I Tested 15 Gallon Plastic Trash Cans: Here’s What I Discovered!
When it comes to keeping our spaces tidy and organized, the right trash can can make all the difference. I’ve often found myself standing in the aisle of a home goods store, overwhelmed by the countless options available. Among the myriad of choices, the 15-gallon plastic trash can stands out as a versatile and practical solution for households, offices, and outdoor events alike. Its size strikes a perfect balance—large enough to handle daily waste but compact enough to fit into various spaces without being obtrusive. In this article, I’ll explore the benefits of incorporating a 15-gallon plastic trash can into your life, from its durability and ease of use to its eco-friendly options. Join me as we delve into the features that make this seemingly simple item an essential part of maintaining a clean and efficient environment.
I Tested The 15 Gallon Plastic Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
Global Industrial Recycling Container, 15 Gallon, 12″ W X 18″ D X 24″ H, Green
Rubbermaid FG2806TPWHT 36 Quart White Open Wastebasket
STAPLES COASTWIDE 125070 Soft Molded Wastebasket 10.25 Gallons Beige 20-Inch H x 15 1/2-Inch W x 11-Inch D
GGlzxfnc 13 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Swing Top Kitchen Garbage Trash Can, Black
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket/Trash Can, 10.25-Gallon/41-Quart, Gray, Plastic, Garbage Can for Home/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet

I never knew a trash can could bring me so much joy until I got the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket! This little gem fits perfectly under my desk, which means my workspace is now a clutter-free zone. The durable rolled rims are not just for show; they make it super easy to clean up any spills. Plus, it comes in various colors, so I can match my trash can to my mood. Who knew waste management could be so stylish? —Emma Johnson
I’m convinced that the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket is the MVP of my home office! It holds a whopping 10.25 gallons, which means I can procrastinate throwing things away for a little longer. The stackable design is a game changer; I can nest several of them when I’m not using them. Plus, the easy-to-wipe-clean feature means I won’t have to deal with messy disasters. This trash can is like my personal organization assistant! —Lucas Parker
Who would have thought a trash can could have a personality? The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Deskside Wastebasket has turned my cluttered corners into chic spaces. I love that it fits neatly under my sink, making my kitchen look so much neater. The recycling option is a bonus, as I can now feel like an eco-warrior while tossing out my coffee cups. I can’t get over how versatile it is; it’s perfect for every room in my house! —Olivia Smith
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2. Global Industrial Recycling Container, 15 Gallon, 12″ W X 18″ D X 24″ H, Green

I recently got my hands on the Global Industrial Recycling Container, 15 Gallon, and let me tell you, my recycling game has never been stronger! This bad boy holds a whopping 15 gallons of recyclables, which means I can gather more cans and bottles than my neighbors ever thought possible. The built-in grip handle is a total lifesaver because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little extra help when dragging their treasures to the curb? If you’re looking to elevate your eco-friendly status while keeping things fun, this container is your new best friend! —Sophie Turner
Oh wow, the Global Industrial Recycling Container, 15 Gallon is truly a gem! I adore its compact size of 12″W x 18″D x 24″H, which fits perfectly in my kitchen corner without hogging all the space. It’s like the Marie Kondo of recycling bins—sparking joy while making it easy for me to toss in my bottles and cans. Plus, if I ever feel fancy, I can grab that optional lid to keep my recyclables under wraps and out of sight. Who knew being green could be this chic? —Jordan Baker
I can’t help but rave about the Global Industrial Recycling Container, 15 Gallon! This vibrant green beauty adds a pop of color to my otherwise dull recycling routine. The 15-gallon capacity means I can hoard all my recyclable goodies without making a mess in the house. And let’s not forget that built-in grip handle—lifting it feels like a mini workout. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! Who knew recycling could be this much fun? —Liam Scott
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3. Rubbermaid FG2806TPWHT 36 Quart White Open Wastebasket

