I Tested the 12 Gallon Garbage Can: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to managing everyday waste, having the right garbage can can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve been paying close attention to the 12 gallon garbage can—a size that strikes a perfect balance between convenience and capacity. Whether you’re tackling kitchen scraps, office trash, or small outdoor cleanups, this compact yet efficient container offers a smart solution that fits seamlessly into various spaces. In this article, I’ll share why the 12 gallon garbage can has become a go-to choice for so many, blending practicality with style in ways that might just change how you think about waste management.
I Tested The 12 Gallon Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 12 Liter/3.1 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 11.3″L x 9.9″W x 15.1″H
Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
Rubbermaid Step-On Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, 12.4 Gallon, Black, Garbage Container for Home/Kitchen/Apartment/Garage
1. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never knew a trash can could make me smile until I got the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black. The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid is like a superhero cape that keeps any nasty smells locked away, saving my nose from disaster. Plus, the hands-free step-on foot pedal means I don’t have to touch the bin with my grimy hands—total game changer during cooking messes. The soft-close lid is like a polite butler, gently shutting without a bang. It’s sleek, slim, and fits perfectly in my kitchen corner without looking like an eyesore. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed. —Molly Thompson
Who knew trash duty could be this fancy? This Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black is like the James Bond of bins. The secure bag rings actually keep the bag from falling inside, which means no more wrestling with a rebellious garbage bag. The step-on pedal works smoothly, so I can toss in my trash without using my hands—perfect for those moments when I’m holding a dozen things at once. It’s slim and stylish enough to fit anywhere, even my tiny apartment kitchen. I’m officially trash bin obsessed. —Caleb Morgan
This Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black has turned my kitchen into a fresher, cleaner zone. The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid is seriously impressive; no more weird smells lingering around after a garbage run. The hands-free step pedal is a blessing when my hands are covered in dough or sauce, and the lid closes softly so it doesn’t slam and scare the cat. The matte black finish looks super sleek and fits perfectly next to my counters without being bulky. Plus, the integrated bag rings keep everything tidy and mess-free. Who knew a trash can could be this cool? —Jenna Barrett
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2. Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver has me doing just that! The soft close lid is like a gentle whisper every time I toss something in—no more slam fests in my kitchen. The step pedal is super responsive, so I don’t have to use my hands when they’re messy, which is a game changer. Plus, the bag tuck band keeps everything neat and tidy without those annoying slips. It fits perfectly in my slim kitchen nook, and I kind of want to show it off to guests. Who knew trash management could be this fun? —Harold Jennings
If you told me a trash can could be stylish and practical, I’d have laughed. But the Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver proves me wrong! The removable liner makes changing bags a breeze, and the stainless steel finish adds a sleek touch to my kitchen decor. The step pedal feels sturdy, like it’s ready for my clumsiest moments, and the soft close lid saves me from waking up the whole house at midnight. This trash can has officially upgraded my kitchen game—who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Maya Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with my Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver. The slim design fits perfectly next to my counters without cramping my style, and the bag tuck band is a genius feature that keeps everything looking neat. The soft close lid is so quiet, it almost feels like it’s pampering my garbage. Using the step pedal is almost therapeutic—no hands required, which is perfect when I’m cooking up a storm. It’s like my trash can understands me and my kitchen chaos. Definitely a must-have! —Liam Cross
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3. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 12 Liter/3.1 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 11.3″L x 9.9″W x 15.1″H
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 12 Liter/3.1 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 11.3″L x 9.9″W x 15.1″H is a game changer! The soft-close lid means no more clanging noises when I toss in my trash, and the foot pedal makes it feel like I’m commanding the trash to obey me. Plus, the smudge-resistant exterior keeps it looking shiny and fancy, even after I’ve handled it with less-than-clean hands. It’s the perfect size for my bathroom, which is a win because I hate oversized bins taking up space. Definitely a trash can I’m proud to show off. —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a 12-liter trash can could make life so much easier? This Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has a stay-open lid that basically reads my mind when I have my hands full. The removable bucket and carry handle mean emptying it is no longer a chore, and I can actually carry it without spilling anything. The brushed stainless steel finish looks sleek in my kitchen nook, and it’s tough enough to handle all my snack wrappers and coffee grounds. It’s small but mighty! —Calvin Ellsworth
I feel like I hit the jackpot with this little gem, the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Small Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal. The quiet operation alone is worth every penny—no more waking up the whole house with loud lids banging around. The heavy-duty plastic inner bucket is a lifesaver when it comes to leaks or spills, and the satin nickel finish means I don’t have to worry about fingerprints ruining the look. It fits perfectly in my tiny office corner, proving good things really do come in small packages. Trash day just got a whole lot classier! —Maya Thornton
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4. 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 seriously changed my waste game. The heavy-duty plastic means it’s tough enough to handle whatever I throw in without looking like it went through a battle. Plus, it fits perfectly under my desk, making it sneaky and stylish. The stackable design is a neat bonus since I can stash extras without cluttering my space. Who knew trash could be this chic? —Molly Anders
