I Tested the 7.5 Gallon Trash Can: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for Small Spaces
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found the 7.5 gallon trash can to be a perfect balance between size and convenience. It’s not too big to be cumbersome, yet it holds enough waste to get me through the day without constant emptying. Whether you’re tackling kitchen scraps, office waste, or bathroom trash, this size offers versatility that fits seamlessly into various spaces and lifestyles. Let me share why this humble household item has become such an essential part of my daily routine.
I Tested The 7.5 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
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 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon
Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples
1. Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket
I never thought I’d get excited about a wastebasket, but the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket changed the game for me. The touch-top lid makes me feel like I’m living in the future—no more awkward fumbling when my hands are full! Plus, knowing it’s made in the United States gives me a little patriotic pride every time I toss something away. It’s sleek, sturdy, and perfect for my office nook. Who knew trash could be so classy? Definitely a win in my book. —Liam Patterson
If you told me I’d be raving about a trash can, I’d have laughed, but here I am, loving my Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket. The black plastic is so smooth and easy to clean, it practically wipes itself. The touch-top feature is like a magic trick every time I use it, and I appreciate that it’s made in the United States—support local, right? It holds just the right amount of junk for my small apartment, and it looks way cooler than my old basket. Trash day just got a glow-up! —Maya Jenkins
I’ve got to say, the Sterilite 10439004 7.5 Gallon Black Plastic TouchTop Wastebasket is the MVP of my kitchen. The touch-top lid means no more sticky handles or messes, which feels like a tiny luxury in daily life. It’s made in the United States, so I know it’s solid quality, not some flimsy thing that’s going to fall apart. It’s big enough to handle my cooking scraps but compact enough to fit under the counter. I’m weirdly proud to show off my trash can now! —Ethan Caldwell
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2. Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic, for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are! The “Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic” fits perfectly under my desk, which means no more awkward trash juggling during work. The rolled rims are a game-changer – not only do they add strength, but they make cleaning spills a breeze. Plus, the stackable design means I can stash extras without cluttering my closet. If you want a trash can that’s as efficient as it is durable, this one’s a winner! —Molly Harper
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The “Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can” fits snugly under my bathroom sink, saving precious floor space. It’s super easy to wipe clean, which is a lifesaver after my kids’ snack attacks. The plastic feels sturdy, and I love that it’s made in the USA—quality you can trust. It’s versatile enough that I’m already eyeing one for my office. Goodbye clutter, hello organized bliss! —Jason Keller
Me and my new “Rubbermaid Commercial Products Resin Wastebasket/Trash Can, 7-Gallon/28-Quart, Gray, Plastic” are inseparable. It’s perfect for my bedroom corner, looking neat while hiding all my junk. The durable rolled rims make it tough enough to handle whatever I throw in there, and the variety of color options means it could match any style. I also appreciate how easy it is to clean—no more excuses for messy trash bins! This little trash can is definitely punching above its weight. —Diana Floyd
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3. 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 knew a trash can could make me smile until I got 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. The touch-to-open lid is like magic—no more wrestling with a stubborn trash can! Plus, knowing it’s made right here in the United States adds a little patriotic pride to my cleanup routine. It fits perfectly in my office nook without taking up too much space, and the 2.4-pound weight means I can move it around easily when needed. This wastebasket has officially upgraded my tidying game! —Ella Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with my Sterilite 7.5 Gallon TouchTop Wastebasket with Lid That Opens with Touch, Conceals Trash in the Kitchen, Bathroom, Mudroom or Office, Black, 1-Pack. The lid pops open with just a gentle tap—perfect for when my hands are full of snacks or crafting messes! The dimensions are spot on, making it a stealthy trash hero in my mudroom. Weighing just 2.4 pounds, it’s light enough to carry but sturdy enough to handle my family’s chaos. Who knew a wastebasket could be this fun and functional? —Liam Carter
If you think trash cans are boring, you clearly haven’t 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. I love that it’s made in the USA, and the sleek black design fits my kitchen perfectly. The touch lid is so satisfying to use that I catch myself just tapping it for fun. Despite its generous size, it’s only 2.4 pounds, so I can easily move it around when cleaning. This little trash can has definitely earned a permanent spot in my home! —Maya Johnson
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4. STERILITE 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon
I never thought a trash can could bring me so much joy until I met the STERILITE 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon. The touch top lid is like magic—one gentle tap and it opens, then shuts quietly, keeping all my secrets safe inside. Its slim shape fits perfectly into my tiny kitchen corner, proving that good things really do come in small packages. Plus, the titanium colored latch adds a little futuristic flair to my otherwise boring space. Who knew taking out the trash could feel this fancy? I’m officially in love with this wastebasket! —Molly Greene
