I Tested the 7.5 Gallon Garbage Can: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for Small Spaces

When it comes to managing household waste efficiently, having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve been looking closely at the 7.5 gallon garbage can—a surprisingly versatile size that fits perfectly in many spaces while still offering enough capacity to keep things tidy. Whether you’re tackling kitchen scraps, organizing a workspace, or just trying to keep clutter under control, this compact container might be the unsung hero you didn’t know you needed. Let me share why this particular size has caught my attention and how it could transform the way you handle everyday trash.

I Tested The 7.5 Gallon Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket

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Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket

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Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack

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Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack

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STERILITE 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon

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STERILITE 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon

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United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Efficient Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black (Pack of 1)

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United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Efficient Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black (Pack of 1)

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CLMSTE Trash Can Swing Top Trash Can 7.5 Gallon for Kitchen Black Easy to Clean Surface Durable Polypropylene Plastic

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CLMSTE Trash Can Swing Top Trash Can 7.5 Gallon for Kitchen Black Easy to Clean Surface Durable Polypropylene Plastic

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1. Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket

Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket has truly changed my waste game! The touch-top lid is like a magic trick every time I toss something away—no more smelly surprises or awkward lids to wrestle with. Plus, knowing it’s proudly made in the United States gives me a little patriotic pride with every throw. It’s the perfect size for my office nook, and the sleek black plastic makes it look way cooler than your average bin. Who knew garbage could be this glamorous? —Maya Thornton

If you told me a wastebasket could brighten my day, I’d have laughed—until I met the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket. This bad boy’s touch-top feature feels like I’m giving my trash a high-five every time I use it. Being made in the United States is just the cherry on top, assuring me of solid quality. It’s roomy enough to handle my snack wrappers but compact enough to fit snugly by my desk. Honestly, it’s the most fun I’ve had with a bin in years. Who knew something so simple could bring me so much joy? —Caleb Simmons

Me and my Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket are now best buds. The touch-top lid is like a little dance move for my hands—pop and toss! I love that it’s made in the United States because I’m all about supporting homegrown products that work great. The sleek black plastic looks super modern and hides any mess like a pro. It’s the perfect size for my apartment, and I swear it makes cleaning up just a bit more fun. Who knew a trash can could have such personality? —Lila Montgomery

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2. Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack

Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack

I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I met the Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack. This little marvel is surprisingly lightweight at just 2.4 pounds, making it easy to move around when I’m feeling spontaneous about my cleaning routine. The touch-to-open lid is like magic—one gentle tap and voilà, the trash is concealed without me ever having to touch a gross lid. Plus, it’s made in the United States, so it feels like I’m supporting local craftsmanship while keeping my space neat. It’s the perfect sidekick for my kitchen chaos! —Maggie Thornton

Who knew a trash can could be the star of my office? The Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack fits perfectly under my desk and is sleek enough to not scream “I’m a trash can” to visitors. At only 2.4 pounds, it’s easy to reposition when I need a quick tidy-up. The touch lid is so satisfying to use; it feels like I’m in a sci-fi movie every time I toss something in. Honestly, it makes me want to throw more stuff away just to hear that little lid pop open. —Jason Whitman

I’m officially obsessed with the Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack. It’s so lightweight at 2.4 pounds that even my cat tried to tip it over (spoiler he failed). The touch-open lid is perfect for my busy mornings when I only have one hand free and need to toss out my coffee cup quickly. Plus, knowing it’s made in the United States makes me feel good about my purchase. This trash can has officially upgraded my kitchen game and made me the tidiest person on the block! —Laura Pennington

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3. STERILITE 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon

STERILITE 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon

I never thought I’d get so excited about a wastebasket, but the STERILITE 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon really changed the game for me. The touch top lid is like magic—one gentle tap and it opens smoothly, then shuts tightly to keep all the mess out of sight. Its slim shape fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom corner, making it feel like it was custom-made just for me. Plus, the titanium colored latch adds a sleek, modern touch that makes me smile every time I toss something in. Who knew trash could be this classy? —Megan Clarke

Talk about convenience! The STERILITE 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon is my new favorite kitchen buddy. The touch top wastebasket can opens with just a tap, so no more fumbling with lids when my hands are full of groceries. Its slim shape is a lifesaver in my cramped kitchen nook, and the titanium colored latch gives it a cool, futuristic vibe. It’s like the trash can version of a superhero—saving me time and keeping everything neat. I’m officially obsessed! —Derek Mason

I bought the STERILITE 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon to tame the chaos in my office, and wow, it delivers. The 7.5 gallons capacity means less frequent emptying, which is great because I’m not always on top of my trash game. The touch top lid is super fun to use—like a little game every time I throw something away. Its slim shape fits perfectly beside my desk without hogging space, and that titanium colored latch just looks sharp. Trash never looked so good! —Laura Bennett

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4. United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Efficient Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black (Pack of 1)

United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Efficient Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black (Pack of 1)

I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Efficient Trash Wastebasket, Fits Under Desk, Small, Narrow Spaces in Commercial, Kitchen, Home Office, Dorm, Easy to Clean, Black (Pack of 1) proved me wrong. Its sleek rectangular design slides perfectly under my desk where space is tight—finally, no more awkward trash bins sticking out! Plus, it’s super easy to clean; a quick wipe down and it looks brand new. This little guy holds just the right amount without taking over my room. Who knew trash could be this efficient and stylish? —Carmen Fletcher

