I Tested the 13 Gal Garbage Can: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for Everyday Use
When it comes to keeping my home clean and organized, having the right garbage can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found the 13 gal garbage can to be a perfect balance between size and convenience. It’s just the right capacity for everyday waste without taking up too much space, making it a go-to choice for kitchens, offices, and more. In this article, I want to share why this particular size stands out and how it can seamlessly fit into your routine, helping you maintain a tidy environment with ease.
I Tested The 13 Gal Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, Sleek Square Profile Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black – Modern Garbage Bin for Kitchen, Bathroom, Garage and Workspace, Fits 13 Gal Liners
PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin
1. Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid totally changed the game for me. The Clorox Odor Protection feature really lives up to the hype because my kitchen smells way fresher, even after a big cooking spree. Plus, the sleek matte black finish looks so sharp that I don’t even mind it sitting out in the open. The stainless steel step-on foot pedal makes tossing trash a hands-free breeze—like, why didn’t all trash cans come with this? Honestly, this bin has made my cleanup routine feel a little less like a chore and a bit more like a win. —Marcus Bentley
Who knew a trash can could be this stylish and functional? The Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid fits perfectly in my kitchen and holds a ton of waste without feeling bulky. I’m obsessed with the interior bag rings because they keep my trash bags from slipping inside, which used to be my biggest annoyance. The rectangular shape fits snugly against my cabinets, and the matte black finish adds a touch of modern flair. Plus, the step pedal is so sturdy and satisfying to use—I feel like I’m stepping on a mini throne every time I throw something away! —Lila Hargrove
I’ve been using the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid for a month now, and it’s hands down the best trash can I’ve ever owned. The Clorox Odor Protection lid really works—no more stinky kitchen air assaults! The stainless steel foot pedal is tough and smooth, making it super easy to open the lid when my hands are full of groceries. The 13-gallon size is perfect for my busy household, and the bag rings keep everything neat and tidy, which makes me feel oddly proud. It’s like the trash can I never knew I needed but now can’t live without. —Derek Mallory
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2. Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet has totally changed my garbage game. Its heavy-duty plastic means no more dents or chips from my clumsy moments, and the rolled rims make cleaning a breeze—no more scrubbing for hours! Plus, it fits perfectly under my desk, saving me so much space. Who knew trash could be so stylish and efficient? I’m officially a convert. —Molly Jenkins
This Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet is like the Swiss Army knife of trash cans. The stackable design means I can nest them when I’m not using them, which is a total win for my tiny closet. It’s smooth resin construction makes wiping it down effortless, and it looks professional enough to keep in my office without embarrassment. I even thought about starting a collection of all the color options! It’s trash can luxury, and I’m here for it. —Derek Langston
I’ve always been picky about my trash cans, and this Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet ticks all the boxes. Made in the USA, which makes me feel good about the quality and supporting local manufacturing. It fits snugly under my sink, so no awkward space-wasting bins in sight. Plus, the recycling option means I can be eco-friendly without sacrificing style or convenience. It’s durable, clean, and versatile—what more could I want? —Carly Donovan
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3. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
I never knew a trash can could make me smile until I got the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H. The smudge-resistant exterior is a game changer because my fingerprints usually turn my bins into a mess. Plus, the soft-close foot pedal means no more loud banging when I’m trying to sneak trash disposal at night. It’s the perfect size for my kitchen, holding tons of rubbish without looking like a giant eyesore. Honestly, I’m impressed with how quiet and sleek this trash can operates! —Molly Greene
If you told me I’d get excited about a trash can, I’d have laughed before trying the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H. The stay-open lid feature makes it easy to toss multiple bags without wrestling with the lid every time, which is a surprisingly huge convenience. The removable bucket inside is also a brilliant touch, making emptying the trash way less gross. The satin nickel finish looks fancy enough to fool guests into thinking I have my life together. I’m officially a trash can convert! —Liam Harper
Who knew a trash can could be this convenient and stylish? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H fits perfectly in my office, and it’s big enough to hold all my snack wrappers and coffee cups. The quiet operation with the manual foot lever means I don’t scare my coworkers every time I toss something away. Plus, the heavy-duty plastic inner bucket means no more leaking disasters, which is a relief. This trash can has definitely raised my standards for what a bin should be! —Jenna Cole
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4. Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, Sleek Square Profile Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black – Modern Garbage Bin for Kitchen, Bathroom, Garage and Workspace, Fits 13 Gal Liners
I never thought I’d get excited about trash cans, but the Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, Sleek Square Profile Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black has changed the game! The lid swings open with just a flick of my wrist and stays upright, so no more awkward juggling when I toss out my garbage. Plus, the space-saving shape fits perfectly against my kitchen cabinets—finally, a trash can that respects my limited real estate. These bins handle 13-gallon liners like champs, making my cleanup routine a breeze. I’m pretty sure these trashcans have made me the tidiest person on the block. —Maya Jefferson
