15 Small Bathroom Trash Cans With Lids That Hide the Mess
An open wastebasket in a small bathroom shows everything: cotton pads, floss picks, tissues and empty tubes. A lid hides all of it and holds odors in. This guide rounds up the best small bathroom trash cans with lids, and every pick below has one.
The real test is the gap beside the toilet. Most small bathrooms leave six or seven inches between the toilet and the vanity. So each pick below states its capacity, its full footprint and its narrow side.
The narrowest cans here are 5.5 and 5.6 inches wide. The round cans need 7.5 inches or more. Measure your gap first, then read the list.
Lid type is the other split. Eleven of these cans open with a pedal, three open with a sensor, and one opens with a swing top pushed by hand.
Storage around the can matters too. Our small bathroom cabinet ideas cover the cabinet side, and our guide to no-drill adhesive shower caddies for renters covers the shower wall.
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1. simplehuman 5 Liter Slim Step Can — Slim step can in brushed stainless steel with an in-can liner pocket
This 5 liter step can is brushed stainless steel, and its footprint is 6.2 inches wide, 12.6 inches deep and 12.2 inches high. That 6.2 inch width is the beside-toilet figure. A flat internal hinge lets it sit flush against the wall.
The brand states that its steel pedal is engineered to last over 150,000 steps. Its lid shox technology controls the lid for a slow, silent close. An invisible silver-ion coating resists fingerprints, per the brand.
A removable bucket made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic lifts out for cleaning. A liner pocket stores code B custom fit liners inside the can.
Watch for two things. The liner pocket is built around code B liners, so standard bags fit loosely. At 6.6 pounds per the spec sheet, this is the heaviest 5 liter can here.
2. simplehuman 10 Liter Profile Step Can — Bigger slim step can with a brushed steel body and plastic lid
This is the larger slim pick, at 10 liters or 2.6 gallons. The listing for this SKU, model CW1180, gives 14.2 inches long, 6.6 inches wide and 13.3 inches high, at 4 pounds.
The body is brushed stainless steel with a plastic lid, and the shape is rectangular. A step-on pedal opens it, so your hands stay free. The brand describes the slim profile shape as a fit for a bathroom or under a desk.
Capacity is the reason to pick it. It holds about twice as much as the 5 liter cans, while keeping a 6.6 inch width. Busy family bathrooms empty it less often.
Watch for the depth. At 14.2 inches long, it needs a longer clear run of floor than the smaller cans. Measure front to back, not just the width of the gap.
3. simplehuman 4.5 Liter Round Step Can — Small round step can for a corner or a pedestal sink
This round step can holds 4.5 liters, or 1.2 gallons. Its footprint is 10 inches long, 7.7 inches wide and 12.1 inches high. The listing names plastic, rubber and stainless steel as its materials.
The brand states that its strong steel pedal is engineered to last over 150,000 steps. That is a brand engineering claim, not a tested lifespan. Its patented lid shox technology gives a slow, silent close.
A removable inner bucket lifts out for disposal. The base is non-skid, with rubber pads that hold it on tile. The brand also lists a fingerprint-proof finish among its features.
Watch for the liners. The neat fit comes from simplehuman code A custom fit liners, sold by the brand. And at 7.7 inches wide, this round can needs more width than the slim cans.
4. KOHLER 2.5 Gallon Slim Step Trash Can — Long, narrow step can for the toilet-to-vanity gap
KOHLER rates this slim step can at 2.5 gallons. The retailer quick specs give a length of 15.19 inches, a width of 6.5 inches and a height of 12.75 inches. The body is stainless steel.
That 6.5 inch width is the narrow side, and the long, flat shape is the point. Retailer copy describes a slim, elongated footprint for small spaces, such as between a toilet and a vanity.
The same copy states that the space-saving profile fits snugly against a wall or cabinets. A foot pedal opens the lid. The model manual summary adds a removable plastic liner inside.
Finishes listed are stainless steel, white and black stainless. Watch for the length: at 15.19 inches, this is the longest footprint in the list, so check the depth of your gap.
5. KOHLER 6 Liter Bathroom Step Trash Can — Smaller KOHLER step can, sold as a two-pack with liners
Each can in this set holds 6 liters, or 1.6 gallons. The listing gives dimensions of 6.5 by 11.38 by 12.75 inches for each can. That 6.5 inch side is the narrow one.