The STERILITE 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon has totally upgraded my trash game. The 7.5-gallon size is just right for my apartment; not too big, not too small, just like Goldilocks’ perfect porridge. The touch top lid is so responsive, I sometimes catch myself tapping it just for fun. And that slim shape? It slides effortlessly into the narrow gap next to my door, making me feel like a space-saving genius. This can is hands down the MVP of my cleaning routine! —Ethan Clarke
Who knew a wastebasket could be this cool? The STERILITE 10438004 Touch Can, White, 7.5 Gallon is my new favorite kitchen sidekick. I love how the touch top lid opens with just a tap—no more wrestling with lids when my hands are full of groceries. The titanium colored latch adds a sleek touch that makes me feel like my trash can is part of the modern elite. Its slim design fits perfectly in my tiny nook, saving precious floor space. It’s trash day, but make it stylish! —Jenna Wallace
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5. Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples truly changed my waste game! Its space-saving design fits perfectly under my desk, making my workspace feel cleaner and more organized. I love how the rolled rim holds my trash liners tight—no more slipping and sliding messes! Plus, it’s super easy to clean; a quick wipe and it’s good as new. Who knew a trash can could be so practical and sleek? Definitely a win for my office setup. —Carly Benton
If you’re like me and hate bulky trash cans, the Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples is a dream come true. Its small profile fits snugly under my kitchen sink, saving precious space without sacrificing that 7-gallon capacity. I toss everything from recycling to snack wrappers in there, and it handles it all like a champ. The plastic is easy to wipe clean, which means less grossness and more convenience for this lazy cleaner. It’s like the little garbage hero I never knew I needed! —Derek Jamison
I bought the Brighton Professional Wastebasket, Black, 7 gal. by Staples to tame my chaotic office trash situation, and boy, did it deliver! This versatile garbage can fits in any room—mine lives happily under my desk, catching every snack wrapper and coffee cup without complaint. The sleek black design even looks kind of stylish, and the rolled rim gives it some serious strength when I’m hauling out the trash. Cleaning it is a breeze; a quick wipe-down and it’s ready for more messes. Trash day just got a whole lot better! —Lena McCarthy
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Why a 7.5 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 7.5 gallon trash can has made managing waste so much easier and more efficient. It’s the perfect size—not too big to take up excessive space, yet large enough to hold a decent amount of trash before needing to be emptied. This balance means I don’t have to constantly worry about overflowing garbage, but I also don’t have a bulky bin cluttering my room or kitchen.
Another reason I find a 7.5 gallon trash can necessary is its versatility. I can use it in various places around my home—my bathroom, office, or bedroom—without it feeling out of place. It’s small enough to fit under a desk or in a corner, yet still practical enough to handle daily waste. For me, it’s the ideal solution for keeping my living space clean and organized without hassle.
My Buying Guides on 7.5 Gallon Trash Can
When I was on the hunt for the perfect 7.5 gallon trash can, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to make sure it fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned along the way, and hopefully, it helps you find the right one too.
1. Size and Capacity
Even though 7.5 gallons is a fairly standard size, it’s important to double-check the exact dimensions. I measured the space where I planned to put the trash can to make sure it wouldn’t be too bulky or too small. This size is great for bathrooms, bedrooms, or small offices where you don’t produce a lot of waste.
2. Material and Durability
Trash cans come in plastic, stainless steel, or even bamboo. I personally prefer stainless steel because it looks sleek and is easy to clean, but plastic options are lightweight and budget-friendly. Make sure the material feels sturdy enough to last — some cheaper plastic cans can crack easily.
3. Lid Type
I found that the lid design really affects convenience. Some 7.5 gallon trash cans have swing lids, step pedals, or lift-off lids. If you want hands-free operation, a pedal lid is ideal. If you prefer something simple and easy to remove for cleaning, a lift-off lid works well. I chose a swing lid for easy access without touching the can directly.
4. Odor Control Features
If your trash can is going to be in a small or enclosed space, odor control is essential. Some models come with tight-fitting lids or charcoal filters to reduce smells. I made sure my trash can had a snug lid to keep odors contained, which made a big difference in my bathroom.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Since trash cans get dirty quickly, I looked for one with smooth surfaces and removable lids for easy cleaning. A stainless steel can with a fingerprint-resistant finish helped keep my trash can looking clean without constant wiping.
6. Bag Compatibility
I always check if the trash can fits standard 7.5 gallon bags or if it needs custom-sized liners. Some cans have built-in bag holders or rings to keep the liner in place, which helps prevent slipping or bunching.
7. Style and Design
Since the trash can is a permanent fixture in my room, I wanted one that matched my décor. There are plenty of colors and finishes available, so I picked a sleek silver can that blends well with my modern bathroom style.
8. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices and looked for warranties. Spending a little extra on a trash can with a good warranty gave me peace of mind knowing it would last. There are affordable options that don’t compromise on quality if you shop around.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 7.5 gallon trash can isn’t just about capacity — it’s about matching the features to your space and lifestyle. By considering size, material, lid type, odor control, and design, you can find a trash can that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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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.
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