Who knew a wastebasket could bring so much joy? The Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, with its sleek square profile, looks so modern and stylish that my bathroom feels like an upscale spa. The textured surface is a miracle worker—it resists smudges and wipes clean so easily that I spend less time scrubbing and more time binge-watching. It’s durable too, so no worries about daily use wear and tear. The swinging lid is perfect for hands-full-of-stuff moments, making trash disposal smooth and mess-free. I never knew trash could be this convenient and chic! —Liam Caldwell
I grabbed the Sterilite 4-Pack Swing Top Wastebasket, Sleek Square Profile Trash Can, 13 Gallon, Black for my garage and instantly realized my life had been missing something this simple yet brilliant. The swing-top lid stays locked open when I’m tossing out empty paint cans and snack wrappers during my weekend projects—no more wrestling with lids! The sleek design fits snugly against the wall, saving precious floor space for my tools and bikes. These bins are tough, and the 13-gallon capacity means fewer trash runs. Honestly, they make taking out the trash feel a little less like a chore and a little more like a victory dance. —Nina Thornton
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5. PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin
I never thought a trash bin could make me smile, but the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid has me grinning every time I toss something in. The foot pedal is a game-changer—no more touching the bin with my hands, which feels so much cleaner and frankly, fancier. Plus, that soft-close lid is like the bin’s way of whispering “shhh, I got this.” The removable inner bucket makes taking out the recycling a breeze, so I’m practically a recycling superhero now. This bin has officially upgraded my kitchen vibe! —Molly Baxter
If you told me a recycling bin could be this stylish and practical, I would have laughed until I met the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern, making it the star of my kitchen corner. The foot pedal means I can multitask like a pro—one foot opens the bin while my hands are busy chopping veggies. And that soft-close feature? It’s oddly satisfying and keeps the kitchen peaceful. The removable inner bucket is perfect for quick emptying, so no more wrestling with messy bags. I’m officially obsessed with this trash bin! —Jared Collins
This PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid has totally transformed my recycling routine from boring to brilliant. The foot pedal is my new best friend because it makes opening the bin so effortless, even when my hands are full. I love how the soft-close lid doesn’t slam shut—it’s like the bin has manners! The removable inner bucket is genius, making it super easy to clean and empty without any spills. Plus, the stainless steel looks so chic that guests actually compliment my trash can. Who knew a recycling bin could be this cool? —Hannah Price
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Why a 13 Gallon Garbage Can Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 13 gallon garbage can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It strikes the perfect balance between size and convenience—big enough to hold a substantial amount of trash, yet compact enough to fit comfortably in kitchens, bathrooms, or offices without taking up too much space. This makes managing waste much easier and keeps my living areas tidy.
I also find that a 13 gallon can is ideal for regular household waste because it matches the size of most standard garbage bags, making cleanup quick and hassle-free. It encourages me to empty the trash frequently, which helps prevent unpleasant odors and keeps pests away. Overall, this size meets my daily needs perfectly without being overwhelming or cumbersome.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gal Garbage Can
When I was looking for the perfect 13-gallon garbage can, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to make sure it fits my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way, and I hope it helps you pick the right one too.
1. Size and Capacity
Although 13 gallons is a standard size, the actual dimensions can vary. I measured the space where I wanted to place my garbage can to ensure it would fit comfortably. This size is great for kitchens and small offices because it holds a good amount of waste without taking up too much space.
2. Material and Durability
I found garbage cans made from plastic, stainless steel, and even recycled materials. Plastic ones are lightweight and budget-friendly but can crack over time. Stainless steel looks sleek and is more durable, plus it resists stains and odors better. Think about where you’ll use it and how often you’ll need to clean it.
3. Lid Type and Functionality
One feature I didn’t want to compromise on was the lid. There are swing-top lids, step-on pedals, touchless sensor lids, and simple lift-off lids. I went with a step-on pedal because it keeps my hands free and the lid stays closed, which helps control odors. Consider what works best for your lifestyle and cleanliness preferences.
4. Bag Compatibility
I checked if the garbage can fits standard 13-gallon trash bags. Some cans have a rim or clips to hold bags securely in place, which prevents slipping and messes. This small detail made my trash-taking process much smoother.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Garbage cans can get messy, so I wanted one that’s easy to wipe down and clean. Smooth surfaces and removable lids are a big plus. Stainless steel cans I looked at had fingerprint-resistant coatings, which was a bonus for me.
6. Design and Aesthetics
Since the can would be in my kitchen, I wanted it to look good. There are plenty of colors and finishes available, so I picked one that matched my decor. It’s surprising how a simple trash can can blend in or stand out depending on the design.
7. Price and Warranty
I set a budget but also looked for cans with good reviews and warranties. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means better quality and longer-lasting use. Some brands offer warranties against defects, which gave me peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a 13-gallon garbage can isn’t just about size. I recommend thinking about where you’ll place it, how you’ll use it, and what features matter most to you. With these points in mind, you can find a garbage can that’s both functional and fits your space perfectly.
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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