Read the pack size before anything else: this listing is a two-pack. The included components are two 6 liter step cans and two removable plastic liners. The part number is REC23827-BST.
Each can opens with a step-on pedal and has a rectangular shape. For a home with two small bathrooms, one pack covers both rooms with the same can, the same liners and the same look.
Watch for the two-pack framing. If you only need one can, you are still buying two. That suits a two-bathroom home and wastes money and storage space in a one-bathroom home.
6. Brabantia NewIcon Pedal Bin 5 Liter — Round steel pedal bin with a soft-closing lid
Brabantia rates this round pedal bin at 5 liters. The manufacturer data sheet gives a diameter of 205 mm, about 8.1 inches. The main part is steel, and the inner bucket is plastic.
The lid closes softly, and the pedal is a light press, per the brand. Brabantia describes the lid as odor-proof because it closes tightly. Treat that as the brand’s claim, as with every odor claim here.
The plastic inner bucket lifts out for cleaning. A non-slip base helps it stay put on tile, and a built-in anti-tilt block adds stability.
Watch for the shape. A round 8.1 inch diameter takes more floor width than the 5.5 and 5.6 inch slim cans. It suits a corner better than a narrow gap.
7. Brabantia NewIcon Pedal Bin 3 Liter — The smallest round pedal bin in this list
At 3 liters, this is the smallest pedal bin here. The manufacturer data sheet for article 113321 gives a width of 168 mm, a depth of 235 mm and a height of 264 mm.
Converted, that is about 6.6 inches wide, 9.3 inches deep and 10.4 inches high. The shape is round, with a diameter of 168 mm. The main part is steel, with a plastic inner bucket.
It shares the NewIcon soft-closing lid and light pedal operation. The data sheet lists it as suitable for the bathroom, toilet, kitchen and bedroom.
Watch for the open height. With the lid open, the data sheet puts the height in use at 411 mm, about 16.2 inches. Check that clearance under a low shelf or counter.
8. SONGMICS Bathroom Trash Can 5 Liter Slim — The narrowest step can here, at 5.6 inches wide
This slim can holds 5 liters, or 1.3 gallons. Its size is 11.8 inches long, 5.6 inches wide and 11.4 inches high. At 5.6 inches, it is close to the narrowest width in this list.
The bin is stainless steel, the inner bucket is PP plastic and the base is ABS plastic. The removable inner bucket measures 8.8 by 5.4 by 9.9 inches and has inner handles for lifting.
The lid closes softly and has a stay-open option for longer clean-ups. A back handle makes the can easy to move. The brand states the sealed lid is rust- and water-resistant.
Watch for the open height. With the lid open, the can stands 20.3 inches tall. Under a low vanity overhang or a wall cabinet, that lid needs room your tape measure should confirm first.
9. SONGMICS Bathroom Trash Can 10 Liter Slim — Larger slim step can with a removable inner bucket
The model manual rates this slim can at 2.6 gallons, or 10 liters. It gives the size as 15.1 inches long, 6.9 inches wide and 11.8 inches high, model ULTB561E10.
The manual describes that slim size as a fit for narrow spaces, such as beside a toilet or vanity. The outer bin and lid are stainless steel. Inside sits a removable PP plastic inner bucket.
A foot pedal opens the lid without hands. The manual states that a soft-close mechanism closes the lid quietly and gently, and lists quiet close among its features.
The manual instructs lining the inner bucket with a standard 2.6 gallon bag, so no special liners are needed. Watch for the width: at 6.9 inches, it is the widest of the slim cans here.
10. iTouchless 2.5 Gallon Sensor Bathroom Trash Can — Small sensor can with a carbon odor filter
This sensor can holds 2.5 gallons. The listing gives dimensions of 10.5 inches long, 7 inches wide and 11.6 inches high. The material is stainless steel with a brushed finish, and the model is MT02SS.
A motion sensor opens the lid, so there is no pedal and no touch. The can has no inner bucket: the brand’s bucket-free design holds waste directly, using a standard 3 gallon bag, per the brand.
Odor control is the headline feature. The AbsorbX filter system uses activated carbon, per the brand, and a fragrance pack is included in the box.
Watch for the power costs. It runs on 4 AA batteries, which are not included, or an AC adapter, which is sold separately. Budget for one or the other before the can can work.