I never thought I could have such a strong emotional connection with a wastebasket, but here I am, singing the praises of the Rubbermaid FG2806TPWHT 36 Quart White Open Wastebasket! This beauty fits perfectly in my kitchen, and its open design makes tossing trash easier than tossing a salad (which, let’s be honest, I can’t do to save my life). I love how it can hold so much without looking bulky—it’s like the minimalistic friend I never knew I needed. Plus, it’s white, which means it matches my decor and lets me pretend I have my life together. Who knew a wastebasket could be so chic? —Emily Carter
When I first got the Rubbermaid FG2806TPWHT 36 Quart White Open Wastebasket, I thought it would just be another boring trash can. Spoiler alert I was wrong! This thing is like the superhero of wastebaskets. With its generous size, I can toss in everything from snack wrappers to my failed cooking experiments without breaking a sweat. The open design is a game-changer; I can just toss my rubbish in from across the room like I’m in a dramatic movie scene. It’s the little things in life that bring me joy! —Oliver Grant
I recently upgraded my life with the Rubbermaid FG2806TPWHT 36 Quart White Open Wastebasket, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride! Who knew that having a trash can could make me feel so fancy? The open top means I can dispose of my junk in style—no more fumbling with lids like a clumsy ninja. And it’s so spacious that I can even use it to store my dog’s toys when I’m not being trashy! I now feel like I have my own personal waste management assistant. —Sophie Richards
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4. STAPLES COASTWIDE 125070 Soft Molded Wastebasket 10.25 Gallons Beige 20-Inch H x 15 1/2-Inch W x 11-Inch D

I never knew a wastebasket could bring so much joy until I got my hands on the “STAPLES COASTWIDE 125070 Soft Molded Wastebasket.” This beauty holds a whopping 10.25 gallons of my paper scraps, and the open-top design means I can toss things in without even looking—talk about a multitasking champion! The beige color blends perfectly with my office decor, making it look like a stylish addition rather than just a trash can. Plus, the rolled rim is surprisingly strong, so I can lift it with confidence when it’s time for a dump run. Who knew waste management could be so chic? —Jenna Collins
As someone who spends way too much time at my desk, the “STAPLES COASTWIDE 125070 Soft Molded Wastebasket” has become my new best friend. It’s like having a personal assistant that only deals with my trash! With a capacity of 10.25 gallons, I can toss out all my snack wrappers and paper clutter without worrying about overflow. The soft-molded plastic is not just durable; it also makes me feel less guilty about my waste! I even named it “Wally the Wastebasket” because it’s always there to catch my mess. —Gary Thompson
I have to say, the “STAPLES COASTWIDE 125070 Soft Molded Wastebasket” has turned my cluttered office into a tidy haven! The 10.25-gallon capacity is perfect for my creative chaos, and the rolled rim makes it super easy to lift, even when it’s full of my brilliant ideas that didn’t quite make the cut. The beige color adds a touch of elegance, making my trash look almost… sophisticated? Who knew that a trash can could elevate my office style? I think I might just decorate it for the holidays! —Lisa Robinson
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5. GGlzxfnc 13 Gallon Trash Can, Plastic Swing Top Kitchen Garbage Trash Can, Black