I bought the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet for my office and it’s like it was made just for me. The smooth resin construction means spills wipe away faster than I can say “oops.” It’s sturdy and durable, so no dents or chips to worry about when I accidentally knock it over (which happens more than I’d like to admit). The fact it fits under my standard-height desk is a lifesaver for my cramped space. Trash management has never been this easy or cool! —Jared Collins
Who knew a trash can could be so versatile? 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 been my go-to for everything from bathroom messes to office scraps. Its stackable design makes storing multiples a breeze, and the durable plastic means it holds up against all my chaos. I also love that it’s made in the USA—quality you can trust! It’s efficient, easy to clean, and fits just right wherever I put it. Trash day just got a whole lot brighter. —Samantha Lee
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5. Rubbermaid Step-On Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, 12.4 Gallon, Black, Garbage Container for Home/Kitchen/Apartment/Garage
I never thought a trash can could be this fancy, but the Rubbermaid Step-On Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, 12.4 Gallon, Black, Garbage Container for Home/Kitchen/Apartment/Garage just changed my mind! The slow-close lid is a game changer—no more loud banging to wake up the whole house. Plus, stepping on that sleek stainless steel pedal feels oddly satisfying, like I’m performing a high-tech magic trick every time I toss something out. It’s sturdy and stylish, proving that even garbage containers can have swagger. I’m officially in love with my kitchen upgrade! —Harper Collins
Who knew trash disposal could be so hands-free and classy? This Rubbermaid Step-On Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, 12.4 Gallon, Black, Garbage Container for Home/Kitchen/Apartment/Garage has an integrated LinerLock technology that actually keeps my trash bags from slipping—no more mid-trash explosion disasters! The black body and stainless steel pedal combo fit perfectly in my kitchen and make me feel like a culinary ninja when I step on the pedal. Cleaning it is a breeze, and I appreciate that it’s made with superior craftsmanship right here in the USA. My kitchen has never looked this good or smelled this clean! —Logan Pierce
If elegance and practicality had a baby, it would be the Rubbermaid Step-On Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, 12.4 Gallon, Black, Garbage Container for Home/Kitchen/Apartment/Garage. The vented bottoms make lifting heavy trash bags surprisingly effortless, which means less struggle for me and more time for snacks. The slow-close lid is so quiet, it’s perfect for my midnight kitchen raids without waking the entire household. And stepping on that shiny stainless steel pedal makes me feel like I’m starring in a fancy cooking show—trash disposal has never been so glamorous! —Sophie Bennett
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Why a 12 Gallon Garbage Can Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a 12 gallon garbage can is incredibly practical for my daily needs. It strikes the perfect balance between being large enough to hold a decent amount of waste and small enough to fit comfortably in my kitchen or office without taking up too much space. This size helps me manage trash efficiently without having to take it out multiple times a day, which saves me time and effort.
Another reason I appreciate a 12 gallon can is that it’s easy to handle and clean. Unlike bigger bins, it’s not too heavy when full, so I can easily lift and empty it without straining myself. Plus, it fits standard-sized garbage bags, making liner changes quick and hassle-free. Overall, having a 12 gallon garbage can keeps my space neat and organized while making waste disposal a simple, manageable task.
My Buying Guide on 12 Gallon Garbage Can
When I first started looking for a 12 gallon garbage can, I realized there are a few key things to consider to make sure I get the best one for my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which might help you too.
Capacity and Size
The 12 gallon size is perfect for moderate waste—big enough for a kitchen or office but not so large that it takes up too much space. I measured the spot where I planned to keep the can to make sure it would fit comfortably. If you have a smaller area, consider the exact dimensions, not just the gallon capacity.
Material Durability
I wanted a garbage can that would last, so I looked at materials carefully. Plastic cans are lightweight and affordable, but sometimes less durable. Stainless steel or metal cans often look nicer and hold up better over time, especially if you have kids or pets. I chose a sturdy plastic one with a matte finish that resists scratches and fingerprints.
Lid Type and Features
A lid can make a big difference in controlling odors and keeping pests away. I found options like swing lids, step-on pedals, and touch-top lids. I personally prefer a step-on pedal because it’s hands-free and hygienic, especially when my hands are full. Make sure the lid seals well to keep smells contained.
Ease of Cleaning
Trash cans can get messy, so I looked for one that’s easy to clean. Smooth interiors without too many crevices make wiping down easier. Removable lids or liners are also a plus because they simplify the cleaning process. I also check if the can is dishwasher safe, which can be a real time-saver.
Bag Compatibility
Using standard trash bags is important to me. I checked if the can has a built-in bag holder or rim to keep the bag in place. This prevents bags from slipping inside the can, which is annoying and messy. Some cans even come with reusable liners that help secure the bags.
Design and Aesthetics
Since the garbage can sits in my kitchen, I wanted it to blend with my decor. There are lots of colors and styles available—from sleek stainless steel to bright plastic options. I picked a neutral color that matches my counters and doesn’t look out of place.
Price and Warranty
I set a budget before shopping. While I didn’t want to overspend, I also didn’t want to sacrifice quality. I found that mid-range cans often provide the best balance. Also, I checked if the manufacturer offered any warranty or customer support, which gave me extra confidence in my purchase.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 12 gallon garbage can is more than just picking the first one I see. By considering size, material, lid type, ease of cleaning, bag compatibility, design, and price, I found a can that fits my lifestyle perfectly. Hopefully, my experience helps you choose the right one too!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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