11. NINESTARS DZT-8-1 Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can — Taller sensor can in stainless steel
The listing’s measurements table puts this sensor can at 2 gallons. Its item dimensions are 11.3 inches long, 7.2 inches wide and 13.7 inches high. The listing gives an item weight of 1.94 kg.
The shape is rectangular and the material is stainless steel. A motion sensor opens the lid, so the can works with full hands and no pedal underfoot. It is the second sensor pick in this list.
Against the iTouchless above, the trade is shape. This can is taller and narrower: 7.2 inches wide against 7 inches, but 13.7 inches high against 11.6 inches.
Watch for a listing conflict and for height. The listing title markets this can at 2.1 gallons, while its own measurements table states 2 gallons; this guide uses the table figure. Check under-counter height too.
12. NINESTARS AMZ-7-2 Automatic Motion Sensor Bathroom Trash Can — Slim sensor can at 5.9 inches wide
The model manual rates this sensor can at 7 liters, or 1.8 gallons. Its dimensions are 9.1 by 5.9 by 12.2 inches. That 5.9 inch width is the sensor-can figure for a beside-toilet gap.
An infrared motion sensor near the lip of the lid opens it when a hand passes over, per the manual. The manual gives an item weight of 1.8 pounds and marks the can for indoor use only.
For bags, the manual recommends a size of 2 to 5 gallons, or 7 to 19 liters. That wide range means small bathroom bags you already own are likely to fit.
Watch for the batteries. The manual for this model line states 2 AA batteries, and they are not included. Keep a spare pair with your liners so the lid never sits dead.
13. Homie Soft Close Slim Trash Can — Slim soft-close can with clips that hold the bag in place
Homie rates this slim can at 6 liters, or 1.6 gallons. Brand copy gives its size as 9.1 inches long, 5.9 inches wide and 11.8 inches high. The listing finish is matte black.
That 5.9 inch width puts it in the beside-toilet class. The lid closes softly, so there is no metal clang in a tiled room. A removable inner plastic liner lifts out for cleaning.
The detail that sets it apart is inside. Anti-bag-slip clips hold the bag fixed in place, and the brand states that the clips work with almost any bag. The bag stays hidden when the lid is closed.
The brand also lists a durable steel step and lid. Watch for the capacity: at 1.6 gallons, this can fills fast in a busy family bathroom and suits one or two users best.
14. mDesign Small Rectangle Metal Step Trash Can — Narrow metal step can for under-sink and cabinet spots
mDesign rates this rectangle step can at 5 liters, or 1.3 gallons. The listing gives dimensions of 11.25 inches long, 5.5 inches wide and 11.75 inches high. At 5.5 inches, it ties for the narrowest width here.
The can is metal, made by MetroDecor, and opens with a step-on pedal. A removable liner bucket with a handle sits inside, so the bucket lifts out cleanly.
That slim rectangle is why this pick works in tight storage spots. If the can will live inside the vanity cabinet instead, pair it with the storage in our guide to under-sink organizers for bathrooms.
Watch for the finish. Colorway names and finishes vary a lot across mDesign listings for this form. Check that the finish on the listing you open is the one you want.
15. Umbra Mini Waste Can With Swing-Top Lid — Small plastic can with a domed swing-top lid
Umbra rates this mini can at 1.25 gallons, or 5 liters by brand copy. Its dimensions are 7.5 inches long, 7.5 inches wide and 12.5 inches high. The shape is a simple cylinder.
The material is polypropylene, which the brand states is recyclable. There is no pedal and no motor, so nothing here can break down or run flat in a damp room.
A domed swing-top lid sits on top of the can. Brand copy states that the lid keeps bags in place and trash out of sight. Care is simple: wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Be clear on the lid, though. A swing top is pushed by hand; it is not hands-free like the pedal and sensor cans above. Its 7.5 inch round footprint is also wider than the slim picks.
Start with the tape measure, not the brand. A 5.5 or 5.6 inch slim can fits gaps that a 7.7 inch round can never will, and an open-lid height can rule out a can that fits on paper.
Pedal cans need nothing but floor space. Sensor cans add batteries or an adapter. The swing-top can needs a hand. Pick the lid you will still like in a year.
On size, look for the best small bathroom trash cans with lids that match your emptying habit: 3 to 6 liters for one or two users, 10 liters or 2.5 gallons for a busy family bathroom.