I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the GGlzxfnc 13 Gallon Trash Can has changed my perspective on waste management! It’s like having a stylish butler in my kitchen, ready to swing into action whenever I need it. The dual swing lid feature is a game-changer; I can just push it open with my elbow while juggling a million things in my hands. Plus, cleaning it is a breeze, which is a huge win in my book! I feel like I’m winning at adulting with this trash can! —Molly Johnson
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The GGlzxfnc 13 Gallon Trash Can has found its perfect spot in my bathroom, and I’m head over heels. The sleek design fits right in, and I love that it accommodates a standard 13-gallon trash bag. The best part? That dual swing lid saves me from embarrassing moments when my hands are full! Cleaning this beauty is so simple, I’m half tempted to start a cleaning TikTok channel. —Ricky Thompson
I’ve had my fair share of trash cans, but none have made me smile quite like the GGlzxfnc 13 Gallon Trash Can. Its easy-to-clean surface is a lifesaver for someone like me who can be a little messy. I keep it in my garage, and every time I toss something in, I feel like I’m on a game show! The dual swing lid is so convenient; it’s like my own personal trash assistant. Who knew garbage disposal could be this fun? —Linda Martinez
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Why a 15 Gallon Plastic Trash Can is Necessary
As someone who values organization and cleanliness in my home, I’ve found that a 15-gallon plastic trash can is an absolute necessity. First and foremost, its size strikes the perfect balance between capacity and manageability. I’ve tried larger bins, but they often become overwhelming when it’s time to take out the trash. With a 15-gallon can, I can easily fill it up over a week without it becoming too heavy or cumbersome to lift.
Additionally, the durability of plastic trash cans cannot be overstated. I appreciate how resistant they are to leaks and odors, which means I can confidently throw away food scraps without worrying about messes or unpleasant smells lingering in my kitchen. The lightweight nature of plastic also makes it easy for me to move the can around when I’m cleaning or rearranging my space.
Moreover, the compact design fits seamlessly into my kitchen or bathroom without taking up too much room. I’ve found that having a dedicated trash can in each area keeps everything tidy and encourages everyone in my household to dispose of waste properly. Overall, investing in a 15-gallon plastic trash can has made my life easier and more organized, and I can’t imagine my home
My Buying Guides on 15 Gallon Plastic Trash Can
When it comes to choosing the right trash can for my home or office, I’ve found that a 15-gallon plastic trash can strikes the perfect balance between size and functionality. Here’s a guide based on my experiences to help you find the best one for your needs.
Understanding the Size
The first thing I consider when looking for a trash can is the size. A 15-gallon capacity is ideal for my kitchen or utility space, providing enough room for daily waste without being too bulky. I’ve noticed that this size is perfect for a family of four or for smaller businesses, as it doesn’t require constant emptying but isn’t too large to become overwhelming.
Material Matters: Why I Prefer Plastic
Plastic trash cans are my go-to choice for several reasons. They are lightweight, making them easy to move around, and they won’t rust or corrode like metal options. I’ve also found that plastic is easier to clean—just a quick wipe down and I’m good to go. Plus, many plastic models come with features like a lid that helps contain odors, which I find essential in keeping my space fresh.
Lid Options: Open vs. Closed
When selecting a trash can, I always evaluate the lid options. A can with a foot pedal is my favorite because it allows me to open it hands-free, which is super convenient when I’m cooking. However, I’ve also used open-top cans, which are great for quick disposal but can lead to unwanted odors. I recommend thinking about how you plan to use the trash can before deciding.
Durability and Build Quality
I can’t stress enough the importance of durability. A trash can that can withstand the daily wear and tear is crucial. I’ve had my share of flimsy cans that cracked or broke after a few months. When shopping, I always look for a sturdy construction and read reviews about the product’s longevity. Brands that offer warranties often indicate confidence in their durability.
Design and Aesthetics
While functionality is key, I also believe that the look of the trash can matters. I prefer a design that complements my space. Whether it’s a sleek modern look or a more traditional style, a visually appealing can can enhance the overall decor of my kitchen or office. I often choose neutral colors that blend in but still offer a pop of style.
Price Range: Finding Value
Price is always a factor for me when buying a trash can. I’ve found that 15-gallon plastic trash cans can range from $20 to $70, depending on the brand and features. I typically set a budget but also consider the value I’m getting—sometimes spending a little more upfront can mean better quality and longer use.
Eco-Friendly Options
As someone who is increasingly conscious about the environment, I also look for eco-friendly options. Some brands offer trash cans made from recycled materials or those that are recyclable themselves. I appreciate companies that prioritize sustainability, and I’ve found that many of these options don’t compromise on quality or durability.
: Making the Right Choice
finding the perfect 15-gallon plastic trash can involves considering size, material, lid options, durability, design, price, and eco-friendliness. By reflecting on my needs and preferences, I feel confident that I can choose the right can to suit my lifestyle. Happy shopping!
Author Profile

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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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