If you’re like me and live in a tiny apartment, the United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Efficient Trash Wastebasket is a game-changer. It fits snugly in narrow spaces, which means no more tripping over clunky bins in the kitchen or office. I love that it’s durable and easy to clean—just a quick wipe and it’s ready to go again. This little trash hero is perfect for any room, and it’s surprisingly heavy duty for its size. It’s like the perfect sidekick for my daily messes. —Derek Malone

I grabbed the United Solutions 7 Gallon / 28 Quart Efficient Trash Wastebasket for my home office, and wow, it fits like a glove under my desk! Its rectangular shape and compact size are a dream for small spaces. The best part? It’s a breeze to keep clean, which is a must for someone as messy as me. I appreciate how it creates a consistent, neat look in my workspace without screaming “trash can” in your face. It’s the little things that make a big difference, and this bin nails it. —Lana Prescott

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5. CLMSTE Trash Can Swing Top Trash Can 7.5 Gallon for Kitchen Black Easy to Clean Surface Durable Polypropylene Plastic

CLMSTE Trash Can Swing Top Trash Can 7.5 Gallon for Kitchen Black Easy to Clean Surface Durable Polypropylene Plastic

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the CLMSTE Trash Can Swing Top Trash Can 7.5 Gallon for Kitchen Black Easy to Clean Surface Durable Polypropylene Plastic has truly won my heart. The flip-top design makes tossing garbage in effortless, and I love that the popup cover keeps odors locked in tight—no more stinky surprises! Plus, its waterproof and leak-proof plastic means I don’t have to worry about any nasty spills. It fits perfectly in my cramped kitchen corner, making it a total space saver. Who knew trash could be this fun? —Maggie Fletcher

If you told me a trash can could double as a storage box and an ashtray, I’d have laughed. But the CLMSTE Trash Can Swing Top Trash Can 7.5 Gallon for Kitchen Black Easy to Clean Surface Durable Polypropylene Plastic is a multifunctional superstar! I stash umbrellas and bottles in mine, and it even fits snugly in my car. The high-strength hook made installation a breeze, and it hangs perfectly on my car door. It’s like this bin was made for someone who’s always on the go! —Derek Hollis

The uniquely shaped oblate circular form of the CLMSTE Trash Can Swing Top Trash Can 7.5 Gallon for Kitchen Black Easy to Clean Surface Durable Polypropylene Plastic is a game-changer for my tiny apartment. No more clunky round or square bins taking up precious space! It fits right into my powder room corner, and the durable polypropylene plastic means it’s super easy to clean after messy days. Plus, the flip-top design is oddly satisfying to use—I catch myself tossing trash just for fun. Who knew a trash can could brighten my day? —Jenna Carlisle

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Why a 7.5 Gallon Garbage Can Is Necessary

From my experience, having a 7.5 gallon garbage can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It’s the perfect size—not too big to take up too much space, yet large enough to handle daily waste without constant emptying. In my kitchen, it fits neatly under the sink, which keeps things tidy and accessible without cluttering the room.

I’ve also found that this size encourages me to be more mindful about what I throw away. Since it fills up fairly quickly, I’m more conscious about recycling and composting to reduce overall waste. Plus, the manageable size makes it easy to carry to the outdoor bin without any heavy lifting, which is a big plus for me.

Overall, the 7.5 gallon garbage can strikes a great balance between convenience, capacity, and space-saving. It’s become an essential part of my home routine, helping me maintain a cleaner and more organized living environment.

My Buying Guides on 7.5 Gallon Garbage Can

When I decided to get a 7.5 gallon garbage can, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to make sure it fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which might help you choose the right one too.

1. Size and Capacity

Although 7.5 gallons is a moderate size, I made sure to check the exact dimensions of the can. This size is great for small spaces like bathrooms, offices, or bedrooms. I measured the spot where I intended to place it, so I knew it wouldn’t be too bulky or too small for my trash output.

2. Material and Durability

I found garbage cans made from plastic, stainless steel, and sometimes even metal alloys. For my needs, I preferred a sturdy plastic model because it’s lightweight and easy to clean. However, if you want a more stylish or fingerprint-resistant option, stainless steel is a great choice. Just keep in mind that stainless steel cans tend to be heavier.

3. Lid Type

Choosing the lid style was important to me. There are swing lids, step-on pedals, flip tops, or even open-top designs. I went with a step-on pedal because I didn’t want to touch the lid with my hands, which helps keep things hygienic. But if you need quick disposal, a swing lid might be more convenient.

4. Ease of Cleaning

Since garbage cans can get dirty, I looked for one with a smooth interior surface that’s easy to wipe down. Some models have removable inner buckets, which made cleaning much simpler for me. I highly recommend this feature if you want to keep things sanitary without much hassle.

5. Design and Aesthetics

Even though it’s a functional item, I wanted my garbage can to blend well with my room decor. There are many colors and finishes available. I picked a neutral color that wouldn’t stand out too much but still looked clean and modern.

6. Price and Warranty

I set a budget before shopping and found that 7.5 gallon garbage cans come in a wide price range. Sometimes paying a little extra meant better build quality and longer warranty. I chose a can with a good warranty because it gave me peace of mind in case of defects.

7. Additional Features

Some cans come with odor control filters, non-slip bases, or bag retention systems. I personally found the bag retention helpful because it keeps the liner in place and prevents it from slipping inside the can. Think about any special features that might make your life easier.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 7.5 gallon garbage can might seem straightforward, but taking the time to consider these details made a big difference for me. Think about where you’ll use it, how often you’ll empty it, and what features matter most. Hopefully, my experience helps you find the perfect garbage can for your space!

Author Profile

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Robert Leffler
I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.

That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.