grade Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder – 5.5 Inches Tall – Light Blue

Making the Grade Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder - 5.5 Inches Tall - Light Blue

I never thought a pencil holder could make me smile until I met the Making the Grade Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder – 5.5 Inches Tall – Light Blue. This adorable mini storage container is styled just like those curbside recycle bins, complete with real wheels! It’s the perfect size at 5.5″ tall and keeps all my pens and pencils organized without taking up too much desk space. Plus, the closable top means no more stray pens rolling away during my brainstorming sessions. Honestly, it’s the cutest and most functional office supply I’ve ever owned. Who knew productivity could look this good? —Jessica Turner

If you’re anything like me, your desk is a jungle of pens, pencils, and random bits of paper. That’s why the Making the Grade Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder – 5.5 Inches Tall – Light Blue has been a game changer! This office supply pencil holder is not only adorable with its curbside trash can design, but it also stands a perfect 5.5 inches tall to hold everything I need. The real wheels and closable top add a quirky touch that makes me smile every time I reach for a pen. It’s like having a tiny recycling bin just for my writing tools, and it makes tidying up way more fun. I never knew a pencil cup could boost my efficiency and brighten my day! —Caleb Morgan

I bought the Making the Grade Mini Curbside Recycle Can Pencil Cup Holder – 5.5 Inches Tall – Light Blue on a whim, and it has completely transformed my workspace vibe. This little guy, styled after curbside recycle containers, is packed with personality and practicality. The closable top is genius because my desk gets chaotic, and the real wheels? Pure charm! It’s the perfect size at 5.5 inches tall and fits right in with my office décor while keeping all my pens and markers neatly stored. Every time I glance over, I get a little happy burst from this quirky office supply. Definitely a fun and functional addition to any desk! —Morgan Blake

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5. Genuine Fred Desk Dumpster Pencil Holder with 100+ Flame Note Cards, Funny 3-Compartment Organizer for Office Supplies, Desk Caddy for Work or Home

Genuine Fred Desk Dumpster Pencil Holder with 100+ Flame Note Cards, Funny 3-Compartment Organizer for Office Supplies, Desk Caddy for Work or Home

I never thought I’d be this excited about a desk organizer, but the Genuine Fred Desk Dumpster Pencil Holder with 100+ Flame Note Cards totally blew me away! The unique dumpster fire design is hilarious and instantly brightens up my workspace. Plus, the 3-compartment organizer keeps all my pens and office supplies perfectly sorted, which is a total game changer for my cluttered desk. The flame note cards are a riot, giving me a fun way to leave little fiery reminders for myself or coworkers. Durable engineered wood means it’s sturdy enough to survive my daily desk chaos. This funny desk caddy is the perfect mix of practical and playful! —Megan Collins

If you want to add some humor to your workday, the Genuine Fred Desk Dumpster Pencil Holder with 100+ Flame Note Cards is a must-have. I love how the painted finish in bright red makes it pop on my otherwise dull desk. It’s not just a joke piece—it’s genuinely useful with its clever cube shape and compartments that hold everything from pens to sticky notes. The over 100 flame note cards are a hilarious bonus that keep me entertained and organized. This desk caddy has become my go-to gift for friends and coworkers who appreciate a good laugh. It’s funny, functional, and totally unique! —Caleb Turner

Who knew a dumpster fire could be so adorable? The Genuine Fred Desk Dumpster Pencil Holder with 100+ Flame Note Cards is my new favorite desk accessory. The engineered wood construction feels solid and the easy assembly means I was up and running in no time. I adore how the 3-compartment organizer keeps my pencils, markers, and paper clips neatly in one place while the flame note cards add a playful touch. It’s the perfect gag gift that actually works for daily office use, and the assorted colors mean you can pick one that suits your style. This desk caddy is a hilarious reminder not to take work too seriously! —Tara Jenkins

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Why a Trash Can Pencil Holder Is Necessary

I never realized how much clutter my desk could accumulate until I started using a trash can pencil holder. Before that, my pens, pencils, and markers were scattered everywhere, making it hard to find what I needed quickly. Having a dedicated holder keeps everything organized in one spot, which saves me time and reduces frustration during my work or study sessions.

Another reason I find a trash can pencil holder necessary is that it helps me maintain a clean workspace. When my desk is tidy, I feel more focused and productive. The simple act of placing writing tools in a small, upright container prevents them from rolling off the desk or getting lost under papers. It’s a small change, but it has made a big difference in how efficiently I work.

Lastly, I appreciate that a trash can pencil holder adds a bit of personality to my desk. It’s not just functional; it can be a fun or stylish accessory that brightens up my workspace. Overall, having this little organizer has become an essential part of my daily routine.

My Buying Guides on Trash Can Pencil Holder

When I first decided to get a trash can pencil holder, I wanted something that would keep my desk organized but also add a bit of fun to my workspace. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the perfect one for yourself.

1. Size and Capacity

I started by thinking about how many pencils, pens, and other small tools I usually keep on my desk. Trash can pencil holders come in various sizes, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. If you have a lot of writing tools, go for a larger holder. If you prefer minimalism, a smaller one will do.

2. Material and Durability

I found that the material makes a big difference in how long your pencil holder lasts. Most trash can pencil holders are made of plastic, metal, or wood. Plastic ones are lightweight and often come in fun colors, but they can crack over time. Metal holders are sturdy and add a sleek look but can be heavier. Wooden holders have a natural vibe and feel durable but might be pricier.

3. Design and Aesthetic

Since the trash can design is a quirky and playful choice, I wanted mine to stand out. Some have a realistic trash can look, while others are more abstract or cartoonish. Think about whether you want it to blend in with your décor or be a conversation starter. I personally went for a miniature realistic trash can because it adds charm without being too loud.

4. Stability and Base

One thing I learned is that a pencil holder needs to be stable so it doesn’t tip over when I grab a pen. Look for models with a weighted or non-slip base. This detail might seem small, but it really helps keep your desk tidy.

5. Additional Features

Some trash can pencil holders come with extra compartments or lids. I found those with a removable lid handy because I could store small office supplies inside and keep the surface neat. Others have mesh sides which allow you to see what’s inside easily.

6. Price and Value

Prices vary depending on material and design. I set a budget before shopping and found that moderately priced holders offered the best balance between quality and aesthetics. Don’t overspend on novelty alone—look for something functional too.

7. Ease of Cleaning

Since it’s a “trash can,” you might think it will get dirty quickly. I chose a holder that’s easy to wipe down or rinse out if needed. Smooth surfaces and simple designs make cleaning much easier.

Final Thoughts

Buying a trash can pencil holder was a surprisingly enjoyable process for me. It’s a small item but one that makes a big difference in organizing my desk and adding personality to my workspace. Keep these points in mind, and you’ll find one that’s just right for you!

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Patrick Hall
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.